The Urge was formed in 1987 by drummer Jeff Herschel, bassist Karl Grable, guitarist Pat Malecek, and singer Steve Ewing. Combining multiple styles of music - including ska, thrash, metal, funk, reggae, and hip hop - the band would become infamous throughout the midwest and beyond for its highly energetic live shows, blistering musicianship, and rabid fan base.

The original Urge lineup debuted in 1989 with the cassette-only Bust Me Dat Forty, followed a year later by the LP Puttin' the Backbone Back. After the addition of trombonist Matt Kwiatkowski, the group released 1992's Magically Delicious; later the group added trombonist/keyboardist Todd Painter and saxophonist/keyboardist Bill Reiter, and in 1993 recorded the live LP Fat Babies in the Mix. After Herschel and Malecek left the band in 1994, guitarist Jerry Jost and drummer John Pessoni joined the lineup, and subsequent touring with 311 helped The Urge win a number of new fans. The 1995 release of Receiving the Gift of Flavor was so successful that it brought the band to the attention of Epic's Immortal imprint, which reissued the LP in 1996.

After constant touring with the likes of labelmates Korn and Incubus, Master of Styles was released in 1998, containing the hit "Jump Right In" which featured singer Nick Hexum of 311.

Following the release of Too Much Stereo in mid 2000, the band toured for nearly a year before calling it quits. In summer 2001, the band went its separate ways due to musical differences.

Since breaking up, the band has played several reunion shows, and frontman Steve Ewing has made several solo records, while guitarist Jerry Jost was almost chosen as the replacement guitarist for Limp Bizkit after Wes Boreland left the band in 2002. The other members still reside in St. louis and are involved in several musical projects.