Who is Cold Duck Complex?
Cold Duck Complex was an American hip-hop and jazz band based in Western Massachusetts. Formed by students at Amherst Regional High School in 2000, the group began as Cold Duck Trio, named after the Les McCann song "Cold Duck Time," and were known for their energetic live performances. The initial lineup consisted of drummer Makaya McCraven, bassist Joe Cardozo, and keyboardist Jesse Goldman. Rapper Casey Hayman joined the group in 2001, using the name Platypus Complex, and Jeff D'Antona joined on keyboard in 2002. The band often played venues in Northampton, Massachusetts and at the University of Massachusetts, which several band members attended as students. In 2003, after winning UMass' Battle of the Bands, they performed as an opening act for Rahzel and 50 Cent, and have also performed with Digable Planets, Mix Master Mike, and Pharcyde.
