To Protect, Preserve and Empower the name of Hip Hop, its Pioneers, People and Culture.
MORE THAN A STREET NAME
-BRONX, NY
Tony Paris aka Tony Tee i
Tony Paris aka MC Tony Tee was born in Harlem and raised in the East Bronx, New York area.
(Burke ave. & White Plains rd.) He played sports at Magenta Park, 41 Park and Parkside Projects.
MC Tony Tee attended Brandeis High School with LA Sunshine from the Treacherous 3
and Tito from the Fearless Four. In 1978, He played basketball on the freshman team at Brandeis.
He began his Hip Hop career with DJ Whiz kid and The Ultimate 3 MC's.
They were managed by DJ Kool Herc and performed with The ColdCrush Brothers,
SoulSonic Force, Cosmic Force, Red Alert, Jazzy Jay, Bam and many other Hip Hop Pioneers.
MC Tony Tee also worked at Harlem World during the summer with the
Harlem World Crew and performed at some block parties with the group.
During the mid 1980's, MC Tony Tee recorded 3 singles with DJ Watkins, which were recorded
on Brownsville and Equity Records. The singles hit the top ten charts in the UK.
MC Tony Tee also performed on the Def Jam 2 tour with Whodini, Kool Moe Dee, Eric B. & Rakim.
After the tour, MC Tony Tee played basketball for Manhattan Community College, under
Coach Gene Carroll. During this time, Queen Latifah also attended the school and played on
the girls team. After receiving a degree from CUNY College, studying Computer Science and working
as an IT professional for several years. MC Tony Tee joined producer Steve Brown from the Peach Boys group.
They produced several demos with Bernard and Fred Fowler. After moving to the Philadelphia area,
MC Tony Tee became a community activist. He started programs in the community for the youth through
sports and recreation. After Coaching basketball at Rutgers Camden University, Teaching and Coaching
High School Basketball for several years. MC Tony Tee became a professional basketball
Coach and Trainer for NBA, G League, College and overseas players. He currently runs a successful
program called "CoachTone Runs" which can be found on Instagram. MC Tony Tee also published 2 books
and produced over 20 documentary films for NBC Sports, ESPN, Verizon, Apple TV, Bounce TV and FIOS.
For several years, he was the host for the Tony Paris Radio Show. Currently, MC Tony Tee can be seen
in the Netflix film "Hustle" with Adam Sandler.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
JAZ-O
Jonathan Burks aka Jaz-O is a writer, artist, singer, producer and rapper. Born and raised in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.
(Marcy projects) He is also known as The Jaz-O and the Originator. The Jaz-O was a mentor to his protege Jay-Z,
who at the time was called Little Jaz. The Jaz-O dropped his first single H.P. get busy in 1986 with his group called
High Potent. During this time, Jay-Z was member of the group, which was signed to EMI record label.
I (Tony Tee) shared studio time with Jaz-O at Fresh Gordon Studio in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. When I first met The Jaz,
he and Fresh Gordon was producing their track “Im in Love”. The Jaz was singing R&B and the track was dope.
The single was released on Tommy Boy records, which at he time was a one single deal. The Jaz also collaborated
with Fresh Gordon on his it single “My File”, which was a playful answer to Run-DMC’s “My Adidas”.
Jaz-O released three albums, “Word to the Jaz” in 1989 (Peaked at number 87 on the charts). One of the singles
on the album was “Hawaiian Sophie”, which featured Jay-Z. The single peaked at number 18 on the charts, while
“Let’s Play House” peaked at number 26 on the Billboard dance club charts.
In 1990, he released “To your Soul”, which featured the Originators. The single reached number 13 on the charts
and certified The Jaz and Jay-Z as great speed rappers. In 2002, He released his third album “Kings County”
in 2002. Jaz-O and Jay-Z toured in Europe with Ivr Gotti as their DJ and some future Murder Inc artist.
In 2021, Jaz released “The Warmup” on Roc Nation subsidiary label “Equity Distribution”. The Jaz has
produced artist like, P-Diddy, GZA, Usual Suspects, Rakim, Kool G Rap, M.O.P., Queen Latifah, Group Home
and many more. The Jaz-O was also a producer, arranger and singer on the hook for one of Jay-z’s hit singles
“Ain’t No N-word” like the one I got”.
The Jaz, kept producing music, not only for himself but for early group like The LOX. After producing a demo tape
with the group, Mary J. passed the tape off to P-Diddy, who signed the group shortly after. All during this time, Jaz-O
is helping produce Jay-Z’s albums and hit singles. The two parted ways when Jay-Z wanted Jaz-O to sign a contract
with Roc-A-Fella Records and Jaz-O refused, sighting differences between himself and Jay-Z’s partner at the time
(Dame Dash). Jay-Z began making Diss records about Jaz-O and the two had small feud over creative differences.
Jaz-O is one of the Pioneers of Hip Hop from Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn and one of Hip Hop’s early singers and producers.
Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3) aka Tony Paris
KRS ONE
Lawrence "Kris" Parker aka KRS-One aka The BlastMaster aka DA Teacha, is a MC, writer, producer, Artist, rapper, Entrepreneur and a Legend in the Hip Hop Culture.
KRS was born in Brooklyn and raised in The South Bronx. He attended William E. Grady High School. His Mother was American born and his Father
from The Caribbean Island of Barbados. Young Kris became an MC while living in a group home and Met Scott Sterling aka Scott La Rock in a Homeless
Shelter in the South Bronx. Krishna was his first MC name given to him by the residents of the shelter. He and Scott La Rock developed a great relationship
and later became a Hip Hop group called Boogie down productions. The group comprised of KRS One, DJ Scott La Rock, Ms. Melodie and D-Nice.
KRS One kept a crew or Posse of family and friends around him like his brother Kenny Parker, I.C.U. and Willie D …. all a part of The Boogie Down Production Posse.
Kris was also a Graffitti artist, his tag name was KRS One (Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone). He later changed his MC name to KRS1 from Krishna.
KRS One and DJ Scot La Rock, received numerous awards with the release of their debut album “Criminal Minded” in 1987. During that same year, DJ Scott La Rock
passed away after mediating a dispute between D-Nice and a local street member.
In 1988, KRS One released his second album “By all means Necessary” in memory of DJ Scott La Rock, and the main influence for conscious rap.
In 1989, KRS One gathered some of the best MC’s/Rappers during that era, to produce “Self Destruction”. A single geared toward
stopping the Violence in Hip Hop. The single inspired the west coast rappers to release “Were all in the same gang”, which was geared toward the gang violence on
the West Coast. KRS One help launch and inspired many mc’s and rappers that came along after him. He was inspired by the groups before him, like DJ Kool Herc
and The Herculords, Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force, Flash and the Furious Five, DJ Tony Tone, Charlie Chase and the ColdCrush Four and Breakout, Baron and
the Funky Four Plus One. In 1987, MC Shan released “The Bridge” out of Queensbridge New York with the help of Marley Marl. The single became a hit song in New York
but offended many artist in The Bronx because of the implications of Hip Hop starting in Queens. KRS One released “The South Bronx” weeks after he heard “The Bridge”
and literally crushed the single with his own version of who started the Hip Hop Culture. This started a healthy rivalry between Boogie down productions and the Juice crew.
After MC Shan released “Kill that Noise” KRS One released “The Bridge is Over” and shut the whole battle/rivalry down. Today KRS One and MC Shan are the best of friends.
I (MC Tony Tee) had the fortunate opportunity to perform with KRS One in Rochester New York. KRS One was the Headliner with Mc Tony Tee, Audio Two, EPMD, Whistle,
Skinny Boys and Just-Ice. When KRS One walked onto the stage, his energy filled the room and the crowd went bananas. This is why he is and always will be distinctively
and affectionately called the BLASTMASTER.
In 1989, KRS One released “You must Learn” which was a powerful song relating to the lies, truths and conditions of American society.
The BlastMaster explained how African Americans contributed to American Culture with inventors like Benjamin Banneker, Lewis Latterman
and Charles Drew, just to name a few. KRS One is known for producing some of the greatest recorded Hits in the music industry. His release of “Outta Here”
reflected on the early days of Hip Hop Culture and artist that he listen to on New York radio. He is the first MC/Rapper to use a Jamaican style of rap with Hip Hop.
The style was first illustrated in the hit songs “The Bridge is Over” and “The P is Free”. Other than DJ Kool Herc, KRS One helped bridge the gap between Jamaican
music and the Hip Hop Culture.
KRS One Lyrics: “Garrett Morgan made the traffic lights …. Harriet Tubman freed the slaves at night”.
In 1992, PM Dawn disrespected Da Teacha with a quote in a magazine that said “KRS One wants to be a Teacher …. a Teacher of what”?
A couple of weeks later Da teacher goes to a PM Dawn concert and throws his whole crew off the stage and starts performing “The South Bronx”.
In 1993, KRS One released his first solo album “Return of The Boom Bap”, to bring Hip Hop back to the original culture. KRS One is and always has been an advocate
for truth, Love, Peace, Justice and Unity in the Hip Hop Culture.
KRS One is the founder of “The Temple of Hip Hop” dedicated to the expansion of Hip Hop Culture and Spirituality.
After making over 20 albums, over 10 album collaborations, written 3 books and appearing or starring in over 30 motion pictures.
KRS One has never won or even nominated for a Grammy, yet he has won awards for Hip Hop Honors, Living Legends and the Lifetime Achievement award.
Even tho he is not recognized by American Culture The BlastMaster aka Da Teacha aka KRS One is recognized by his peers as one of the GreatestMC/Rappers of all time.
He revolutionized the Hip Hop Culture, Gave the culture consciousness, Unified the culture and produced some of the greatest records of all time.
Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3) aka Tony Paris
FREEDOM
Fredrick Williams aka Freedom is a Rapper, singer, producer, engineer and writer. Freedom was born in Brooklyn and
raised in Queens, NY. He attended JHS 192 in Hollis, Queens. As an Athlete, Freedom Played intramural basketball
at Andrew Jackson High School in Jamaica, Queens, NY. He later became part owner of the Atlanta Krunk
Basketball team. He began rocking basement parties under the name MC Tiny Tim as a relation to King Tim III.
His first commercial success came on independent label Nu-Groove Records in 1988, which specialized in house music.
He then released “Get Dumb” for A&M records and the B side to “Your my one and only” and produced by Clivilles and Cole.
While working as an engineer at Quad Studios in New York City, Freedom was also dropping lyrics.
He worked with several well known artist like Freddie Jackson, Kool and the Gang, Cameo, RZA, Luther and Kool Moe Dee.
MC Tiny Tim changed his name to Freedom after joining The 5 Percent Nation and following his brothers foot steps.
After hearing some of Freedom’s lyrics, he was asked to rap on C&C Factory’s 1990 hit Gonna make you Sweat.
Freedom’s rap can be heard all throughout the album of Clivilles and Cole’s Music Group. (C&C Factory)
Gonna make you sweat hit number one on billboards music charts. In 1991, C&C Factory produced hits like
“Here we go (Let’s Rock and Roll)” and “Things that make you go Hmmm”, those singles also hit number one.
In 1993, Freedom released his solo album on Columbia Records. The single “Voice of Freedom” peaked at number
74 on billboard music charts and number 4 on Hot dance music/club and “Groove my Mind” peaked at 33.
In 2004, “Sweat the remixed” peaked at number 8 on the UK music charts under RMD Entertainment/Mega Bop.
After acquiring the C&C Music Factory trademark, Freedom toured under the name for several years.
In 2010, Freedom released Party time (Get up and Get Down) with Sea to Sun recordings.
Under the social website Vhopnation, Freedom is working on children’s books and the African origins of Civilization.
He is also a community activist, working with single fathers through organizational networks.
Freedom is one of the legendary Pioneers for Dance/House music.
Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3) aka Tony Paris
Barshon aka The Ethiopian King
Stoney Gibbs aka BarShon aka The Ethiopian King is an MC, Rapper and Entertainer.
BarShon is from Queensbridge Projects and one of the first to bring Hip Hop to Queensbridge.
In 1978, Barshon and TJ Swan from Queensbridge formed a group called the SureShot Crew.
Together they also formed an MC group called the Jazzy 4 with the first female mc from Queensbridge,
Dimples Dee. Barshon also performed with legendary producer Marley Marl.
In 1981, he joined a battle group called The Sunshine Boys. In the mid 1980’s, Barshon moved to the
Bronx and joined GrandMaster Flash and the Furious Five, replacing one of the members of the group.
Barshon continued to perform with the group after the group went separate ways. Barshon stayed with
Melle Mel and Scorpio and they continue to perform concerts all over the world. In 2007, Barshon
and the Furious five was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. In 2021, Flash and the Furious five
was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Barshon has worked with many artist and
celebrities including The SugarHill Gang. Barshon is one of Queensbridges Pioneers of Hip Hop.
Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3) aka Tony Paris
Gordon Pickett aka Fresh Gordon
Gordon Pickett aka Fresh Gordon is a Rapper, artist, engineer, producer and DeeJay from Bed-Stuy Brooklyn.
He began his Hip Hop career as a Dee Jay and dropped his first vocals on “Brooklyn Style” by the
Choice MC’s in 1985 on Rocky Records. In 1986, fresh released “My Fila” on Tommy Boy records,
which was a playful answer to Run-DMC’s “My Adidas”. Fresh Gordon wrote the lyrics, produced
the tracks and spit the rhymes for his own singles. In 1987, he produced the Fresh Commandments with JP
Edmund, Gordy’s Groove and “Feeling James”.
Fresh Gordon also produced a number of artist including Choice MC’s, Master D, Kid Panic, DJ Watkins
& MC Tony Tee, Jaz-O, Jay-Z, Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Salt n Pepa, Fat Boys, Whodini, Father MC
and Dana Dane. Fresh Gordon also teamed up with Prince Markie D from the Fat Boys to produce several
singles with Sean Combs, Howie T, L.A. Reid and Andre Harrell. Watkins and Tony tee would frequently
visit Fresh Gordon Studio and hang out with some of the great artist in Hip Hop Culture. Some of Fresh’s
long time friends like Buster and Gerard would always be in the studio to help with production. Fresh built
a studio in his own house. The living room was the board room and you laid your lyrics in the bathroom.
Fresh Gordon and the greatest energy and a unique swing when it came to music. At times he was considered
a Genius. For a long time every artist in the business wanted their tracks produced by Fresh Gordon.
Fresh Gordon also help produce Salt N Pepa’s biggest hit “Push it” with Herbie (Salt N Pepa Manager)
which was recorded at Fresh Gordon’s Studio. He also produced several songs for Jaz-O and Jay-Z during
their early stages of their careers. His gift for music and the ability to capture sound and hooks made
Fresh Gordon a house hold name in Hip Hop Production. In his spear time he enjoyed riding his motor cycles
and June Buggy around the streets of Bed-Stuy. Fresh also produced several singles for DJ Watkins and
MC Tony Tee including “Show Me”, “It’s Live” and Watkins Gets Busy” on Equity records. He performed
with many artist on the biggest stages and rocked crowds from here to China. Fresh Gordon is one of the
greatest Producers and artist in Hip Hop History.
Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3) aka Tony Paris
Eddie Cheba aka Eddie Sturgis
Eddie Cheba aka Eddie Sturgis was a Pioneer, DJ and MC in New York City.
Eddie Cheba attended my Alma-mater Louis D. Brandeis High School.
He is one of the first DJ’s to MC while spinning records. He pre-dates other Dee Jays
like Kid Capri, Funk Master Flex and Mister Cee. Cheba threw many parties with DJ
Hollywood, LoveBug Starski (RIP) and DJ Smalls for the Manhattan adult Disco crowd.
Many of his followers were an older crowd that dressed up to attend his parties.
Eddie Cheba would spin records at the Hotel Diplomat, where teenagers, sneakers
and jeans were not allowed. Eventually he came uptown to Harlem World and began
rocking the house for the younger crowds. Cheba would spin records while saying
nursery rhymes and general word play. He was a master at call and response …. and
one of the first Dee Jays to manipulate the records while they were playing with words or phrases.
