36 - RAP

Music has often featured spoken passages, but rap has taken the idea one step further. Personally, I tend to view rap as a reversal of scat. In scat, lyrics have been subtracted allowing the vocalist to experiment with sounds, but in rap, the melody itself has been eliminated, the only remaining musical element being rhythm. Rap is devoid of melody, even though chords are sometimes played. More often, repetitive riffs and sections of sampling are the basis for a piece. The essential ingredients are lyrics and rhythm. At its best, rap is a unique form of street poetry. Technically, a rap piece cannot be called a song since a song consists of both lyrics and melody, and however clever, it certainly must not be classified as singing.

Rap is an ethnic tradition. Blacks were rapping during the time of slavery. Modern rap is based somewhat on an early black street singsong dialogue called "the dozens." It originally existed as a children's rhyming challenge game. Later, adopted by the older set, it began to incorporate social complaints and insults, eventually evolving into a hip poetry of the black youth culture. It is an urban art form which almost anyone can do, although it does involve a quick mind and is considerably more difficult than it seems. Rap is a live performance art demanding creative improvisational skills.

One of modern rap's predecessors was a Jamaican style called "toasting." Actually, a decade previous to the emergence of commercial rap, Jamaican DJ's perfected chanting over pre-recorded instrumental tracks.

Rap became a black alternative to disco and slick soul just as punk was a white rock reaction to disco and pop. They emerged simultaneously during the mid to late 1970's, both stemming from an impoverished economic environment. Angry and often violent like punk, rap at its extreme can be quite menacing and chauvinistic.

In both punk and metal music, the exponent needed a band. With rap, all one needed was a microphone, a turntable and sound equipment. Originally, only a drum track was utilized. Later, it was augmented by sampling and live instrumentation.

Disc jockeys were the original rappers. During the mid to late 1970's, many record companies released dance records with the B side featuring the same track sans vocals, allowing any enterprising individual the opportunity of singing along with the music. Thus, rap evolved with the use of dub versions of hit recordings.

Rap also gave birth to several new sounds, the first being the "scratch technique," consisting of a record literally being shoved back and forth on a turntable to produce specific rhythmic effects.

In 1972, Technics had introduced the legendary SL-1200 turntable which later became the DJ's best friend because of its capacity to scratch. Another trend was "sampling" - the art of mixing sections of a pre-recorded track, often a recognizable hit, into a new recording or during a live performance. If the sampling is kept under a certain prescribed time limit, it is not technically considered plagiarism. Although such recordings may be termed as a studio art form, I personally tend to consider any unauthorized use of a piece of music, whether wholly or partially, as plagiarism. It represents a complete lack of creativity and scruples. In 1991, a judge ruled that sampling itself was theft after Biz Markie made unauthorized use of Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Alone Again Naturally."

By 1979, rap was becoming a major phenomenon in black sections of New York, having spread quickly from the South Bronx to Manhattan's Harlem and Brooklyn's Bed-Stuy areas. In Harlem, rap events became all the rage in small clubs and the only actual rap recordings were those transferred to cassette by fans, simply since each performance was a one time thing - never heard the same way twice. Rap had to be spontaneous or the excitement and urgency was lost.

Lyrically, ego pumping was common, a combination of the sass of traditional ghetto street corner jive and a sense of showbiz style. All that jiving and boasting became a psychological lift for ghetto kids.

In 1980, ABC's "20/20" ran a segment on the rap phenomenon and in January of 1981, the white rock band Blondie triggered considerable commercial interest in the genre by featuring a rap section on their #1 hit, "Rapture." Thus, rap began to sidestep its somewhat novelty status and emerge as a full blown pop trend. It was also becoming much more sophisticated. By 1982, the standard rap had lost its initial impact through repetition and had given way to more elaborate production techniques and adopted stronger sexual and political lyric content. In 1987, Public Enemy's "Yo! Bum Rush The Show" album with its violent imagery set the standard for gangsta rap. By the late 1980's, rap had made major inroads into mainstream pop and by 1990, it had become one of the prominent fixtures on the modern music scene. And although rap continues to sell, outside of a few acts, it is definitely not a large concert draw.

Rap drew attention to African American culture, breaking new ground in movies, TV shows and commercials. Like punk rock, it was angry and political. Unfortunately, by the mid 1990's, rap and particularly gangsta rap had come under public attack. Numerous artists had gotten themselves into trouble with the authorities such as Snoop Doggy Dogg (Calvin Broadus) (1971 – ) being charged with murder. In April of 1995, Tupac Shakur's "Me Against The World" debuted at #1 while he was in jail for sexual assault. Shakur (1971 - Sept. 13, 1996) died in a flurry of controversy after he was the victim of a rather bizarre shooting. On Feb. 3, 1996, Queen Latifah was arrested by California police for speeding after smoking marijuana and having a .38-caliber gun in her car. Then, The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) (May 21, 1972 - March 9, 1997) (aka Biggie Smalls), one of the kingpins of hiphop was gunned down in Los Angeles.

Concerts often sparked riots and several major companies dropped rappers from their artist rosters. One particular rap label was found to be a front for drug trafficking and prostitution.

