Today in Hip-Hop History: Scarface’s Third Album ‘The Diary’ Turns 30 Years Old!

tumblr 1e4f22d7e67bbd188993fbc260c0cfcb 1e5bfe9a 1280

tumblr 1e4f22d7e67bbd188993fbc260c0cfcb 1e5bfe9a 1280

30 years ago today rapper Brad “Scarface” Jordan dropped his third studio album The Diary. The album was released on October 18th, 1994 by Rap-A-Lot Records. With singles like “Hand of the Dead Body” released on September 27, 1994, and “I Seen A Man Die” on November 1, 1994, The Diary was certified platinum by the RIAA on December 5th, 1994.

This album was a lot different from his first two releases, Mr. Scarface Is Back and The World Is Yours. On The Diary, Producers N.O., Joe, Mike Dean, Uncle Eddie, and Scarface himself chose a different route when it came to sounds. They were influenced by live instruments, southern blues, and the relaxed pace of that California G-Funk. This became a Rap-A-Lot trademark.

Classic tracks from this album include the haunting “Hand Of A Dead Body”, which features Ice Cube and Devin The Dude, the action-packed storyline of “Goin’ Down” and the epic “I Seen A Man Die”, which was followed by the unforgettable visual.

Salute to J. Prince, Uncle Face, Mike Dean, N.O. Joe, Uncle Eddie, the entire crew at Rap-A-Lot for this timeless classic!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Scarface’s Third Album ‘The Diary’ Turns 30 Years Old! appeared first on .

Today in Hip Hop History: Digable Planets’ Sophomore ‘Blowout Comb’ Album Turns 30 Years Old!

tumblr dbca2b2acc3dd920f04a77dff46d880e 4d910726 1280

tumblr dbca2b2acc3dd920f04a77dff46d880e 4d910726 1280

Today in Hip-Hop history, Brooklyn trio Digable Planets released their sophomore LP Blowout Comb. Serving as a more politically charged follow-up to their jazzy debut, Reachin’: A New Refutation of Time and Space, this album showed the group’s stance on Black nationalism and inner-city living in the mid-’90s.

On this album, the trio abandoned their radio-friendly style to focus on a more militant agenda. Fundamentally, the group metamorphosed, leaving behind their once-coveted insect-centered imagery. As a group, they felt misunderstood. Their original intention with relating their cause to insects was to focus on the fact that bugs, although small, have a “nature to stick together and work for mutually beneficial causes,” according to frontman Ishmael Butler. While working on Blowout Comb, the group completely shed their insect facade and emerged anew with a new focus and new identities. The former “Butterfly” changed his moniker to “Ish,” “Ladybug” became “Mecca,” and “Dooblebug” was now “C-Know”.

Lyrically, this album was something straight out of the Black Power Movement. With references to The Nation of Islam, The Black Panther Party, Allah’s 5% Nation, and the racial and class struggles of the impoverished minorities of the United States, it is no secret what statement Digable Planets was trying to make. They did not want their Afrocentrism to be overshadowed by crossover appeal as it did on their debut. As a result, this LP did not receive much backing from their label, Pendulum/EMI. Despite its lack of internal support, the album still peaked at #32 on the Billboard 200 and #13 on the Top R&B chart.

Unfortunately, following this album, Digable Planets disbanded. The cause of the split is said to be creative differences and dissatisfaction with the music industry. Luckily for the fans, the trio delivered a masterpiece of conscious rap before fading into the pages of Hip Hop history. Take some time today to appreciate one of rap’s most slept-on albums.

The post Today in Hip Hop History: Digable Planets’ Sophomore ‘Blowout Comb’ Album Turns 30 Years Old! appeared first on .

Famed Producer/DJ Clark Kent Passes Away At 57

Screenshot 2024 10 16 at 10.16.40 AM

Screenshot 2024 10 16 at 10.16.40 AM

The Hip Hop world is in shock after the news has been confirmed that legendary Brooklyn DJ Clark Kent has passed away. He was only 57 years old.

There has been no report as of the cause of his death, however, family members and close associates have confirmed his passing.

The Panamanian-born DJ was originally behind the wheels of steel for Brooklyn legend Dana Dane before stepping behind the production boards, producing hits such as Junior Mafia’s “Player’s Anthem” and for artists such as 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Rakim, Slick Rick and more.

TheSource.com will update this story as more details develop.

The post Famed Producer/DJ Clark Kent Passes Away At 57 appeared first on .

Today in Hip-Hop History: Jeru The Damaja Released ‘The Wrath Of The Math’ 28 Years Ago

TodayinHip HopHistory:JeruTheDamajaReleases'TheWrathOfTheMath'YearsAgo

TodayinHip HopHistory:JeruTheDamajaReleases'TheWrathOfTheMath'YearsAgo

On this date in 1996, Gangstarr Foundation representative Jeru The Damaja of the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels dropped his sophomore LP Wrath Of The Math on the Payday/Polygram imprint.