Cheba Lyrics: “ Aint nothing Sweeter than Cheba, Cheba, Cheba”.
He also had his own crew called “The Eddie Cheba Crew”. Eddie Cheba and the Cheba
Crew performed all throughout New York City at numerous clubs and rocked every house.
Ironically, when people heard the name Cheba, they automatically referred to marijuana.
Eddie Cheba was a Dee Jay/EmCee before the record industry began recording Rap.
In 1979, Eddie Cheba released “Looking Good (Shake your Body)” on Tree Line Records.
The single had some success in the disco clubs with a disco sound track. Russell Simmons
credits Eddie Cheba for him pursing his career in Hip Hop music.
Rest in peace to Eddie Cheba, one of the Pioneers of Hip Hop Culture.
Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3) aka Tony Paris
DANA DANE
Dana McCleese aka Dana Dane is a rapper, writer, producer and entertainer. Dana is well known for his unique story telling and stylish fashion. He was born in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in Walt Whitman housing projects in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. He graduated from Laguardia High School of music and performing arts in New York City. Dana began his rap career as a member of the Kangol Crew with Slick Rick. In 1985, he signed with Profile Records. I (Tony Tee) had the unique pleasure of sharing studio time with Dana Dane at Fresh Gordon’s Studio in Bed-stuy, Brooklyn in 1986. In 1988, he appeared in Slick Rick’s video “Teenage Love”. His debut album “Dana Dane with Fame” topped the Billboard Charts at #46. One of his hit singles on the Album was “Nightmares”. The single illustrated Dana’s incredible story telling style and his ability to capture his audiences imagination. It was the first rap album by a solo artist from Brooklyn to be certified Gold. One of his greatest hits was “Cinderella Dana Dane” which peaked at #11 on the Billboard Charts in 1987. He was one of the core artist for Profile Records and he briefly recorded for Rap-A-Lot-Records but did not release a single on the label. Dana Dane produced three albums. His second album was released in 1990 “Dana Dane 4 ever” and his last album was “Rollin wit Dana Dane” in 1995 on Maverick Records. Between 1980’s - 1990’s Dana Dane managed a clothing store in New York City, hosted Sirius Radio on it’s hip hop classic channel with LL Cool J’s Rock the Bells, he made a cameo appearance in the 2002 film “Brown Sugar” and in 2009, he wrote a book “Numbers”, his first novel with Random House. In 2003, Dana Dane launched his own Def beat Entertainment media company. He became a screenwriter and film producer for several films. He also has a reoccurring appearance on the TV One Unsung Series. Dana is developing and shopping film and TV projects including documentaries about his life story and hip hop talk show. Dana Dane is a great performer and entertainer in the Hip Hop community. He can still be found entertaining his audience today with the Alumni Group. Which features Dana Dane, Kwame, Greg Nice, Monie Love, Chubb Rock, Special Ed and Tat Money. Dana Dane is one of the great story tellers in Hip Hop history. Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3) aka Tony Paris
NAS
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones aka is a Rapper, producer, writer, actor and musician. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and later moved to Queensbridge Projects in Long Island City, New York. As a young man, Nas played the Trumpet while writing poetry. His father (Olu Dara) was a Jazz musician from Mississippi. His mother (Fannie Ann) was a Postal worker from North Carolina. His brother (Jabari Fret) is a member of the Hip Hop group Bravehearts and raps under the name Jungle. Nas left the American Education system at an early age and began home schooling immediately. In his neighborhood, he was an educated street philosopher. Nas also studied the African Culture, mathematics and science through the Five Percent Nation. Nas began his Rap career with his friend (Ill Will) who lived upstairs in his building. Ill Will would DJ for Nas prior to Nas going to Large Professor to help produce some of his material. Nas was first featured on the 1991 song “Live at the Barbecue” by Main Source. His debut album “Illmatic” (1994), received universal acclaim upon release and considered one of the greatest Albums of all time. In 2020, The album was inducted into the Library of Congress National recording registry. One of his successful singles from the album was “It ain’t hard to tell”. Nas is well known for his unique story telling and his philosophical rap style. Lyrics: “It ain’t hard to tell, I excel then prevail, the mic is contacted, I attract Clientele”. His second album “It was Written”, debuted in 1996 and topped the Billboard 200 and featured “If I Ruled the World” featuring Lauryn Hill. In 1999 he released “I am” and Nastradamus. Collectively, Nat has produced 17 studio albums and two collaborated albums from 1994 - 2023. Ten of his albums are certified Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum in the United States. In 2021, Nas won his first grammy for Best Album “King Disease” after 16 nominations. He’s won two BET Awards and a Sports Emmy award for an outstanding long feature “Survival 1”. Nas is also an accomplished actor, director and producer for several big movies and TV shows. He was also featured in movies like “Belly’ with DMX, where they starred as drug dealers in New York City. Belly received high praise for the gangster street life portrait of two African Americans. Nas was also featured in “In too deep”, Ticker, Hawaii Five-O, Black Nativity, the narrator of Get Down and the director of several documentaries with Mass Appeal. Nas is considered by many of his peers as one of the best story tellers in Hip Hop History and one of the Greatest Rappers of all time. Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3) aka Tony Paris
SPOONIE G
Spoonie Gee aka Gabriel Jackson, aka The GodFather of Rap is one of the first Solo Artist in Hip Hop.He is a MC, Songwriter, Poet, Ghost Writer, Artist, Producer and a business man.He was born in Harlem, New York….around 123rd Street and 8th avenue area. He would frequently attend thePAL on 123rd Street for leisure, sports and billiards. He once beat me in a billiards game so bad, I never got a chance to shoot. The PAL (which was directed by Bubba) was Spoonie’s second home. It was a safe haven for urban kids in Harlem. He received the nickname Spoonie from his Mother (RIP) because he used a spoon to eat all of his foods.Spoonie began Rhyming when he lived with his Uncle Bobby Robinson, who owned a record store on 125th Street and 8th avenue in Harlem, New York.Many artist would frequently attend Bobby’s record Shop to buy records, listen to music or find business opportunities. Peter Brown visited his Uncle’s Store looking for someone to make a rap record….Spoonie’s brother was there at the time. Spoonie’s brother (Pooche Costello) referred him to Spoonie Gee. They went to Spoonie’s home and Pooche told Spoonie to come and meet Peter Brown because he’s looking for a rapper to record on his label. Spoonie said a couple of rhymes for Peter and he loved it.Peter told Spoonie to come to the studio in a couple of days to start recording. During this time, Spoonie Gee was a member of the Treacherous Three but he recorded his first single as a solo artist.Spoonie first release was “Spoonin Rap” on Sound of New York label. His lyrics included prison references that later became common in Gangster Rap. The single was also the first to use the Echo Chamber on Rap Records. Spoonie Lyrics;I’m the S to the P Double O, N, Y….The one MC who you can’t deny.Cause I’m the baby maker, I’m the woman taker, I’m the coldCrushing lover, the heartbreaker. In 1980, Bobby Robinson signed Spoonie to his label, Enjoy records. His first release was “Love Rap” which solidified him as the Ladies Man of Hip Hop.“Love Rap” became the most profitable and the most played record in Hip Hop History. Hip Hop artist used the “Love Rap” beat to perform at shows and recite rhymes and routines. On the B side of the single was a track with The Treacherous Three.Spoonie Gee is an original member of the Treacherous Three with Kool Moe Dee and LA Sunshine….Special K joined the group later when Spoonie went solo.Spoonie Gee and The Treacherous Three released “New Rap Language” which featured the first speed rap on vinyl. This was also The Treacherous Three’s introduction to the recording industry and Spoonie helped them with their first record deal.The group performed at many clubs in New York City….especially the PAL on 123rd Street in Harlem, where Spoonie Grew up. In 1981, Spoonie left Enjoy records and he joined SugarHill Records….SugarHill records was based in New Jersey. During this time, SugarHill had signed many artist from Enjoy records to get a grip hold on Hip Hop music and it’s culture.Spoonie’s first hit on SugarHill records was “Spoonie’s Back” and he also did a collaboration with Sequence called “Monster Jam”.In 1982, he wrote the lyrics to “The Message 2 (survival)” for GrandMaster Melle Mel.He was a great business man and he knew a lot about the record industry from his uncle Bobby. When Spoonie had some business issues with SugarHill records, he decided to leave SugarHill.In 1985, he moved to Tuff City records where he released “That’s my Style”. The single was a stab at Schoolly D (a rapper from Philadelphia)who was copying Spoonie’s style at the time. Spoonie Gee is also one of the most copied artist in Hip Hop History. In 1987, Spoonie released “GodFather of Hip Hop” which was produced by Marley Marl and Teddy Riley.He’s been features in several magazines like Right On and Word. Spoonie has produced 4 albums and 17 hit singles.In 2008, “Love Rap” was ranked #65 on VH1’s 100 Greatest songs in Hip Hop.Spoonie Gee is a true Pioneer of Hip Hop and he laid the ground work for many rappers that came after him.
Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3) aka Tony Paris
DJ Watkins & MC Tony Tee
DJ Watkins & MC Tony Tee aka Keith Watkins and Tony Paris, they are a Hip Hop group from Brooklyn, East New York.Tony Tee is a MC, Writer, Pro trainer/Coach, Film Director and Artist. DJ Watkins is a DJ, Producer, Manager and Community activist. DJ Watkins grew up in Cypress Hills Projects, in Brooklyn on Sutter avenue. He attended Franklin K. Lane High School. In 1972, he began making beats when his parents brought him a drum set. The following year he began deejaying after buying two turntables and a mixer.He formed his own group called Watkins and the Crew, which included some of the local DJ’s and MC’s in Brooklyn, East New York.MC Tony Tee grew up in Harlem & The Bronx. He attended Brandeis High School in 1977. During this time LA Sunshine (Treacherous 3)& Devastating Tito (Fearless Four) also attended. Tony Tee began as an MC with the Original Ultimate 3 mc’s in the Bronx.He performed at the T-Connection with DJ Whiz Kid, DJ Clark Kent, DJ Kool Herc, Bam, SoulSonic Force and many more.When Tony Tee moved to Brooklyn, East New York with his sister. He joined DJ Watkins & the Crew. The group comprised of 8 MC’s and 2 DJ’s. During this time, DJ Watkins was the best DJ in Brooklyn, East New York and he had a huge following. When MC Tony Tee brought the Bronx style of MCing to Brooklyn, East New York and joined DJ Watkins and the Crew, they were the hottest group in Brooklyn, East New York. The story goes, DJ Watkins was jamming in the park while anotherrival group was jamming down the street. When the word got out that DJ Watkins was in the Park. Everyone at the rivals jamleft their party to go see DJ Watkins. A Hip Hop fan asked one of the DJ’s “Why did everybody leave”? the DJ said “That damnDJ Watkins playing in the Park and he got that dude Tony Tee from Uptown”!! That day, DJ Watkins and MC Tony Tee Jammed for twodays straight. During this time, everybody used electricity from the street light post. DJ Watkins got his electricity from a tenants apartment. The group performed with Dougie Fresh and The Fearless Four at the Eclipse Roller Rink in the early 1980’s. The flyer for this event can be found in the Hip Hop Museum in The Bronx. DJ Watkins and Tony Tee also had a historic battle with DJ Duracell and T-Funk (Bad Boys)one of the classic battles in Brooklyn, East New York History. MC Tony Tee lived in Linden Plaza along with Jimmy Spicer (Super Rhymes) and DJ Watkins cousin Ol’ Dirty Bastard (Wu-Tang). DJ Watkins & Tony Tee threw many parties in the projects ofPink Houses, Cypress Hills and Linden Plaza. The Fat Boys, Whodini, ODB (Wu-Tang), Spinderella (Salt N Pepa) and MC Delight (StetsaSonic) would attend the jams. DJ Watkins help teach RZA (Wu-Tang) how to back spin (In Cypress Hills Projects) before the success of Wu-Tang. In 1985, DJ Watkins & MC Tony Tee recorded their first single on Brownsville Records “Jealousy Rap”. The single made the topten charts in Europe. Roy Sasho, who owned a record shop on Pitkin avenue, help produce the single.In 1987, DJ Watkins & MC Tony Tee produced their second and third singles “Watkins Gets Busy’ and “Show Me” on Equity Records. The songs were recorded at Fresh Gordon (Hip Hop Producer) studio in Bed-Stuy.The singles were played on Red Alert and Chuck Chillout Radio Shows. The group was managed by Ed Strickland, who had a role in the groups success. Their talent agent was Kara Lewis from General Talent International. During this time, Fresh Gordon also produced Jaz-O, Jay-Z, Salt N Pepa, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Father MC, Whodini and the Fat Boys. DJ Watkins & MC Tony Tee was an opening act on the Def Jam 2 Tour with Whodini, Kool Moe Dee, Eric B. & Rakim. During this time, MC Tony Tee was playing basketball for Manhattan Community College for the boys team, while Queen Latifah played center for the girls team. DJ Watkins also played basketball. Currently, DJ Watkins is the Director of “No Kids Left Behind” and Administrative Staff at I.S. 218. MC Tony Tee became a professional basketball Trainer/Coach and an Award winning Film Director for NBC/Comcast. The group is currently celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop with the Hip Hop Anniversary - Brooklyn Style Events.DJ Watkins and MC Tony Tee are Brooklyn Hip Hop Legends and Pioneers of Hip Hop. The group is an inspiration to many others who became Hip Hop Artist.
Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3/DJ Watkins) aka Tony Paris
Crash Crew aka Force of the 5 MC’s is a Hip Hop group from Harlem, New York. Members of the group are DJ Daryll C (RIP), G-Man, La Shubee, Barry B-Stro, EK Mike C and Reggie Reg from Lincoln Projects. They are all writers, producers, performers, singers,artist and entertainers. The group performed live shows in Harlem and The Bronx with dope rhymes, amazing routines and masterful cuts. They can be seen on flyers as far back as 1977 with some of the founding fathers and pioneers of Hip Hop. They were one of the first MC’s/Rappers to sing on records. The group was established in 1977 and produced their first single “High Powered Rap” on Mike and Dave records in 1980. One of the features of the record was G-Man singing. Which captured the attention of fans all around the world. G-Man lyrics:“You walking down the street with your box in your hand, and your playing the music of the poison Clan” The Poison Clan was security from the neighborhood, who got their name from a karate movie “The 5 Deadly Venoms”.The Crash Crew and the Poison Clan were marveling the artistic craft of karate movies long before the Wu-Tang Clan. Mike and Dave were one of the first Hip Hop Moguls, long before Russell Simmons and P-Diddy. They produced and managed many groups like Rob Base, The Boogie Boys and Biz Markie, just to name a few. Also in 1980, the group signed with SugarHill records and released “We wanna Rock”, “Breaking Bells and “On the Radio”.Breaking Bells was a sample used from Bob James record “Madi Gras” which LL Cool J used in his single “Rock the Bells”.Over the years many artist have duplicated or sampled the enormous contributions of the Crash Crew and many of theiraccomplishments have gone over looked. I met G-Man in 1984 …. and by that time he was a house hold name. Crash Crew is one of the Greatest Hip Hop groups in the Culture of Hip Hop. Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3) aka Tony Paris
Will Smith
Willard Carroll Smith aka Fresh Prince is an actor, rapper, writer, producer, director and a Legendary ICON.
He has won the Academy Award, British Academy film award and four Grammy’s. His movies has grossed
over 10 billion globally. Will became an actor on NBC sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-air”. Which was
loosely based on his life growing up in Philadelphia. Will grew up in West Philadelphia, which is one of the
toughest areas of Philadelphia. Will Smith attended Overbrook High School in West Philadelphia
along with other notable celebrities like Lady B, Wilt Chamberlain, Wali Jones and Lewis Lloyd.
Will Smith became a multi-millionaire in a leading role in the film industry with movies like Bad Boys, Men in Black,
Hitch, Muhammad Ali, Enemy of the State Suicide Squad and King Richard. He is considered one of the greatest
actors in his generation of all time. Will is the only rapper turn actor to become wealthy, successful and command
various roles with style and greatness.
