On this day in Hip Hop history, LL Cool J released his third studio LP Walking with a Panther on Def Jam Recordings in 1989.
Peaking at #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop chart and #6 on the Billboard 200, this album continued LL’s streak of commercially successful albums as well as served as one of Hip Hop’s early crossover projects.
During that era, Def Jam was working to bring Hip Hop to the forefront of the mainstream, and this album was geared to reinvent LL Cool J’s sound while retaining its Hip Hop integrity. Although it may have been publicly successful at achieving its goal, some critics have said this project may have brought LL’s street credibility into question.
Regardless of critical opinion, the appeal of this album outshines anything negative that could be said about it. The most impressive and respectable feat of this project is LL’s introduction as a self-produced MC. Throughout Walking with a Panther he proved that not only was he capable of knocking out hit after hit but was also a proficient beat maker. The original production team used to create the majority of LL’s better-known songs prior to this album, L.A. Posse, decided to part ways with Def Jam following a contractual disagreement. This altercation left only one member of the team, Dwanye Simon, left to work with LL Cool J in producing the entirety of the LP.
This project also toted some of LL Cool J’s biggest hit singles including: “Going Back to Cali” and “Jingling Baby.” Both of these singles are hallmarks of LL Cool J’s career and in their own way describe his career as a whole. LL’s appeal was from the beginning catered toward the female demographic while still retaining his “cool guy” demeanor in a way that it wasn’t awkward for males to also be in huge support of his music and style. Much like a proto-Drake, LL Cool J through this album was able to deliver enough to keep the streets happy all while maintaining the attention of his female fan base.
As many tribulations as Yeezy has been through his illustrious career, today is a day that even Kanye West himself cannot deny is reason to celebrate.
Born to the late Dr. Donda West in Atlanta, Georgia on this date in 1977, the iconic emcee, singer, producer, clothing designer, and self-proclaimed “genius” has become a household name over the past two decades. From his role as an in-house producer for the now-defunct Roc-A-Fella Records to the revolutionary ‘Ye who proclaimed “George Bush doesn’t care about Black people” to the “KoonYe” as he was called when he famously, yet erroneously proclaimed “Slavery is a choice,” there’s no predictability when it comes “Yeezus”.
Even though Ye has managed to confuse some with his statements about slavery some years back, but he still managed to make a monumental contribution ($2 million) to the legal teams and families of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd while simultaneously paying full college tuition for Gianna Floyd, George Floyd’s daughter. Ye also gave a memorable performance at the going home services for late rap legend DMX
Salute to Kanye and wish him many more birthdays and success in his endeavors!
On this day in Hip-Hop history, one of the most important films for Hip Hop culture was released in theaters around the globe. The Stan Lathan-directed Beat Street was a film that was able to help Hip Hop culture as a whole breakthrough into the mainstream market and showed a side of the scene that those outside of New York might not have ever heard about.
The plot follows Kenny Kirkland aka DJ Double K, a young man aspiring to be one of New York’s top DJs. Through performances, trials, and tribulations, Kenny is able to grow as a DJ and reach his goal of performing at the famous Roxy club in New York. This film’s narrative of perseverance and struggle to achieve your dreams inspired a generation to grow into many of the artists who have become prominent figures in Hip Hop today.
The film includes many of Hip Hop’s pioneering acts and personalities including Afrika Bambaataa and The Soul Sonic Force, The Treacherous Three(including Kool Moe Dee), the Rock Steady Crew, the New York City Breakers, Doug E. Fresh and many more of the culture’s major influencers of that era.
The film’s commercial success stretched past the boundaries of this country to influence the cultures across the planet. Grossing $16,595,791 in the box office, this film was just as big a hit in Europe as it was in the United States, specifically in Germany. It is said that this film single-handedly sparked the boom of Hip Hop culture in both West Germany in a time when the East and West were still separated. The film also helped the spread of graffiti culture in Across East and West Germany along with the United States.
Mentioned in songs by Jay Electronica, The Notorious B.I.G., AZ, and Ras Kass, it’s obvious that this picture transcended generations to inspire rap music at every tier. If you have not already, make sure you watch and see what for yourself what it was that inspired so many to take this genre that is so loved from an inner-city fad to an international cultural craze.
Brooklyn is home to endless raps in the rap game, and Maino refuses to be left out of the conversation. Born Jermaine Coleman, the East Coast spitter is best known for his hit records “All The Above” featuring T-Pain, and “Hi-Hater” which peaked at #16 on the Billboard charts upon release in 2009.
However, Maino’s catalog runs much deeper than the mainstream success of these records, bringing nothing but the real when it comes to his music. And while he fell in love with Hip-Hop long before his decade-long stint in prison, it wasn’t until he was behind bars that he actually learned how to rap.
Fast forward to today, Maino is excited as ever to be dropping his highly-anticipated new album K.O.B. 4, which will serve as the last installment in the King of Brooklyn series. Slated to release in July, the project is spearheaded by lead single “Vibe With Me,” which samples Busta Rhymes’ Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See.”
