Is Limp Bizkit the hottest band of 1999? Are they primed to take over the world? Record-label executive, music talent scout, video director, tattoo artist, and LB frontman Fred Durst would certainly like you to think so. He's got some good reasons, too, in case you need it: In five short years of existence--and a mere two albums--his band has hit the top of sales charts, modern rock charts, and video playlists, garnering a huge fanbase and riding a seemingly unstoppable tidal wave to success.

One of the most energetic groups in the fusion of metal, punk and hip-hop sometimes known as 'Rapcore' or 'Metal Rap', Limp Bizkit was formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1994 by vocalist Fred Durst and his friend Sam Rivers on bass. Limp Bizkit's rhythm section was solidified soon after when Rivers brought aboard his cousin, jazz drummer John Otto. Guitarist Wes Borland was soon added and completed the original foursome (DJ Lethal joined later).

These Jacksonville gents possess one hell of a monstrous sound that will literally knock the wind right out of you. Dark, intense, powerful, enlightening and energetic - Limp Bizkit redefines any and all musical genre barriers while creating an entirely new standard for aggressive music. Definitely a leader and not a follower, Limp Bizkit slams out a completely innovative, singular sound steeped in funky-ass bass grinds. Tinges of jazzy percussion, phat hip-hop grooves, jagged guitar riffs and an overall intensity that packs a wallop with more bite than a pissed off pitbull on crack. The vocals range from angry outbursts and vein-popping screams to groovy little raps and soft-spoken, seductive whispers.

Now everybody knows that forming a band is only half the battle. You've got to have yourself a catchy name, as well. Ironically, the band's moniker was conceived in one of those rare moments of rock and roll mystique that bears distinct flashback relevance to the legend of how Led Zeppelin got its tag. Apparently Durst and a friend were talking one day and the friend exclaimed that his brain was like a "limp biscuit." Recognising the cachet of such a phrase, Durst and company quickly adopted it (and like Zep, even altered the spelling a bit). Limp Bizkit was officially born.

So the group was a functioning unit and named, but it had one more hurdle to jump: getting noticed. That's where Durst's moon lighting gig as a tattoo artist came into play. Legend has it that early on in Limp Bizkit's career Korn was making a tour stop in Jacksonville. After the show, Korn bassist Fieldy and guitarist Head descended on Durst's abode and employed his considerable skin-art skills. As luck would have it, the three became fast friends.

The next time Korn swung through town, Durst unloaded Limp Bizkit's demo on them, and the band promised to pass it along to their producer Ross Robinson. Bada-boom, bada-bing. Robinson vibed with the LB sound and the band began to gain serious buzz within the music industry, landing tour slots with House of Pain and the Deftones.

Following the tour with House of Pain (who broke up shortly thereafter) and about a year and a half before the release of their 1997 breakout debut album Three Dollar Bill Y'all$, Limp Bizkit gained its fifth and final member in former House of Pain turntablist DJ Lethal. With the addition of Lethal, the band was given a seriously demented hip-hop edge. "I bring a bunch of crap to the table," laughs Lethal in regard to his contributions to the band. "Seriously, though, as far as Limp Bizkit goes, I try and bring new sounds, not just the regular chirping scratching sounds. You won't really hear the regular, been there/done that scratching, know what I mean? It's all different stuff that you haven't heard before. I'm trying to be like another guitar player. That's my main goal."

The label contracts came pouring in, and after signing with Flip/Interscope, Limp Bizkit released their debut album Three Dollar Bill Y'All$. With the combination Ross Robinson, Josh Abraham and DJ Lethal, Limp Bizkit's debut album Three-Dollar Bill, Y'All, is nothing short of purely intense genius. With this; the band embarked on a tour frenzy introducing the world to the band's screaming version of George Michael's pop classic "Faith"--complete with a raucous, bouncing, Durst-directed video. MTV pounced upon the goods, putting the tune in heavy rotation and granting Limp Bizkit a spot on 1998's Spring Break '98 fashion show.

The Bizkit boys were clearly on their way. Their over-the-top stage shows - giant toilets, sci-fi inspired sets, breakdancers - helped them gain new fans and ultimately aided them in eclipsing the 1.5 million copies sold mark. In addition to landing some high-profile spots on the 1998 Warped and Ozzfest tours, the band became one of the core bands in the line up of the initial Family Values entourage. Limp Bizkit also threw its own travelling shindig titled, appropriately enough, "Ladies Night in Cambodia" - in a brilliant stroke of marketing, the first 200 women to attend the show each night were given free admission.

By mid-1998, Limp Bizkit had become one of the more hyped bands in underground rapcore, helped as well by more touring action -- this time with Faith No More and later, Primus.

Limp Bizkit's much-anticipated second album, Significant Other blasted upon the music world with the irresistible single "Nookie." in June 22 1999. Even better, if different from their first and sold 635000 first week out, helping maintain its steamroller-esque momentum. Armed with an infectious hook and paired with yet another fun Durst-directed clip--featuring "Durst girls" dressed in knit caps and khakis, Wes Borland's black-hole contact lenses, and a wildly pogo-ing crowd--"Nookie" nudged Significant Other to the top of the charts for three simultaneous weeks.

Significant Other ups the rap-edged ante as it prominently features production from Gangstarr's DJ Premier, as well as a verbal cameo from the Wu-Tang Clan's Method Man on "N 2 Gether Now." Other cameos on the album include a rant by MTV's Matt Pinfield, and the pairing of stone temple pilots' Scott Weiland and Korn's Jonathan Davis on "Nobody Like You." Hell, even Durst's mom makes an appearance on the album. But despite the guests, Significant Other is all Limp Bizkit. To keep their success intact and the LB momentum at full throttle, the band will once again be part of the "Family Values" tour slated for the Fall of '99. Durst says, "I think we've successfully set a landmark for this type of music. Other bands have combined singing and heavy rock and rap, but no one's done it all to the extent where the rap is totally hip-hop credible, the heavy parts can move 100,000 people at a time in an arena, and the melodies can make the whole world sing."

Durst was rewarded with a senior VP position at Interscope Records and was soon spotted around town with the likes of sexy actress Carmen Electra. A controversial set at Woodstock '99, in which Durst allegedly incited the crowd to riot, did little to dampen Limp Bizkit's popularity. The band is still the hottest commodity in the rap-hardcore scene--despite Durst's famous line, there's certainly no reason for him to feel "like a chump," now, hey?