Crunch

Aaron Brown, professionally known as Crunch or Jitu the Juggernaut, is an emcee and community organizer from Chicago, Illinois. In 1991, he became a member of Ten Tray, recognized as the first Chicago rap group to sign with a major label. The group’s music often addressed social issues, including the experiences of Black Americans and calls for social change. In 1992, Ten Tray released their debut album, Realm of Darkness, through Smash Records. That same year, the group gained national exposure with appearances on shows such as Rap City, The Box, and Yo! MTV Raps.

Currently, Brown works as a youth program coordinator and community organizer on Chicago’s South Side. After a period of retirement, he has returned to music and is preparing to release a new album titled Necessary Ingredients, with support from the Universal Zulu Nation. His accomplishments include:

1986 – Winner, “Battle of Chicago Rappers” at El Rukn Fort

1989 – 2nd Place, “Battle of Chicago Rappers”

1989 – Co-founded New World Order, an artist collective in Chicago, with Cashus D of the Universal Zulu Nation

1989 – Co-organized a protest at the Regal Theatre regarding the production Sarafina’s lack of recognition for rapper DA Smart

1991 – Signed with Smash/Polygram Records as a member of Ten Tray

1992 – Realm of Darkness named "Album of the Month" by Rapmasters magazine

1992 – Single “Ain’t Nothin’ Like a Sister” achieved regional chart success in Las Vegas and other West Coast markets

2003–2004 – Multiple-time winner in local emcee battles, including Battle of the Iron Mic, Wild Hare Emcee Battle, Kool Mix Emcee Battle, and Microphone War at Subterranean

2004 – Represented Chicago in the national BRAINSTORM rap battle in Seattle (semi-finalist)

2004 – 2nd Place, Rhyme Spitters emcee battle and featured in the associated documentary

2005 – Began work on solo album Necessary Ingredients

Active member in the formation of the veteran hip hop alliance FIGHT CLUB