Serving as a continuation from his debut album The Sun Rises In The East, Jeru’s second album contained more of the social consciousness in his lyrical content as on The Sun album, complete with part two to the “Can’t Stop The Prophet” saga in his fight against “Mr. Ignorance.” Produced exclusively by behind the boards legend DJ Premier, Wrath Of The Math was the perfect combination of intelligence, lyrical dexterity, and head-bangin’ production.

Some of the key tracks that propelled the album include “One Day”, where Jeru hypothetically went to Puff Daddy and Suge Knight in an attempt to save Hip-Hop, “The Bullshit”, an imaginary ode to studio gangsters, “Physical Stamina”, which features the album’s only guest appearance by Afu-Ra and the project’s trademark track “Ya Playin’ Yaself”.

Salute to Jeru, Premier, DRS, the Gangstarr Foundation and the whole East New York for this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Jeru The Damaja Released ‘The Wrath Of The Math’ 28 Years Ago appeared first on .

Today In Hip Hop History: Nas Released His Debut Single ‘Halftime’ 32 Years Ago

tumblr 1b8c04c4d5f2d71d2d319ccbe8b6fe8a a95934da 640

tumblr 1b8c04c4d5f2d71d2d319ccbe8b6fe8a a95934da 640

On this date in 1992, “Nasty” Nas dropped his first single for an otherwise unknown movie soundtrack.

Not even Nasir Jones himself knew the magnitude of what his career would be when the “Halftime” single dropped on October 13, 1992. Appearing on Nas’ monumental Illmatic album as well as the under the radar silver screen flick Zebrahead, Halftime was the smash single that put Nasty Nas in the position to be considered the “Second Coming” of lyrical pioneer Rakim by none other than The Source Magazine, who gave Nasty the coveted Five Mic rating for the landmark album.

Produced by Large Professor, who found his way onto Nas’ album by way of the LP’s other incomparable single, “It Ain’t Hard To Tell,” this song was the catalyst that launched the Illmatic project and Nas’ illustrious career.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Nas Released His Debut Single ‘Halftime’ 32 Years Ago appeared first on .

Today in Hip-Hop History: Mos Def’s Solo Debut ‘Black On Both Sides’ Turns 25 Year Old!

mosdef

mosdef

On this date in 1999, Rapper/actor/social activist Yasiin Bey, who was formally recognized by the Hip Hop world as Mos Def, released his first solo album, Black On Both Sides on the Rawkus/Columbia imprint.

On his debut album following the Black Star album with Talib Kweli, Mos Def kept it all the way Brooklyn, with his lyrical gymnastics laced with social commentary for the technology-addicted Internet generation. Songs like “Mathematics” and “Mr. N***a” reflect the cultural climate of 1999 while his borough anthem “Brooklyn” and love interest story “Ms. Fat Booty” keep the ear in the streets tuned in.

Salute to Mos, and producers Diamond D, ATCQ’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Psycho Les, and Ayatollah, This certified gold classic is forever etched in the annals of Hip-Hop history!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Mos Def’s Solo Debut ‘Black On Both Sides’ Turns 25 Year Old! appeared first on .

Diddy’s Lawyer Says Mogul Has Had Difficulty Adjusting to Jail Food

Diddy Partners with DJ Khaled to Announce New 'Diddy Direct' Platform

Diddy Partners with DJ Khaled to Announce New 'Diddy Direct' Platform

Diddy remains behind bars after his September arrest. Speaking in court on Thursday (Oct. 10), Diddy’s attorneys revealed the mogul’s biggest adjustment in jail is food quality.

“I think the food’s probably the roughest part of it,” attorney Marc Agnifilio stated on life at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.

According to PEOPLE, Diddy’s food includes a breakfast of cereal, fruit, and a breakfast cake. His 11 a.m. lunch has hamburgers, baked fish, or beef tacos with scrambled eggs and biscuits on the weekend. For dinner, the options are chicken fajitas, pasta, and roast beef. There is also an option of “heart healthy” meals including lentils, tofu, and basked beans.

Diddy, who is charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, will go to trial in May 2025.

At a court hearing in New York on Thursday, the judge in Combs’ federal case set a trial date of May 5, 2025.

According to CNN, Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, was present in the courtroom, as were several of his family members. His ankles were shackled, and he was wearing a loose-fitting tan button-down shirt and khaki pants. Diddy also waved at his family as they sat in the second row.

Prosecutor Emily Johnson said the prosecution anticipates its case could last three weeks. Still, she added that a superseding indictment could affect the length of the trial, meaning additional charges or defendants could be added to the case. Diddy’s legal team, led by Marc Agnifilo, stated he expects the defense to take a week.

Last week, Diddy was visited by his twin daughters and mother at Brooklyn’s MDC. According to TMZ, the family shared time in the visiting area where they could embrace and have a conversation.

Insiders say the twins made the trip from California to see Diddy for the first time since his arrest.

The visit came ahead of a statement by Diddy’s mother, Janice Combs, who referred to his charges as a “public lynching.” Combs expressed her views in a conversation with Page Six.

“It is heartbreaking to see my son judged not for the truth, but for a narrative created out of lies,” Janice shared.

