Exclusives

Today In Hip Hop History: Missy Elliott’s Debut LP ‘Supa Dupa Fly’ Turns 25 Years Old!

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On this day in Hip Hop history, rap queen Missy Elliott released her debut LP, Supa Dupa Fly.

Arguably the most influential release by a female rapper in history, this project birthed one of rap’s most important icons, male or female. The Hip Hop/R&B experimental masterpiece not only delivered a fresh sound to a period in between dominant trends, it also set the tone for what would be considered a radio hit at the turn of the millennium.

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The sound and success of this project are due in equal part to Missy and fellow Virginian super-producer Timbaland. In the new age, digital R&B style production pioneered a sound that became the standard of any Top 40 crossover hit of the era. His technical ability as a beatmaker personally complimented Missy’s unorthodox, almost broken-up, flow and smooth, soulful vocals. Missy’s ability as an innovative songwriter allowed for the mind-boggling production to not be wasted. The subjects that were touched on came with a new perspective and the way she rode each beat added such emphasis, giving the project a strong theatrical quality.

Commercially, it performed quite well peaking at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album claimed the #1 spot on the R&B/Hip Hop chart and made appearances on music charts in New Zealand and the Netherlands.  The album was certified platinum in the United States and silver in the United Kingdom, both in the year of its release. Critics across the board praised both Timbaland and Missy Elliot for their work on this album, calling it “a key prophecy of the dominant 21st-century Black pop” and “everything the Hip Hop doctor ordered; a woman who could flip between aggression and romance, sex and nonsense, materialism and imagination, without batting one outrageously spidery eyelash.”

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Today In Hip Hop History: Too $hort’s Fourth LP ‘Shorty The Pimp’ Turns 30 Years Old!

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On this day in Hip-Hop history, Oakland rapper Too $hort released his fourth studio LP, Shorty The Pimp. 

Inspired by a 1973 blaxploitation film of the same name, the album’s sexually braggadocio lyrics and funk-inspired production held true to the style Too $hort had established for himself over his past six projects. And although Too $hort rarely strayed away from his proven formula, his progression as an artist is evident on this project.

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Commercially, this album had great national reception and was Too $hort’s most popular album to date selling 82,000 copies in its first week. The project debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 chart, where it peaked, and #11 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop chart.

Although Too $hort was never hailed as the greatest lyricist of his era, the production and instrumentation of his projects brought him such acclaim. On this project particularly, the instrumentation and composition from Shorty B alongside production from Ant Banks and Too $hort himself is strong enough to stand solo and still be considered a satisfying pseudo-funk album. Check out “In The Trunk” as an exemplary track from the album below.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Gangstarr Dropped ‘Full Clip: Decade Of Gangstarr’ 23 Years Ago

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On this day in Hip Hop history, famed rap duo Gang Starr released their first compilation album, Full Clip: Decade of Gang Starr.

Dropping a year after the duo’s most popular album Moment of Truth, this compilation album contained some of the group’s biggest singles stemming from their prolific 10-year career.

It’s common knowledge Gang Starr had one of the longest successful careers in Hip Hop and this double LP greatest hits compilation is proof of their longevity. Only after the passing of 2Pac had there been a greatest hits compilation spanning two discs. The sheer volume and quality of this project perfectly describe the ability of one of rap’s most underrated tandems. Commercially, the project did fairly well peaking at #33 on the Billboard 200 chart and making appearances on music charts in the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Sweden. The album was certified gold in the year of its release and continues to sell copies across the globe. Following this release, the group went on to take a four-year hiatus before putting out their final LP The Ownerz in 2003.

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Today In Hip Hop History: ‘Hustle & Flow’ Soundtrack Was Released 17 Years Ago

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On this date in 2005, T.I.’s Grand Hustle Records dropped the soundtrack to the pimp juice-infused flick Hustle & Flow. The featured song, “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp,” which was produced by Three 6 Mafia, would get the Memphis crew an unprecedented Oscar for Best Original Song at the 78th Academy Awards.

Legendary stand out singles from this classic soundtrack include Webbie’s “Bad Bitch”, featuring the Diamond Princess herself Trina, the Lil Jon-powered “I’m a King” (Remix) featuring T.I. and Lil Scrappy, and of course the movie tracks featuring Terrence Howard, who raps as “Djay” on songs like “Whoop That Trick” and the title track. The two above singles actually reached the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and U.S. Billboard Hot 100 R&B/hip-hop songs respectively.

Salute to the Grand Hustle imprint, Three 6 Mafia, Lil Boosie and Webbie, and all of the other Dirty South artists who made this soundtrack a piece of Hip Hop history!

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World’s Largest Breaking Competition Announces 2022 USA Regional Schedule And All Star Tour

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Today, prestigious one-on-one breaking competition, Red Bull BC One, reveals the U.S. line-up for its highly-anticipated regional qualifiers and the return of the Red Bull BC One All Star Tour. Regional qualifiers, or cyphers, will take place across the country, summoning the best b-boys and b-girls for battles, community building, and mentorship. 

