Southern hip hop duo T.H.U.G. M.A.F.I.A.(The Hardworking Underestimated Geniuses Making All Finances In Appropriate Ways), is based in East Point, Georgia consisting of Rockford, Illinois native Benjamin “Death-Trap” Gulley and Atlanta, Georgia native Kevia “K-Steel” Stills. The group formed in Atlanta in late 2001, performing at local clubs and major music venues in and around South West Atlanta. The groups music style consists of West Coast G-Funk and Dirty South Slang.

The group was highly influenced by music legends: Zapp and Roger, Eazy-E, NWA, 2PAC, DJ QUIK, MC EIHT, UGK, The Dayton Family, OUTKAST, GETO BOYS, and Snoop Dogg.