BTK (Birth Through Knowledge) was a Canadian ‘hip pop’ group formed originally as a duo in 1993 after MCs Lo-Ki and Stone Groove met by chance on a Toronto subway. Over time, their sound moved away from drum machines, adding Matthew ‘5000’ DeMatteo on drums, Gary ‘DJ Spinz’ Hill on turntables, and Adam ‘The Cobra’ Carlo on bass.

In 1995 the group released the indie EP Birth Thru Knowledge. “Superchile” got heavy play on MuchMusic and won Best Indie Video at the station’s 1997 Video Awards. That same year, BTK was the first-ever hip hop act at Edgefest and were booed off stage by the predominantly rock crowd.

A full-length eponymous album followed in 1998, carrying over the four EP tracks and adding six others. BTK then opened for Beastie Boys and Kid Rock, and played several dates with Our Lady Peace. The single “Peppyrock” also got play on MuchMusic that summer and fall, reaching #20 on the station’s weekly countdown. Their album received a Juno nomination for Best Alternative Album the following year.

DeMatteo produced BTK’s records, but also worked as a producer for others (Big Wreck, Ashley Maclsaac, Edwin). He eventually left the group to pursue producing full-time, working on several releases for Danko Jones. He was replaced by new drummer AOR. Little information is available about the band after 1999, but they broke up soon after.

Adam Carlo returned to his brother’s speed-metal band Razor in 2003. DJ Spinz began releasing his own material in 2008 and producing acts like 50 Cent, Gucci Maine, Future and 2 Chainz.