The Source caught up with Maino virtually, who was celebrating Taco Tuesdays at The Chelsea House in his hometown of New York City. Read below as we discuss what Hip Hop means to him, why Tupac influenced him so heavily, the new single, and more!
Hip-Hop celebrates 50 years this year. What does Hip Hop mean to you?
It means everything to me. It means opportunity. You know how many brown and black kids, men and women that Hip Hop saved? The opportunity is endless. Coming from the ghetto coming from impoverished neighborhoods, Hip Hop saved us. It gave us the opportunity to be millionaires. Make money, take care of families, travel the world. Do things that we wouldn’t wouldn’t have been able to do without the vehicle of Hip Hop.
Do you remember the moment you fell in love with Hip-Hop?
I fell in love with Hip Hop as a kid, listening to all the groups. It was intoxicating. It went with the sound of the streets. It was natural. You went outside to play on your block, you heard various different music. You heard Eric B & Rakim. You heard KRS-One, you heard him blasting out the speakers. It just felt natural. It was organic.
Is it true you started rapping in prison?
Yeah, I never rapped prior to that. I wasn’t a rapper. I didn’t start rapping until I was in prison, because I wasn’t a rapper.
What was that moment that you were like damn, I’ma start spitting?
That moment for me was listening to other dudes rap, listening to other people rap. Listening on the gate. In prison, you on a tier. You got a man beside you, another man beside you. It’s a tier. SHU: special housing unit. In a box, 23 hours locked in a day. Friday night, dudes just banging on the gate rapping. Damn, this shit sound hard! You know what, I’ma write me a rhyme. That’s how it started, I was influenced.
How were those beginning raps? Were you writing on paper?
Yeah. Because I was in prison, the sort of music I was making was primarily about what I was experiencing. Being away, being in solitude. Feeling so many different feelings, so many different emotions. It was geared towards that. “I’m in the cell feeling like it’s hell!” Shit like that.
Were there artists that you studied while you were behind bars?
Tupac, for sure Tupac. Biggie influenced me, he was the artist I identified most with because he came from my neighborhood. I hadn’t seen an artist that came from my neighborhood, that became a star. That was unfounded at the time. Tupac, because nobody spoke to the black male experience like he did. Where he was able to put the emotions and feelings of being a young n*gga trapped in and out of jail, in and out of the streets. Dealing with confrontations and conflicts with other black males, hustling and getting money. Dealing with the death of your homies in prison, he spoke to that like no other. Still even till this day, nobody speaks to that experience like him.
He got the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today!
Yeah, I thought he would have been had that. He just getting that? I didn’t even think about it. When I heard it, that was a no-brainer a long time ago.
You got a favorite Tupac song?
Too many to name. Too many man. “Str8 Ballin,” if you know what that is. “Death Around the Corner,” so many. “Are U Still Down?” “My Block.” Those are a few off the top of my head.
What was the most important lesson you learned from when you were behind bars?
Never give up, ever. Know the pain is temporary.
You dropped “Vibe With Me.” What led you to sample that Busta Rhymes song?
My man ArizonaSlim, he did that. He was playing beats and I just heard it. At the time, nobody had done it before. I wanted to tap into that. It wasn’t even something that I thought of on my own, to be honest. So I gave him all that credit, ArizonaSlim, for thinking about that. Because prior to what Coi Leray and them did, nobody had thought about that beat before that.
Was it easy to get that clearance from Busta Rhymes?
Yeah, I sent it to him right away, as soon as I did it. He thought it was dope. I wouldn’t have put it out if he didn’t like it.
Best memory from the video shoot?
Doing something that I’ve never done before, which is having fun with the video and doing different things. Putting on the costumes and glasses, trying to channel some of that Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott energy.
Who’s girl’s voice is that that says “oh, I can’t stand Maino”?
Oh, that’s the girl I know. I like that drop. It’s funny.
I know you dropped “Pressure,” shout out to Jim Jones. That video was epic, loved the drum band in NYC.
Lobby! We just doing music. Me and Jim do a lot of music. We did the Lobby Boyz album. We have another Lobby Boyz album. You have a Fit Lit album with me, him, Fabolous, and Dave East. We got a lot of music already sitting there. Already done.
Why are you the King of Brooklyn?
We’re not the only king, we all kings. I’m just one.
Who are the others?
Fabulous is definitely one. Bobby Shmurda is a young king from Brooklyn. You got a lot of kings man, we all kings. You gotta understand what Brooklyn is, Brooklyn is king’s county. Fivio Foreign, we all kings. We all have our own thrones and own castles, our own domain.
King of Brooklyn 4 drops next month in July, you’re ending the series. What can we expect?
Just honest music. You know me man, I just speak from my heart. Straight up talking about talking my shit, that’s it.
“Strictly Business” is the debut single by the legendary duo EPMD. The song served as the lead single for their debut album of the same name. The record went on to be the pair’s first charting single and saw minor success on the R&B charts.
Although it was received with mixed reviews when it was first released, “Strictly Business” has aged gracefully and is now considered a Hip-Hop classic.