"House music" was a direct result of the rap/dance music phenomenon. Clubs featured resident DJ/rappers, each cultivating a distinctive style and local following. As the fad caught on, many record companies released special instrumental dance mixes which allowed the rappers to improvise along with the track. Most so-called house music was dominated by big heavy duty drum tracks as a basis for repetitive funky dance themes with strong African elements specifically designed for club use. A unique new club culture emerged complete with its own fashion sense and an entire array of lively athletic dances, all defined collectively as "hip-hop." The term was allegedly created by Bronx rapper Starski The Lovebug.

Visuals became crucial to the new scene, not only as part of the performance but in the culture itself. Hip-hop graffiti art, often manifesting itself in fluorescent spray gun painted murals and slogans, moved out of the subways and alleys (originally appearing around 1977) and into art galleries. It also began appearing on clothing.

New fashions were created to accommodate unrestricted movement in the energetic dancing. Short, loose apparel, basically in the form of oversized T-shirts and shorts, became the rage. Baseball caps were worn backwards. Eye-blinding neon clothing flooded the market. Jewelry in the form of heavy gold chains and medallions or African style beads became popular.

Breakdancing, introduced commercially back in the 1970's by The Lockers, was taken several steps further, often requiring the skill of an expert gymnast. "Moonwalking," a baffling dance step, enjoyed a brief moment in the spotlight. Introduced commercially by superstar Michael Jackson, it consisted of a shuffling step, giving the illusion of forward motion while the body actually moved in reverse. By the early 1990's, MC Hammer (later shortened to Hammer) was the unanimous hero in dance circles, promoting an energetic jump step, pretentiously called "Hammer-time."

Rap terminology filtered into mainstream vocabulary. Everything was "fresh," "dope," or "jammin'." Females became known as "fly girls" and dance backup units were labelled "posses" or "crews" (meaning friends). Movies such as "Beat Street"(1985), "Krush Groove"(1986), "House Party"(1990) and "New Jack City"(1991) helped promote the genre.

Rap has moved from hip curiosity and inner city trend to become a universal phenomenon. And with the emergence and overwhelming acceptance of white rapper Eminem, rap has crossed over to become one of the major success stories in the music industry. Exciting and colourful, highly entertaining and stimulating on the dance floor, and at times lyrically brilliant, it is essentially a music for the moment.

RAP PIONEERS

SUGARHILL GANG

• 1979 - Rap trio formed in Harlem, New York.
• Consisting of Michael "Wonder Mike" Wright, Guy "Master Gee" O'Brien and Henry "Big Bank Hank" Jackson.
• Oct., 1979 - Their recording of "Rapper's Delight" went to #4 R&B, (Nov., 1979)#36. The trio was formed specifically for the recording. Producer Sylvia Robinson of Mickey And Sylvia fame and her son Joey (later of West Street Mob), created the rap over a bass and drum pattern taken from "Good Times" by Chic, a song which had already been plundered by Queen in their recording of "Another One Bites The Dust." After its release, street rappers were appalled to find that someone had commercialized the genre. The record, considered to be the first domestic rap single was later and rightfully credited to Nile Rodgers of Chic.
• Hits include "8th Wonder"(Dec., 1980)#15 R&B, (Feb., 1981)#82, "Apache"(Dec., 1981)#13 R&B, (Feb., 1982)#53 and "Kick It Live From 9 To 5"(Aug., 1983)#50 R&B.

GRANDMASTER FLASH & THE FURIOUS FIVE

• Grandmaster Flash (Joseph Saddler) (Jan. 1, 1958 – ) Pioneer rapper/DJ/producer born in Barbados, raised in the Bronx, New York.
• By the late 1970's, Flash was the premier Bronx DJ.
• Formed The Furious Five, a group of break-dancers and rappers.
• Consisting of Melle Mel (Melvin Glover), Kidd Creole (Nathaniel Glover), Rahiem (Guy Todd Williams), Cowboy (Keith Wiggins) and Scorpio.
• 1979 - Released the regional hit, "Superrappin'."
• They were the first true street rappers to be recorded commercially.
• Sept., 1980 - Their recording of "Freedom" went to #19 R&B.
• July, 1982 - Their classic recording of "The Message" (released only as a 12" single) went to #4 R&B, (Oct., 1982)#62. The lyrics dealt with the problems concerning ghetto life.
• 1984 - Scorpio, Rahiem and Melle Mel left.
• Late, 1987 - The original lineup reunited.
• 1997 - Saddler became the director of TV's "The Chris Rock Show."
• 1997 - A biopic about Saddler and Glover was being developed by impresarios Steve James and Peter Gilbert.
• Hits include "New York, New York"(May, 1983)#17 R&B and "Style (Peter Gunn Theme)"(April, 1986)#54 R&B.

GRANDMASTER MELLE MEL & THE FURIOUS FIVE

• 1984 - Group formed by Melle Mel (Melvin Glover) while working with Grandmaster Flash.
• Consisting of Cowboy (Keith Wiggins), Scorpio, King Lou, Grandmaster E-Z Mike, Dynamite, Kami Kaze and Tommy Gunn.
• June, 1984 - Their recording of "Beat Street Breakdown - Part 1" (from the film, "Beat Street") went to #8 R&B, (Aug., 1984)#86.
• Hits include "Message II (Survival)"(Dec., 1982)#32 R&B (Melle Mel & Duke Bootee) and "We Don't Work For Free"(Sept., 1984)#51 R&B.