The competition kicks off on July 23 in Philadelphia followed by regional cyphers in Austin, Orlando, Boston, and Seattle. Regional cyphers bring together 16 of the region’s top b-boys and b-girls to battle 1v1 in a knockout bracket format. A panel of respected breakers from each region determines which competitors will advance to the Red Bull BC One National Final in Los Angeles. 

The 2022 season saw an expansion of the program with the inception of open prequalifying city cyphers, which took place throughout the country this spring and ensured breakers of all levels had an opportunity to secure a spot in the elite competition. Regional qualifiers include invitees chosen for their elite breaking ability as well as champions and runners up from the open city cyphers.

Emerging b-girl Jeyna Ponce took the win at the Las Vegas city cypher before deciding to also participate in San Diego where she claimed runner up. “Since I’m new to battling, the open cypher tested my competition skills. I’m not often around an abundance of female breakers and these events showed me the potential of my own break technique while introducing me to a community of individuals I can learn from.” 

Born and raised in Las Vegas, 21-year old Ponce grew up surrounded by family and peers in prominent dance crews such as Super Cr3w, Jabbawockeez, and Full Force. With a decade of training in everything from jazz to choreo, Ponce found her way to break while studying at Alchemy Breaking Academy in Summer 2020 and never looked back. Ponce is set to compete at the regional qualifier in Austin, TX.  

Coinciding with the cyphers, the Red Bull BC One All Star Tour returns in 2022 with multi-city stops featuring the world class Red Bull BC One All Stars, an elite breaking crew, including Logistx (USA), Lilou (FR), Ronnie (USA), RoxRite (USA), Phil Wizard (CANADA), Lil Zoo (Austria), Victor (USA), and Neguin (USA/BRAZIL). Commencing August 4th, the Red Bull BC One All Star tour will stop in Austin, New York City, Philadelphia, Orlando, Boston, Chicago, and Seattle. Cultivating a platform for mentorship, while ushering in the next generation of breakers, each stop on the tour will host workshops, community jams, panels, and exhibition battles led by Red Bull BC One All Stars. 

“I’m excited to get back on the road and reconnect with the b-boys and b-girls bringing break to new heights. With breaking making its way to the 2024 Paris Games, mentorship takes on an important role. As the community expands and competition levels rise, this is the moment to inspire the next generation while ensuring the strong foundation of heritage,” says Red Bull BC One All Star Ronnie. 

The 2022 Red Bull BC One cypher season celebrates the art and athleticism of breaking, those who have pioneered the sport, and the communities who shape what it looks like today. With the Red Bull BC One World Final returning to New York, the birthplace of break, for the first time in 13 years, the competition aims to pay tribute to the sport’s heritage and invites the international community to celebrate breaking’s roots while looking to its future. 

RED BULL BC ONE U.S. CYPHER SCHEDULE

  • East Cypher [Philadelphia, PA]: Saturday, July 23, Cherry Street Pier 
  • South Cypher [Austin, TX]:  Saturday, August 6, ACL Live
  • Southeast Cypher [Orlando, FL]: Saturday, August 13, Celine Orlando
  • Northeast Cypher [Boston, MA]: Saturday, August 20, The Sinclair
  • Northwest Cypher [Seattle, WA]: Friday, August 26, Showbox SODO
  • National Final [Los Angeles, CA]: Saturday, September 17, Eden Hollywood
  • Camp [New York, NY]: Wednesday, November 10 – Saturday, November 12, Capitale
  • World Final [New York, NY] November 12, Hammerstein Ballroom

RED BULL BC ONE ALL STAR TOUR SCHEDULE

  • Austin, TX: August 6 – 7 
  • New York City: August 10 – 11
  • Philadelphia, PA August 12 – 13
  • Orlando, FL: August 12 – 13 
  • Northeast/Collegiate All Star Tour Stops: August 18 – 20 
  • Chicago, IL: August 23
  • Seattle, WA s: August 25 -26

For more information about individual cyphers, exhibitions, workshops, and tickets check out the Red Bull BC One website and be sure to follow @RedBullBCOne on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter.

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Happy Birthday To The “Queen Bee” Lil Kim!

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Lil Kim Unveils Pretty Little Thing Collection

Born on this date in 1974, Bedford-Stuyvesant native Lil’ Kim has certainly paved the way for female rappers to gain traction in a highly male-dominated world of hip-hop. Making her name, sound, and style notorious (no pun intended) in her appearance on Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s debut album, Conspiracy.

Backed by hardcore lyrics filled with provocative and liberating content, Kim’s attitude and determination broke down gender barriers (which female rappers currently still face) that excelled her respect in the game.

Kim’s resume includes many Hip Hop greats, timeless tracks, fashion moments, and jaw-dropping lyrics. As the musical heiress of the Notorious B.I.G. legacy, Kim has continued to rep the memory of “the greatest rapper of all time”, even naming her sophomore 2000 release Notorious K.I.M.

Morphing from a femcee from Bed Stuy into the iconic figure she is today is a trail that has only been traced by the likes of Cardi B, Megan The Stallion and today’s entire female rap roster. They all have to salute the Queen B.

The Source Magazine sends a supreme born day shout to the Queen on her Birthday!!