Before Will Smith acting career, he was a successful Hip Hop artist. He performed with his long time partner
DJ Jazzy Jeff. Together they recorded five studio albums. Many of his singles hit the billboard charts. “Parents just
don’t understand”, “A Nightmare on my street”, “Summertime”, “Ring my Bell” and “Boom! Shake the room”
were all great hits. He also released a few solo albums like “Big Willie Style”, “Millennium”, “Born to Reign”
and “Lost and found”. Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith met at a house party and formed chemistry together from the start.
They incorporated Ready Rock C as their Human Beatbox, which made them a trio. Word Records out of Philadelphia
released their first single “Girls ain’t nothing but trouble” after a number of record labels turned them down. The song
became a hit and warranted the attention of Jive Records. Their first album was “Rock the House”, which was released
on Word records and re-released on Jive records in 1987. The group received their first grammy award in 1989 for
“Parents just don’t understand”. Their most successful single was “Summertime”, which depicted the life style in
Philadelphia during the summer months. The single won them their second grammy and peaked at number 4 on the
billboard charts. Will solo career began in 1997 with the release of “Men in Black”, which was the theme song for the
movie that he played the leading role. Will Smith is one of the most talented actor/rappers of all time.
Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3) aka Tony Paris
Jay-Z
Jay-Z aka Shawn Carter is a rapper, entrepreneur, writer, vocalist, producer, recording artist, actor, celebrity and entertainer. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY …. he grew up in Marcy Projects and attended George Westinghouse High School.As a youth in the neighborhood, he partnered with his mentor and friend Jaz-O, who was recording at Fresh Gordon studioin Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. I met Jay-Z for the first time at Fresh Gordon Studio in 1986. Some of his friends in the neighborhoodcalled him little Jaz or Jazzy, since he was always hangout with Jaz-O. Jay-Z recorded several songs withJaz-O and he was great at different styles of rapping. During this time, Jay-Z was a quiet, laid back young man who hadgreat potential in the music industry. Some of the songs he recorded at Fresh Gordon’s studio were “Hawaiian Sophie”and “The Originators” with Jaz-O, which featured videos on Ralph McDaniels, Video Music Box Show. In 1995, he released his debut album “Reasonable Doubt” that branded some of his greatest hits of all time.“Aint no N-word like the one I got” was one of Jay-Z’s classic hits with Jaz-O singing the hook of the song.He released the Blueprint in 2001, The black album in 2003, American Gangster in 2007 and 4:44 in 2017.Jay-z has recorded and released over 12 studio albums. He has collaborations with many great artist,including his wife Beyounce when they recorded an album together “Everything is Love”. In 2019, Jay-Z became the first Billionaire of Hip Hop. He responsible for the careers of Kanye West, Beanie Segal, Memphis Bleek and other well known artist. Jay-Z also collaborated with Hip Hop great Biggie, when thetwo released “I love the Dough” and “Brooklyn’s Finest”. He also made hits with Pharrell Williams like “Excuse me Miss”. Jay-Z has massed 4 number one hits, over 30 top ten hits and 105 top 100 songs on Billboard. He is the founder and chairman of Roc Nation and founder of Rocawear clothing line in 1999. In 2003,Jay-Z opened a chain of luxury sports bars named 40/40 club. One of the clubs is located in Atlantic City, NJ.In 2004 he became the president and chief executive officer of Def Jam recordings. He bought Aspiro tech companyand took over their media streaming service “Tidal”. Jay-z became a great business man as he bought cannibus productsand other investments to round out his portfolio. He is currently the wealthiest musical artist in the world with a net worth of 2.5 billion.Jay-Z has won 24 grammy awards and has sold over 240 million records worldwide. Jay-z holds the record for the most number onehit albums by a solo artist on Billboard 200. He is the recipient of the NAACP’s President award, Primetime Emmy award, Sports Emmy Award and nominated for a Tony Award. He was the first rapper honored on the songwriters hall of fame and the first solo living rapper to beinducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jay-Z is one of the Greatest Rappers of all time.
Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3)
JUST-ICE
Just-Ice aka Gangsta of Hip Hop aka Justice is a MC, rapper, song writer, producer and vocalist.
Around 1974, he was a DeeJay with Sound Masters and was heavily influenced by Kool Herc, Disco Mario and Bambaataa.
Just-Ice began MCing around 1978 when his friend Glen taught him how to rhyme. He used the name Kid TeeO during this time.
He is also one of the first righteous brothers to ever bless the microphone.
Through the Five Percent Nation, he studied the lessons of Gods and Earths.
In the 1980’s, he was a part time bouncer at Punk clubs….people feared him because he looked like Mike Tyson with a mean left hook.
Just-Ice was one of the first Gangster Rappers and the first known rapper to wear gold teeth. (He was way ahead of his time)
He grew up in The Bronx, New York (Castle Hill) around some of the Great Pioneers of Hip Hop.
Just-Ice first met KRS One and Scott La Rock at a homeless shelter where he use to live. Together they harness their rhyming skills.
In 1986, he released his first album “Back to the Old School”, which was released on Sleeping Bag records.
The album was produced by Kurtis Mantronix of the group Mantronix.
One of his first singles off the album was “Going way back” with KRS One, which told a story of Hip Hop.
Also on the album was “The Original Gangster of Hip Hop” with DMX doing the beatbox.
He is a hard-core rapper with dope rhymes, dope stories and a powerful stage performance.
Just-Ice joined a list of story tellers with his Gold single “LaToya”….with a beatbox sound track.
In 1987, he released “Kool and Deadly” which was produced by KRS One.
Also in 1987, I (Tony Tee) did a show with Just-Ice, KRS One, Audio Two, Skinny Boy, EPMD and Whistle.
When Just-Ice came on stage, he killed it with his energy, tough beats and hard delivery.
On the way home, Just-Ice started telling jokes on the bus all the way back to New York City.
He had everybody on the bus laughing and screaming so loud, the bus driver got nervous and crashed the bus.
With no serious damage made to the bus, we all got back to New York City safely.
Just-Ice third album was “The Desolute One”, which was released in 1989 and reached number 16 on the UK music charts.
He was also one of many artist on the “Self Destruction” hit single….geared toward stopping violence in urban communities.
In the 1990’s Just-Ice produced four more albums “Masterpiece”, “Gun Talk”, Kill the Rhythm” and VII.
Just-Ice is also a conscious brother, well versed in World History and Reggae culture.
With a huge amount of talent, Just-Ice continues to be an innovator while creating new material.
In 2000’s, Just-Ice released 3 digital albums “Gangster Boogie”, “32 Degrees” and “The Just-Ice and KRS One” EP Vol.1.
He was signed to Fresh records, Savage records, BMG records, Warlock records and Sleeping Bag records.
Since he’s one of the hardest working MC’s in the Hip Hop Culture, he’s currently working on his eleventh album.
Just-Ice is the Greatest HardCore Gangster MC of all time.
Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3) aka Tony Paris
Coke La rock is the FIRST MC of Hip Hop. Coke is a writer, a Hustler, a Fly Guy, producer and innovator.
Born and raised in The Bronx. Coke la Rock was known as a flashy dresser from the streets.
He knew all of the hustler’s, number runners and who threw the best parties in the early 1970’s.
He became an original member of Kool Herc and the Herculords (First Family of Hip Hop) in 1973.
Coke La Rock and Kool Herc first met while attending Alfred E. Smith High School in the Bronx.
While growing up with Kool Herc, Coke became the MC at the first Hip Hop Party at 1520 Sedgwick avenue.
Coke was great at hyping up a crowd, call & response, talking to the Ladies and reciting nursery rhymes.
Coke’s most famous rhyme is “Hotel, Motel, you don’t tell …. I won’t tell” which was copied in the record
“Rappers Delight” but Coke did not receive any royalties, copyrights or credit for his lyrics.
Coke would also yell out friends names that were in the house or building. He set the foundation for
Emcee’s that came after him like Mele Mel, Whipper Whip, Busy Bee, Dot A rock, Grand Master Caz and more….
Although he never made an album, Coke can be found emceeing on DJ Kay Slay “rolling 110 deep” mixtape.
In 2008, Coke made his first recording on a song called “Hello Merry Christmas Baby” which was released on Sedgwick
& Cedar records. In 2010, Coke was inducted into the High Times Counterculture Hall of Fame at the Cannibus Cup in Amsterdam.
Coke La Rock name was so inspiring, other artist in Hip Hop used similiar names like, T-La Rock and Scott La Rock.
As one of the first members of the Herculords, Coke and Herc were like the Buck and the Preacher of Hip Hop.
Kool Herc and Coke La Rock threw thousands of parties all over the Bronx and Manhattan. Together they laid the ground
work for what Hip Hop is today. Coke La Rock, the greatest and first emcee of the Hip Hop Culture.
Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3) aka Tony Paris
Coke La Rock
Schoolly D
Jesse Weaver, Jr. aka Schoolly D is a Rapper, producer and writer from Philadelphia, Pa.
Schoolly grew up in West Philadelphia and attended Overbrook High School.
Philadelphian’s consider Schoolly D one of the first gangster’s of Rap in the mid 1980’s, before NWA.
Schoolly D joined DJ Code Money and the two artist created great music out of Philadelphia.
Schoolly D produced tracks for several motion pictures including “King of New York”.
Film Director Abel Ferrara used a few of schoolly D’s tracks like, P.S.K., Saturday Night, Am I black enough for you?,
and How a black man feels. In Philadelphia, Schoolly D is a Legend. He is one of the early artist of Hip Hop in
the Philadelphia area. Jesse was also a great story teller. He produced eleven studio albums.
The album “Saturday Night” was recorded in INS Studios in New York and released in 1986.
The album charted on billboard and the UK top Indie album charts. The initial released of Saturday Night
was released on Schoolly D’s record label “Schoolly D’s records. Before signing with Jive records.
Jesse is also known for producing hard hip hop tracks to go along with his hard rap lyrics.
In the United Kingdom, the Saturday Night album was released on mute records and called “Rhythm King and charted
on UK Indie charts for 10 weeks peaking at number 4.
He also embraced an afrocentric culture style when KRS one was promoting black power.
On his single “Saturday Night”, Schoolly depicted a story of a woman in met at a bar and took back home the same night.
He referred to those nights as wild Saturday nights.
Lyrics: “wait momma wait its me your little son, before I knew it my Mom pulled a gun”.
The song glorified guns, hanging out and calling woman the B-word.
Ice T credits Schoolly D for inspiring him to write “6 in the morning” and gives Schoolly D credit for representing
gangster rap in it’s early years. One of Schoolly’s greatest hits was P.S.K. which means Park Side Killers.
School’ Lyrics: “S” for the way you scream and shout, one by one I’m knocking em out”.
Schoolly D is a Legend and Pioneer in the Philadelphia Hip Hop culture.
Written by Tony Tee (Ultimate 3) aka Tony Paris
(MC's) MOVE THE CROWD
Kirshnik Khari Ball aka Takeoff, was a Rapper, performer, writer, celebrity and entertainer.
He was born and raised in Lawrencville, Ga. He composed music while in the seventh grade.
He attended Berkmar High School in Lilburn, Georgia.
His younger brother is also a rapper by the name of “YRN Lingo”. His mother is a hair dresser
and has helped Takeoff with his signature dreads. Takeoff is a member of the rap group
“MIGOS” along with his uncle Quavo and first cousin Offset. He began rapping in 2008, by
2011 Takeoff and Migos released their first full-length project. A mixtape called “Juug Season”
and in 2012 they released a mixtape titled “No Label”.
Migo’s recorded “Versace” which peaked at Number 99 on Billboard.
The song was also remixed
by Drake and reached number 31 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs Chart.
Migo’s debut album “Young Rich Nation” was released in 2015
and featured Chris Brown and Young Thug.
The album peaked at number 17 on the Billboard top 200 charts.
Takeoff and Migo’s achieved their first number one single in 2016 with “Bad Boujee” featuring “Lil Uzi Vert”
and peaked on Billboard top 100. The single became certified four times platinum.
Migo’s studio album, “Culture” was released in 2017 and debuting at number one on Billboard charts.
The album sold 44k in a week and the album reached platinum certification in 2017.
Their follow up album “Culture II” was released in 2018 and debut at number one on billboard charts.
They sold 38K copies in the first week of it’s release.
On November 1, 2022, Takeoff was shot and killed while playing dice alongside Quavo at a bowling alley in
Houston, Texas. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Quavo was not injured.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Takeoff
Young Dolph
Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., aka Young Dolph was a
Rapper, writer, producer, performer,
artist and entrepreneur.
Dolph was born in Chicago before moving to
Memphis and attended Hamilton High School.
He has two brothers, two sisters and a cousin….rapper Juice Wrld.
In 2016, he released his debut studio album “King of Memphis”,
which peaked at 49 on the Billboard charts.
He was featured on O.T. Genasis hit single “Cut It”,
which peaked at number 35 on the Billboard charts.
In 2020, Dolph released his seventh album “Rich Slave”
and became his highest charting debut at number four.
Paper Route Campaign was Dolph first mixtape release in 2008.
By 2010 he started his own record label titled
“Paper Route Empire”. He released “Welcome to Dolph world“ that same year.
He also released High class street music, A time to kill, Blue Magic, East Atlanta Memphis,
Trappin out a Mansion and American Gangster.
Young Dolph has collaborated with artist like Gucci Mane, Young Scooter, T.I., Slim Thug, JadaKiss and Rick Ross.
In 2017, he collaborated and signed his cousin “Key Glock” to his independent record label. By 2019, they released
“Dum and Dummer” album that peaked at number eight on the billboard charts. Young Dolph was one of the most
talented artist of his generation. He had a conscious mind for business and self employment. Young Dolph once
turned down a $22 Million deal, so he can maintain control and freedom of his talent. Young Dolph help put
Memphis on the map in respect to rapping. He is well known in respected in the music industry.
In 2021, Young Dolph was fatally shot while picking up cookies to deliver to his mother.
On the corner of Dunn avenue and airways boulevard in Memphis, the street was renamed after Young Dolph.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
DJ
Hollywood
DJ Hollywood aka Anthony Holloway is a MC, DJ, Artist, writer, singer and producer.
He was born and raised in Harlem, New York. Where he admired the Hustlers and the Pimps that ran the streets.
At an early age, he made money running errands for some of the neighborhood hustlers.
After leaving home he became a dancer, he was good at the “Bus Stop” and “Hustle”. (Line dancing)
He was nicknamed Hollywood because of his dramatics while dancing. He began admiring DJ W.T. and
the way he talked over records. Hollywood started playing records at after hour spots where the hustlers hung out.
He started imitating DJ W.T. by saying little things during the break of some records. Like “Say, yeah”.
Isaac Hayes single “Good Love” was a heavy influence for Hollywood. He would imitate Isaac Hayes on occasions.
The women loved the way Hollywood could sing lyrics from an artist on a different track.
In the early 1970’s Hollywood was selling mixtapes on 8 tracks, of his singing and DJ sets.
Hollywood was a mixtape King before there was a mixtape. He was Drake and T-Pain before Drake and T-Pain.
In 1975, Hollywood was part of a revolution of music, He entertained well dressed adults with suits and dresses.
While Kool Herc, Bambaataa and Grand Master Flash were entertaining the young hard core crowds in sneakers and jeans.
DJ Hollywood was making $500 a night at clubs while most DJ’s only collected $100 per night.
He was one of the first DJ/MC’s in the early stages of Hip Hop….and he help influence other DJ/MC’s.
Eddie Cheba and Lovebug Starski were also DJ/MC’s during the early years. DJ Hollywood was frequently
seen in Disco clubs in lower manhattan with an adult crowd of party goers. He would team up with Lovebug
Starski and Casanova Fly aka GrandMaster Caz at various clubs and they would MC, Rap and sing over
Disco tracks. DJ Hollywood was great at interacting with the crowd with call and response. He had a radio
style voice and his rhymes would flow over well known tracks. DJ Hollywood grew up listening to early influencers
of rhyming like Oscar Brown, Pigmeat Markham, The Last Poets, The Watts Poets and Dolemite.