A SELECTED LISTING OF OTHER EARLY RAP RECORDINGS

• Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force - "Planet Rock"(June, 1982) #4 R&B, (July, 1982)#48.
• Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force - "Looking For The Perfect Beat"(Jan., 1983)#36 R&B.
• Joe Bataan - "Rapo Clapo"(Feb., 1980).
• Edwin Birdsong - "She's Wrapped Up Too Tight (She's A Button Buster)"(May, 1982)#55 R&B.
• Kurtis Blow - "The Breaks (Part 1)"(June, 1980)#4 R&B, (Sept., 1980)#87.
• Boogie Boys - "A Fly Girl"(July, 1985)#6 R&B.
• G.L.O.B.E. & The Whiz Kid - "Play That Beat Mr. D.J."(Oct., 1983) #68 R&B, (mastermix by Double Dee & Steinski) (1985).
• Teena Marie - "Square Biz"(June, 1981)#3 R&B, (July, 1981)#50.
• Frankie Smith - "Double Dutch Bus"(Feb., 1981)#1-4 wks. R&B, (Sept., 1981)#30.

MAINSTREAM RAPPERS

WHODINI

• R&B/rap duo formed in New York City.
• Consisting of John Fletcher and Jalil "Whodini" Hutchins.
• 1986 - Grandmaster Dee joined.
• Hits include "Magic's Wand"(Dec., 1982)#45 R&B, "Friends"(Sept., 1984)#4 R&B, (Jan., 1985)#87, "Funky Beat"(May, 1986)#19 R&B and "One Love"(July, 1986)#10 R&B.

RUN-D.M.C.

• Seminal rap trio formed in Queens, New York.
• Consisting of Run (Joseph Simmons) and D.M.C. (Darryl McDaniels and DJ Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell).
• Rap's earliest controversial performers.
• They shunned a flashy showbiz look, usually dressing in black.
• Film appearances include "Krush Groove"(1985) and "Tougher Than Leather."
• 1983 - Their debut hit was "It's Like That."
• 1984 - Their recording of "Rock Box" was a revolutionary metal/ rap fusion which would later come into full flower with their recording of "Walk This Way"(Aug., 1986)#8 R&B, (July, 1986)#4 (with Steve Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith).
• May 23, 1987 - Began a U.K. tour with The Beastie Boys in London.
• Jan., 1993 - A concert in Richmond, Virginia resulted in the shooting death of a 17 year old student.
• Sept., 1995 - Run became an ordained minister and launched his own Christian oriented label, Rev Runs Records.
• Oct. 30, 2002 - Jason Mizell (age 37) was shot to death in a New York recording studio.
• Hits include "Hard Times"(Jan., 1984)#11 R&B, "My Adidas"(May, 1986)#5 R&B, "You Be Illin'"(Oct., 1986)#12 R&B, #29, "Run's House"(April, 1988)#10 R&B and "Mary Mary"(July, 1988)#75.

THE FAT BOYS

• Rap trio formed in Brooklyn, New York.
• Consisting of Darren "The Human Beat Box" Robinson (June 10, 1967 - Dec. 12, 1995), Mark "Prince Markie Dee" Morales (Feb. 19, 1960 – ) and Damon "Kool Rock-ski" Wimbley (Nov. 4, 1966 – ).
• Total combined weight of 750 pounds.
• 1987 - Appeared in the film, "Disorderlies."
• Hits include "Jail House Rap"(Oct., 1984)#17 R&B, "Wipeout"(July, 1987)#12, (Aug., 1987)#10 R&B (with The Beach Boys), "The Twist (Yo Twist)"(June, 1988)#16, (July, 1988)#40 R&B (with Chubby Checker) and "Louie Louie"(Oct., 1988)#89.

L.L. COOL J.

• James Todd Smith (Jan. 14, 1968 – )
• Rapper from Queens, New York.
• His stage name is short for "Ladies Love Cool James."
• 1984 - Released his debut recording, "I Need A Beat."
• 1985 - Appeared in the film, "Krush Groove."
• Aug., 1987 - His "Bigger And Deffer" album, featuring the first ever rap ballad, "I Need Love" went platinum.
• 1990 - Released his classic album, "Mama Said Knock You Out."
• 1993 - His "14 Shots To The Dome" went to #1 R&B.
• 1995 - Began starring with Debbie Allen in the TV sitcom, "In The House."
• Nov., 1995 - Released his 6th album, "Mr. Smith" featuring "Hey Lover."
• 1996 - Named Billboard's Rap Artist Of The Year.
• Sept., 1997 - Released his autobiography, "I Make My Own Rules."
• Sept., 1997 - Received The MTV Video Vanguard Award.
• 1997 - Released his 7th album, "Phenomenon."
• 1999 - Appeared in the film, "Deep Blue Sea."
• Sept., 2000 - Released the "G. O. A. T. (The Greatest Of All Time)" album, his 9th featuring 18 tracks.
• Hits include "I Can't Live Without My Radio"(Nov., 1985)#15 R&B, "I'm Bad"(May, 1987)#4 R&B, (July, 1987)#84, "I Need Love"(Aug., 1987)#1 R&B, #14, "Going Back To Cali"(Feb., 1988)#12 R&B, #31, "I'm That Type Of Guy"(June, 1989)#15, "The Boomin' System" (Sept., 1990)#48, "Around The Way Girl"(1991) and "Loungin'" (Sept., 1996)#19.

