Quarashi

Quarashi

Company type	Music group
Industry	Music
Founded	1996 in Reykjavík, Iceland
Founder	Hössi Ólafsson, Ómar Örn Hauksson, Steinar Orri Fjeldsted, Sölvi Blöndal
Headquarters	Reykjavík , Iceland
Products	Studio albums, compilation albums, EPs, singles, music videos

Quarashi is a rap rock ensemble originating from Reykjavík, Iceland. The group originally included rappers Hössi Ólafsson (who was later succeeded by Egill Olafur Thorarensen), Ómar Örn Hauksson, Steinar Orri Fjeldsted, and Sölvi Blöndal, who also took on roles as producer, keyboardist, percussionist, drummer, and songwriter. Their live lineup featured guitarist Smári "Tarfur" Jósepsson, bassist Gaukur Úlfarsson, and DJ Dice (subsequently known as DJ Magic). In 2016, the band regrouped with intentions to produce a new album.

Between 1996 and 2005, they launched five studio albums.

History

On 31 August 2000, Quarashi entered into a contract with Sony Music Entertainment for six albums under the Columbia Records imprint. Their U.S. debut was crafted in collaboration with Cypress Hill's DJ, DJ Muggs, alongside Brendan O'Brien, renowned for his work with Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage Against the Machine. To facilitate recording, the band moved to New York City.

After completing the album sessions, Sölvi Blöndal and Hössi Ólafsson composed the soundtrack for the theatrical production Kristnihald undir Jökli, which was released under the Quarashi name in September 2001.

The lead single off their American debut, "Stick 'Em Up," was released in February 2002 accompanied by a music video that spoofed Snatch. The video earned substantial airtime on MTV2.

Jinx hit the U.S. market on 9 April 2002. This album blended five fresh tracks with seven selections from Xeneizes, some of which were re-recorded or renamed. Reception was mixed; critics acknowledged its diverse fusion of rap, rock, and funk but noted similarities to groups like the Beastie Boys and Limp Bizkit. Despite notable radio exposure and reaching Number 27 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, Jinx debuted at Number 104 on the Billboard 200, fell to Number 144 the following week, and never broke into the Top 40.

The release of Jinx was postponed from January 2001 to April 2002 due to contractual complications.

Quarashi appeared in advertising campaigns for MTV2 and Levi's Low Rising Jeans. In 2002, Spin Magazine highlighted them as a "Band To Watch." Tracks "Stick 'Em Up" and "Mr. Jinx" were featured in movie trailers, television series such as Alias and Smallville, NBA promotional spots, and video games including Amplitude, NFL Blitz 2002, Transworld Snowboarding, and Madden NFL 2003. The "Mr. Jinx" music video received frequent rotation on MTV channels and was selected as MTV Viewers Pick in September 2002. Additionally, "Stick 'Em Up" earned a nomination for Best Art Direction at the 2002 MTV Video Music Award. Quarashi also took part in the 2002 Vans Warped Tour, sharing the stage with bands like NOFX, Good Charlotte, and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones.

After extensive touring across Japan, Australia, and Europe during mid to late 2002, Quarashi paused activities while back in Reykjavík. The album Jinx sold over 100,000 copies within the United States.

Hössi departs (2003)

Shortly before Christmas in 2002, Hössi Ólafsson left the band to pursue studies at the University of Iceland. In July 2003, Quarashi released "Mess It Up," featuring contributions from Steini and underground rapper Opee (Ólafur Páll). This single was distributed exclusively in Iceland and achieved Number One status on both the Icelandic Mainstream and Alternative Singles charts. It also garnered the EFFEMM Award for Song Of The Year in 2003 as well as the EDDA Award for Video Of The Year that same year. Opee collaborated again with Quarashi on "Orð Morð," which included Jóhann G. Jóhannsson. Opee performed alongside Quarashi at Reykjavík’s Menningarnótt festival in August 2003 and at New York City's CMJ New Music Festival in October 2003.

Tiny (2003–2004)

On 13 November 2003, Quarashi introduced "Race City" exclusively within Iceland, marking the debut of new rapper Egill Olafur Thorarensen, known as "Tiny." This single climbed to the top position on Iceland's Alternative Singles chart. By December, the band had launched a blog online to provide fans with updates on recording sessions and tour schedules. Tiny made his first live appearance with Quarashi on 20 December 2003 at Reykjavík's NASA club.

In January 2004, Quarashi performed at the Sonicmania event in Tokyo before returning to Iceland for the EFFEMM Awards in February, where they showcased "Race City." During the "Verslunarmanna Helgi" weekend, they toured Iceland, with performances in Sauðárkrókur and Akureyri, and also served as opening act for 50 Cent and the Prodigy.

Columbia Records dropped Quarashi on 24 February 2004 due to underwhelming sales of Jinx, and the band was simultaneously released from their EMI Publishing agreement.

By April 2004, Quarashi had commenced work on their next album—their first featuring Tiny—under the tentative title Payback. The lead single "Stun Gun" was announced via their blog in June.

