HIP-HOP LEGENDS RUN DMC REPRESENT THE ESSENCE OF RAP MUSIC, by Wayne Hodges
QUEENS, New York – “I’m the King of Rock, there is none higher. Sucker MC’s should call me sire. To burn my Kingdom, you must use fire. I won’t stop rockin til I retire…” Remember these lyrics? You should. Because this phrase, in my opinion, signifies the climax of contemporary rap music. These cocky words were spoken by the big three, known to many around the world as ‘Run DMC.’ That’s right baby. I’m talking about Joseph Simmons (DJ Run), Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell.
There’s no question Run DMC is the most influential rap group to ever hit the hip hop stage. In addition to droppin’ funky rhyme after funky rhyme, the group has been largely credited with breaking hip hop into mainstream music. Billboard smashes “King of Rock” and “Tricky” remain popular today. And, in 2007, the crew was appropriately named the “Greatest Hip Hop Group” of all-time by MTV. Run DMC, to be candid, is more than just a group of talented vocalists. Run DMC, in my opinion, epitomizes true hip hop greatness.
HIP-HOP DIVA MC LYTE DOMINATED THE CHARTS IN EARLY 1990’s, by Wayne Hodges
BROOKLYN, New York – Yeah boyz! Ms. Lana Michele Moorer, better known as MC Lyte, made her mark in a male-dominated industry by releasing “def cut” after “def cut.” At the tender age of 12, Lyte released her first single “I cram to understand u.” The song, which focuses on a lying boyfriend’s addiction to crack cocaine, was produced by Lyte’s older brothers and became a somewhat modest hit. Then, in 1988, Lyte released her debut album “Lyte As a Rock” and the rest, my friends, is history.
In 1989, Lyte delivered her second album “Eyes on This” which featured the hit single “Cha Cha Cha.” One year later, Lyte turned to producers Wolf & Epic to push out her third album “Act Like You Know.” After taking a three year breather, Lyte returned to drop the ever popular “Aint No Other” album which featured the hit single “Ruffneck.” The song earned Lyte a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Rap Single” and was the first ever gold single by a solo female rap artist. Unbelievable! After transferring her contract to Elektra records, Lyte hooked up with Missy Elliott on the def #1 track “Cold Rock a Party” and showed no signs of slowing down.
Lyte also made a cameo appearance on the “Sunset Park” movie soundtrack with her biggest pop hit to date entitled “Keep On, Keepin’ On.” The single reached #10 on the “Billboard Hot 100.” After Rhino Entertainment released “The Very Best of MC Lyte,” the talented artist mounted a comeback with “Da Undaground Heat,” Vol. 1 with production team “Maad Funk” in 2003. During this time, Lyte released her first album on her own label with vocalist/comedian Jamie Foxx. The album entitled “Da Underground Heat Vol. 1″ went on to receive yet another Grammy nomination. What can I say? MC Lyte is without question the original diva of hip-hop.
DOUG E. FRESH IS KNOWN AS “THE ORIGINAL HUMAN BEAT BOX.” by Wayne Hodges
HARLEM, New York – Hip-Hop pioneer and record producer Doug E. Fresh, born September 17, 1966, is nationally known as the original ‘Human Beat Box.’ The legend from Harlem captured the interest of hip-hop fans worldwide by giving accurate imitations of drum machines and special effects using only his mouth, teeth and tongue. As a member of the Boo-Dah Bliss Crew, Fresh made his recording debut in 1983 with the hit single “Pass the Boo-Dah.” A year later, Fresh made an appearance in the movie “Beat Street” before releasing his first solo records “Just Having Fun” and “Original Human Beat Box.”
In 1985, Fresh’s hit single “The Show” dominated the music charts. The record featured the “Get Fresh Crew,” DJ’s Barry B. and Chill Will, and MC Ricky D who would later achieve fame and fortune as Slick Rick. The Show, though popular, was just the beginning of Fresh’s greatness. In 1986, the hip-hop icon released his first full-length album with the “Get Fresh Crew” entitled “Oh, My God!” The album received accolades worldwide for incorporating elements of reggae and gospel. In addition to “The Show,” other notable tracks included “All the Way to Heaven” and “Play this Only at Night.”
In 1988, Fresh released his second album “The World’s Greatest Entertainer.” The album was so cold, it appeared on Billboard magazine’s charts. The notable track from the album “Keep Risin’ to the Top” received major play on virtually every radio station across the U.S. After clashing with management of Reality/Fantasy records, long-time friend Slick Rick was asked to leave the group. In hindsight, Rick’s dismissal proved to be a blessing in disguise as the eye-patch wearing artist went on to kick booty with his popular 1989 solo album “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.” And yes, the album reached #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop charts.
But, enough about Rick. Let’s get back to today’s feature. On May 23, 2007, Fresh performed variations of “The Show” with “American Idol” finalist Blake Lewis; the first ever hip-hop performance in ‘Idol’ history. Fresh’s appearance was viewed by over 200 million people worldwide. In addition to producing music, Fresh has also hosted several events for celebrities Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Sean “Diddy” Combs, former President Bill Clinton and many others. To add icing to the cake; in 2008, VH1 ranked “The Show” number 51 in its ‘100 Greatest Songs of Hip-Hop.’ What can I say? Doug E. Fresh is a true music legend.
‘A TRIBE CALLED QUEST’ DOMINATED THE CHARTS IN EARLY 1990’s, by Wayne Hodges
QUEENS, New York – Ah yeah. In 1985, a musical talent was born by the name “A Tribe Called Quest” (TCQ). The New York based group is composed of rapper/producer Kamaal Ibn John Fareed (a.k.a. Q-Tip), 5-foot hip-hopper Malik Taylor (a.k.a. Phife Dawg) and DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad. A fourth member, hip-hop artist Jarobi White, made the fatal mistake of leaving the group after their first album. What was he thinking? After forming a union with fellow music group “De La Soul,” TCQ became a central part of the “Native Tongues Posse” before achieving major commercial success in the 1990’s.
By creating crisp innovations of hip-hop and jazz, the group was largely credited with expanding the art of contemporary rap music. And, believe me, TCQ had more hits than the New York Yankees. Check this out. Many of their songs, such as Bonita Applebum, Scenario, Check the Rhyme, Jazz, Electric Relaxation and Award Tour, are still regarded as legendary classics of the genre. During a remarkable ten year stretch, TCQ released five albums; three of which were highly acclaimed.
In 2006, former member Jarobi White came to his senses and re-joined the group. Afterwards, TCQ went on a highly celebrated U.S. tour to give fans a taste of real hip-hop music. And they may not be done. Rumor has it the group is planning to release another album sometime in the near future. As iconic pioneers of alternative hip-hop music, TCQ received a ‘2005 Special Achievement Award’ at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta. The group was formally honored at the 4th VH1 Hip Hop Honors. And the group received the well-deserved distinction of “most intelligent artistic rap group during the 1990’s” from Allmusic. What can I say? ‘A Tribe Called Quest’ and hip-hop are synonymous.
Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also a candidate for Kansas Senate District #7, an adjunct professor, and MPA at Kansas University. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com
To see Chubb Rock’s “Treat me right” video, click the play arrow.