D.J. JAZZY JEFF & THE FRESH PRINCE

• Will Smith (Willard C. Smith Jr.) (Sept. 25, 1968 – )
• Rapper/comedian/actor born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• 1982 - Put together a rap duo with Ready Rock-C (Clarence "Cate" Holmes).
• Early 1986 - Smith met and formed D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince with D.J. Jeff Townes in Pennsylvania. Townes had gotten the nickname "Jazzy" since he sampled jazz recordings.
• Their first single, "Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble" sold 100,000 copies while Smith was still a senior in high school.
• 1987 - Their first album, "Rock The House" sold 600,000 copies giving them their first gold record.
• The group took much flack from other more serious rappers such as Big Daddy Kane who criticized them for not being black enough.
• Released the very first hip-hop double album, "He's The D.J., "I'm The Rapper."
• Jan., 1989 - Won American Music Awards for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Artist.
• Feb., 1989 - Won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Single, "Parents Just Don't Understand" (the first Rap Grammy ever).
• 1989 - Released the "And In This Corner" album.
• They amassed 3 platinum albums and 2 Grammy Awards.
• 1990-1996 - Smith starred in the TV sitcom, "The Fresh Prince Of Bel Aire."
• Smith's film appearances include "Six Degrees Of Separation" (1993), "Bad Boys"(1995), "Independence Day"(1996), "Men In Black"(1997) and "Wild Wild West"(1999).
• Other albums include, "Homebase"(1991) and "Code Red"(1993).
• 1997 - Smith released the solo album, "Big Willie Style."
• 1998 - Smith married actress Jada Pinkett.
• Hits include "Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble"(Sept., 1986)#81 R&B, (Oct., 1988)#57, "Parents Just Don't Understand"(April, 1988)#10 R&B, (May, 1988)#12, "A Nightmare On My Street"(July, 1988)#15, "I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson"(Nov., 1989)#58, "Summertime"(1991) and "Boom! Shake The Room"(1993).
• Smith solo hits include "Forget Me Nots"(1997).

BIZ MARKIE

• Marcel Hall (April 8, 1964 – )
• Rapper born in Harlem, New York.
• 1991 - After Markie made unauthorized use of Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Alone Again Naturally," a judge ruled that sampling was theft.
• Hits include "Make The Music With Your Mouth"(Dec., 1986)#84 R&B, "Vapors"(June, 1988)#80 R&B and "Just A Friend"(Jan., 1990)#9.

THE BEASTIE BOYS

• 1981 - Bratty white rap trio formed in New York City.
• Put together for group member MCA's 15th birthday party.
• Consisting of King Ad-Rock (Adam Horowitz) (Oct. 31, 1966 – ), MCA (Adam Yauch) and Mike D. (Michael Diamond) (Nov. 20, 1965 – ).
• Their DJ Dr. Dre later hosted "Yo MTV Raps."
• Famous for wearing Volkswagen grille insignias as medallions.
• July 22, 1984 - Appeared as the support act on Madonna's U.S. tour.
• Ad-Rock, the son of playwright Israel Horowitz, was arrested in Liverpool, England, charged with bodily harm during a concert at The Royal Court Theatre.
• 1988 - Horovitz appeared in the film, "Lost Angels."
• 1996 - Released the instrumental album, "The In Sound From Way Out."
• June 15, 1996 - Yauch organized a Free Tibet concert at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The proceeds went to the Milarepa Fund, also organized by Yauch.
• Hits include "It's The New Style"(Nov., 1986)#22 R&B, "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)"(Dec., 1986)#7, "Brass Monkey"(March, 1987)#48, (April, 1987)#83 R&B and "Hey Ladies" (Aug., 1989)#36.

KOOL MOE DEE

• Mohandas DeWese
• Rapper based in Harlem, New York.
• Originally performed with The Treacherous Three.
• Hits include "Go See The Doctor"(April, 1987)#89, "How Ya Like Me Now"(Nov., 1987)#22 R&B and "Wild Wild West"(March, 1988)#4 R&B, (April, 1988)#62.

SALT-N-PEPA

• 1985 - Female rap trio formed in Queens, New York.
• Consisting of Cheryl "Salt" James (March 28, 1969 – ), Sandy "Pepa" Denton (Nov. 9, 1969 – ) and Dee Dee "DJ Spinderella LaToya" (Deidre Roper) (Aug. 3, 1971 – ).
• Denton and James also recorded as Super Nature.
• Aug., 1987 - Released their debut album, "Hot, Cool & Vicious."
• Feb., 1995 - Won Best Rap Group Grammy Award.
• Hits include "Tramp"(July, 1987)#21 R&B, "Push It"(Nov., 1987) #19, (Jan., 1988)#28 R&B, "Expression"(March, 1990)#26, "Let's Talk About Sex"(Nov., 1991)#13, "Shoop"(Dec., 1993)#4, "Whatta Man"(Feb., 1994)#3 (with En Vogue) and "Ain't Nuthin' But A She Thing"(Nov., 1995)38.