DJ Hollywood would sometimes recite nursery rhymes during his routine and many other MC’s imitated his style.
DJ Hollywood was the first DJ/MC to perform at the Apollo. As a fan of Frankie Crocker (A radio DJ on WBLS),
he would listen to Frankie and the way he rode the track while playing music. DJ Hollywood began
rhyming for longer periods of time to “Love is the Message” by MFSB. Prior to this, he was resiting short rhymes
consisting of two to four bars. In 1980, DJ Hollywood released his first single “Shock, Shock the House” on CBS records.
For a long time, DJ Hollywood was one of the best DJ’s in New York. Every club in the City was trying to book DJ Hollywood.
Lines of people would circle the block just to get in the clubs DJ Hollywood was playing.
Currently, DJ Hollywood is still performing DJing and MCing at clubs, Jams, block parties and other events.
DJ Hollywood is One of the Best DJ/MC’s of all time.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
SISCO KID
Sisco Kid aka Richard Sisco was a MC/Rapper, Musician, Grafitti Artist, Actor, Writer, Flyer Creator and Entertainer.
He was born and raised in The South Bronx, New York.
While attending Laguardia High School for music and arts, he began playing the Saxophone.
Sisco was the first MC to wear the Zorro hats (Sombrero) on stage.
If you see some of the old pictures of Hip Hop, you’ll find DJ Kool Herc and DJ Tony Tone wearing the same hats.
Sisco Kid began as a Graffiti Artist, before creating flyers for Kool Herc and other Promoters.
He started as a Dee Jay with the Super Sonic 4 MC’s and then he became an MC..
As one of the rare Solo Artist, Sisco Kid would MC for many local Dee Jay’s, like Charlie Chase before he joined the ColdCrush.
For a few years he was part of the Herculords with DJ Kool Herc, High Power MC’s and DJ Whiz Kid.
Sisco Kid would appear at every party in the Bronx. The T-Connection, Disco Fever, Stardust Ballroom and many more….
In 1984, he was featured in the movie “Beat Street” with DJ Wanda D as a solo MC rocking the microphone.
He also, worked along side of Harry Belafonte as a Musical Consultant on the film beat Street.
In 1985, he was a board artist for the motion picture “Krush Groove”, featuring Run DMC and Kurtis Blow.
During the 1990’s, Sisco Kid performed as a Jazz Saxaphonist. He began playing at local clubs throughout the city with some of his High School friends from Laguardia. He recorded “Surviving with the time” with long time friend Victor Valente. The recording was recognized as a Hip Hop Classic in 2007.
When it came to fashion, style, MCing, Flyers and graffiti….Sisco Kid was an early influence in the Hip Hop Culture. In 2010, Sisco Kid passed away and the Hip Hop Culture lost one of the Pioneers of Hip Hop.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
RAKIM HASHEEM ALLEN aka PnB Rock was born and raised as a Muslim in Germantown/Philadelphia, pa., with four brothers and sisters.
His father was involved in street life and passed away at an early age from gun violence. His Mom moved to Northeast Philadelphia, after his
uncle also became a victim of gun violence. PnB grew up in a rough neighborhood, where he witnessed a lot of crime and illegal activity.
At age 13, PnB was detained for fighting in school and stealing. During this time, he was a very popular student and was high academically favored.
By the time he was 19, PnB was sentenced to 33 months in prison for drug possession and other crimes. PnB began writing songs in
prison and vowed to turn his life around once he was released. After his release, PnB was homeless for a short period, but slowly got back on his feet.
PnB was a fan of artist like 2Pac, Biggie and R&B group Jodeci. In early 2014, PnB Rock collaborated with one of his neighborhood friends and
they came up with a track named “Weekend Baby”. which was based on the poetry and the song lyrics he wrote when he was in prison.
Also In 2014, he released his first mixtape “Real N*&^% Bangaz”, which had some success. In 2015, he released a mixtape titled “RnB 3” after
signing with Atlanta Records. In 2016, he released his first hit single “Selfish” which peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Top 100
Charts. He was also featured on the hit song “Cross Me” with Chance the Rapper. PnB released two studio albums,
in 2017 he dropped “Catch these Vibes”, the album peaked on Billboard top 200 at number 28 and sold over 1 million copies in a week.
In 2019, he released “Trapstar turnt Popstar”. He was honored by Rolling Stone magazine as ten new artist you need to know list.
His name PnB was adapted from the street he group up on, Pastorius and Baynton. Which is a street corner in Germantown/Philadelphia, pa.
He contributed to the sound track of “The Fate of the Furious” with two singles. “Gang Up” with Young Thug, 2 Chainz and Wiz Khalifa and “Horses” with Kodak Black and A Boogie wit da hoodie. In 2020, PnB released the track “Ordinary” featuring late artist Pop Smoke. In 2021, PnB was featured on the song “Rose Gold” with late rapper King Von. In February 2022, PnB released another mixtape “Soundcolud Daze” with pasta Flocco and Fazo. He independently released “Luv Me again” in September, which was his last single released during his career.
In September 2022, PnB passed away from gun violence, during a robbery in California.
PnB was a promising young artist who leaves behind two daughters, his Mom and siblings.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
PnB ROCK
Lisa Nicole Lopes aka Left Eye was a Rapper, writer, Producer, Singer, Actor, designer, dancer and a member of the R&B group TLC.
Members of the group included Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chillin” Thomas and Lisa Nicole Lopes “Left Eye”.
Left Eye was born in Philadelphia, Pa, she attended the Philadelphia High School for Girls.
Her father was an Army Staff Sergeant and a musician….he played the harmonica, Clarinet, Piano and Saxophone.
She began playing with a keyboard at age 5 and later composed her own songs.
By the age of ten, she formed the musical trio “The Lopes Kids” with her younger brother and sister.
Her group sung gospel songs at church on Sunday’s.
When Left Eye moved to Atlanta, she auditioned for a R&B group. At the time, the group was not established, Pebbles (Manager) was just looking for talent.
The original members of the group were Lisa “Left eye” Lopez, Tionne “T-boz” Watkins and Crystal Jones.
The name TLC came from each initial of the girls first names. When things did not work out with Crystal, Chilli replaced her.
Lisa got the name Left Eye from Michael Bivins, when he said he was attracted to her left eye.
In 1992, their first album “On the TLC Tip” released four top ten singles….that sold 6 million copies worldwide.
During this time, Left Eye began dating football wide receiver, Andre Rison of the Atlanta Falcons….and they had a rocky relationship.
Not only did she sing backup vocals, Left Eye wrote and performed all of the rap vocals for each of the groups singles.
She received co-writing credits, designed the outfits for the group and contributed to the image, album titles, artwork and music videos.
Before becoming a solo artist, left eye won four Grammy awards with TLC.
In 1994 she collaborated with Keith Sweat “How do you like it” after releasing “Crazy, Sexy, Cool” that sold over 23 millions copies.
In 1995, Left eye recorded a verse on “freedom” for the soundtrack of “Black Panther”, a documentary drama about the Black Panthers.
Other artist on the single were Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Patra, Yo-Yo, Salt and Pepa.
In 1997, she recorded a remix of “Not Tonight” with Lil Kim, Missy Elliott, Angie Martinez and Da Brat.
In 1999, TLC released “FanMail” as Left eye was not heard on some of the singles. She was only allowed to rap on certain singles
and gradually left out of the creativity part of the group. The group began feuding publicly in magazines and media ads.
Left Eye was unhappy with her role in the group. So, she challenged T-Boz and Chillin to produce a 3 CD album, they declined.
In 1998, Left Eye hosted a MTV series “The Cut” where Pop stars, rappers and rock bands competed against each other in front of judges.
As a Solo artist, Left Eye scored two top ten singles with “Not Tonight” and “You Know What’s up”.
In the UK, she produced a number one single with “Never be the same again” and later collaborated with Melanie C of the British group
“Spice Girls”. She also produced a girl group “Blaque”, who had a platinum album and two top ten hits.
She rapped on “Space Cowboy” with NSYNC on their album, “No Strings Attached”.
She also worked with Toni Braxton, Tyrese, Mick Lachey and Lee ann Womack.
Left Eye produced an unreleased duet with Tupac, which was cancelled by Arista Records.
In January 2002, She signed with Suge Knight and Death Row Records and intended to release her second album N.I.N.A.
Left Eye passed away in April of 2002, when her car swerved from hitting another vehicle, while working in Honduras.
She was an ICON and a legend in the Music industry and will always be remembered as one of the best female rappers ever.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
LISA NICOLE
aka
LEFT EYE
Roxanne Shante
Lolita Shanté Gooden aka Roxanne Shante, is a rapper, writer, mentor, producer from Queensbridge Projects in Queens, New York.
She began rapping in the projects for money as a battle rapper against local rappers in the area.
After meeting Marley Marl, Tyrone Williams and Mr. Magic, she became a member of the Juice Crew.
In 1984, UTFO released Roxanne, Roxanne….which was a record about a woman name Roxanne that would not date a member of their group.
Roxanne Roxanne became an instant hit, but was originally the B side of Hanging Out, which was thought to be a hit.
After hearing the song on the radio, Shante’ can see an opportunity to become popular.
The single was number 42 on VH1’s 100 greatest songs of Hip Hop.
During this time, Shante’ pretends to be Roxanne, while her and Marley Marl release Roxannes revenge. This is the beginning of Roxanne Wars.
Her single also became a hit and she made it seem like she was battling the group UTFO.
Other rappers began making other answer records like “The real Roxanne” by Adelaida Martinez.
In 1985, Shante’ released a record with Sparky Dee, after Sparky Dee released a record dissing Shante’ for disrespecting UTFO.
Spin records released “Roxanne Shante’ vs Sparky Dee”, where the two female rappers dis each other in a freestyle rap.
Shante’ also battled and lost to Busy Bee Starski for the best freestyle rapper.
In 1986, KRS One released “The Bridge is over”, which was a diss to MC Shan’s hit “The Bridge”.
During this time The Juice Crew was in a Rap War with the Boogie Down Production Crew.
For a few years, there was an ongoing battle between the two Crews on the Radio.
Shante’ was the only female rapper in the Juice Crew and attracted attention as a female rapper.
She was signed to ColdChillin Records and distributed by Reprise/Warner Brothers Records.
Hits like “Go on Girl” and “Have a nice day” solidified the rapper as a dope female rapper.
Her singles became platinum and gold standards.
Shante’ released Bad Sister in 1989, The bitch is back in 1992 and her greatest hits in 1995.
In 2000’s, Shante’ became a mentor for your females and a spokes person for Diabetes.
She was awarded the “Incredible woman award from the National Black Council women’s group.
Shante’ also appeared in Beef I and Beef II CD’s and my mic sounds nice (The truth behind female rappers).
She serves on numerous boards like, Hip Hop association, Hip Hop Hall of Fame, Breast Cancer Society and Who I am program.
Shante also released her self proclaimed documentary “Roxanne, Roxanne” on Netflix.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
(MC's) MOVE THE CROWD
TRUGOY aka David Jude Jolicoeur aka Plug 2, aka Trugoy the Dove.
Dave was a Rapper, producer, lyricist, writer and artist.
He was an ICON in the well known group De La Soul.
He was also a member of the Native Tongues posse, which included A Tribe Called Quest, Black Sheep, Queen Latifah
and the Jungle Brothers. He won a Grammy Award in 2006 for Best collaboration with vocals.
Trudgoy co-wrote the Gorrillaz song “Feel Good, Inc., which features Trugoy and De La Soul.
Trugoy attended Amityville Memorial High School in Amityville, Long Island. He was born in Brooklyn by
Haitian-American parents and later moved to East Massapequa, Long Island in his teen years.
Trugoy met the other members of his group in High School. Members include; Trugoy, Maseo and Posdnous.
Prince Paul became their producer after each of them explored solo careers. Once they united, they became
one of the most influential groups in Hip Hop history. In 1989 De la Soul released their debut album “3 feet high and rising”.
Trugoy collaborated with A Tribe called quest, Monie Love, Queen Latifah and the Jungle Brothers to produce “Buddy”.
Trugoy Lyrics; “Hello, it’s the Soul….Troopin’ in wit the Jungle patrol and this one’s about the
KO’s the knockouts who’s holding my buddy”. Hold up, wait a minute….
In 1993, De La Soul released their third album “Buhloone Mindstate” they collaborated with several artist for the album.
Like, Biz Markie, Gang Starr, Shortie no was, Kan Takagi and Maceo parker playing saxophone.
De La Soul first single “Me, Myself and I” became a huge hit. Their album introduced the concept of the daisy age, which stand for
“Da, Inner, Sound, Y’all”. They were recognized as hippies of hip hop. Trugoy’s name comes from the word yogurt spelled
backwards. He chose the yogurt name because he likes eating yogurt….and Posdnuos is Sound Sop spelled backwards.
De La Soul’s second album was released in 1991 and viewed as the top 100 albums in Hip Hop of all time. The album was much
more mature and featured a wealth of material that criticized the violence in Hip Hop. De La Soul released two more albums and
collaborated with Moe Def, Zhang, Common, Snoop Dogg, MF Doom, Ghostface Killah and Flavor Flav. De La Soul collaborated with
Nike to produce two versions of the Nike Dunk sneaker for their skateboard division.
They were nominated for best album at the 59th Grammy Awards. They won a grammy for their collaboration with gorillaz on
the hit single “Feel Good, Inc.” for best pop vocal collaboration. In 2023, Trugoy was expected to be present at the grammy’s but was unable to
attend due to health issues. A few days later he passed away. Hip Hop has lost one of its great talents and will be forever missed.
Trugoy was one of the most eccentric, soulful rappers in Hip Hop history. His lyrics and flow will always be remembered
in the Hip Hop Culture.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
TRUGOY
Rodney C! aka Rodney Stone is a MC, Rapper, Writer,
Producer, Promoter and Entrepreneur from The Bronx.
Rodney Stone was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in The Bronx.
In 1979, Rodney C! joined the Funky Four plus one more,
replacing Raheim who joined GM Flash and The Furious Five.
This was one of the first hip hop groups that contained a female emcee, Sha Rock.
Funky Four Plus one More was a very influential group. The group included two Dj’s DJ Breakout and DJ Baron.
Their single “Rappin and Rockin the House” clocks in at over fifteen minutes and is one of the longest hip hop songs ever.
“That’s the Joint” is considered their quintessential song.
They were the first hip hop group to make a national television appearance on Saturday Night Live in 1981.
Their other releases include “Do You Want To Rock”, “King Heroin”, “Square Biz”, “Feel It”, and “Superstars”.
By 1983 the group had split up. KK Rockwell and Rodney Cee formed Double Trouble.
Sha Rock joined two other female rappers in Us Girls (the group performing in the house party in the movie Beat Street),
and Jazzy Jeff went on to record as a solo act with Jive.
Rodney C! and KK Rockwell are featured several times in the film Wild Style.
Both appear at the amphitheater show. Rodney Cee battles Busy Bee near the beginning of the movie.
KK Rockwell also lends a hand to some of the DJ tracks. They released a 12 inch single on Capitol records as well as a
handful of tracks for Enjoy, none of which captured the energy they had in Wild Style or with the Funky 4+1.
They later recorded under the name of “The Deuce” and had a minor hit using same lyrics from the stoop scene in Wild Style.
In the early 2000’s one of their more famous routines was used by the group Black Star. The majority of “Stoop Rap” from
Wild Style was sampled by Fat Boy Slim aka Norman Cook for his Beats International project on their record “Dub Be Good To Me”
(Go beat 1990) which was a cover of the S.O.S. Band’s “Just Be Good To Me”. It was a massive hit in Europe.
Rodney C continues to perform as a solo artist and he’s the director of his own company “Ground Breakers Entertainment”.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Rodney C
Ms. Melodie aka Ramona Parker was a MC, Rapper, Artist, Writer and Entrepreneur.
