The Goats were a Philadelphia hip-hop ensemble (up to ten people) that indulged in Public Enemy-style militant raps, mostly due to the agenda of Oatie Kato (Maxx Stoyanoff-Williams). The 25-song "hip-hopera" Tricks of the Shade (1992), a concept album built around the evils of the American way of life, orchestrated with both samples and a live band, deep grooves and a canvas of jazz, funk and rock, was their only album before Oatie left.

Oatie changed name to MC Uh-Oh and formed Incognegro.

Without Oatie, the Goats released No Goats, No Glory (Ruffhose, 1994).