HEAVY D. & THE BOYZ

• Rap quartet formed in Mt. Vernon, New York.
• Consisting of Heavy D. (Dwight Meyers), Trouble T-Roy (Troy Dixon), G. Whiz (Glen Parrish) and DJ Eddie F. (Edward Ferrell).
• Hits include "Don't You Know"(Feb., 1988)#12 R&B, "Now That We Found Love"(1991) and "Got Me Waiting"(1994).

ROB BASE & DJ E-Z ROCK

• Rap duo formed in Harlem, New York.
• Consisting of Robert Ginyard and DJ Rodney "Skip" Bryce.
• Hits include "It Takes Two"(May, 1988)#17 R&B, (Aug., 1988)#36 and "Joy And Pain"(May, 1989)#58.

SIR MIX-A-LOT

• 1986 - Rap quartet formed in Seattle, Washington.
• Consisting of DJ Sir Mix-A-Lot (Anthony Ray), Kid Sensation (Steve Spence), Gig Master (Ron Brooks) and Maharaji (Terry Matthews).
• Hits include "Posse On Broadway"(Dec., 1988)#70 and "Baby Got Back"(1992).

PUBLIC ENEMY

• Early 1980's - Rap group formed in the Hempstead/Garden City area of Long Island, New York.
• Consisting of Chuck D, MC Flavor-Flav (William Drayton) (1959 – ) and DJ Terminator X (Norman Rogers).
• Probably the most ambitious and volatile of all the groups. Known for their use of explicit language.
• Much of their new material is concerned with rebuilding the black community.
• Toured as the opening act for The Beastie Boys on their Licensed To Ill tour.
• 1987 - Released the "Yo! Bum Rush The Show" album. It could be considered the blueprint for gangsta rap.
• Nov., 1993 - Drayton was charged with attempted murder.
• Hits include "Bring The Noise"(Feb., 1988)#56 R&B, "Don't Believe The Hype"(1988), "Fight The Power"(1989) and "Terrordome"(1990).
• Albums include "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back" (1988), "Apocalypse '91 - The Enemy Strikes Back"(1991) featuring the singles, "Can't Truss It," and "Greatest Misses"(1992).

J.J. FAD

• Female rap trio formed in Los Angeles, California.
• Consisting of M.C.J.B. (Juana Burns), Baby-D (Dania Birks) and Sassy C (Michelle Franklin).
• Hits include "Supersonic"(April, 1988)#30, (May, 1988)#22 R&B and "Way Out"(Sept., 1988)#61.

E.P.M.D.

• Rap duo formed in Long Island, New York.
• Consisting of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith.
• Their name stands for "Erick and Parrish Making Dollars."
• One of the most satisfying and literate groups of the genre.
• Hits include "You Gots To Chill"(April, 1988)#22 R&B, "So What Ya Sayin'"(1989), "Payback"(1989) and "Crossover"(1992).

THE 2 LIVE CREW

• Rap quartet based in Miami, Florida.
• Consisting of David "Mr. Mix" Hobbs, Chris "Fresh Kid-Ice" Won Wong, "Brother Marquis" Ross and Luther "Luke Skywalker" Campbell.
• 1990 - The group was involved in censorship controversy over their explicit lyrics. Several record store owners were arrested for selling their records.
• Hits include "Move Somethin'"(May, 1988)#53 R&B, "Me So Horny" (Sept., 1989)#26 and "Banned In The U.S.A."(July, 1990)#20 (based on Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The U.S.A").

ICE-T

• Tracy Morrow (Feb. 16, 1958 – )
• Rapper/actor born in Newark, New Jersey.
• Named after ghetto writer Iceberg Slim, adopted the name Ice-T when he was a South Central L.A. gang member for 4 years.
• 1982 - Quit crime to become a rapper, releasing his debut single, "The Coldest Rap."
• June, 1988 - His recording of "Colors" (from the film, "Colors") went to #77 R&B, #70.
• 1988 - Formed the Rhyme Syndicate label.
• Film appearances include "Breakin'"(1984), "Breakin' II"(1984) and "New Jack City"(1991).
• 1990 - Received a Grammy Award for "Back On The Block."
• 1991 - Appeared on the Lollapalooza tour which featured alternative acts such as Jane's Addiction and Nine Inch Nails.
• April, 1992 - His controversial "Cop Killer" from the "Body Count" album was later withdrawn from the album. The track concerned the riots in Los Angeles.
• Feb., 1993 - Left Warner Brothers to form his own label, Rhyme Syndicate Records.
• May, 1996 - Released his sixth album, "VI: Return Of The Real."
• 1996 - Released 4 gold albums to date.
• 1997 - Starred in the NBC TV series, "Players" and hosted a British TV series on black culture called "Baadass TV."
• Aug., 2000 - Released the album, "Greatest hits: The Evidence."
• Oct., 2000 - Joined the cast of TV's "Law & Order:SVU" as Detective Odafin Tutuloa.

TONE LOC

• Anthony Smith (March 3, 1966 – )
• Rapper based in Los Angeles, California.
• His stage name is derived from his nickname Antonio Loco.
• April 15, 1989 - His "Loc-ed After Dark" album became the first rap record to top the U.S. albums chart.
• May, 1995 - Charged with assault with a deadly weapon over an incident with a woman in Oct., 1993.
• Hits include "Wild Thing"(Dec., 1988)#2 and "Funky Cold Medina" (March, 1989)#3.

