Biography
Injury Reserve was an experimental hip hop group formed in Tempe, Arizona, in 2012 by rappers Stepa J. Groggs (Jordan Groggs), RiTchie (Nathaniel Ritchie, also known as Ritchie With a T), and producer Parker Corey. The group began when Ritchie and Corey, introduced by mutual friends, started collaborating on solo material before Groggs joined, solidifying the trio's lineup. They quickly gained attention in the local scene by performing in unconventional venues such as friends' living rooms, leveraging word of mouth and online exposure to build a following.
Their early work included the mixtape 'Depth Chart' (2013), but they broke through with 'Live from the Dentist Office' (2015), named after the location where it was recorded—above a dentist's office. Injury Reserve became known for their innovative, genre-blurring approach, blending experimental production with introspective and energetic lyricism. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2019, followed by 'By the Time I Get to Phoenix' (2021), which pushed their sound further into avant-garde territory. The group was deeply affected by the passing of Stepa J. Groggs in June 2020, a loss mourned by fans and peers alike. Injury Reserve is remembered for their distinctive contributions to underground and alternative hip hop, influencing a new generation of artists with their boundary-pushing style.
Fun Facts
- The group's breakout mixtape 'Live from the Dentist Office' was literally recorded above a working dental practice.
- Injury Reserve remained unsigned for several years, building their reputation through DIY shows and internet buzz.
- Their music videos are known for their creative and unconventional visuals, often produced independently.
- Stepa J. Groggs' passing in 2020 was met with widespread mourning in the hip hop community, highlighting the group's impact.
Members
- Stepa J. Groggs
- RiTchie
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Kanye West - Stylistic influence, especially in early work (Influence noted on 'Depth Chart' and subsequent projects) [2013–2019]
Key Collaborators
- Stepa J. Groggs - Founding member, rapper (All Injury Reserve releases until 2020) [2012–2020]
- RiTchie (Ritchie With a T) - Founding member, rapper (All Injury Reserve releases) [2012–2022]
- Parker Corey - Founding member, producer (All Injury Reserve releases) [2012–2022]
- JPEGMAFIA - Featured artist (Track 'HPNGC' on 'Injury Reserve' (2019)) [2019]
- Code Orange - Featured artist (Track 'HPNGC' on 'Injury Reserve' (2019)) [2019]
Artists Influenced
- Backxwash - Cited Injury Reserve as an inspiration for experimental hip hop approaches (General influence on experimental hip hop releases) [2020s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| By the Time I Get to Phoenix | 2021-09-15 | Album |
| Injury Reserve | 2019-05-17 | Album |
| Floss | 2016-12-15 | Album |
| Things Don't Always Go The Way You Plan | 2023-02-08 | Album |
| Live from the Dentist Office | 2015-08-30 | Album |
| Drive It Like It's Stolen | 2017-10-26 | Album |
| Limbo | 2020-08-07 | Album |
| Limbo (Deluxe) | 2020-12-04 | Album |
| 3M | 2020-10-15 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Three Man Weave (Injury Reserve)
- Campfire (Campfire)
- S on Ya Chest (Floss)
- Knees (By the Time I Get to Phoenix)
- All This Money (Floss)
- Jailbreak the Tesla (Feat. Aminé) (Injury Reserve)
- Superman That (By the Time I Get to Phoenix)
- Zig Zag (Zig Zag)
- Outside (By the Time I Get to Phoenix)
- Oh Shit!!! (Floss)
External Links
Tags: #experimental-hip-hop, #hip-hop
References
Heard on WWOZ
Injury Reserve has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 25, 2025 | 01:56 | Kneesfrom By The Time I Get to Phoenix | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins |