Ugly duckling has "audacity". since u.d.formed in 1993, andy, dizzy and young einstein have had the nerve to believe they should make it in the music business. fiercely independent and musically idealistic, the trio from long beach, california has managed to successfully release four self-produced albums which have taken them to almost 30 countries over the past 10 years. despite the band’s low media profile and often-changing label situations, they have built a unique and wide reputation for delivering soulful, humorous hip-hop and a white-hot live show. to look at them, one might not guess that this band has an accomplished resume of classic singles, consistent sales, critical acclaim, international t.v. and festival appearances and a busy travel schedule with the worn-out passport stamps to prove it but, somehow, they’ve made it happen.