311 is a band from Omaha, Nebraska. Their musical structure incorporates a variety of musical styles including Alternative Rock, Hip-Hop, Ska, Reggae,and Funk.

311 has enjoyed commercial success stemming from its widespread fan base. Since their self-titled album in 1995, all but one of their albums (the exception being Live) have been in the top 15 of the Billboard 200.
Nineteen of their singles have received significant radio airplay since "Do You Right" in 1993; five of those songs being top 5 hits on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart.

Chad and Jim began playing all over Omaha in bars and pubs as the "Fish Hippos" while trying to convince Nick to come back from Germany and join the band to open a show for Fugazi. Nick agreed but wanted to change the band's name from the "Fish Hippos" to "The Eds".
The group got their real name when former member, Jim Watson, the band's former guitarist, was charged with indecent exposure in a skinny-dipping incident by the Omaha Police Department and was escorted home handcuffed and naked. The police code which appeared on the citation was "3.11" and the band soon chose it for their name.

In 1990, Hexum started his own little record company, called What Have You Records, for the purpose of releasing 311 albums. Their first release, Dammit!, was released that year on consignment in record stores throughout Omaha. In 1991, Jim Watson was kicked out of the band, due to disagreements.[citation needed] After his departure, the remaining members asked their friend Tim Mahoney to take over.

In 1991, 311 released their second independent release, Unity, which was released with far greater numbers. While Dammit! only printed 300 cassettes, Unity had 1000 CDs and 500 cassettes printed and was distributed through consignment and also sold at shows. The band began to headline shows in local clubs, such as The Ranch Bowl and Sokol Auditorium, and became a local success.

1992 was a big year for 311. SA Martinez, who had been making various appearances with 311 over the past years as a vocalist, had officially been asked to join the band. The newly formed 311 recorded a six-track demo, called Hydroponic, and moved to Los Angeles. Within their first few months, 311 was signed to Capricorn Records.