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Whodini Dropped Their Self Titled Debut Album 39 Years Ago

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On this date in 1983, pioneering rap trio Whodini, who then was sans DJ Grandmaster D, released their self-titled debut album Whodini on the Jive Records imprint.

Produced primarily by Grammy-nominated British producer and composer Thomas Dolby, Whodini’s first album never really saw any commercial success, however, the album’s “Magic Wand” track did climb to #11 on the Dance Club Songs and number 45 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs while the Willesden Dodges-produced track “The Haunted House of Rock” peaked at number 27 on the Dance Club Songs and number 55 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs.

The eight-track album’s duration is less than 45 minutes, something that was virtually a no-no in all genres of music during the early 80s, however, as one of Hip Hop’s first-ever full-length albums, the duration for each song is extensively longer than the average Hip Hop song today.

Salute to Jalil, Ecstacy(RIP) and Grandmaster D for their timeless contribution to Hip Hop history!

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Today In Hip Hop History: Noreaga Released His Debut Album ‘N.O.R.E.’ 24 Years Ago

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Today marks 24 years since Queens native Noreaga of famed duo Capone-N-Noreaga (CNN) released his debut solo studio album titled N.O.R.E. on Penalty Records and Tommy Boy Entertainment.

The certified gold, No.1 charting, 19-track album featured a star-studded array of feature artists on the mic including Nas, Busta Rhymes, the legendary Kool G Rap, Big Pun, Styles P, Cam’ron, Nature and Jadakiss all on the classic posse cut track “Banned From T.V.”. Not to be outdone, the executively produced by Capone album featured production from Marley Marl, Trackmasters, The Neptunes, Swizz Beatz and DJ Clue amongst others.

Singles that made this album a Hip Hop classic include the sentimental “I Love My Life” featuring Carl Thomas, the action-filled “Body In The Trunk” with Queensbridge cohort Nas and the Neptune-produced hit “Superthug”.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Noreaga Released His Debut Album ‘N.O.R.E.’ 24 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Man Killed Shielding His Son During Highland Park Parade, Mother of the Same 2-Year-Old Also Killed During Shooting

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Man Killed Shielding His Son During Highland Park Parade

An attendee at the Highland Park parade died after shielding his 2-year-old son, Aiden, with his body. The father’s name was Kevin McCarthy and his father-in-law spoke to the Chicago Sun-Times in the aftermath of the tragic mass shooting.

“He had Aiden under his body when he was shot,” Aiden’s grandfather, Michael Levberg stated.

Aiden is now without both his father and mother, Irina, who were both killed in the attack. The Sun-Times notes Aiden was left “walking in the street” following the mass shooting.

Michael was able to get his grandson from the Highland Park police station.

A neighbor passed by, she showed me the picture, it was Aiden,” Michael Levberg said. “I picked him up at the police station.”

Michael revealed the couple had a plan for having a second child.

Highland Park, Illinois mass shooting suspect Robert Crimo reportedly dressed in women’s clothing to escape the area following firing into a parade on the Fourth of July.

According to Lake County Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli, Crimo shot over 70 rounds and dressed in disguise to hide his notable tattoos. He escaped through the crowd running from the chaos of the shooting.

Crimo used a “high-powered rifle” in the shooting that he legally purchased. After leaving the rifle on the roof, Crimo returned to his mother’s home and took her Honda, leading the police on a high-speed chase hours later. Crimo is suspected to have planned the attacks for weeks.

According to the Sun-Times, seven people were killed and over 25 were injured in the shooting. The suspected gunman was apprehended on U.S. 41 in Lake Forest, Illinois, following an 8-hour manhunt, which asked for citizens to shelter in place.

Robert E. “Bobby” Crimo III is 22 years old and was arrested without conflict after a brief chase occurred. Crimo was spotted by a North Chicago police officer leading to the chase. After the arrest, Crimo was taken to the Highland Park police station.

The post Man Killed Shielding His Son During Highland Park Parade, Mother of the Same 2-Year-Old Also Killed During Shooting appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Eric B. and Rakim’s Debut Album ‘Paid In Full’ Turns 35 Years Old!

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Ever since the “Eric B. For President” single featuring a young Long Islander named Rakim Allah was released in the summer of ’86 (which was produced by Marley Marl), the fans were feigning for more of the God with the slow flow, so the two were scooped up by Russell Simmons and the genesis of Paid In Full began.

As the prototype album of Hip Hop’s “Golden Era”, everything from song arrangement, album artwork, and even their wardrobe on the album cover became iconic items of that time period. Manufactured and distributed by indie label Zakia/4th and Broadway Records, the album’s anticipation and response was so unprecedented, it earned the duo a new contract with Uni Records for the sophomore project.

A few of the ten-track classic’s stand-out songs include “Move The Crowd”, “I Ain’t No Joke”, “I Know You Got Soul” and the classic title track, “Paid In Full”.

Even though Eric B. and Rakim just reunited as a group in 2018, this album solidified them as one of the greatest Hip Hop duo’s in the culture’s history and we here at The Source salute them for that. Peace!

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