D-MOB

• British dance unit led by producer/mixer Dancin' Danny D (Danny Poku).
• 1991 - Lead vocalist Cathy Dennis went solo.
• Hits include "We Call It Acieed"(1988), "C'mon And Get My Love" (Dec., 1989)#10 (from the film, "She Devil") and "That's The Way Of The World"(April, 1990)#59.

N.W.A.

• Mid 1980's - Heavy duty rap outfit formed.
• Their name stood for Niggas With Attitude.
• Members include Eazy-E (Eric Wright) (1964 - March 26, 1995), Ice Cube and Dr. Dre.
• One of the prime exponents of "gangsta rap," their lyrics were often menacing and disturbing.
• 1988 - Their debut album, "Straight Outta Compton" featured the hit, "Gangsta Gangsta."
• 1988 - Eazy-E's solo album, "Eazy-Duz-It" went double platinum.
• March 26, 1995 - Eazy-E died of AIDS complications.
• Recordings include "F___ The Police" and the 1991 album, "Niggaz 4 Life."

NENEH CHERRY

• (Aug. 10, 1964 – )
• Female rapper/singer born in Stockholm, Sweden.
• Stepdaughter of jazz trumpeter Don Cherry. Raised in New York City.
• In London, England, Cherry was a member of the post punk group Rip, Rig And Panic.
• Hits include "Buffalo Stance"(April, 1989)#8, "Kisses On The Wind"(July, 1989)#8 and "I've Got You Under My Skin"(1991) (from the Cole Porter tribute LP, "Red Hot And Blue").

YOUNG MC

• Marvin Young
• Rapper born in England.
• Raised in Queens, New York.
• Graduated with an economics degree at The University Of Southern California.
• Co-writer of Tone Loc's "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina."
• Hits include "Bust A Move"(July, 1989)#7 and "Principal's Office" (Nov., 1989)#33.

HAMMER

• Stanley Kirk Burrell (March 30, 1963 – )
• Rapper/dancer/producer from Oakland, California.
• During the 1970's, he was the batboy for the Oakland A's.
• Formed The Posse, an 8 member group of dancers, singers and DJ's.
• Began his career as MC Hammer (stemming from his resemblance to baseball great Hank "The Hammer" Aaron).
• May, 1988 - Signed a major record deal and re-releases his indie album, "Feel My Power" renamed "Let's Get Started."
• Became famous for his energetic dancing, especially a shuffling sidestep, pretentiously called "Hammertime."
• Started a short lived trend for genie pants.
• Hard core rappers considered his style much too commercial.
• 1990 - His "Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em" album spent 21 weeks at #1, eventually selling over 6 million copies.
• 1991 - Shortened his name to Hammer.
• Considered himself to be the greatest threat to Michael Jackson.
• April 3, 1996 - Once worth $33 million, filed for bankruptcy.
• Hits include "U Can't Touch This"(April, 1990)#8 (based on Rick James' "Superfreak"), "Have You Seen Her"(June, 1990)#4, "Pray" (Sept., 1990)#4 (based on Prince's "When Doves Cry"), "2 Legit To Quit"(1992), "Addam's Groove"(1992) and "Pumps And A Bump"(1994).

SNAP!

• Male/female rap/dance duo from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• Consisting of London based rapper Turbo B. and his cousin Jackie Harris.
• 1991 - Harris was replaced by former backup singer for The Gap Band, Penny Ford.
• Hits include "The Power"(May, 1990)#2, "Ooops Up"(Sept., 1990) #35 and "Rhythm Is A Dancer"(1993).

VANILLA ICE

• Robert Van Winkle (Oct. 31, 1968 – )
• White rapper born in Miami Lakes, Florida.
• Based out of Dallas, Texas.
• Noted for his striking good looks, he became more of a teen idol than a legitimate rap artist.
• Labelled "the next big thing," his career had already fizzled by 1991.
• 1992 - Appeared in Madonna's controversial book, "Sex."
• Attempted several comebacks in other musical styles unsuccessfully.
• Hits include "Ice Ice Baby"(Sept., 1990)#1 (based on "Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie) and "Play That Funky Music" (1991).

2 IN A ROOM

• Duo from Washington Heights, New York.
• Consisting of rapper Rafael "Dose" Vargas and remixer Roger "Rog Nice" Pauletta.
• Oct., 1990 - Their only charted hit, "Wiggle It" went to #15.

BIG DADDY KANE

• (Sept. 10, 1968 – )
• Rapper/songwriter born in New York City.
• Known as the "Smooth Operator."
• His videos are often x-rated.
• Albums include "Chocolate City"(1991).

MARKY MARK & THE FUNKY BUNCH

• Marky Mark (Mark Robert Wahlberg) (June 5, 1971 – )
• Rapper/actor from the Dorchester section of Boston, Massachusetts.
• One of a poor family of 9 children.
• Younger brother of Donnie Wahlberg of New Kids On The Block.
• Nicknamed Miz.
• 1990-1991 - Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch were the opening act for New Kids On The Block.
• Became famous for dropping his trousers and showing off his line of Calvin Klein designer boxer shorts. He later lost his contract due to racist remarks.
• His first album, "Music For The People," produced by Donnie Wahlberg went platinum.
• Film appearances include, "Renaissance Man"(1994), "No Fear" (1995), "The Basketball Diaries"(1995) and the controversial "Boogie Nights"(1997).
• Hits include "Good Vibrations"(1991) (featuring vocalist Loleatta Holloway), "Wildside"(1991) and "'Bout Time I Funk You."