Melodie was raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn NY. She had an older sister Harmony, who was also a member of BDP.
She was a huge part of the group Boogie Down Productions and married to KRS1 for 5 years.
Ms. Melodie could spit raw rhymes and had a strong female presents amongst Hip Hop males.
She is one of the few female artist in the 1980’s who stood out in their perspective groups.
Melodie had a unique style of dress and garments. She dressed like a Queen and stood out like Royalty.
Her conscious rap style and fashion has been duplicated by many other female artist in the industry.
In 1988 she released her first single “Hype according to Ms. Melodie”.
She was one of many artist that performed on the “Self Destruction” single with KRS1, Chuck D, MC Lyte and many more.
Ms. Melodie Lyric;
“I’m Ms. Melodie and I’m a born again rebel
The Violence in rap must cease and settle”.
Boogie Down Productions and Ms. Melodie appeared in Keenen Ivory Wayans film “I’m gonna get you Sucker”.
Her first and only album “DIVA” was released by Jive/RCA Records and produced by KRS1, Sam Sever and the Awesome two.
Her single “Wake up, Wake up” reached the top 20 Hot Rap singles chart. “Live on Stage” was a hit on many video stations
and proved she was a Diva in Hip Hop. She also appeared in Queen Latifah’s video “Ladies First”.
Ms. Melodie is one of the first conscious female rappers to pave the way for future artist.
She passed away in 2012 and she had two sons.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Ms. Melodie
Queen Latifah
Dana Elaine Owens aka Queen Latifah, is a rapper, actress, Movie producer, talk show host and singer.
The Queen was born in Newark, NJ and graduated from Irvington High school before attending Manhattan Community College.
I (Tony Tee) also attended Manhattan Community College at the same time. Dana played for the women basketball team,
while I was playing for the men basketball team. At 5’10” she was a power forward for the Panthers and a fierce competitor.
She supported all sports for both men and women and she was very active in social clubs and school activities.
Our favorite hang out in College was the cafeteria, where most of the student/athlete’s congregated.
She was a promising young talent as a Student/Athlete and very popular amongst her friends.
In the mid 1980’s, Latifah frequently hung out in the studio with the Flavor Unit. She dropped bars on a few tracks
and became good friends with Naughty by Nature, who is also from the North Jersey area. In 1989,
The Queen signed to Tommy Boy records and released her debut album “All Hail the Queen”, which featured the
hit “Ladies First” with Monie Love. The single became the first collaborative track by two female rappers not in a group.
The Queen also set trends in rap and fashion. She dressed in African garments to represent her heritage and other artist
began wearing similar clothing. In 1991, she released her second and final album on Tommy Boy “Nature of a Sista”. In 1993,
Latifah released her third album “Black Reign”. The album quickly became the first female solo album to receive a RIAA certification.
The single U.N.I.T.Y. influenced awareness of violence against women and the objectification of Black female sexuality.
The single won a Grammy and reached number 23 on the Billboard Top 100. She is one of the rare female artist who can
drop bars and compete with the male rappers.
The Queen, began performing at an early age; She performed the number “Home” from the musical “The Wiz”
in a grammar school play. Her film career started in a supporting role in 1991 in the films House Party 2, Juice and Jungle Fever.
Latifah starred as Khadijah James on the hit sitcom “Living Single” from 1993 to 1998.
She also starred in the lead role of “Set it Off” in 1996 and released her fourth album,
“Order in the Court” in 1998 on Motown records. Latifah played a great role of Matron "Mama" Morton in the musical film
Chicago in 2002 and received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
In 2004, Latifah released her fifth album “The Dana Owens Album”. In 2007 and 2009, she released two more studio albums
“traveling Light” and “Persona”. In 1999, She created the daytime talk show “The Queen Latifah Show.
The Queen’s acting career really blossomed when she began making more and more films. She has appeared in a number of movies,
Like Bringing down the house, Taxi, Barbershop two, Beauty Shop, Last Holiday, Hairspray, Joyful Noise, 22 Jump street, Girls Trip
and did some voice work for the animated movie “Ice Age”. The Queen won the Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding television
movie that she co-produced on HBO “Bessie”. Latifah currently has the lead role in “The Equalizer” on CBS.
Dana has earned a Grammy Award, Emmy Award, Golden Glove award, three Screen actors guild awards, two NAACP image awards,
and an Academy Award nomination during a fabulous career. She is also the first rap artist to have a star on the Hollywood walk of Fame.
Queen Latifah is an ICON, who paved the way for many female rappers and she is one of the greatest female artist of all time.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Red Vegus aka Brandyn Moore is a rapper, artist and writer. He’s the youngest/hottest artist from Las Vegas.
Brandyn is one of the top students in his class and currently going to the 7th grade. He released his first
album at 12 years old “St.Rose, the truth”. The name of his album comes from the hospital he was born in.
He says; “The album is almost like therapy for him”. After going through a custody battle in court with his parents.
Vegus was torn between the people he loved the most. He learned the art of rapping and music from his father,
who was also an artist, producer and musician. Remarkably at a young age, Vegus understands the culture of hip hop.
Brandyn was Born and raised in Las Vegas, he’s surrounded by a city that is a melting pot for different sounds and styles.
He has a gift for blending sounds and styles from the pioneers to create his own. He’s a west coast rapper with an east
coast vibe. His first singles were “Life as a shortee” and “Lean with me” which can be found on youtube and other streaming
platforms. His album was produced by his father (Brian Moore) of the Moore Foundation. Red Vegus lyrics is focused on
growing up in Vegas, his struggles with family and school and the sacrifices he made for success. He is a young man of faith
and his lyrics express what it’s like being 12 years old in today’s society. He can be found on social media platforms expressing
himself through lyrics and images. Just a kid at heart and still growing, Vegus is a man in a young boys body. His single “Strong”
focus on the strength he need to overcome his family struggles. Tupac, KRS One, his Dad, Tribe called Quest and T.I. were early
hip hop influencers for Vegus. With all the incredible work that Vegus is doing, he still has time to be a kid. During his spare time,
he likes to play video games, read, play Chess and hang out with his friends. He is also a member of the school basketball team
and currently the best outside shooter on the team. One of Brandyn’s long term dreams, is to one day own a NBA Team.
He drops heartfelt lyrics that appeal to listeners young and older. Red Vegus is a versatile rapper and has the talent to even produce
a gospel rap song. “God’s Grace”, is a hip hop/gospel song which is perfect for Gospel Radio. Vegus was taught by his parents at an early
age to believe in yourself. This philosophy inspired him to produce “Unstoppable” which describes why it is so important to believe in yourself.
Vegus prays every day for good health, good music, good family vibes and success. His thoughts and prayers are wise beyond his years.
His talent and gift from God is expressed through music and lyrics that are comparable to life struggles. Red is also a performer, on stage
he comes alive with energy and expressions from the soul. He believes that one day he will have a residency in Las Vegas, where he is
well known and highly respected. Red Vegus would like focus on his followers, Brand, build a solid fanbase and learn more about the music
Business. There is a bright future for Red Vegus and he will be filling up the music charts for years to come.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
RED VEGUS
Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar
aka
Cardi B
Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar aka Cardi B, is a rapper, singer, producer and songwriter. Cardi was born in Washington Heights, Manhattan and raised in The South Bronx. She got her nickname from the drink Bacardi, she shortened it and just called herself Cardi.
Her younger sister’s name is Henny, derived from the liquor name of Hennessy. Cardi B is spiritually religious and highly cultural of Latino and Caribbean decent. She graduated from Renaissance High School for Musical Theatre and Technology. Cardi worked at a local Deli before becoming a professional dancer at a club across the street from the Deli. During this time, Cardi was attending Manhattan Community College in New York City.
In 2013, Cardi began gaining publicity from several videos of herself on Social Media Platforms. Within three to five years, Cardi became an internet celebrity in the Social Media world. Cardi began rapping and free styling after listening and admiring artist like Lil Kim, Queen Latifah,
Missy Elliott and Beyounce. She financed her own demos and mixtapes by paying for her own studio time. Cardi displayed her aggressive, flirting rap style on her social platforms and gained an audience.
Cardi released two mixtapes in 2016 and 2017 “Gangsta Bitch Music Vol.1 and Vol.2” She was a cast member on the reality television series “Love & Hip Hop: New York”. In 2017, She signed with Atlantic Records and by 2018, she recorded her debut album “Invasion of Privacy”. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 Charts and certified triple platinum. Cardi B is the only woman to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album as a solo artist, and marked the first female rap album after fifteen years to be nominated for Album of the year. The album produced two number one singles and Cardi became the first female rapper to achieve Diamond Certified.She is the second female to top the female rappers top 100 with a solo output, Lauren Hill was the first. ”I Like It” marked the first time a female rapper attained multiple number-one songs on the charts.
She released two singles from her second album “WAP’ with Megan Stallion and “UP”, making Cardi the female rapper with the most number one hits on the Billboard charts. Cardi also has the most Diamond certified songs, a billion streams on spotify and the most awards by a female since Lauren Hill.
Cardi has a Grammy Award, 8 Billboard Music Awards, 6 Guinness World Records, 6 American Music Awards, 14 BET Hip Hop Awards and ASCAP songwriter of the year awards. Time magazine included Cardi as the most influential person in the world and Billboard honored her as Woman of the year. Her single “Bodak Yellow” was certified diamond and nominated for best rap performance and best rap song at the Grammy awards.
Cardi B also won single of the year at the 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards. Cardi has partnered with Pepsi, Reebok, Playboy and others to do commercials and other marketing campaigns. She is also a fashion phenom, Cardi wears designer clothes, bags and shoes from Micheal Koors to Jimmy Choo. Vogue, The Telegraph, Time and Vibe have referred to Cardi as a fashion ICON and rolling stone named her the second most stylish woman in music, behind Lady Gaga. Cardi B has become her own Brand and the biggest artist in music.
Cardi B is married to Offset from the rap group Migos. They have two beautiful children together and they live in a Mansion which was purchased by Cardi a few years ago. She enjoys spending time there with close friends and family.Outside of music, she became the creative director of entertainment magazine Playboy in 2022. Cardi B is now one of the Biggest female rappers, fashion Guru and Entrepreneur that the world has ever seen.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
LAMONT
aka BIG L
Lamont Coleman aka Big L, was a rapper, writer, lyricist and producer. He was born and raised in Harlem, New York. He began free styling at the age of 12.
By 1990, he found the group “Three the Hard Way” …. members were Doc Reem, Rodney and Big L. The group disbanded shortly after and the two remaining members became Two Hard MF’s. Big L graduated from Julia Richmond High School in 1992 …. there he would freestyle and battle other rappers in the hallways, classrooms and most of the time on the streets of New York.
In 1990, Big L met his friend Lord Finesse and they quickly began collaborating together. In 1992, Big L appeared on “Yes you May(remix)” which is the B-Side of “Party over Here” with Lord Finesse. He also drop a few bars on “Represent” album with “Showbiz & A.G.’s Runaway Slave. During this time, He won a freestyle battle held by Nubian Productions and then signed a deal with Columbia records. Big L joined Lord Finesse “Diggin in the Crates Crew” with Lord Finesse, Diamond D, O.C., FatJoe, BuckWild, Showbiz and A.G. In 1993, he found the rap group “Children of the Corn” with Killa Cam, Murder Mase, Bloodshed and McGruff.
He appeared on YoMTV Raps with Lord Finesse to help promote Finesse’s Studio Album “Return of the Funky Man”. Big L released “Devil’s Son” which is his first HorrorCore single, that influenced others. In 1994, Big L released his second promotional single “Clinic” In 1995, he released his debut album “Lifestylez of the Poor & Dangerous”. The video for the single "No Endz, No Skinz" debuted, which was directed by Brian Luvar. The album debuted number 149 on Billboards top 200 and 22 on R&B and Hip Hop Albums. Three singles were released from the album; the first two, "Put It On" and ”MVP”, reached the top 25 of Billboard chart.
In 1996, Big L left Columbia because creative indifferences. In 1997, Big L began working on his second album “The Big Picture”
He was also the opening act on O.C.’s European Jewelz Tour.
He released the single "Ebonics" in the same year. The Source called it one of the top five independent singles of the year. After the release of “Ebonics”, he caught the eye of Damon Dash, the CEO of Roc-A-Fella Records, after the release of "Ebonics". Dash wanted to sign Lamont to Roc-A-Fella, but Coleman wanted his crew to sign On February 8, 1999, Coleman, Herb McGruff, C-Town, and Jay-Z started the process to sign with Roc-A-Fella as a group called "The Wolfpack".
In 1998, Big L started his own Independent Label “Flamboyant Entertainment”. DITC released their first single, "Dignified Soldiers", that year. He planned to distribute the kind of hip-hop that sold without top 40 samples or R&B hooks. In 1999, Big L passed away from Gun shot founds. He is remembered as one the Underground Hip Hop gangster Rappers.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Pitbull aka Armando Christian Pérez is a rapper, writer, Businessman, Manager,
producer and singer. He was born and raised in Miami, Florida and attended
South Miami and Coral Park High School.
Pérez began his career in the early 2000s, recording Reggeton, Latin Hip Hop and Crunk music under a multitude of labels. In 2004, he released his debut album M.I.A.M.I under TVT records and the executive production of Lil Jon. “Culo” was his number one hit that top the billboard charts at number 11 in the hot 100. Pitbull later released his second album, El Mariel, in 2006 and his third, The Boatlift, in 2007. His fourth album, Rebelution (2009), included his breakthrough hit single “I know you want me (Calle Ocho)", which peaked at number two on the US Billboard top 100 and number four in the UK.
Pitbull became a Pop artist and one of Miami’s biggest Celebrities, who’s won 35 Latin Billboard awards.
Pitbull has sold over 25 million studio albums and over 100 million singles worldwide. He has over 15 billion views on youtube. He was ranked by Billboard as the 45th Top Artist of the 2010s and the 24th Top Latin Artist of the 2010s. Pitbull's other ventures include brand ambassadorship for various entities, activism and philanthropy in the Latino American community, a radio Station on Sirius and ownership of the TrackHouse racing NASCAR team.
In 2001, Pitbull was signed to Luther Campbell’s Luke Records and was introduced to Robert Fernandez who helped Pitbull with a more radio-friendly sound. In 2005, Pitbull and P-Diddy founded bad Boy latino, which focuses on latino Hip Hop.
In April 2011, Jennifer Lopez released Love, which featured Pitbull on two singles. “Fresh out the Oven" and “On the Floor”. The single made its billboard hot 100 debut at number nine, becoming the highest debuting Hot 100 single of Lopez's career. The same year Pitbull released Planet Pit and collaborated with T-Pain on its first single “Hey baby (Drop i two the floor)”.….and “Give me everything” which featured Ne-Yo …. the single was listed number 5 on the billboard charts. Pitbull has collaborated with 100’s of artist all over the world and is sometimes referred to as Mr. Worldwide.From 2012 to present, Pitbull has released some of his greatest hits and collaborations with the industries top artist. In 2014 he performed at he FIFA World Cup opening Ceremony with Jennifer Lopez.
Pitbull was so Determined to help the Latino community in his hometown, he has been closing the poverty gap through educational initiatives. He helped start a Tuition-Free Public charter for middle and high school called Sports Leadership and Management (SLAM!). SLAM! now operates nationwide, including in Miami, Las Vegas and Atlanta, with a 96 percent graduation rate. In response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria, Pitbull announced he will use his private plane to bring cancer patients from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States for treatment. In 2020, Pitbull released a single titled "I Believe That We Will Win (World Anthem)" The song inspires those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak to "face everything and rise". Pitbull is forever an ICON in the Latino and Hip Hop Community.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Pitbull aka
Armando Christian Pérez
B-Real
aka
Louis Mario Freese
B-Real aka Louis Mario Freese is a writer, artist, producer, rapper and a member of the group Cypress Hill. Members of the group are B-Real, Sen Dog and Mellow Man Ace. B-Real was born and raised in Los Angeles, Ca and attended Bell High School in Bell California.
