The Omaha quintet's unique mix of hard rock, hip-hop, and reggae.
311: Deep Cuts
Early live favorites and homages to the band's reggae influences.
About 311
Artist Biography
Although 311 are closely associated with the ’90s rap-rock movement, the band elude easy categorization. They’ve toured with ska icons The English Beat, rap legend Snoop Dogg, and feel-good vibe merchants Sublime With Rome, while their best-known singles have diverse influences, including chugging hard rock (“Beautiful Disaster”), playful hip-hop (“All Mixed Up”), and woozy, tropical psychedelia (“Amber”). Vocalist/guitarist Nick Hexum founded 311 in the late ’80s in Omaha, NB; they released several albums before their fortunes shifted for the better in the early ’90s, after rapper Doug “SA” Martinez joined the group as a full-time member and they landed a record deal. The 1993 single “Do You Right” was a modest radio success, setting the stage for a triple-platinum 1995 self-titled effort that featured the metallic-flecked “Down,” a hugely popular song that paired Martinez’s easygoing delivery with Hexum’s gravelly voice. This eclectic blend of influences has remained a hallmark of 311’s career—in 2004, the band had a hit with a brooding take on The Cure’s already-moody “Love Song”—and has ensured that they retain a massive, loyal fanbase. In fact, March 11 is celebrated by the faithful as “311 Day,” and every other year is commemorated with a massive concert, held in rotating places such as Las Vegas and New Orleans.
Hometown
Omaha, NE, United States
Genre
Rock
Members of 311
311 was formed in 1988. Members of 311 include, or have included, the following 4 members.