Dope is a New York-based quintet led by brothers Edsel Dope (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Simon Dope (keyboards). Children of divorced parents, the two grew up separately in Florida. Simon studied chemistry at the University of Florida, then received a scholarship to Polytechnic in Brooklyn. There, he was joined by his brother; the two claim to have financed their demos by selling drugs. Raiding other bands for lead guitarist Tripp Eisen, bass player Acey Slade, and drummer Preston Nash, they began a selective series of gigs in late 1997.