Guerilla Disco (2004–5)

On 14 October 2004, Quarashi issued Guerilla Disco in Iceland through Skífan and Dennis Records. The album garnered favorable reviews and was well-received by fans who appreciated its evolved sound. It achieved further commercial success within Iceland.

Also during October, Quarashi teamed up with personalities from Iceland's Popptíví TV program 70 Minutes to produce "Crazy Bastard," a satirical music video lampooning pop and rap artists such as Britney Spears. Omar and Tiny featured as hype men in the video. The track quickly became a fan favorite and was included as a bonus on subsequent pressings of Guerilla Disco.

On 3 March 2005, Sony Japan released Guerilla Disco in Japan. Propelled by the single "Payback," the album reached Number 2 on Japan’s International Top 40 chart, moving 30,000 units within its first month.

Breakup (2005)

Quarashi’s final live show occurred on 15 April 2005 in Akureyri, Iceland. On 5 August 2005, Sölvi Blöndal revealed in an interview with Fréttablaðið that the band had officially parted ways.

The group reunited briefly for a one-time performance on 9 July 2011 at the Best Festival (Besta hátíðin). Subsequently, Quarashi issued a greatest hits collection titled Anthology.

New album (2016)

In May 2016, during an interview broadcast on Icelandic television station RÚV, Sölvi and Steini confirmed that a new album involving all five original members was in progress. Alongside this announcement, the band released a new single and accompanying video called "Chicago".

Greatest Tricks (2021)

On August 9, 2021, Quarashi revealed plans for a Limited Box Set named "Greatest Tricks," slated for release in December. Initially promoted as containing previously unreleased tracks, the pre-order launched on September 17 clarified that no new songs were included. The vinyl edition replicates the first disc of Anthology plus two earlier releases, "Rock On" and "Chicago." The CD version omits "Pro," "Race City," and "Dive In." This box set also contains double colored vinyl, CD, cassette, along with merchandise items such as stickers, key chains, a tote bag, and a finger skateboard.

New Releases / "Wanna Snippet?" (2022)

On July 25, 2022, Quarashi announced via Facebook that they were developing fresh tracks and offered to share a song excerpt if the post achieved 1000 likes and 300 comments. Although these targets were not reached, the band subsequently uploaded a short audio segment featuring Hössi performing what seems to be the chorus. This brief clip excluded any rap verses and was taken down shortly after being posted, while the original "Wanna snippet" message remains accessible.

Band Members

The ultimate Quarashi roster from 2003 to 2005 included:

• Egill Olafur Thorarensen (Tiny)
• Ómar Örn Hauksson (Ómar Swarez)
• Steinar Orri Fjeldsted (Steini/Stoney)
• Sölvi Blöndal

Hössi Ólafsson, who co-founded the group and served as lead vocalist starting in 1996, left in 2002 and was succeeded by Egill Olafur Thorarensen in 2003.

Regular contributors comprised DJs Gísli Galdur Thorgeirsson (DJ Magic) and Bjössi Ingimundarson (DJ Dice), bassists Gaukur Úlfarsson and Vidar Hákon Gislason, guitarists Smári "Tarfur" Jósepsson and Hrannar Ingimarsson (also acting as mixer), vocalist Magga Stína Blöndal, along with DJ Richard Oddur Hauksson.

Studio Albums

• Quarashi (1997), Lax Records/Pop Músík
• Xeneizes (1999), Japis
• Kristnihald undir Jökli (2001), Sproti
• Jinx (2002), Columbia/Time Bomb
• Guerilla Disco (2004–5), Skífan/Dennis Records/Sony Japan

Compilation Albums

• Anthology (2011), Laxmenn Ehf
• Greatest Tricks (2021)

EPs

• Switchstance (1996), Lax Records

Singles

Year	Title	US Hot 100	US Modern Rock	US Hot Hip Hop	US Hot Dance	UK	Album
1996	"Switchstance"
Switchstance
1997	"Thunderball"
	Quarashi
"Catch 22"
1999	"Stick 'Em Up" (feat. Omar Swarez)
	Xeneizes
"Surreal Rhyme"
2002	"Stick 'Em Up"
	27
Jinx
	"Mr. Jinx"
43
"Mess It Up" (feat. Opee)
"Race City"
"Stun Gun"
Guerilla Disco
	"Stars"
	"Straight Jacket"
	"Payback"
"Beat 'Em'"	(2011)						'Anthology'
"Rock On"	(2014)
"Chicago"	(2016)

Video Clips

• "Baseline"
• "Chicago"
• "Crazy Bastard"
• "Malone Lives"
• "Mess It Up"
• "Mr. Jinx"
• "Orð Morð"
• "Payback"
• "Race City"
• "Rock On"
• "Stars"
• "Stick Em Up"
• "Stun Gun"
• "Surreal Rhyme"
• "Switchstance"
• "Weirdo"
• "Catch 22"