In 1991, Cypress Hill released their debut album “Cypress Hill”, which related to their experiences growing up In South Gate/Cypress Avenue. B-Real developed the high pitched voice from DJ Muggs advice. His regular voice was boring and typical, so he decided to sound like Rammellzee, another high pitch voice rapper.
Cypress Hill's debut album “Cypress Hill” was a commercial hit, selling 2 million copies and topping the billboard charts.In 1993, their album “Black Sunday” was an even bigger hit, debuting at #1 on Billboard and selling 3.4 million copies. They became the first Latin rap group to have platinum and multi-platinum albums, and remain the best-selling Latin rap group of all time.
In 1996, B-Real contributed to the soundtrack for the movie “Space Jam”. In 2002, he teamed up with Mellow Man Ace and Son Doobie for “Serial Rhyme Killas”, which released one 12" single in 2002. The group also recorded a full-length debut album, entitled “Deluxe Rapture”, but it was never released.
He has also been a part of the Rap Metal band Kush (2000–2002), the hip hop supergroup Serial Killers (2013-present) and the Top Rock supergroup Prophets of Rage (2016–2019). He has released a variety of solo Mixtapes, as well as two solo albums: Smoke n Mirrors (2009) and Tell You Something (2020).
In addition to his career as an MC, B-Real has worked as a music producer with clients ranging from Proof of D12 to the WWE. He kept his production for Cypress Hill to a minimum, as not to interfere with DJ Muggs' involvement in the group, but has produced several tracks for his own solo projects. B-Real also manages a team of music producers known as the 'Audio Hustlaz'. B-Real produced three of the tracks on his solo album “Smoke n Mirrors”: "Don't Ya Dare Laugh", "Fire" and "Dr. Hyphenstein". B-Real and his production worked alongside DJ Muggs and others on the 2010 Cypress Hill album “Rise Up”
In 1998, B-Real voiced the part of a newborn baby for the song "This World Is Something New to Me" in The Rugrats Movie. In the early 2000s B-Real and DJ Muggs co-founded and co-captained a professional Paintball team, “the Stoned Assassins”. B-Real also appeared in the console game “Greg Hastings Tournament Paintball”. He has a Live Stream site called B-Real. He is also the host of the video podcast The Dr. Greenthumb Podcast, The Smokebox and Meditation. In 2018, B-Real partnered with marijuana subscription box company Daily High Club to craft a B-Real-themed smoking supply box.
B-Real continues to write and produce on all levels of media as one of the best Latinos in Hip Hop music.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Easy E
aka
Eric Lynn Wright
Easy E aka Eric Lynn Wright was a rapper, writer, producer and member of the group N.W.A. He was also an Entrepreneur, business man and founder of Ruthless Records. Easy was born and raised in the suburbs of Compton, California in a neighbor known for it’s Community support and Brotherhood Foundations. He was a popular student at Compton High School, before finishing his GED education. As a part time hustler, Easy E created job opportunities for his family and friends through street related opportunities.
After the passing of his cousin, Easy E used his own money to start Ruthless Records. He began making music in his parents garage, while still making money as an entrepreneur. In 1986, he put together one of the greatest Hip Hop groups of their generation, N.W.A.
Some of the members were Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, Easy E, DJ Yella and Arabian Prince. Their Debut album “Straight outta Compton”, was released in 1988 and is considered one of the Great albums in Hip Hop history. (N.W.A. = Niggaz wit Attitudes) Jerry Heller helped Easy E start the record company and became his manager. In 1987, Easy E released his debut album “Easy does it”, which sold over 2 million records. The album was produced by Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Easy E, The D.O.C. and DJ Yella. They also released a compilation album “N.W.A. and the Posse, which hit U.S. Gold status. During this time, N.W.A was introduced as the Golden age of Gangsta Rap. Dr. Dre and Ice Cube disagreed with the business side of their contracts and it created a riff in the group. Arabian Prince and Ice Cube was the first artist to leave the group in 1989 and started their solo careers. In 1990, the group released “100 miles and running” and reached Billboards top 100. In 1991, N.W.A. released it’s third album “Niggaz4life”, which peaked at number one on the Billboard Charts. The riff in the group continued when Suge Knight got involved in releasing Dr. Dre from his contract with Easy E. The group disbanded shortly after, which sparked a solo career for Easy E and Dr. Dre. Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Easy E began bickering and battling each other in a few solo EP’s.
Easy E released 2 studio albums, 4 compilation albums, 7 music videos, 3 EP’s and 10 singles. In 1993, Easy E focused more on the business side of the industry by signing “Bones, Thugs-N-Harmony”. In 1995, he released “Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton” and reach billboards top 200. After the album release, Easy E was diagnosed with HIV in Los Angeles hospital “Cedars-Sinai Medical Center”. Before Easy E’s passing, he squashed the beef and made amends with Dr. Dre and Ice Cube. Easy E was loved and respected by his family, friends and community …. over 3,000 people attended his funeral. Easy E was worth $50 million at the time of his passing …. he is one of the most successful artist/producers of his time and he is one of the first Gangsta Rappers from California in Hip Hop History.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Bushwick Bill
Richard William Stephen Shaw aka Bushwick Bill, was a Jamaican-American rapper and record producer. Bushwick was born in Kingston Jamaica, his father a Merchant Mariner and his Mother a maid.He was listed as 3 feet, 8 inches and was born as a small person.
He was a member of the Geto Boys …. a Hip Hop group from Texas. He first joined the group as a dancer (Little Billy) in 1986. The first members of the group were Raheem, Sire Jokebox, Sir Rap-a-lot, DJ Ready Red and Prince Johnny C. Other members were Willie D and scarface, Bushwick Bill became the third rapper in the group. Their debut album “Making Trouble” was released in 1988 on Rap-A-Lot Records. In 1989 they released “Grip it! On that other Level” which became a classic album in a horror core genre. In 1990, the group released “Gets Boys” album and received a lot of attention in the Gangsta Rap genre. It was around this time the group's lyrical content began to generate controversy, which was multiplied in 1991 when the cover of the group's third album “We can’t be stoped” depicted a graphic image of Bill moments after he shot himself during an argument with his girlfriend. which shows Bill being pushed through the hospital on a gurney by bandmates Willie D and Scarface. Bushwick Bill claimed he "died and came back to life" during the incident, and he made reference to it in his music. Nevertheless, the album went on to be their most successful to that point, being certified platinum in 1992. Their biggest hit was “My Mind is playing tricks on me”. Which top the charts for several weeks and No.1 on Rap Hot Songs. They were considered southern rap pioneers and the top 25 rap groups of all time. In 1993, they released “Til death do us part with Big Mike after Willie D left the group.
Bushwick Bill Lyrics: “This year Halloween fell on the weekend,
Me and Geto Boys was Trick or Treating” Bushwick Bill can be heard on the album “The Chronic” by Dr. Dre and Dre Day video. His 1998 album “No Surrender…No Retreat“ was dedicated to his friend Gil Epstein, a prosecutor who was shot in Houston, Texas, in 1996. On June 9, 2019, Bushwick will passed away from Cancer in a hospital in Denver, Colorado. The Geto Boys produced seven studio albums to a large Hip Hop audience around the world.
….and Bushwick Bill was one of the most charismatic artist in Hip Hop.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Everlast
Erik Francis Schrody aka Everlast, is a musician, singer, rapper, and songwriter, who was a member of the group House of Pain.
Everlast went to Taft High School in California, during the same time Ice Cube and N.W.A. attended.
Emerging as a member of Ice-T's group Rhyme Syndicate, In 1990 Everlast debut his album “Forever Everlasting”.
In 1991, he joined some of his High School friends to form their own group “House of Pain”.
Members of the group were DJ Lethal, Everlast and Danny Boy. They were signed to Tommy Boy Records.
In 1992, their debut album “House of Pain” went multi platinum, with their hit single “Jump around”.
Jump Around is a Hip Hop Classic and top the billboard charts for several weeks.
They were Irish American Hooligans who loved the Hip Hop Culture. They toured with Rock bands and hip hop artist alike.
In 1993, Everlast played the role of a villain in the movie “Judgement Night”.
Everlast's 1998 album Whitey Ford sings the Blues” was a commercial success. The album sold three million copies.
Whitey Ford Sings the Blues was hailed for its blend of rap with acoustic and electric guitars, developed by Everlast.
The album's lead single “What it’s Like” proved to be his most popular and successful song, although the follow-up single,
"Ends", also reached the U.S. rock top 10. In 1999, he received a grammy award for best rock performance by a duo or
group with vocal with latin rock band Santana for “Put your lights on”.
During this time Eminem began a beef with Everlast, sighting respectful differences. The two artist recorded several
songs about each other. Everlast won the beef between the two and decided to put a stop to the feud.
In 2000, Whitey Ford Sings the Blues and his success with Santana, Everlast's follow-up album, Eat at Witey’s was certified gold.
The album was also embraced critically, especially by Rolling Stone which reviewed the album between "good" and "great" and
focused on it as that month's most important release. During this time, Everlast was playing guitar and Piano.
After Tommy Boy Records sold their catalog to Warner Brothers Records, Everlast signed with Island/Def Jam.
His fourth album “White trash beautiful” was a successful album with a mix of Hip Hop, Blues and Rock.
In early 2006, Everlast teamed up with his former House of Pain mates DJ Lethal and Danny Boy to join the hip-hop group La Coka Nostra. The group first came to be due to the former House of Pain. Hype man Danny Boy starting the group as a collective with rappers Slaine and Big Left. Soon after the group started Lil Bill of a now disbanded Non Phixion and Everlast joined the group.
Their first known song was "Fuck Tony Montana" which features B-Real and Sick Jacken.
Due to the popularity of the song online, the group released several more online for free.
In 2007, Everlast was chosen to do the theme song for the TV show “Saving Grace”.
The song plays during the show's main title sequence, and was originally released to digital outlets only, however,
it was also included on Everlast's fifth solo album, “Love, war and the Ghost of Whitey Ford”.
The album was released on September 23, 2008, on Everlast's own record label Martyr Inc,
with distribution by Hickory Records/Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
In 2013, Everlast and Eminem were featured on a Busta Rhymes track together.
On August 27, 2013, Everlast's acoustic album The Life Acoustic was released via his own record label Martyr Inc.
That year, Everlast sued the inflatables company "Jump Around Rentals" for using the phrase
"if you want to get down jump around" in their advertising, arguing it belonged to House of Pain.
On September 7, 2018, Everlast's seventh studio album Whitey Ford's House of Pain was released.
As he continues to perform and produce music, Everlast is one of the most under rated artist in the music industry.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Frederick Thomas aka Fred the Godson is a DJ, writer and rapper from The Boogie Down Bronx, New York. He started free styling in the early 2000’s and gained an early nickname of "Big Bronx". Godson’s music was characterized by his husky voice, humorous wordplay, and creative rhymes. In the early-2010s, he released two mixtapes; his debut was Armageddon in 2010, featuring samples of Biggie, Camron and Busta.
His second mixtape, City of God, was one of a series for DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz, and featured Raekwon and Pusha T.
In 2011, XXL included him in its annual Freshman class of up-and-comers.
Godson released music and performed regularly, guest DJ-ing on New York radio station Hot 97. He released two additional mixtapes in 2020, Training Day in January with Jay Pharaoh, and Payback, released on March 20, 2020, which would be his last release before his death from COVID-19 one month later.
Fred the Godson was married to LeeAnn Jemmott, they had two daughters.
He was reported to be suffering from acute asthma and kidney problems, after contracting Covid19 during the Covid19 Pandemic in New York State. He was only 35 when he passed but he was loved by many Hip Hop artist in the industry. Fred the Godson will always be remembered as the “BIG BRONX” of Hip Hop.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Fred the Godson
Kris
Kross
Kris Kross were rappers, artist and producers …. members include Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly and Chris Smith aka “Daddy Mac”
Mac Daddy and Chris Smith has been friends since the 1st grade and later became the rap duo Kris Kross. Chris Kelly and Chris Smith was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1991, Jermaine Dupri discovered Kelly and his friend, Chris Smith, in Atlanta's Greenbriar Mall. With Dupri, Kelly and Smith produced a demo tape that led to them signing with Ruffhouse Records.
The duo became known for wearing their clothes backward and for their popular 1992 song, "Jump." Kris Kross was the youngest hip-hop duo to gain success, with gold and platinum albums at 12 and 13 years old.
Their hit single reached the Billboard’s top 100 list for eight weeks and certified double platinum. Kris Kross released three studio albums with their debut album “Totally Krossed Out” which top billboards top 200 list.
The music videos from the album also experienced major success. The video for "Jump", directed by filmmaker Rich Murray, went to No. 1 on MTV and sold over 100,000 copies as a VHS video single. The video for their follow-up single, “Warm it up”, also directed by Murray, won a Billboard video award for "Best New Artist", and got to No. 14 the same year as “Jump”. Writes The New York Daily News' Jim Farber: "Together, that was enough to propel the duo’s debut album, Totally Krossed Out, to multi-platinum status."
The group had a spot on Michael Jackson’s 1992 European tour and a cameo in his music video “Jam”. Kris Kross also appeared in Run-DMC’s “Down with the King” and TLC’s “Hat 2 da Back” Music videos.
Kelly and Smith was also seen on TV shows like “A different World”, “In Living Color’ and the Ed Lover movie “Who’s the Man”. The group even had a video game named after them on Sega CD System “Kris Kross: Make my Video”.
Kris Kross even recorded the "Rugrats Rap" for Nickelodeon's Rugrats. But as Kelly and Smith got older, they tried to change their image on their next albums. Though they released two moderately successful albums, the duo would never again release a song as popular as "Jump." They parted ways after releasing their 1996 album that reached billboard top 20, “Young, Rich and Dangerous”.
Both members of Kris Kross went to Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia. Kelly studied mix-engineering, and founded C Connection Records.
Smith studied marketing and business management and founded One Life Entertainment, Inc.
Kelly reunited with Smith in February 2013 for a performance honoring the 20th anniversary of Jermaine Dupri's label, So So Def. On May 1, 2013, Kelly passed away at his home in Atlanta. He was 34 years old.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Andre O’Neal Harrell aka Dr. Jeckyll of the Hip Hop group Dr. Jeckyll and Mr.Hyde, was a MC, rapper, writer, producer, director, CEO and Entrepreneur.
As a Hip Hop Artist, Andre performed at many local clubs in New York City like Harlem World, Roof Top, Disco Fever and many more. Andre was born in the Bronx, NY and attended Charles Evans Hughes High School in 1978. He later attended Baruch College and Lehman College were he studied Communications and business management.
Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde were good friends with the Harlem World Crew and is remembered for Ushering in the GQ look in Hip Hop. The group performed routines and songs that entertained the ladies …. with a smooth style and unique delivery.
In 1980, they recorded songs with The Harlem World Crew on Tayster Records. Other Members were Son of Sam, DJ Randy and Charlie Rock. In 1981, they recorded their first single “Genius Rap” and then “Am/Pm” in 1984 on Profile Records.
Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde were a popular group on Mike Allen's Capital Radio UK hip hop radio show, leading them to appear at the UK Fresh 86 concert at Wembley Arena on 19th of July 1986. After the group disbanded, Andre became a solo artist and continued to record on Profile records. “The Witch” was his solo recording. After meeting Russell Simmons, Andre became vice-president of Def Jam Records.
In 1986, Andre found Uptown Records which became a leader in the Hip Hop and R&B era. Andre gave Sean Combs “P-Diddy” his first job in the industry as an intern, promoting events. During this time, Andre was a mentor to Sean Combs on the business of music. If not for Andre Harrell, there would be no P-Diddy.
He is also credited for giving many unknown artist their start in the industry. Artist like Mary J. Blige, Christopher Williams, Al B. Sure, Christopher Williams, Father MC, Jodeci, Guy, Heavy D and the Boys and the Lost boys and many more upcoming artist. In 1988, he signed a multimedia deal with MCA music and entertainment group.He produced feature films like “Strictly Business” and TV shows like “New York Undercover”. Andre was also a Radio Host for 98.7 Kiss FM. He was CEO of Harrell Records and distributed by Atlantic Records. He became Vice-Chairman of Revolt TV, which is a multi platform network ran by P-Diddy.
