311, pronounced three-eleven, very well may have created their own genre. That genre, at least at the beginning of their career, was rap-rock, mixed with a little reggae. And while you’re not going to find a section labeled “rap-rock reggae” at any album store (yes, they do still exist), that’s the best way to describe their ’90s work.

Their sound is a little funkier and a little more hard rock these days, but they’re good at mixing up their sound on every track. Their unique sound may come from their unique hometown – Omaha, Nebraska. Omaha isn’t known for its musical talent, but 311 put them on the map.

Making of the Band

Nick Hexum, Doug Martinez, Chad Sexton, Aaron Willis, and Tim Mahoney got together for the first time in 1990 to create a yet-to-be-named band. Being young men they thought that the police’s code for public exposure was funny, and hence – named their band 311 after the police code.

They stayed in Nebraska for a year, then eventually moved to LA for the number of opportunities it presented. It’s a good thing they did, too, because they got signed to Capricorn Records just a year later, in 1991.

Signed and Dangerous

Once they had a record label, 311 put out Music – their first true studio album. They followed it by Grassroots, and then, in 1995, their self-titled album, which is often referred to as “The Blue Album”.

The Blue Album reached number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over three million copies. It’s what launched them into nationwide success and sent them on their first concert tour.

Since their success with the Blue Album, they’ve garnered international success and made more than ten other records. All of them have been fan favorites, and rumor has it, a new one is coming soon(ish).