Exclusives Archives - Page 253 of 273

Today In Hip Hop History: Paramount Pictures Released ‘Juice’ In Theaters 31 Years Ago

January 17, 2023 by newhiphopnews

On this date in 1992, Paramount Pictures presented the highly anticipated hood flick Juice, which stars a still rising rap star by the name of Tupac Shakur, who plays a crooked crimie from Uptown by the name of “Bishop”.

His co-star, Omar Epps(Higher Learning, In Too Deep), plays a local DJ with industry potential named “GQ”, alongside Jermaine “Huggy” Hopkins(Lean On Me) and Khalil Kain, who all form a loosely knit crew of truants who are headed in the wrong direction.

This movie was very instrumental in bringing Hip Hop artists onto the silver screen, with cameo appearances from Treach of Naughty By Nature, Queen Latifah, EPMD’s DJ Scratch and Special Ed. Juice also helped to introduce the soundtrack as a way to market movies for larger budgets.

For those who never took notice, it wasn’t until after ‘Pac made everyone love to hate his character Bishop that Shakur’s run-ins with the law became more frequent and his “Thug Life” persona became more noticeable and for its own intent, purposeful. Many will say that it was life imitating art. Some will say that this was the real Tupac; he was just being filmed.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Paramount Pictures Released ‘Juice’ In Theaters 31 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: A Tribe Called Quest Dropped Their Debut Album ‘The People’s Instinctive Travels And The Path To Rhythm’ LP 33 Years Ago

January 17, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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Ahead of its time to say the least, A Tribe Called Quest’s experimental, alternative, jazz rap was originally unappreciated by mainstream audiences. It took six years for the Tribe’s first album to hit gold. The album might not have been a huge commercial success at first, but their innovative and comedic sound beautifully balanced the light-hearted social consciousness of their tracks. Although “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm” was critically acclaimed, some critics felt that the inspired lyricism and unique humor was at times overshadowed by the group’s immaturity and lack of focus. Their debut album did, however, generate buzz within the Alternative Hip Hop community that has gained them a devout cult following. Today “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm” is certified gold, and in The Source Magazines’s 100 Best Rap Albums. Other accolades include a 5 mic rating from The Source, 4 stars out of 5 by The Rolling Stone Album Guide, and a 3.5 out of 4 stars by the Chicago Tribune.

Regardless of which generation you belong to, every true Hip Hop fan can remember the first time they heard “Can I kick It?” by saying “yes I can!”…and how it changed their perception of the genre. In honor of this special day in Hip Hop history we did some digging and found old school Source articles reviewing “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm”, so feel free to take a look at the history.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: A Tribe Called Quest Dropped Their Debut Album ‘The People’s Instinctive Travels And The Path To Rhythm’ LP 33 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip Hop History: Nas Released His Iconic ‘Illmatic’ Album 29 Years Ago

January 17, 2023 by newhiphopnews

29 years ago today, Nas dropped his debut LP, ‘Illmatic.’ Released by Columbia Records in 94′ Nas recorded the album at Chung King Studios, D&D Recording, Battery Studios, and Unique Recording Studios in New York City. Produced by DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and Nas himself, the bangers on the album will be embedded in Hip Hop culture as classics merely based on their production alone.

The album sold 60,000 in the first week and debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 chart. On January 17, 1996, the album was certified gold by the RIAA. In 2001 it earned a platinum certification after shipping 1,000,000 copies in the United States alone.

Lyrically, Nas delivered certified street verses on ‘Illmatic’ that influenced the majority of the ’90s and is regarded as one of the greatest LPs of all time by critics and major publications globally.

The post Today in Hip Hop History: Nas Released His Iconic ‘Illmatic’ Album 29 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Happy 55th Birthday to Hip Hop Pioneer LL Cool J!

