To Protect, Preserve and Empower the name of Hip Hop, its Pioneers, People and Culture.
MORE THAN A STREET NAME
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Sparky D
Born: June 02, 1965
Passed Away: July 04, 2026
Doreen C. Broadnax (June 2, 1965–July 4, 2026), professionally known as Sparky D or Sparky Dee, was an influential American rapper and one of hip-hop’s earliest female battle rappers. She rose to prominence during the legendary Roxanne Wars with her 1985 response record, “Sparky’s Turn (Roxanne, You’re Through).”
Early Life
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Sparky D was raised in the Van Dyke Houses in Brownsville. She began her music career around 1983 as a member of The Playgirls, a local battle-rap group featuring City Slim and Mo Ski. The group recorded “Our Picture of a Man,” released through Sutra Records in 1984.
Career and Legacy
Sparky D’s career reached a turning point when producer and rapper Spyder-D encouraged her to respond to Roxanne Shanté’s hit “Roxanne’s Revenge.” Her answer record, “Sparky’s Turn,” quickly became a major success and helped fuel the Roxanne Wars—one of the most celebrated rivalries in early hip-hop history.
In 1985, Sparky D and Roxanne Shanté released Round One: Roxanne Shanté vs. Sparky Dee, featuring the two pioneering artists battling one another on record. Sparky D later released “He’s My DJ/She’s So Def” with Kool DJ Red Alert, “Throwdown,” and her 1988 debut solo album, This Is Sparky D’s World.
After facing addiction and personal hardship, Sparky D experienced a powerful spiritual transformation. She embraced the Apostolic Pentecostal faith, achieved sobriety, and relocated to Atlanta. There, she founded Treasure Ministries, a faith-based organization, and served her community as an EMT and certified nursing assistant.
Sparky D remained active in hip-hop, collaborating with artists including MC Shy D, Spyder-D, Roxanne Shanté, Kool DJ Red Alert, and K Wiz. Her courage, lyrical skill, faith, and perseverance secured her place as a pioneering woman in hip-hop history.
Pop Smoke
Born: July 20, 1999
Passed Away: February 19, 2020
Pop Smoke rose from Brooklyn to global stardom, redefining New York hip-hop with his deep, unmistakable voice and drill-infused sound. In a short period, he reignited worldwide attention on Brooklyn’s streets while expanding into fashion and international influence. His posthumous success underscored both his cultural impact and unrealized potential. Pop Smoke remains a defining symbol of modern New York hip-hop.
The Notorious B.I.G.
Born: May 21, 1972
Passed Away: March 9, 1997
Christopher Wallace, known globally as The Notorious B.I.G., stands as one of the most influential and technically gifted MCs in the history of hip-hop. Raised in Brooklyn, Biggie’s lyrical brilliance lay in his unmatched storytelling ability—painting vivid, cinematic narratives of street life, ambition, vulnerability, and consequence. His flow, timing, and wordplay set a new standard for East Coast rap and reasserted New York’s dominance during a pivotal moment in hip-hop’s evolution.
Biggie’s debut album Ready to Die is widely regarded as a cornerstone of hip-hop, blending raw honesty with masterful songwriting. He had a rare ability to balance hardcore realism with mainstream appeal, helping redefine what commercial success could look like without sacrificing lyrical integrity. As an artist, he influenced countless rappers across generations, from lyricists to entrepreneurs.
Beyond music, Biggie symbolized the voice of a generation navigating survival, success, and contradiction. His life was tragically cut short at the age of 24, yet his impact continues to echo through hip-hop culture, business, and artistry. The Notorious B.I.G. remains a benchmark by which MC excellence is measured.