QUEEN LATIFAH

• Dana Elaine Owens (March 18, 1970 – )
• Rapper/actress born in Newark, New Jersey.
• Famous for her women's rights lyrics.
• Signed to Motown.
• 1989 - Released her debut album, "All Hail The Queen."
• 1990 - Rapped on David Bowie's re-recorded version of "Fame."
• 1991 - Appeared in the Spike Lee film, "Jungle Fever."
• Starred as Khadijah James on TV's "Living Single."
• Other films include "Set It Off" and "Juice."
• Runs her own management company Flavor Unit Entertainment.
• Feb. 3, 1996 - Arrested by California police for speeding after smoking marijuana and having a .38-caliber gun in her car.
• May, 1998 - Released her "Order In The Court" album.
• 2002 - Turned in a star performance in the film version of "Chicago."
• Hits include "Fly Girl"(1991) and "U.N.I.T.Y."(Feb., 1994).

P.M. DAWN

• 1989 - Alternative rap outfit formed in Long Island, New York.
• Consisting of brothers Prince Be (Attrell Cordes) (May, 19, 1970 – ) and DJ Minutemix (Jarrett Cordes) (July 17, 1971 – ). Both were born in Jersey City, New Jersey.
• A mix of funk, blues, gospel and rap.
• 1991 - Their "Of The Heart, Of The Soul And Of The Cross: The Utopian Experience" album was a mild success.
• 1995 - Released their "Jesus Wept" album featuring "The 9:45 Wake-up Dream."
• Hits include "Set Adrift On Memory Bliss"(Nov., 1991)#1, "Paper Doll"(Feb., 1992)#29, "I'd Die Without You"(Oct., 1992)#3 and "Looking Through Patient Eyes"(May, 1993)#6.

SISTER SOULJAH

• Female rapper who originally performed with Public Enemy.
• Her debut solo album was "360 Degrees Of Power."

KRIS KROSS

• Rap duo from Atlanta, Georgia.
• Consisting of Mack Daddy (Chris Kelly) (1980 – ) and Daddy Mack (Chris Smith) (1980 – ).
• Discovered by 17 year old producer Jermaine Dupri.
• Famous for their shaved eyebrows and their habit of wearing jeans and T-shirts backwards.
• Began as an opening act on a Michael Jackson tour.
• 1992 - Their debut album, "Totally Krossed Out" sold over 2 million copies.
• Hits include "Jump"(1992)#1, "Warm It Up"(1992) and "Alright" (1993).

TLC

• Female trio based in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Consisting of Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes (1971 - April 25, 2002), Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins (1971 – ) and Chilli (Rozonda Thomas) (1971 – ).
• Revolutionary act who decorate their stage costumes with condoms.
• 1992 - Their debut album, "Ooooooooh...On The TLC Tip" was released.
• 1994 - Lopes was arrested for burning her wayward lover Andre Rison's mansion to the ground.
• Feb., 1996 - Their "CrazySexyCool" won the R&B album Of The Year Grammy Award.
• Lopes left the group.
• April 25, 2002 - Loes died in a car crash.
• Hits include "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg"(1992), "Baby-Baby-Baby"(1992), "What About Your Friends"(1992) and "Waterfalls"(1995).

HOUSE OF PAIN

• White Irish/American rap outfit based in Los Angeles, California.
• Featuring frontman Everlast (Erik Schrody).
• Their sound often features Celtic elements such as bagpipes.
• Oct., 1992 - Their "Jump Around" single from the album, "House Of Pain" became a national hit.
• 1996 - Released their "Truth Crushed To Earth Shall Rise Again" album.

TUPAC SHAKUR

• Tupac Amaru Shakur (Lesane Crooks) (1971 - Sept. 13, 1996)
• Rapper/actor born in New York City.
• Also spelled 2Pac Shakur, he was named after an 18th century Peruvian revolutionary whose name meant Shining Serpent.
• Nicknamed "Rebel Of The Underground."
• His mother is Black Panther activist Afeni Shakur (1947 – ).
• Raised in The Bronx, New York.
• Worked with Digital Underground and Thug Life (whose name he had tattooed on his abdomen).
• 1993 - Appeared in the film, "Poetic Justice."
• April, 1994 - Signed to Death Row Records, his album, "Me Against The World" crashed into the #1 position while Shakur was in jail for sexual assault. It sold 2 million copies.
• A prime exponent of West Coast gangsta rap, he was noted for his aggressive macho hip hop style. With his hit song, "Hit 'Em Up," he called his arch rival Notorious B.I.G. "a fat mutherfucker" and bragged to him, "I Fucked Your Wife"(featuring Faith Evans).
• Nov., 1994 - Shot four times in the lobby of New York's Quad Studios.
• 1996 - His "All Eyez On Me" sold 5 million copies.
• Other recordings include "2Pacalypse Now"(1992) and "Strictly For My NIGGAS"(1993).
• Films include "Above The Rim"(1994), "Bullet"(1995) and "Gridlocked"(1996).
• As of 1996, his combined sales topped the $80 million mark worldwide.
• Sept. 13, 1996 - Died of multiple gunshot wounds after being ambushed by gunmen in Los Angeles, California.