The song peaked at the No. 25 position on the U.S. R&B Singles chart. On the other hand, it peaked on the U.S. Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales and U.S. Dance Music/Club Play Singles charts in the No. 17 and No. 19 position, respectively.
The song’s main sample is Eric Clapton’s cover of Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff”. Other samples include “Jungle Boogie” by Kool & the Gang and “Long Red” by Mountain.
Sunday night (June 4), Cardi B delivered an explosive performance at Hot 97’s Summer Jam. The Bronx native took the stage with an ensemble of her top collaborators, treating fans to an unforgettable night of music and entertainment.
Cardi B‘s set included crowd favorites like “Bartier Cardi” featuring 21 Savage, “Bodak Yellow,” “I Like It,” “Up,” and the iconic “WAP.” The energy in the UBS Arena was palpable as she flawlessly delivered each song, captivating the audience from start to finish.
Not content with just her own hits, Cardi B surprised the crowd with a selection of featured songs and recently released tracks. She joined forces with rising star Latto on the recently dropped record “Put It On Da Floor Again,” showcased her collaboration with GloRilla on “Tomorrow 2,” and City Girls anthem “Twerk.”
The performance was a spectacle to behold, as Cardi B enlisted the help of energetic young dancers who added an extra layer of excitement to the stage. The inclusion of stripper poles added a touch of Cardi B’s signature flair, further enhancing the visual spectacle. True to her comedic nature, Cardi B performed barefoot, fully displaying her trademark sense of humor.
You can see images from the dope, show-ending set below.
Hot 97’s Summer Jam was on fire Sunday night. Taking Over USB Arena, the show was stacked with Ice Spice, Coi Leray, GloRilla, Lol Brooke, French Montana, Fivio Foreign, and Lil Tjay. But the night belonged to Cardi B, who headlined and also brought out Latto for a special appearance so the two could perform their new banger “Put It On Da Floor Again.”
Cardi B and Latto performing their new song ‘Put It On Da Floor Again’ at Summer Jam tonight. pic.twitter.com/eK3w0ip8J5
— Cardi B | Updates (@updatesofcardi) June 5, 2023
Last week, Latto returned with another banger tagging with Cardi B for “Put It On Da Floor Again.” The new release, arriving courtesy of RCA Records, arrives with a new video taking the two rap queens across Atlanta and running into surprise cameos from Offset, BabyGrill, and LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese.
The original version of this “Put It On Da Floor” remix, created by Go Grizzly, Squat & Pooh Beatz, and others, was first performed at Coachella Weekend 1 this year and has since received over 15 million streams across all platforms and playlists including RapCaviar, Rap Life, New Music Daily, and others.
On June 3, 1997, the Witty Unpredictable Talent And Natural Game gave the world a double dose of their killer bee stings when they dropped the Wu Tang Forever double CD LP.
The album was executively produced by the Abbott himself, RZA, along with assistance from 4th Disciple, Inspectah Deck and True Master. Released to the public under the Loud/RCA imprint with direction from the illustrious Steve Rifkind, this album was certified gold in its first week and was certified 4X platinum by the RIAA within four months of its release.
Some of the hits include the album’s lead, “Triumph”, “Older Gods”, “Duck Season” and the prophetic title of their current album, A Better Tomorrow. The Clan just celebrated 20 years together in 2013 looking back on two decades of music. The Clan is also currently working on an album with Ghostface Killah running the show.
Peace to the entire Clan for giving us such a monumental project without the assistance of radio/video play, which is the mark of true artistry. Salute to RZA, Divine, Power, Steve Rifkind and everyone who helped make this album a timeless classic!
Latto is back with another banger, tagging with Cardi B for “Put It On Da Floor Again.” The new release, arriving courtesy of RCA Records, arrives with a new video taking the two rap queens across Atlanta and running into surprise cameos from Offset, BabyGrill, and LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese.
The original version of this “Put It On Da Floor” remix, created by Go Grizzly, Squat & Pooh Beatz, and others, was first performed at Coachella Weekend 1 this year and has since received over 15 million streams across all platforms and playlists including RapCaviar, Rap Life, New Music Daily, and others.
On this day in Hip Hop history, Queens rapper Ja Rule released his debut LP Venni Vetti Vicci. As the first release ofrom Irv Gotti‘s Murder Inc. record label, this project carried a lot of weight on its shoulders as the breakthrough for not only Ja Rule’s career but the career and integrity of Murder Inc Records as a whole.
Fortunately enough, the album was a hit and launched Ja Rule and Murder Inc. up among the ranks of some of New York’s most respected and successful rappers. Ja Rule’s force, style, and energy blended perfectly with and help grow the popularity of the East Coast hardcore movement that was taking place in the late 90s and early 2000s.
The mix of high energy, club jam production and hardcore gangster lyricism is what made this album so appealing. Although it could be said that Ja Rule wasn’t the greatest with the pen, the party appeal of this project kept it flying off the shelves in record stores across the country. The album’s commercial reception was more than any one could ask for a debut album peaking at #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop chart and #3 on the Billboard 200 chart all while going platinum in the year of its release.
