The Opposites

Dutch hip-hop duo the Opposites crossed over to mainstream success when their 2006 single, "Slaap," entered the Top Ten. Rappers Willy (born Willem de Bruin) and Big2 (Twan van Steenhoven) were childhood friends who began making music as teens. Although their 2005 debut LP, De Fik Er In, was recorded in the English of their hip-hop heroes, they made the decision to beginning rapping in their native Dutch upon signing to the influential Netherlands indie label Top Notch. While "Slaap" vaulted the Opposites from obscurity to national renown, the follow-up, "Oew Oew," failed to chart. The duo's sophomore LP, Rauwdauw, nevertheless enjoyed brisk sales upon its late-2006 release. ~ Jason Ankeny