Prince Markie Dee
Born: February 19, 1968
Passed Away: February 18, 2021
Prince Markie Dee was a founding member of The Fat Boys, one of hip-hop’s first groups to achieve worldwide mainstream success. As an MC and beatbox innovator, he helped introduce humor, showmanship, and originality to early hip-hop performance. Beyond music, he became a respected radio personality and cultural voice, continuing to influence generations through the airwaves. His legacy represents hip-hop’s early crossover moment without ever losing authenticity
Earl Simmons
AKA: DMX
Dec 18, 1970 - April 9, 2021
He was an emcee, song writer and an actor from Yonkers. His critically acclaimed album Its Dark And Hell Is Hot sold 250,000 records the first week it was released in 1998. DMX's 7 albums sold more than 23 million copies. He worked with countless artists including Jay z, Nas, Mary J Blige, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes and Red Man. DMX appeared in several movies such as Belly, Romeo Must Die, Cradle To The Grave and Top 5. He is considered one of the top selling as well as greatest Hip Hop artists ever.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Christopher Lee Rios
AKA: Big Pun
Nov 10, 1971 - Feb 7, 2000
Despite the time of his career, Pun was considered one of the greatest emcees in Hip Hop. Discovered by Fat Joe,Big Pun was featured on the album Jealous Ones Envy in 1995. Puns critically acclaimed album Capitol Punishment came out in 98, establishing him as the first solo Latino artist to go platinum. Big Pun during his career worked with best friend Cuban Link on the Beat Nuts hit record Off The Books, as well as artists KRS One, Kool G Rap, Black Thought, Noreaga and several others. He continues to inspire and was given the great honor in 2021 of having a street in the Bronx renamed Big Pun Plaza.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
John Fletcher
AKA: Ecstasy
Jun 7, 1964 - Dec 23, 2020
He was born and raised in Brooklyn. Ecstasy co-founded the group Whodini with Jalil in the early 80s. Grand Master Dee joined soon after. During his career Whodini became one of the first sex symbols in Hip Hop and one of the first groups to use dancers on stage. Kangol and Doctor Ice would branch off to form UTFO. Ex was known for his golden voice and his trade mark wide brimmed hats. He and his group were great mentors and inspired many other artists that came after them.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Lamont Coleman
AKA: Big L
May 30,1974 - Feb 15,1999
An emcee and songwriter from Harlem
NY, Big L founded the group Children Of The Corn in the early 90s with Camron, Mase and Bloodshed. His first single in 92, called Yes You May was with Lord Finesse. A couple of years later Big L would become a member of the crew Digging In The Crates. One of his best known songs Ebonics came out in 98 to critical acclaim! Big L was known for his multi syllabic rhyme style and word play! Big L is the subject of documentaries celebrating the great influence he had on the culture in a such a short time rhyming!
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Mark Morales
AKA: Prince Markie Dee
Feb 19, 1968 - Feb 18, 2021
He was an emcee, producer, song writer, actor and radio personality from Brooklyn NY. Mark co founded the Disco 3 which became the incredible group The Fat Boys. He was featured in the movies Krush Groove and The Disorderlies. Around 2008, Prince Markie Dee started working as a radio personality in Miami. He also produced songs for Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J Blige, Ariana Grande and many more.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Gregory Jacobs
AKA: Shock G
Aug 25, 1963 - April 22, 2021
He was an emcee, producer, musician and lead vocalist who founded the group Digital Underground. Shock G was born in Brooklyn but moved back and forth from Tampa to NY during his childhood. Studied music and after college , Shock G moved to Oakland and created Digital Underground, who sound was heavily influenced by funk music. He gave 2pac his first feature on the track Same Song, which was featured in the movie Nothing But Trouble. 2pac returned the favor a couple years later and Shock G produced and was featured along with Money B on the smash record I Get Around. He also produced Pac's record So Many Tears along with songs by Prince, Bobby Brown and other artists.
Feb 19, 1968 - Feb 18, 2021
He was an emcee, producer, song writer, actor and radio personality from Brooklyn NY. Mark co founded the Disco 3 which became the incredible group The Fat Boys. He was featured in the movies Krush Groove and The Disorderlies. Around 2008, Prince Markie Dee started working as a radio personality in Miami. He also produced songs for Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J Blige, Ariana Grande and many more.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Robert Ross
AKA: Black Rob
July 12, 1969 - April 17, 2021
He was an emcee who grew up in Harlem. Rob was signed to Diddy's label, Bad Boy in the mid 90s. In 2000, his single Whoa was a huge hit and reached the top 10 on Billboards R and B/Hip Hop charts. Black Rob's vocal were featured on several remixes including 112 and Total.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Malik Abdul Basit
AKA: Malik B
Nov 14, 1972 - July 29, 2020
Founding Member of the Roots
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
James Adarrly Tap Junior
AKA: Soulja Slim
Sept 9, 1977 - Nov 26, 2003
An emcee from New Orleans
Hit record "Slow Motion"
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Roderick Anthony Burton
AKA: Dolla
Nov 25,1987 - May 18, 2009
Dolla started in 2000 as an emcee from Chicago with Da Raskalz Cru. In 07 he signed a solo deal with Akons Konvict Music label.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Deshawn Dupree
AKA: Proof
Oct 2, 1973 - April 11, 2006
Emcee / Actor
Member of D12 and other groups,
Worked as Eminem's hypeman
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Anthony Peaks
AKA: Apache
Dec 26, 1964 - Jan 22, 2010
Hit record "Gangsta B***h".
