Rhymemasta Joe

Jubayr "Joe" Abango (born May 14, 1962), better known as Rhymemasta Joe, is a Sudanese-born Australian-American rapper, songwriter, and television personality. In 1986, he released To Funk Wit It in Australia, one of the earliest Australian hip hop recordings, before moving to the United States in 1988. He formed the group Funk Magnet with MC Flex and Mickie Kool, who were among the pioneers of alternative hip hop and conscious hip hop.

Early life
Abango was born on May 14, 1962 in,. At the age of 6, he moved with his parents to, , , where his father got a job as a cashier at the in.

Early years
In 1986, Abango signed with in Australia and released his first album under the Rhymemasta Joe alter-ego, To Funk Wit It, one of the earliest Australian hip-hop recordings. To Funk Wit It was nominated for the inaugural ARIA Award for Best New Talent, however Abango was soon dropped from EMI over a royalty dispute.

Abango moved to the United States in 1988, backpacking from his point of arrival in before making a stop in. While in Tulsa, he met MC Flex and Mickie Kool. Abango gave Flex a copy of To Funk Wit It he brought with him from Australia, and Flex took interest in his rapping style. By 1989, the three had formed Funk Magnet.