F.T.S.

Full Time Soldiers, also known as F.T.S., was a Seattle rap group formed in 1996 by the original three members, Smoke Dog, J-Dub, and producer D-Sane. Between 1996 and 1998, the group expanded to six members for the release of their self-titled debut album, Full Time Soldiers. The album was quickly hailed as an underground classic and was constantly sold out at local music stores around Seattle. Following the success of their debut, the group expanded to nine members for the release of their sophomore album, Money Motivated. The album was so highly anticipated, area music stores were taking reservations for it months in advance. Money Motivated's success would lead to radio play on Seattle's largest radio station and help set the stage for future success when group member Byrdie launched his solo career. The group would eventually disband in 2001 after the release of the I.K. - Kash Me Out album due to internal conflicts. An album of unreleased songs known as The Final Chapter was released in 2006.

F.T.S. members Byrdie and Brazy J have since passed on, with Byrdie dying from cancer in Dec 2013 and Brazy J being fatally shot in Feb 2014. RIP 🙏