Stage name

A stage name, also called a screen name, is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers such as actors, wrestlers, comedians, and musicians.

Motivation to use a stage name

A performer will often take a stage name because his/her real name is considered unattractive, dull, or unintentionally amusing, is difficult to pronounce or spell, has been used by another notable individual, or projects an undesired image. Sometimes a performer adopts a name that is unusual or outlandish to attract attention. Other performers use a stage name in order to retain anonymity. The equivalent concept among writers is called a nom de plume or pen name, while the term ring name is used in professional wrestling. In radio, the term "radio name" or "air name" is used. For example, well-known talk radio host Rush Limbaugh, who now uses his real name, was known under the radio name Jeff Christie in his days as a top-40 disk jockey.

Family connection

LBC Crew

The LBC Crew (Long Beach City Crew) is a collective of Long Beach-based rappers. They were the first act to be executively-produced by Snoop Dogg. In 1997, The LBC Crew was signed to Doggystyle Records, a label operated by Snoop and distributed through Snoop's then record label, Death Row Records. Their debut album titled "Haven't You Heard" was released in February 2011.

During their time with Death Row, the LBC Crew recorded a previously unreleased album entitled 'Haven't U Heard...' which remained unreleased until February 8, 2011 when it was released by WideAwake/Death Row. They had a hit single with the song "Beware Of My Crew", from the A Thin Line Between Love and Hate soundtrack, which was originally intended to be for their debut album. They played on Snoop Dogg's second album Tha Doggfather. The group disbanded following the collapse of Death Row. Since then, unreleased material from the group emerged on the underground.

The LBC Crew remained visible figures in West-Coast hip-hop. Bad Azz released two solo albums under the Doggy Style imprint. Tray Deee went on to larger fame as part of Snoop Dogg's Eastsidaz. Lil C-Style remained part of disorganized Death Row camp. And Techniec recently signed to The Game's The Black Wall Street Records then left to start his own label.