Hip-hop group Nappy Roots is coming to DeKalb. The group will perform for the first time in DeKalb at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5th, at the Holmes Student Center’s Duke Ellington Ballroom.

The Nappy Roots’ major debut album “Watermelon, Chicken and Gritz” has reached high numbers on the Billboard charts. The group has come a long way over the years, something its large underground following is well aware of.

It all started at Western Kentucky University. There, Skinny DeVille, B. Stille, Ron Clutch, Big V of Kentucky, R. Prophet from California and Scales from Georgia all teamed up to form the group. Together they recorded the 1998 independent album, “Country Fried Cess.” When the album literally disappeared off of store shelves, Atlantic Records came calling.

Since “Watermelon, Chicken and Gritz” was released by Atlantic, singles from the album have flown up the charts. Their newest single “Po’ Folks” has had loads of rotation on MTV, as well as becoming the most played video on the BET network. The group is known for its lyrical skills, which are evident on the single.

Through its writing, Nappy Roots details the struggles they have been through in their lives. It’s not all down-hearted for the group, however. Through its upbeat lyrics and tracks, the group tries “to make people realize that it’s good to just be you,” as stated by group member Skinny DeVille.

Tickets for the show will be available Oct. 16 at the Holmes Student Center ticket outlet. Prices are $17 for NIU students with a valid ID and $21 for the general public. Look for a more in-depth story on Nappy Roots in Friday’s paper.