Featured artist on albums by Queen Latifah, Naughty by Nature, Fat Joe
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
John Hawkins
AKA: Big Hawk
Nov 15, 1969 - May 1, 2006
Emcee and Founding member of "The Screwed Up Click" with the late DJ Screw
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Robert Keith Wiggins
AKA: Cowboy
Sept 20, 1960 - Sept 8, 1989
Cowboy is credited with pioneering the call and response style of getting the audience involved. He joined Grand Master Flash And The Furious 5 in the mid 70s. The group was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 and they just received a lifetime achievement award in 2021 from the Grammys.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Adam Yauch
AKA: MCA
Aug 5, 1964 - May 4, 2012
Emcee, bass player, filmmaker and a founding member of the hip hop group Beastie Boys. He directed many of Beastie Boys' music videos, often under the pseudonym Nathaniel Hörnblowér. Yauch created Oscilloscope Laboratories and directed, produced and distributed several films. He organized the Tibetan Freedom concert and founded the Milarepa Fund, a nonprofit organization devoted to Tibetan independence.
Submitted by: Steven Blum
Keith Elam
AKA: Guru
July 17, 1961 - April 29, 2010
Born in Roxbury MA, Guru was an emcee, producer and actor who moved to Brooklyn, where he met DJ Premier. They formed the group Gangstarr. Their first 3 albums were critically acclaimed, leading to collaborations with Nice n Smooth, Inspecktah Deck, Donald Byrd, Chaka Kahn, Roy Ayers and many more artists.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Ricky Dunigan
AKA: Lord Infamous
Nov 17, 1973 - Dec 20, 2013
Founding member from Memphis of the group Three 6 Mafia. He helped father the style of emceeing called horror core.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Darryl Mason
AKA: Dota Rock
Sept 15, 1961- Feb 4, 2015
He was one of Bronx first emcees. Started rhyming with the Mighty Force, then the Cold Crush Brothers and wound up joining the Fantastic 5 in the late 70s with DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore and Kevie Kev Rockwell. He was featured in Hip Hop's first movie Wild Style in the classic basketball game/rhyme battle with their chief rivals The Cold Crush Brothers.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Eric Breed
AKA: MC Breed
June 12, 1971 - Nov 22, 2008
He was an emcee from Flint Michigan. Breed had 2 hit records Ain’t No Future In Your Frontin and Gotta Get Mine featuring 2pac. He also worked with Doctor Dre, Ice Cube and Pimp C.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Steve Williams
AKA: Stezo
March 10, 1968 - April 29, 2020
Born in New Haven CT, Stezo originally was a dancer for EPMD. He was featured in their video You Gots To Chill. Stezo was inspired and became an emcee and producer. He had 2 hit records To The Max and Its My Turn.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Andre Hicks
AKA: Mac Dre
July 5,1970 - Nov 1, 2004
He was born in the Bay Area and was instrumental in the emergence of hyphy, which was a cultural movement in the San Fran/Oakland area. Mac's music very much was relatable to his life in the streets.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Christopher Won
AKA: Fresh Kid Ice
May 29, 1964 - July 13, 2017
Credited as the first Asian American emcee and co founder of the group 2 Live Crew. He was born in Trinidad and Tobago. Fresh moved to Brooklyn at 12 years old. He enlisted in the Air Force in California , where he met Vee and Mr Mixx. They formed 2 Live Crew and their first few singles attracted the attention of Luke. He eventually joined the group and all of them moved to Miami. Their single Me So Horny made them a controversial but well known platinum selling group.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Charles Nelson
AKA: Mercury
Dec 19, 1964 - March 9, 1995
He was an original member of the Force MDs, who came from Staten Island. They were one of the first groups to sing and rhyme on their songs. Their top 10 hit Tender Love was featured in the movie Krush Groove.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Bruce Washington
AKA: Hussein Fatal
April 3, 1973 - July 10, 2015
He was a good friend of Tupac’s, who formed a group called The Outlawz. Fatal made his debut on Pac's album All Eyez On Me.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Chris Kelly
AKA: Mac Daddy
Aug 11, 1978 - May 1, 2013
He was one half of the group Kriss Kross. They were discovered and produced in Atlanta by Jermaine Dupri. They had a hit record called Jump, which made them the youngest group to go platinum at the age of 12 years old.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Russell Jones