In 1995, Andre became CEO of Motown Records. Harrell passed away at his home in west Hollywood California on May 7, 2020, at age 59. He is survived by his son Gianni Credle-Harrell and Wendy Credle. Andre Harrell aka Dr. Jeckyll is one of the first talented Entrepreneurs and CEO’s in Hip Hop history.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Andre Harrell
Malik Izaak Taylor aka Phife Dawg was a rapper, producer, writer and entertainer.
He was a member of A Tribe Called Quest. Other members include Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed
Muhammad and Jarobi White. He was also known as the "Five-Foot Assassin" and
"The Five-Footer", because he stood at 5 feet 3 inches.
Phife Dawg was born in Queens, New York. His mother was a poet from Trinidad, who moved
to St. Albans Queens where Phife grew up. He first met Q-Tip while growing up in St. Albans,
Queens. His parents sent him to Pine Forge Academy boarding school near Philadelphia.
Which is a seven day adventist school. He later transferred to Springfield Garden high School
which was closer to home. Phife Dawg, Q-Tip and Ali formed a Tribe called Quest in 1985.
The group was close friends with hip-hop artist like De la Soul and The Jungle Brothers.
The groups were collectively known as the Native Tongues. Before signing to Jive records,
the group was offered a deal with Geffen records.in 1990, they release their debut album
“People’s instinctive travels and the paths of rhythm. Phife Dawg was huge sports fan and he
followed all New York teams from The Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, The Jets, The Giants,
The Islanders, The Rangers, The Yankees and the New York Mets. He also attended street ball
games at Rucker Park. Fans would often see Phife Dawg wearing multiple sports wear that
represented different team. He was also a playable character in NBA 2K7 and 2K9.
On the groups 1991 album “The Low end theory” Phife often referred to himself as
"the Five-Foot Assassin”. Phife rapped a lot about social and political issues; the record has
since been acclaimed by critics and fellow musicians. The group released three more albums
throughout the decade “Midnight Marauders”, “Beats, Rhymes and Life and
“The Love Movement”.The group disbanded as a result of conflict both with their record label
and between members.
The band's troubles, especially the sometimes tense relationship between Phife and Q-Tip,
were featured in the 2011 documentary Beats, Rhymes and Life: The travels of a Tribe called Quest.
In addition Phife also performed on songs with other artists. He was featured on the
Fu-schnickens song “La Schmove”, Diamond D’s “Painz & Strife” and Pete Rock “Let the horns blow”.
On November 13, 2015, A Tribe Called Quest reunited for a performance on The Tonight
show starring Jimmy Fallon. The show was in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of People's
Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm. That night, Phife and Q-Tip decided to put aside their
differences and record a new group album, “we got it from here”, in secrecy. Unfortunately, Phife
passed away due to complications with Diabetes. Phife spent four months working on the album
before his passing;
it was completed by the surviving group members and released on November 11, 2016.
In February 2017, it was announced that Phife's second studio album, “Forever” would be released
later in the year, The album was not released until 2022. A single titled "Sole Men" was released one
day after Phife's passing, along with a music video. Another single, "Nutshell", was released online in
April 2016 along with a music video. He is survived by his Wife and two children.
On 192 street and Linden Blvd, Queens, NY …. the street was renamed to
Malik “Phife Dawg” Taylor Way”. Phife Dawg will always be remembered as one of the artist to usher
in the native tongue and the funk in Hip Hop.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Phife Dawg
Dwight Arrington Myers aka Heavy D, was a Rapper, writer, actor, dancer,
producer and entertainer. He was born in Jamaica and raised in Mount Vernon,
New York.
Heavy D was the leader of Heavy D & the Boyz, a group which included
dancers/background vocalists G-Whiz (Glen Parrish), Trouble T Roy (Troy Dixon),
and DJ and producer Eddie F (born Edward Ferrell).
The group had a large audience in the United States through most of the 1990s.
The five albums the group released were produced by Teddy Riley, Marley Marl, DJ
Premier and Pete Rock. Heavy D & the Boyz were the first group signed to Uptown
Records, the group featured heavy D as the rapper and the boys as the dancers.
T-Roy and G-Wiz were the dancers. Eddie F was the DJ, Producer and his business
partner in the group. During this time Uptown Records was a independent company
founded by Andre Harrell. Former member of Dr. Jeckell and Mr. Hyde. Some of the
label artist include; Al B. Sure, Christopher Wiliams, Father MC, Mary J. Blige, Jodice,
Guy and the Lost boys, just to name a few.
In 1987, they produced their debut album “Living Large”. The album was a commercial success. I had the pleasure of meeting Heavy D and the Boys at a show in Maryland. My group performed first and Heavy D was the Headliner. Heavy blew the roof off the arena. His charismatic style, stage presents and energy displayed a unique talent in Hip Hop. It is impossible for an artist to follow their performance when Heavy D and the Boyz hit the stage. In 1989, Heavy D performed on Janet Jackson’s hit single “Alright". The song peaked on the billboard top 100. During their peak of success and triumph, the group had to deal with some tragedy. In 1990, Trouble T-Roy passed away at age 22 …. afterwards, a tribute was made by Pete Rock and CL Smooth “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)”. The single is considered an all time Hip Hop Classic.
In 1992 he appeared on Michael Jackson’s single “Jam”. Heavy D also performed the theme song for the television program In living color and MadTV. Heavy D then began focusing on his acting, appearing in various television shows before returning to the music charts with Nuttin But Love”. After appearing in the off broadway play Riff Raff, Heavy D returned to recording with the hit Waterbed Hev. In 1997, Heavy D collaborated with B.B.King on his duets album Deuces Wild on the song "Keep It Coming". While still an artist at Uptown Records, Heavy D convinced Andre Harrell to hire Sean Combs as an intern. During this time, Heavy D also released four solo albums and discovered Soul for Real and Monifah.
He was the principal writer and producer for Soul for real and their big hit “Candy Rain”.He later became senior vice president at Universal Music. As an actor, Heavy D is perhaps best known for his role in the 1999 drama film The Cider House Rules, where he plays a migrant worker. He had a role in the Eddie Murphy film “Life” and a small role in “Tower Heist” where he was a security guard in the Court house. He also has a daughter with chef Antonia Lafaso who’s a contestant on the show “Top Chef”.
Heavy D's final live performance was with Eddie F at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards on October 11, 2011. He passed away on November 8, 2011, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 44. Heavy D is one of the great Entertainers in Hip Hop History. Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
HEAVY D
Dwight Arrington Myers
THE FUNKY
4 + 1
MORE
Funky 4 + 1 aka Funky 4 plus 1 more was a Hip Hop group from The Bronx, New York. Members were Jazzy Jeff, Sha-Rock, D.J. Breakout, DJ Baron, Keith Keith, K.K. Rockwell and Rodney Stone. Rahiem is an original member until he joined Flash and the Furious Five.
The group performed at local clubs in The Bronx and Manhattan during the late 1970’s. Before Hip Hop joined the record industry, The Funky Four plus one more was one of the Pioneers in the underground Hip Hop Culture. DJ Baron and DJ Breakout were some of the best DJ’s in Hip Hop. They ignited the crowds with some of their B-Boy break beats and funky cuts.
The group was first signed to Enjoy records with Bobby Robinson, who owned a record shop on 125th street. Their first single “That's the Joint" was” a remake of Taste of Honey’s “Rescue Me". The single was a huge hit and recorded for 16 minutes.
They were the first hip hop group to receive a record deal and The group was also notable for having the first female MC, Sha-Rock. Sha-Rock also performed with Us Girls in the film “Beat Street” that featured Lisa Lee and Debbie D. After leaving Enjoy Records, the group signed with SugarHill Records and Sylvia Robinson in New Jersey. They were the first hip hop group to appear on a national television show; on February 14 (Valentine's Day) 1981 they performed on Saturday Night Live hosted by Blondie’s, Debrah Harry. The group was subsequently asked by Harry to open up for Blondie on tour, but were forbidden to do so by SugarHill Records CEO, Sylvia Robinson. After the group disbanded, K.K. Rockwell and Rodney C started their own group “Double Trouble” and was featured in the film Wild Style. They Briefly resigned with Enjoy Records under the name Deuce2 and then Capitol Records.
The Funky Four plus one more changed their name to just The Funky Four and recorded several more singles. Do you wanna Rock, King Heroin, Superstars, Square Biz and The Mexican …. However, the group never recorded an album, but had enough material to do so. The group performed all over the world with their classic hits and they became a household name in Hip Hop. DJ’s Breakout and Baron are still DJing, Engineering and throwing parties in the Bronx.
In 2008, its song “That’s the Joint” was ranked number 41 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop.
The Funky Four plus one more are Legends in Hip Hop and Pioneers of the Hp Hop Culture.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Guru was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts before moving to Brooklyn many years later. He attended the Advent school on Beacon Hill in Boston, Cohasset High School and a graduated from Morehouse College. He took graduate classes at Fashion institute of technology in New York City.
He began MC’ing/Rapping under the name MC Keithy E and later changed it to Guru.
Guru help form the group “Gang Starr” with DJ Premier.
Guru - Gang Starr
The Disco Four
The Disco Four were MC’s, Producers, Entrepreneur ’s, Dancers and artist. They frequently through block parties and jams in the old school Hip Hop era. The Disco Four had residencies at Harlem World and the RoofTop. The members of the group were born and raised in Harlem, New York.
DJ Al Bee was the DJ and the MC’s were Ronnie D, Greg G, Mr Troy, Country and Kool Gee. The group collaborated with Bee Fats, Donald Dee and JR. They were first signed to enjoy records with Bobby Robinson. Bobby Robinson is Ronnie D’s father.
I (Tony Tee) met Ronnie D when I was 11-12 years old. We would frequently go to the movies on 125th street.
At the time, the movie theatre price was 75 cent at the West End or 1 dollar at the Loews theatre.
We would see two or three movies with an intermission of cartoons.
(MC's) MOVE THE CROWD
Lovebug Starski
Lovebug Starski aka Kevin Smith was a musician, MC, Rapper, DJ, Producer and entertainer. Born and raised in The Boogie Down Bronx, but performed all over the City of New York. He began his career selling records in 1971 and he eventually became a DJ at the Disco Fever in 1977. At the Disco Fever in the Bronx, Lovebug was a Legend. He would frequently rock the crowd at the Fever every week.
He and Keith Cowboy from The Furious Five invented the term "hip-hop" while at a party in the Bronx. Starski is also famous for the phrase “Hip, Hop Sho whop do whop” and “Hip Hop, hippie to the hippie, the hip hop, you don’t stop”.
“Bob diddy bob, da dang a dang, diggy diggy” which was imitated by the SugarHill gang on their single.
Russell Tyrone Jones aka Ol' Dirty Bastard aka ODB aka A-son Unique was a MC, Rapper, Writer, Producer and entertainer.
ODB
ODB was born in Fort Green Section of Brooklyn, New York. He later moved to Linden Plaza in East New York, Brooklyn. He attended Maple Dean Bacon Vocational School in Manhattan, New York. He was well known as a comedian amongst his peers. During this time, ODB became a five Percent. He changed his name to A-son Unique while studying the Islamic culture. He lived in Building one with MC Tony Tee …. as a youth he would attend park jams in Cypress Hills, Linden Plaza and Pink Houses to see his cousin DJ Watkins & MC Tony Tee. On some occasions, he would bring Rza to Cypress Hills to learn how to back spin from DJ Watkins. He was one of the founding members of the Wu Tang Clan from Staten Island, New York. He and Rza started the group. ODB frequently watched Kung Fu movies, he got his name from an old Karate film “Ol’ Dirty and the Bastard”.
Craig Mack aka Craig Jamieson
was a MC, Rapper, Producer, artist and Entertainer.
He helped build the foundation for BAD BOY RECORDS …. a Label started by P-Diddy. Craig was born in the Bronx and graduated from Brentwood Ross High School after moving to Brentwood, Long Island. The artist he looked up to the most was Biz Markie …. He loved Biz Markie like an Uncle.
He began rapping in High School under the name MC EZ and released his first single “Just Rymin” in 1988 on Fresh Records.
Nipsey Hussle aka Armies Joseph Asghedom
was a rapper, writer, producer and business man
His mother is from America and his father is from Eritrean, East Africa.
He was born in Crenshaw, California and attended Alexander Hamilton High School in Castle Heights. His nickname came from his Hustling spirit. At age 11 he shined shoes to make extra money.
….this set a goal for himself to shine 100 shoes a day. Nipsey hustled for a dollar everyday, anyway he could. This spirit also led him to selling tapes out the trunk of his car …. during his future endeavors.
At age 14, he joined the Rollin 60’s Neighborhood Crips …. a sub group of the large Crips gang.
Shaun Shiller Fequiere aka Kangol Kid
Shaun Shiller Fequiere aka Kangol Kid was a Rapper, MC, Vocalist, Writer, Entertainer, Musician, Philanthropist, Choreographer, Community Activist, Manager, Producer and Break Dancer.
Kangol Kid was born in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York and his parents are originally from Haiti. His dad was a Taxi driver and his mom worked as an aide in the local Hospital. While attending Catholic School, Kangol was forced to wear a uniform everyday. When it was time for him to attend High School, he begged his mom to send him to a Public School, so he can dress in normal clothing. So his Mom let
Mc Sparky D
Sparky, born Doreen Broadnax, is an MC, writer, performer and Soloist.
She grew up in Brooklyn, New York and first recorded with the Brooklyn crew “The Playgirls” who were on Sutra records. She was the first female battle rapper on wax against Roxanne Shant’e and was the first rapper who had an endorsement deal and the deal was with Mountain Dew.
In 1984, Sparky appeared in a cameo on Spyder D’s “Placin the Beat” on Profile Records.
Her first solo effort was “Sparky’s Turn (Roxanne You’re Through)” on NIA records which was produced Spyder D. This was one of the first answer records in the infamous “Roxanne Wars” of the mid-80′s, and the first one to be aimed squarely at Roxanne Shante.
In 1985, she had a showdown with Roxanne Shante which included tracks called “The Battle” (against her old crew The Playgirls, produced by Spyder D) which appeared in 3 mixes, and “Roxanne’s Revenge”.
Also in 1985, she cut a track called “He’s My DJ” b/w “She’s So Def” with Kool DJ Red Alert.
In 1987 she released “Throwdown” and “Sparky’s Back” both produced by Spyder D for B-Boy Records.
Sparky also released an album on B-Boy in 1988 which was called “Sparky D’s world”
in the UK but titled “This is Sparky D’s World” in the US. In 1991 she made an appearance alongside Grandmaster Caz on Malcolm McClaren and the World Famous Supreme Team Show’s album on the record “Opera House.”
Having lived a life of many changes in 2007 she found herself back at the top again to
receiving the 2007 Gospel Choice Awards, for the song “This is for the church.”
In February 2008 Sparky appeared on Stir it Up, a TV show hosted by Vonnie Battles,
shown on JCTV, the worlds largest religious television network.
Sparky D is one of the Pioneers for female MC’s in Hip Hop.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
ECSTASY
John Fletcher aka Ecstasy was a Rapper, MC, producer, writer and artist. He was a member of the Hip Hop group Whodini
(John “Ecstasy” Fletcher, Jalil Hutchins and Drew “GrandMaster Dee” Carter.
Ecstasy grew up in Brooklyn with his twin brother….in the Wyckoff Gardens Projects in Boerum Hill. He met Jalil in Gowan’s Projects and they quickly became friends.
2PAC Amaru Shakur
It's easy
Tupac Amaru Shakur aka 2PAC aka Lesane Parish Crooks aka Makaveli was born June 16, 1971 in East Harlem, New York City.He was a Rapper, Poet, Activist, Producer and Actor …. considered the most influential rapper of all time. His Mother Afeni Shakur and his father were members of the Black Panther Party. Afeni named him Tupac Amaru after the last Incan ruler (A Revolutionary), who was executed in 1781 after revolt against Spanish Rule.