January 14, 2023 by newhiphopnews

James Todd Smith, a.k.a. LL Cool J, nickname “Ladies Love Cool James”; born on Long Island, New York, January 14, 1968. LL Cool J signed to pioneer Hip Hop label Def Jam Records in 1984. His career took off with classic hits, included on albums like: Bigger and Deffer, Walking with a Panther, Mama Said Knock You Out, 14 Shots to the Dome, Mr. Smith. LL turned to act, appearing in movies like B.A.P.S., Halloween H2O, and Any Given Sunday.

LL is undoubtedly one of the most tenured artists in the game, having started his career at the age of 15, signing to Def Jam with the hit demo single “I Need A Beat”. Many artists that are considered the greats on the mic have always been compared to Mr. Smith and his consistency to continue to put out hits and remain relevant over a span of four decades.

Happy born day to one of the GOATs of the game and wish him many more hereafter!

The post Happy 55th Birthday to Hip Hop Pioneer LL Cool J! appeared first on The Source.

Happy 58th Birthday To Slick Rick! Five Favorite Storytime Rhymes From Rick The Ruler

January 14, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Born Ricky Martin Lloyd Walters on this date in 1965 in London, England, Slick Rick is undoubtedly the best storyteller in the history of Hip Hop.

From stories about his hectic lifestyle just “six minutes” before stage time to his almost unbelievable sexcapades, Rick The Ruler set the bar for rappers to tell their tall tales with style and cadence.

In honor of his born day, TheSource.com has compiled a list of the top five storyline rhymes from his album arsenal.

“La Di Da Di”

“Stepped out the house, stopped short..Oh No! I went back in, I forgot my Kangol..”

“A Children’s Story”

“He ran down the street, there he saw the sister/ shot for his head, he shot back, buit he missed her..”

“Mona Lisa”

“Callin’ me a thief? Please! Don’t even try it! Sit down, eat your slice of pizza and be quiet..”

“The Show”

“I was all alone, no one to be with/ stepped off the D Train at 205th..I saw a pretty girl..”

“Treat Her Like A Prostitute”

“‘Cause all they do is to hurt and trample/ Listen up close here comes my last example..”

The post Happy 58th Birthday To Slick Rick! Five Favorite Storytime Rhymes From Rick The Ruler appeared first on The Source.

Happy 53rd Birthday To Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon The Chef!

January 12, 2023 by newhiphopnews

On this date in 1970, Wu-Tang Clan swordsman and lyrical legend Raekwon The Chef was born in Staten Island, New York. The Staten Island-based emcee is one of the Wu’s most celebrated artists, with his Only Built 4 Cuban Linx projects reaching cult-like following proportions. Along with his Wu blood kin, Rae has appeared on every WTC project since the group’s inception in 1992, which led up to their monumental debut single “Protect Ya Neck”.

As for the Chef himself, Rae has released six solo albums plus the Wu Massacre project featuring his PNC Ghostface Killah and Method Man. Rae has also appeared in a couple of silver screen hits including the Hip Hop powered The Show and the race-baiting flick Black and White starring Wu-Tang manager Oliver “Power” Grant.

In 2009, Raekwon found religion and converted to Islam.

Happy born day to Shallah Raekwon, wishing him a great day and much more hereafter!

The post Happy 53rd Birthday To Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon The Chef! appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: GZA’s ‘Liquid Swords’ Certified Gold 27 Years Ago

January 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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On this day in Hip Hop history, GZA of Wu-Tang Clan’s second album, Liquid Swords, was certified gold by the RIAA.

The album was originally released on November 7, 1995. The LP was recorded entirely in the basement studio of fellow Wu-Tang Clan member RZA (who also produced 12 of the 13 tracks on the project) in Staten Island, New York. Much to the theme of previous Wu-Tang releases, this album consisted vastly of dialogue sampled from kung fu film, Shogun Assassin.

The tone of this project was quite dark and ominous while dropping bombs of knowledge and understanding of the physical world. The way GZA rapped on this album sounded as if he were playing a game of chess against the listener. His lyrical genius attacks capturing pieces of their minds through the use of his Asiatic philosophy.