DMX

• Earl Simmons (1970 – )
• Rapper.
• King of The Ruff Ryders crew.
• Each of his three albums, all released in an 18 month period entered the chart at #1 on Billboard.
• 1998 - Acquitted of a rape charge.
• Had the most successful hip-hop tour of all time with "The Hard Knock Life Revue" with Jay-Z.
• 1999 - Appeared at Woodstock '99.
• May 3, 2000 - Surrendered to police in Cheektowaga, New York. He had been arrested in March for speeding, driving with a suspended licence and possession of marijuana.

THE WU-TANG CLAN

• Rap unit led by Ol' Dirty Bastard (Russell Jones) (aka: "Big Baby Jesus").
• 1993 - Released their debut album, "Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)."
• Jan. 16, 1999 - Ol' Dirty Bastard spent 1 week in jail charged with shooting at police.

SNOOP DOGGY DOGG

• Calvin Broadus (Oct. 20, 1971 – )
• Rapper/singer/actor born in Long Beach, California.
• Nicknamed Snoopy as a baby by his mother.
• Sang in The Golgotha Trinity Baptist Church choir.
• After graduating from high school, arrested for selling cocaine and served one year in the county jail. He was also arrested for gun possession.
• Influenced by N.W.A. and Eric B. Rakim, began rapping.
• Borrowing his cousin Tate Doggy Dogg's nickname, he became Snoop Doggy Dogg.
• May, 1992 - Released his debut single, "Deep Cover" hit #1 on the rap charts.
• Aug., 1993 - Accused of participating in a murder, he is released on $1 million dollar bail.
• Dec., 1993 - Released his "Doggystyle" album.
• Feb., 1996 - Acquitted of the previous murder charge.
• Nov., 1996 - His "Doggfather" album debuted at #1.
• Hits include "Dr. Dre"(July, 1993)#8, "What's My Name"(Jan., 1994)#8, "Gin And Juice"(March, 1994)#8, "Upside Ya Head" (Dec., 1996)#12 UK, "Vapors"(1997) and "Come And Get With Me" (1998).

EMINEM

• Marshall Bruce Mathers III (Oct. 17, 1972 – )
• White rapper from California.
• Feb., 2000 - Won The Grammy Rap Album Of The Year Award for "The Real Slim Shady"(May, 2000)#2.
• Known for his anti-gay lyrics.
• May, 2000 - Released "The Marshall Mathers Album" which sold over 5 million copies by August.
• June 8, 2000 - Charged with carrying a concealed weapon after an argument with a rival band member, Douglas Dail of Insane Clown Posse.
• His wife Kimberly Mathers (1975 – ) slashed her wrists with a razor blade.
• Oct., 2000 - Controversy erupted when he was scheduled to play in Toronto, Ontario. Because of the nature of his material, his appearance was almost cancelled.
• 2002 - Released the "Eminem Show" album.
• Hits include "The Real Slim Shady"(2000), "Stan"(2000) (with Dido), "Criminal"(2000), "Without Me"(2002) and "Sing For The Moment"(2003).

A SELECTED LISTING OF OTHER RAP/HOUSE HITS

• Another Bad Creation - "Iesha"(1990).
• Arrested Development - "People Everyday"(1992).
• Coolio featuring L.V. - "Gangsta's Paradise" (from "Dangerous Minds")(Sept., 1995).
• Cypress Hill - "Pigs"(1992).
• De La Soul - "Me Myself And I"(June, 1989)#34.
• Dream Warriors - "My Definition Of A Bombastic Jazz Style"(1991).
• Gerardo - "Rico Suave"(1991).
• Ice Cube - "Bop Gun (One Nation)"(1994).
• Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek - "Move Somethin'"(Oct., 2000) #1 rap single.
• L'Trimm - "Cars With The Boom"(Sept., 1988)#54.
• M/A/R/R/S - "Pump Up The Volume"(Nov., 1987)#13, (Dec., 1987)#8 R&B.
• Mase - "Feel So Good"(Nov., 1997).
• O.P.P. - "Naughty By Nature"(1991).
• Puff Daddy - "I'll Be Missing You"(July, 1997)#1.
• The U-Krew - "If You Were Mine"(Jan., 1990)#24.
• UTFO - "Roxanne, Roxanne"(Jan., 1985)#10 R&B, (March, 1985)#77.
• The West Coast Rap All-Stars - "We're All In The Same Gang"(June, 1990)#35.
• Westside Connection - "Bow Down"(Oct., 1996)#1 RAP.
• The World Class Wreckin Cru - "Turn Off The Lights"(Jan., 1988)#30 R&B, (March, 1988)#84.
• Young & Restless - "'B' Girls" - (May, 1990)#54.

ALSO SEE

• Chapter 35: Funk And The New R&B
• Chapter 37: Eighties Revue
• Chapter 38: The Nineties And Beyond

BIBLIOGRAPHY