On this date in 1971, rapper Craig Jamieson Mack was born in the birthplace of Hip Hop and went on to become one of the most impactful emcees on Hip Hop’s most pivotal label in the mid-late 90s, Bad Boy Records.
Produced by Easy Mo Bee, “Flava In Ya Ear” audibly captured the exactitude of one of hip-hop’s most celebrated eras. In the early 90’s, a time east coast rap was faint in hype, the coming of Craig Mack sparked its resurgence. The remix of “Flava In Ya Ear” featuring Puff Daddy (Diddy), LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, and Rampage pushed one of the most iconic rappers to the forefront, The Notorious B.I.G, creating a timeless hip-hop melody.
Mack was signed to Diddy’s Bad Boy Entertainment when he dropped his 1994 debut Project: Funk da World, making him a Bad Boy Records pioneer. He is the first artist to release an album off of Bad Boy records, which would become the mecca for east coast rap of the 1990s, and its resurgence.
The distinctive rhymes and flows of Craig Mack are essential to the rutty and sensationally groggy sound of 1990s rap. Prior to his dawning with Bad Boy, as a young teen under the moniker MC EZ, he released one single “Just Rhymin’” in 1988, followed by “Get Retarded” with his group MC EZ & Troup.
Native to Long Island, which at the time was one of New York’s maturing hip-hop epicenters, Mack was close friends with Parrish Smith and Erick Sermon of EPMD prior to the golden era duo’s debut, and eventually went on tour with them. He helped DJ Scratch, EPMD’s DJ, amass his turntables for performances.
Mack died on March 12, 2018 from heart failure near his home in Walterboro, South Carolina. He was 47 years old. He will be physically missed, but his music will be celebrated forever!
In 1994, after a slow, but steady ascent in his musical career, Craig Mack released his breakout single “Flava In Ya Ear.” That song marked the beginning of the rapper’s rise and ended up as the lead single from his debut album. The album in question is called Project: Funk Da World and it turned 29 years old in September. Project: Funk Da World is the first of three albums Craig Mack released, and it is also the most successful. The rapper sadly passed away in 2018 due to heart failure, but through his musical works, his legacy lives on. Project: Funk Da World remains the most exceptional of them all, standing as a testament to Mack’s talent and creativity.
CHICAGO – SEPTEMBER 1994: Rapper Craig Mack performs at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago, Illinois in September 1994. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
Project: Funk Da World was released on September 20, 1994, under Bad Boy Records. It was during this period that Bad Boy Records, founded by Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs, started gaining traction in the Hip Hop industry. Craig Mack had a raw talent and unique style that convinced Puff Daddy to sign him to Bad Boy Records. Subsequently, Project: Funk Da World was released, marking Craig Mack’s debut full-length album release.
Craig Mack Dishes Out A Funk-Rap Debut
The album’s title suggests a fusion of funk and Hip Hop elements, and it surely delivers on its promise. A union of funk-inspired beats with Mack’s lyrical world created a sound that was both groovy and impactful. Craig Mack employed a sharp, lyrical style and showcased his confidence and dexterity. He also demonstrated his proficiency throughout the album, riding each groovy beat effortlessly. At its heart, Project: Funk Da World is a party record, just as much as it is a proper rap album. It is evident in the undeniable bounce present throughout the album’s runtime. Overall, Project: Funk Da World was a brave attempt at a fusion rap album, and Craig Mack successfully executed his ambitious goal.
Collaborators On The Album
Funk Da World would not be the sonic delight it is without the input of the people who worked on it alongside Craig Mack. It took a village, backed by the production talents of Easy Mo Bee, Rashad Smith, Sean Combs, Lenny Marrow, and Mack himself. They all came together to create a cohesive body of work marked by infectious funk beats. Evidently, the beats provided a vibrant backdrop for Mack’s energetic and charismatic delivery.
However, the only artist featured on the 11-track album is Puff Daddy, who appears on the track “Making Moves With Puff.” Two other songs were released as singles. These were: “Get Down,” and the popular lead single, “Flava in Ya Ear.” Peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, “Flava in Ya Ear” was the most successful single of Mack’s career.
Project: Funk Da World received mostly positive reviews from critics and listeners who praised the skillful rhymes of Craig Mack. Moreover, the album’s production was especially lauded for its unique take on a funk-rap hybrid. The album, alongside The Notorious BIG’s Ready To Die, contributed to the early success of Bad Boy Records. Unfortunately, as Ready To Die was released just a week before Mack’s album, it attracted most of the attention. As a result, Funk Da World did not attain the heights of commercial success it had the potential to reach, despite its critical acclaim.
Craig Mack Lives On
While Craig Mack did not enjoy the same longevity as some of his peers, his debut album remains a classic in the Hip Hop community. It not only established him as a notable rapper but also played a crucial role in shaping the early identity of Bad Boy Records. The rapper may be gone now, but there’s no erasing his album. Without a doubt, Project: Funk Da World will continue to live on as a significant work in Hip Hop history.
