Some of the brightest stars took the stage as part of the CMJ MusicFest held earlier this month, including Philadelphia-based the Roots, multi-cultural funkster Black Eyed Peas, Melky Sedeck -- featuring Wyclef Jean's brother and sister, and fledgling outfit the Arsonists.

The Arsonists have made a name for themselves in the New York rap scene, as well as the group's energetic live show, and have become the first hip-hop act to be signed to indie rock label Matador Records, home of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Pavement.

The group talked about the odd pairing when MTV caught up with the Arsonists during CMJ, where they pointed out the similarities in approach between the label and the group's own unique style.

"I think we fit in just perfectly actually," said the Arsonists' Jise,

The Arsonists will release its first full-length album for Matador Records in March 1999.