AKA: Ol' Dirty Bastard
Nov 15, 1968 - Nov 13, 2004
ODB was one of the founding members of Wutang Clan with his cousin Rza. Russell was from Fort Greene Brooklyn, while most of the crew were from Staten Island. ODB became the second member to start a solo career with the album Return To The 36 Chambers. He quickly gained intrigue from his comical yet unstable rhyme style.. Half singing mixed in with half rhyming. One of the most interesting collaborations ever was with ODB rhyming on Mariah Carey’s song Fantasy.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Eric Wright
AKA: Easy E
Sept 7, 1964 - March 26, 1995
Easy E was a songwriter, producer and entrepreneur from Compton who helped propel West Coast rap. With his group NWA , pushed lyrical content with their controversial album Straight Outta Compton in 1988. Their videos were banned from MTV and very few radio station played their music. However, Easy E and his groups album was certified platinum in less than a year. Easy E signed the group Bone Thugs and Harmony from Cleveland to his Ruthless Records label. Due to the legacy of NWA first album , a movie with the same name came out about 5 years ago! To this day it’s still a critically acclaimed that continues ton inspire many.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Dwight Myers
AKA: Heavy D
May 24, 1967 - Nov 8, 2011
Born in the country of Jamaica, Heavy D moved to Mount Vernon at a young age. He was the first artist to be signed to Uptown Records. Heavy was one of the first emcees to combine fun, love and socially conscious lyrics in his music. He was featured on both Michael and Janet Jackson’s songs and Heavy D worked with his cousin Pete Rock, Teddy Riley, Q Tip and many others. He wrote the theme song for the show In Living Colour as well as discovered singers Monifah and Soul For Real. Heavy D also produced several songs on Soul For Reals album and was also given the position of President of Uptown Records.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Rudolph Johnson
AKA: Lil Marlo
May 1, 1990 - July 11, 2020
He was an emcee from Atlanta who released his first mixtape The Wire in 2017. His music created a buzz that allowed him to perform all over the country and he released music videos from the you tube channel he created.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Dominick Newton
AKA: The Jacka
Aug 12, 1977 - Feb 2, 2015
He was an emcee from the Bay Area who was part of the group Mob Figaz in the late 90s. After awhile, The Jacka left and his solo album Tear Gas in 2009 emphasized how difficult life can be. He also focused on morality. The Jacka’s music definitely impacted many in the Bay Area.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Dinitry Behrmann
AKA: Scientifik
July 24, 1972 - June 4, 1998
He grew up in Lawrence MA, 30 miles from Boston and in 1990 had an epic battle with Ed OG. Ed was an up and coming emcee as well. After the battle they supported each other when Ed’s album dropped in 1991 and Scientifiks in 94. Ed OG in fact produced the album Criminal for Scientifik. His lyricism impressed many fans in Boston and caught the ear of Diamond D. Diamond produced the track Boston.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Malcolm McCormick
AKA: Mac Miller
Jan 19, 1992 - Sept 7, 2018
Mac Miller was an emcee, song writer, and producer from Pittsburg PA. At 14 years old, he made a name for himself in the freestyle game. In 2010 Mac attracted national attention with his K.I.D.S mix tape. 2 years later he moved to LA and produced the album Macadelic. His next couple albums revealed his problems with substance abuse which really connected him to his growing fan base. Mac Miller had a wide array of friends in the music business and worked with John Mayer, Thunder cat, School Bit Q and many others.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
LaToya Rogers
AKA: MC Trouble
July 30, 1970 - June 4,1991
She was from LA and was the first female emcee to be signed to Motown. MC Trouble was an actress and producer. She had a hit record in 1990 called I Wanna Make You Mine with r and b group The Good Girls. Trouble owned a production called Rogers Connection. She produced all her songs on the album Gotta Get A Grip.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd
Tahliq Rogers
AKA: Freaky Tah
May 14, 1971 - March 28, 1999
Freaky Tah was an emcee, hype man and promoter. He was a member of The Lost Boyz in Southside Queens in the mid 90s. Tah was featured on their first album Legal Drug Money in 1996. The album went gold and was followed up by Love Peace And Nappiness.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Boyd