Sequence
The Sequence is a female Hip Hop group from Columbia, South Carolina.
The group consist of Cheryl Cook aka Cheryl the Pearl, Gwendolyn Chisolm aka Bloody, and Angie Stone aka Angie B.
The three female MC/Rappers are former Cheerleaders and High School friends.
The Trio was noticed by Sylvia Robinson at a SugarHill Gang concert backstage in 1979. After being the second group on sugar hill records, they were the first female group on SugarHill records. Their first Single was “Funk you Up”, Sold 500,000 copies and went gold in three weeks.
Their other releases were “Funky Sound”, “Monster Jam”, “The Sequence” and “The Sequence party” The Sequence has toured and worked with many legendary music Artist like The O’Jays and Gap Band.The Sequence first single has been used by Dr. Dre, En Vogue and Erika Badu.
Cheryl Cook wrote songs for the SugarHill Gang like “8th Wonder” and “Apache”.
She also wrote “Let’s Dance and “Break Dance” for the West Street Mob. Many of her works have been sampled by Busta Rhymes, Master P and Missy Elliot.
Gwendolyn Chisolm released “What u doin Here” and worked many years as a road manager and personal assistant for other artist. She has a non-profit organization “Education through talented Students” which helps kids with their careers in entertainment.
Angie Stone became an R&B artist and joined the group Vertical Hold, which released the single “Seems you’re much too busy”.
The group produced two albums, “A matter of time” in 1993 and “Head First” in 1995.
In 1996, Angie teamed up with “Devox” and recorded one album “Devox featuring Angie Stone”.
She received writers credit on D’Angelo’s first two albums “Brown Sugar” in 1995 and “VooDoo” in 2000. She toured with D.Angelo and sang background for cousin Lenny Kravitz’s fifth album. Angie became a solo artist and released her first album “Black Diamond” in 1999 on Arista Records. One of her hit singles on the Album was “No more Rain in this Cloud”.
The Sequence was the first female group to record and sign to SugarHill Records.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
(MC's) MOVE THE CROWD
Toi Jackson
aka
Sweet Tee
Sweet Tee (born Toi Jackson) from Queens, NY, is truly one of the pioneer Female emcee’s in the hip community.
She started her career with the recording “One for the Treble” with known Producer/DJ Davy DMX.
It Wasn’t long after Sweet Tee met producer Herby “Luv Bug” Azor,
who is also credited for producing Salt N Pepa, Kid'N Play, Dana Dane and Kwame.
She joined the Idol Makers camp and began working with Herby in the studio to record her first solo song “Its My Beat”.
That song becomes a worldwide hit, which landed her a deal with Profile Records.
After the success of that single, Sweet Tee followed up with the second single “I Got the Feel”/“Its like that Y'all.”
I got the Feeling" became a popular song for radio and the club scene and started gaining major notoriety.
Due to the fan base and the success of the single, Sweet Tee went back in the studio and recorder her album “it’s Tee Time” and released the first single off of the album “on the Smooth Tip.”
Once the studio work was done, Sweet Tee started touring and didn’t stop until well into the 90’s.
A video was also released for “why did it Have to Be Me” another single off the “It’s Tee Time”
Album which featured Cherese Rose from the group “Changing Faces.”
In the mid 90’s Sweet Tee’s “I got the feeling” was remixed by production group Tin-Tin out in London “the Feeling”
and the song hit the top of the pop charts.
Success for Sweet Tee didn’t stop there, in the late 90’s JMJ Records a subsidiary of Def Jam Recordings
signed Sweet Tee aka Suga and the first release “What’s up Star” was on the soundtrack to the move “the Show.”
Sweet Tee then hit the road with Onyx, Erick Sermon, Wu Tang Clan, Redman and Method Man for a promotional tour for the soundtrack.
Among some of the bigger venue events she preformed at Apollo Theatre and Soul Train was two that always stuck out as some of her most memorable shows.
Sweet Tee has received write-ups and full page pictures in Word Up magazine, Rap Masters, Vibe Magazine,
The Source as well as many other online reviews and blog sites.
Queen Latifah also wrote about how Sweet Tee inspired her in her book “Ladies First”.
Sweet Tee is a true Pioneer of the Hip Hop Culture.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Bashar Barakah Jackson aka Pop Smoke
Artist, Writer, Producer and Entrepreneur
Bashar Barakah Jackson aka Pop Smoke, was an artist, writer, producer and entrepreneur.
The name Pop Smoke was given to him by his grandmother and childhood friends.
He grew up in Canarsie, Brooklyn, New York. his first introduction to music was playing the drums in church as a child.
Pop Smoke spent two years under house arrest and expelled from middle school for bringing a gun into the classroom.
During High School, he played basketball at RockTop Academy in Philadelphia, before leaving due to health issues.
Pebblee Poo aka Debra Riley
Mc, Artist, Singer, Writer, Entertainer, Dancer and Soloist
Pebblee Poo aka Debra Riley is a MC, artist, singer, writer, entertainer, dancer and soloist. She grew up in the Bronx , around 167th street and Walton avenue. She started out singing at local talent shows. She attended Taft High School where she met Dr. Bomb-Bay. They use to rhyme and make beats on classroom desk and lunch tables. She joined the group “Smoke-a-Trons” while “Dr. Bomb-Bay” taught her how to MC. After growing up Hip Hop, she joined the Untouchables, a group from Harlem. She performed at many local parties in the Bronx at a time when Hip Hop was dominated by male MC’s. After getting her start with the Untouchables, she joined Kool Herc and the HercuLords and became Kool Herc’s first female MC. The group performed at a few jams together, until Pebblee Poo decided to join Master Don and the Def Committee. With Mater Don and the Def Committee, Pebblee Poo style, charisma and artistic talents began to excel. Her first recording was “Funk Box party” produced by Bobby Robinson of Enjoy records in 1982.
Pebblee Poo Lyrics:
“You know I push with power, hour after hour
Peeblee Poo not sweet not sour”
Pebblee Poo rip the track with her strong delivery and dope rhymes.
In 1985, she recorded “Fly Guy” on Profile records, which was her first solo single release.
Pebblee Poo is also a community activist, she works with local politicians on community improvement.
Written by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
Marcel Theo Hall aka Biz Markie aka Bizzy B Markie is a Rapper, MC, Comedian, Entertainer, Singer, Songwriter, DJ and a producer.
Biz was born in Harlem, New York but raised in Patchogue, Long Island. He attended Longwood, High school where he was a class clown.
His first introduction to Hip Hop was from a tape recording that featured “The L Brothers” Mean Gene, Grand Wizard Theodore, Kevin Kev, Master Rob and Busy Bee Starski. He initially called himself Bizzy B Markie, after hearing Busy B Starski rhyming, he wanted to be like him. Biz began frequently visiting nightclubs and started performing at Colleges and Universities along the East Coast. When Biz began his version of the Human Beat box, it was unique in sound and style compared to Doug E Fresh and Buffy from the Fat Boys. During this time, Bizzy B Markie Changed his name to Biz Markie and the legendary adventures began to grow.
Biz is one of the groundbreakers in the era of the Human Beat Box and helped to launch many other careers in the music industry.
He would frequently visit Fresh Gordon’s Studio in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn with Big Daddy Kane and they both worked on a few tracks with Fresh Gordon.
In 1988, he released his debut album “Goin off” with hit singles like “Make the Music with your mouth Biz”, “The Vapors”, “Nobody beats the Biz” and “Picking Boogers”.
His cousin and DJ was DJ Cool V and TJ Swan sung the vocals to a few of his singles. Biz Markie also joins a long list of MC’s/Rappers from the first generation who could Rap and Sing. Biz sung the hook to many of his singles like “Just a Friend”, “Spring Again” and “Let me turn you on” which was a tribute to DJ Hollywood. “Just Rhyming with Biz” was a single with Biz Markie and Big Daddy Kane. Biz kicked the first verse and Big Daddy Kane anchored the single. This was the first time the music industry heard the Legendary Big Daddy Kane on vinyl. The single was produced by Marley Marl, Cool V and Biz Markie.
During this time, Biz Markie and Big Daddy Kane became members of the Juice Crew with Mr. Magic and DJ Marley Marl.
BIZ MARKIE
Biz Markie Lyrics:
“I’m the Rap promoter, I start to motor….Talk from New York to South Dakota”
LISA LEE
Lisa Lee was born and raised in The Bronx, New York.
She is an Artist, MC, Rapper, Writer, Dancer, Composer and a Female Hip Hop Legend.
Her career in Hip Hop began when her father bought her two turntables, a mixer and a microphone.
Lisa and her brother would write rhymes and break dance in the house everyday, while listening to Hip Hop tapes. She began as the first female MC with Africa Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation, when she performed with The SoulSonic Force. She’s been an original Zulu Nation member since the early 1970’s….and adopted the term Zulu Queen. In 1979, Lisa recorded her first single with The Cosmic Force MC’s, which is also the first recording for The Zulu Nation. Her first solo was recorded by B Fats at The RoofTop for RoofTop records in Harlem, New York.
Lisa had her first film role in the Hip Hop film “WildStyle”. Her character rode in a Limo….ryhming with Chiefrocker Busy Bee. Her second movie role was in “Beat Street” with Us Girls. When she performed with Sha-Rock and Debbie Dee. Lisa Lee is a Queen of Hip Hop and a Legend in the Culture of Hip Hop. Before Queen Latifah, there was Queen Lisa. In fact, She laid the ground work for many female artist in Hip Hop and is recognized for building the blue print for females. She performed at a number of clubs in New York and she can be found on flyers that relate to the history of Hip Hop. Lisa Lee is also a board member at Cornell University for the Hip Hop Collection.
Kurtis Blow
Kurtis Walker aka Kurtis Blow aka Kool DJ Kurt is a MC, DJ, Rapper, Artist, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Actor and a Public Speaker.
He grew up in Harlem, New York while attending Music and Arts High School, before enrolling in CCNY and Nyack College. Kurtis was raised in the tough streets of Harlem, where occasionally he hung out on 125th street and Uptown Harlem. He began as a DJ throwing parties at local spots in New York City with some of Hip Hop Greatest Legends.
Kurtis frequently performed at The Fever, The Celebrity Club and the Famous Harlem World.
(MC's) MOVE THE CROWD
The Notorious B.I.G
Christopher Wallace aka Biggie aka Biggie Smalls aka Notorious B.I.G.
Biggie was a MC, rapper, songwriter, producer and a talented artist of Jamaican Decent. He began rhyming at a young age on the corners and streets of Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, New York. His battles with other local rappers were legendary, as he quickly became popular among his followers
The Original Bad Boys
The Original Bad Boys is a Hip Hop group from various parts of Brooklyn. They were comprised of MC’s, Artist, Producers, writers, a Human BeatBox and DJ MJ. The group was established in 1985, many years before P-Diddy’s version of the Bad Boys. Members of the group are T-Funk, Busy B, K-Love, MJ, Al B and Mr. Mack. Their first and hit single was Titled “Bad Boys” on StarLite records.
The Mean Machine
The Mean Machine is a Hip Hop group of African American and Puerto Rican descent….born and raised in the Bronx, New York.
The group consist of DJ Julio (Steven Santiago), Jimmy Mac (James McLean) RIP, Mr. Nice (Jose Semprit) and Mr Schick (Daniel Rivera).
They are the first Latin hip hop group and the first bilingual rap group in Hip Hop History.
Tyrone Cox aka Tski Valley
Tyrone Cox aka Tski Valley - is a MC, DJ, Rhymer, Rapper, Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer and Keyboardist.
Gregory Jacobs aka Humpty Hump
Gregory Jacobs aka Shock G aka Humpty Hump was a musician, a rapper, songwriter, producer, actor and vocalist for the Hip Hop group Digital Underground.
BLACK ROB aka Robert Ross aka Bacardi ROB
Black Rob aka Robert Ross aka Bacardi Rob is a MC, rapper, Artist, Actor, Producer, songwriter. He was born in Yonkers, New York and raised in (Spanish Harlem) East Harlem, New York….around 118th street.
Growing up he was inspired by other Harlem artist like Doug E Fresh, Slick Rick, Grandmaster Caz and Spoonie Gee. At 22, he joined his first rap group “Schizophrenics” who did local parties in Harlem. At one time, he was considered the Ghetto Prince of Harlem. He often drove down 125th street to meet and greet with fans. Although streetwise and educated, he also earned an associates degree while being detained.
DMX aka Earl Simmons aka Dark Man X
DMX aka Earl Simmons aka Dark Man X is a MC, Rapper, Poet, Artist, Actor, Songwriter, Producer and Entrepreneur.
He was born and raised in Mount Vernon & Yonkers, New York.
His Father (Joe Barker) was an artist, who painted watercolor paintings that were sold at local fairs.
His Mother was a religious woman, who struggled at times raising 3 children.
by Tony Tee aka Tony Paris
(MC's) MOVE THE CROWD
Fantastic Five & Grandwizard Theodore
The (Romantic) Fantastic Five & GrandWizard Theodore is a Legendary hip hop group, that laid the foundation for the Hip Hop Culture.
The group was formed with real MC’s, producers, writers and vocalist. During this time MC’s were rhyming until they called it rapping.
Members were: Grand Wizard Theodore (Theodore Livingston) Prince Whipper Whip (James Whipper) Ruby Dee (Rubin Garcia)
Dot-A-Rock (Darryl Mason) Waterbed Kev (Kevin Strong) and his brother Master Rob (Robin Strong).
The Fantastic Five were the only group with two members of Puerto Rican Descent. (Prince Whipper Whip and Ruby Dee)
SHA-ROCK aka SHARON GREEN
Sha-Rock aka Sharon Green is the First Female MC/Rapper in Hip Hop History. She is a MC, songwriter, actor, dancer, producer, vocalist, artist and entertainer. She empowered women all around the world to become MC’s and Rappers. If not for Sha-Rock, there would be no Cardi B, Lil Kim, Nicky Minaj, Megan Stallion, Foxy Brown, Salt n Pepa, Shante, MC Lyte or Queen Latifah. All of these talented women are standing on the shoulders of Sha-Rock.
BIG PUN
BIG PUN aka Big Punisher, aka Christopher Lee Rios was a rapper, producer and songwriter.
He was also referred to as Big Moon Dawg before he was known as Big Punisher (Comic Book Character) and later BIG PUN.
THE ORIGINAL HARLEM CREW
The original members of the Harlem World Crew were Charlie Rock (Charles Leake), Son of Sam(Sam Blocker), DJ Randy (Randy Sanders), and DJ Kool D (Darryl Brown). The group was signed to the Tayster record label, which was operated and owned by it’s founder Jack Taylor. The Harlem World Crew was affectionately named after the club. Harlem World Cultural & Entertainment Complex hosted many great events with major recording groups, bands, Rappers and singers. The Club became the Mecca of Hip Hop and R&B for the entire nation, especially New York….everybody that was somebody attended Harlem World.
RAHIEM
(FURIOUS FIVE)
CHIEF ROCKER BUSY BEE
Tim Washington aka
King Tim III
(MC's) MOVE THE CROWD
Grand Master Melle Mel
Prince Markie Dee
If you look up the terminology for M.C.; simply put, it's Master of Ceremony. However, that doesn’t come close to what Hip Hop has done. It's the Hip Hop artist that puts on a performance along side the hype-man that gets the crowd ready. Some of Hip Hops Greats, Love-bug Starski, Chief Rocker Busy Bee, DJ Hollywood and Kid Capri the list goes on. You can’t get a better description from Ice T. On June 8, 2012. Ice T explains "The difference between an M.C. and a Rapper" on the Sway In The Morning, radio show. So please view the video and get clarity cause "There Ain't No Mistakes Allowed"
Find out more E-mail us at: Info@hipHopBlvd.net
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MC's
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Contact information
Al Pizarro - Ceo / Founder
Bronx New, York
Tel:917.544.4129