Upon its release, Liquid Swords peaked at the #9 spot on the Billboard 200 chart and #2 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. The project is critically acclaimed due to the complexity of its composition. Over the years it has been referred to on many occasions as one of the best rap albums of all time. Selwyn Seyfu Hinds of The Source is quoted saying on this album GZA is:

“a highly focused master-craftsman” and that “throughout Liquid Swords he maintains a clear, precise flow, one that reflects deadly-sharp purpose and skilled execution.”

The album was awarded 4 out of 5 mics by The Source upon release. Critics, journalists, and magazines alike had nothing but positive remarks in regards to this album. Matt Hall of Select wrote in 1995 that “…Liquid Swords sneaks under the tape to qualify as Rap Album of the Year.”

Said to be one of the best solo projects out of Wu-Tang, this album helped GZA build his kingdom in the rap game. After this release, he and Wu-Tang Clan went on to be the most successful rap group in the history of music.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: GZA’s ‘Liquid Swords’ Certified Gold 27 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Smif N Wessun Dropped Their Debut Album ‘Dah Shinin’ 28 Years Ago

January 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

On this date in 1995, Steele and Tek aka Smif N Wessun of the legendary Boot Camp Clik released their debut album Dah Shinin’ on the ultra-indie imprint, Wreck Records.

This was also the sophomore effort of the Boot Camp Clik, which exposed the skills of more of the artists that were heard on Black Moon’s debut project, Enta Da Stage. Tracks such as “Cession at da Doghillee” and “Sound Bwoy Bureill” introduced members of Heltah Skeltah, the duo that included the late Sean Price, as well as the Originoo Gunn Clappaz(O.G.C.), which completed the epic Brooklyn rap collective.

With in-house production courtesy of Da Beatminerz, the Roy Ayers’ Ubiquity-Esque feel that was captured on the album’s cover can definitely be felt through the verses over the haunting tracks. Even though the album never reached gold status in terms of sales, Dah Shinin’ is undoubtedly one of the albums that define its era.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Smif N Wessun Dropped Their Debut Album ‘Dah Shinin’ 28 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Happy Heavenly 52nd Birthday To The Legendary MF DOOM!

January 9, 2023 by newhiphopnews

On this date in 1971, rapper Daniel Dumile also known as MF DOOM (Metal Face Doom), was born in London, England to his Trinidadian mother and Zimbabwean father. His family relocated to New York when Dumile was a teenager, which was where he developed a love for the Hip-Hop culture.

In 1988, Dumile, under the moniker Zev Love X, created the rap collective KMD (Kausing Much Damage) along with his brother and DJ of the group, the late Subroc. From here DOOM gained fame from the timeless “Peachfuzz” single, which catapulted Dumile to the status of being able to deliver an anticipated solo album.

With over 30 album releases under his belt and an international cult following unmatched by virtually any other solo emcee or group, MF DOOM will continue to leave his graffiti-style mark in the game, even though in another four years, we’ll be calling him Curtis Jackson.

Supreme salute to the GOD MF DOOM, wishing him a safe and enjoyable born day today and many more hereafter.

The post Happy Heavenly 52nd Birthday To The Legendary MF DOOM! appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Busta Rhymes Released His First Solo Single “Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check” 27 Years Ago

January 6, 2023 by newhiphopnews

On this date in 1996, Busta Rhymes of the almighty L.O.N.S.(Leaders Of The New School) crew dropped his very first single as a solo artist entitled Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check. The frontman of the four-man squad had been expected to come out dolo since the early days of L.O.N.S., but made a few guest appearances on tracks within the circle of Hip Hop royalty, but didn’t officially go for self until 1995.

At the top of the following year, Buss A Bus released the first single “Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check” from his solo debut album The Coming, which was marketed and distributed by Elektra Records. The energetic track borrowed lyrics from The Sugarhill Gang’s impactful “8th Wonder” for the hook and added Busta’s signature animation for one of the most memorable singles of Buss ‘career.

Salute to Busta, the late Chris Lighty, and the entire Violator family for bringing Buss to us as a solo artist!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Busta Rhymes Released His First Solo Single “Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check” 27 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.