Archive for the ‘Artists’ Category
Wu Tang Clan
Ranked as the 5th greatest hip hop group of all time, Wu Tang clan revolutionized the era of G- Funk rap in the mid- 90’s. Comprised of 9 emcees – Method Man, RZA, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, U- God, Ghostface Killah, Old Dirty Bastard and Masta Killa – these guys created a new concept for the hip hop crew. They turned the rap world inside out by making it their goal to prove themselves both as a group and as individuals so they could spin off many projects and still earn as many royalty checks as they could. Pretty smart for a rap group!
Snoop Dogg
The poster boy of gangsta rap, Snoop Dogg made the world fascinated with his lyrical word play. Nicknamed Snoop by his momma because of his looks, he veered away from a life of crime by focusing on his music in his late teens. Through his good friend Warren G, he got a hook up with Dr. Dre who featured him on The Chronic album with the classic like “Nothing But a G Thing” and “Dre Day.” From his violent image from before, he now assumed this chill exterior, reminiscent of how he raps. The P-I-M-P, Snoop also has done projects with rock n roll artists and has a TV show called Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood.
Slick Rick
Originally from London, this Bronx boy Slick Rick is best known for his eye patch, expensive taste in flamboyant jewellery and golden tooth. His famous songs during the 1980’s include “Hey Young World”, “Children’s Story “and “The Show”. His rap style pioneered the art of narrative hip hop which gave emphasis on voicing of the characters. After a stint in prison, he released “The Art of Storytelling” which was considered as the real follow up to his 1988 debut that aligned him with some of the greats like Nas and Snoop. In 2008, VHI honoured him with on the Hip Hop Honours show.
Queen Latifah
On March 18, 1970, rapper, actress & producer extraordinaire Queen Latifah was born. Dana Elaine Owens started honing her musical gift in high school, by forming a rap group called Ladies Fresh. With the help of Fab Five Freddy who used to host Yo! Mtv Raps at that time, she managed to get her first recording deal at 19. From then on, she hasn’t stop working on her career, even dabbling in the tv & movie biz. A spokesperson for different products including Covergirl Cosmetics, Pizza Hut, Jenny Craig and Curvation ladies Underwear, Queen Latifah is one female rap act to stay.
Ludacris
The turn of the century was when the Dirty South movement was taking place. On top of it all was Christopher Bridges, better known as Ludacris. Working as a DJ at HOT 107.9, an Atlanta radio station gave him the chance to rub elbows with Timbaland himself, consequently having him feature in the song Fat Rabbit in his 1998 album, Tim’s Bio. Having laid the groundwork for an ill career to follow, he went on and released his own album himself called Incognegro which Def jam re-packaged a few months later. He has worked with different artists including Mariah Carey, Ciara, Fergie, etc.
LL Cool J
One of the most suave rappers to date, James Todd Smith, better known as LL Cool J has been on fire not only in the music biz but also in Hollywood as well (see NCIS: LA). Born in Queens, he started rapping at age 9 and bagged a recording deal at 17. Countless of hits later including “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Hush”, his other ventures include his own clothing line called Todd Smith, book deals (on his bio and work out regimen) and multiple business enterprises. Known for his chiselled bod, it’s no wonder why Ladies Love Cool J.
Eric B. & Rakim
During the golden age of hip hop, the duo most notable yet overlooked is probably Eric B and Rakim. As the dj, Eric B was known for creating hard hitting tracks, mostly influenced by James Brown himself. Rakim on the other hand has earned the reputation of being one of the smoothest emcees there is, with his clear articulation and effortless delivery. These two started their career early on, having met on WBLS’s radio station. Their first track was entiled “Eric B. For President“ as an ode to Eric B’s DJ skills. Until now, these guys are still recognized by a lot of legit rappers, including Gang Starr, Wu Tang Clan and Eminem.
Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Mathers, better known as Eminem is as white as a white person can get. But this American rapper, producer and actor have made his mark in this music industry where afro centricity dominates. Slim Shady grew up broke, which pushed him to focus on his talents rather than sulk about it. Read More
Jay Z
A rapper and a businessman, Shawn Corey Carter or the Hova himself has got it made. Jay Z is said to be one of the most financially successful hip hop artists in the world & at the same time entrepreneur (he’s worth $150 mil). Having sold about 40 million albums and holding the record for the most number one albums by a solo artist, this guy also keep his g’s in check by co- owning the 40/40 club, New Jersey Nets and founding Roc-A-Fella Records. In 2008, he married r & b goddess Beyonce Knowles in a private New York ceremony.
Tupac Shakur
Known as 2Pac, this American rapper is considered to be one of the best selling music artists in the world. Having sold 75 million albums worldwide, his message is so universal that he has been ranked as the 86th Greatest Artist of All time. In 1994, he was shot 5 times and robbed in the lobby of a New York recording studio. This incident fuelled the East Coast vs. West Coast rap rivalry as Shakur believed most had knowledge of the shooting. In 1996 in Nevada he died from respiratory failure & cardiac arrest due to a drive by shooting.
