Born Dallion Priest in London, England, it wasn't until Priest moved to Brooklyn that he became known as Mad Lion—short for Musical Assassin Delivering Lyrical Intelligence Over Nations. The acronym fits perfectly, as he was one of the key figures in the hip-hop/dancehall reggae crossover scene that rocked New York in the early and mid-'90s. Working extensively with leading rapper KRS-One during this period, Mad Lion released a series of successful singles and albums that showcased his gruff vocals, gritty lyrics, and slick hip-hop production.