“To bear witness what seems to be like a public lynching of my son before he has had the opportunity to prove his innocence is a pain too unbearable to put into words. Like every human being, my son deserves to have his day in court, to finally share his side, and to prove his innocence.”

She added, “I am not here to portray my son as perfect because he is not. He has made mistakes in his past, as we all have.

“My son may not have been entirely truthful about certain things, such as denying he has ever gotten violent with an ex-girlfriend when the hotel’s surveillance showed otherwise.”

You can read more of her statement here.

The post Diddy’s Lawyer Says Mogul Has Had Difficulty Adjusting to Jail Food appeared first on .

Happy 54th Birthday To Hip Hop’s Female GOAT MC Lyte!

HappythBirthdayToHipHopMatriarchMCLyte!

Born on this day in 1970, Lana Michelle Moorer has been a pillar of feminism and respect for women in Hip Hop since her 1986 debut. After her first single, “I Cram to Understand U” sent shock waves through the growing New York Hip Hop scene, Lyte was awarded a record deal from First Priority Music and given the ability to take her message to the street.

MC Lyte was the first woman to tackle any issue of feminism in Hip Hop and was in no way quiet about it. Her debut album, Lyte as a Rock, was a middle finger to Hip Hop’s male standard, serving as the first full-length album from a female rapper. Here stood a young woman lyrically holding her own in a sea of some of the most hungry and prolific MC’s in the genre’s history while simultaneously checking the whole industry on their lack of respect for the fairer sex. Her ability commanded a positive response and made her a new force to be reckoned with.

Her follow up album only did more for her career, creating her image as Hip Hop’s female kingpin, demanding respecting and delivering nothing but fire. This album, titled Eyes on This, also housed Lyte’s first hit single “Cha Cha Cha” which spent 18 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart proving that MC Lyte was here to stay.

The post Happy 54th Birthday To Hip Hop’s Female GOAT MC Lyte! appeared first on .

Diddy Set for May 2025 Trial in Federal Racketeering Case

Diddy Partners with DJ Khaled to Announce New 'Diddy Direct' Platform

Diddy Partners with DJ Khaled to Announce New 'Diddy Direct' Platform

Diddy, who is charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, will go to trial in May 2025.

At a court hearing in New York on Thursday, the judge in Combs’ federal case set a trial date of May 5, 2025.

According to CNN, Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, was present in the courtroom, as were several of his family members. His ankles were shackled, and he was wearing a loose-fitting tan button-down shirt and khaki pants. Diddy also waved at his family as they sat in the second row.

Prosecutor Emily Johnson said the prosecution anticipates its case could last three weeks. Still, she added that a superseding indictment could affect the length of the trial, meaning additional charges or defendants could be added to the case. Diddy’s legal team, led by Marc Agnifilo, stated he expects the defense to take a week.

Last week, Diddy was visited by his twin daughters and mother at Brooklyn’s MDC. According to TMZ, the family shared time in the visiting area where they could embrace and have a conversation.

Insiders say the twins made the trip from California to see Diddy for the first time since his arrest.

The visit came ahead of a statement by Diddy’s mother, Janice Combs, who referred to his charges as a “public lynching.” Combs expressed her views in a conversation with Page Six.

“It is heartbreaking to see my son judged not for the truth, but for a narrative created out of lies,” Janice shared.

“To bear witness what seems to be like a public lynching of my son before he has had the opportunity to prove his innocence is a pain too unbearable to put into words. Like every human being, my son deserves to have his day in court, to finally share his side, and to prove his innocence.”

She added, “I am not here to portray my son as perfect because he is not. He has made mistakes in his past, as we all have.

“My son may not have been entirely truthful about certain things, such as denying he has ever gotten violent with an ex-girlfriend when the hotel’s surveillance showed otherwise.”

You can read more of her statement here.

The post Diddy Set for May 2025 Trial in Federal Racketeering Case appeared first on .

Today In Hip Hop History: AZ Dropped His Debut LP ‘Doe Or Die’ 29 Years Ago

TodayinHip HopHistory:AZDropsDebut'DoeOrDie'AlbumYearsAgo

On this date in 1995, Antonio Cruz aka AZ from Nas’ “Life’s A Bitch” fame, released his debut album Doe Or Die on EMI Records.

Produced by legendary producers Pete Rock, DITC’s Buckwild, LES, D.R. Period as well as AZ himself, AZ was able to land the deal for this album strictly off of the classic verse he spits on the third track on the iconic Illmatic album.

Tracks sucks as the Pete Rock propelled “Rather Unique”, the dreamy “Sugar Hill”, which features then-unknown songbird Miss Jones and the street fueled “Mo Money, Mo Murder, Mo Homocide” gave this album a verbal variety that was rarely heard, especially from an emcee who was only known at the time for a guest appearance.

A special salute to AZ for holding it down for dolo for an entire quarter of a century, even managing to orchestrate a 15 year anniversary of the album in 2010 on his own Quiet Money imprint, featuring production from the likes of Statik Selektah and Fame of M.O.P.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: AZ Dropped His Debut LP ‘Doe Or Die’ 29 Years Ago appeared first on .