"The punk-meets-rap outfit Zebrahead emerged out of Orange County, CA in 1996 when Justin Mauriello (vocals, guitars), Greg Bergdorf (guitars), Ben Osmundson (bass) and Ed Udhus (drums) were inspired to form a band by the Descendents and Fugazi. During the time of their formation, countless ska-punk groups were sprouting up in the area, and Zebrahead decided to infuse their punk sound with hip-hop by adding rapper Ali Tabatabaee to the lineup.In May 1998 Zebrahead released the Yellow EP on indie label Dr. Dream before signing with major-label Columbia, who issued the band's full-length debut, Waste of Mind, later that year. In 2000 Zebrahead issued the follow-up album to Waste of Mind, called Playmate of the Year, followed by the EP Stupid Fat Americans (which released in Japan only) the same year. Subsequent to their rapid releasing of albums, Zebrahead stepped out on a European tour with Green Day and also performed at several festivals along with bands like Kottonmouth Kings, 311, Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, Goldfinger and Less Than Jake.In 2003 Zebrahead released the full-length MFZB (aka ""Motherf8cking Zebrahead B*tch!"") but Mauriello left the group after the album was recorded to pursue other projects. Fans weren't happy about his departure, as the core of the band's sound was based on the dynamic between Mauriello's singing and Tabatabaee's rapping. Matty Lewis replaced Mauriello on vocals and fans accepted him into the fold thanks to his similar sounding vocals. Zebrahead joined the Warped Tour in 2006 and that July the band released Broadcast to the World overseas. The band launched a European tour on the heels of the album's going gold in Japan.Zebrahead's most recent album is 2008's Phoenix and the band continues to tour the globe, introducing more instant fans to their unique fusion of rap and punk along the way."