golden era Archives - New Hip Hop News

Grand Puba Net Worth 2024: What Is The Rap Legend Worth?

February 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Grand Puba, a name synonymous with the golden era of hip-hop, has carved a niche for himself as an influential artist and producer in the music industry. With a career spanning over three decades, his distinctive style and lyrical prowess have solidified his status among hip-hop royalty. As of 2024, Grand Puba’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, according to Allfamousbirthday. This financial milestone reflects his musical achievements and his ventures into production and collaborations across the entertainment sphere.

The Journey From Brand Nubian To Solo Stardom

Grand Puba Maxwell, born Maxwell Dixon, first rose to prominence in the late 1980s as a member of the groundbreaking group Brand Nubian. Alongside Sadat X, Lord Jamar, and DJ Alamo, Puba played a critical role in shaping the group’s debut album, One for All, released in 1990. The album is celebrated for its socially conscious lyrics and fusion of jazz and reggae influences. It is also considered a classic in hip-hop circles. However, Puba’s unique delivery and insightful verses stood out, paving the way for his solo career.

Following his departure from Brand Nubian in the early ’90s, Grand Puba embarked on a solo journey to cement his music legacy further. His debut album, Reel to Reel (1992), showcased his ability to blend political commentary with humor, all while maintaining a smooth flow that became his trademark. Hits like “360° (What Goes Around)” dominated the charts and demonstrated Puba’s prowess as a solo artist, distinguishing him from his peers.

A Legacy Of Innovation & Influence

Grand Puba’s influence extends beyond his discography. His approach to music, characterized by a seamless blend of social commentary, humor, and soulful samples, has inspired a generation of artists. Puba’s ability to weave complex narratives with relatable themes has made his work a staple in studying hip-hop’s evolution. Moreover, his collaborations with diverse artists across genres have showcased his versatility and openness to exploring new sounds and ideas.

Beyond the studio, Grand Puba has left his mark on the fashion and culture of hip-hop. His style, often featuring oversized jerseys, baseball caps, and Timberland boots, became emblematic of hip-hop fashion in the ’90s. This sartorial influence is a testament to his role as a trendsetter, not just in music but in the broader cultural landscape of the time.

Continuing Influence & Ventures

In recent years, Grand Puba has remained relevant through his music and various ventures outside the recording studio. His work as a producer has seen him behind the boards, crafting beats for upcoming artists and established acts alike, further contributing to his legacy and financial success. Additionally, his occasional reunions with Brand Nubian for tours and singles have been met with acclaim, highlighting the enduring appeal of their message and music.

The post Grand Puba Net Worth 2024: What Is The Rap Legend Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Who Is Yo-Yo? Compton’s Femcee Rap Legend

May 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Yolanda Whittaker, more commonly known as Yo-Yo, is an American rapper and actress from Compton, California. However, to deduce her as solely an MC would be an undersell of her talents. She’s better defined as an actress, educator, philanthropist, and Grammy-nominated rapper. In February, Yo-Yo even partnered with AspireTV for a new cooking series, Downright Delicious with Yo-Yo. Born on August 1971, she was thrown into a chaotic environment from a young age. However, she also began to take notice of the burgeoning hip-hop scene throughout the area. By the time she was 18 years old, Ice Cube had started to take note of her unique flow and straightforward narratives. In fact, Atlantic Records had to wait for Yo-Yo to graduate high school to sign her.

The narrative meaning encompassing Yo-Yo’s sound was aimed at enhancing women’s empowerment. She first appeared as a guest on Ice Cube’s 1990 debut album AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, contributing a verse to “It’s a Man’s World.” Cube would return the favor on 1991’s “You Can’t Play with My Yo-Yo.” Narratively, the track entrenches the listener into Yo-Yo’s plans around woman power in the male-dominated landscape of West Coast rap. Rapping over a slowed sample of Earth Wind & Fire’s “Devotion,” the Compton classic sees Yo-Yo rightfully hype herself up alongside Ice Cube. She told ABC News, “The song has a lot of femininity, adult femininity in it, and it’s powerful to me because it’s everything that I am.”

Black Pearl Solidified Yo-Yo’s Notoriety

rapper yo-yo — NEW YORK, NEW YORK–FEBRUARY 23: Rapper Yo-Yo (aka Yolanda Whitaker) appears in a portrait taken on February 23, 1992 at a Billboard Magazine Grammy Party in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Yo-Yo’s debut album, Make Way for the Motherlode, was released in 1991. However, it would take her time to grow into the mother of West Coast rap she’s associated with today. “At first, it was just like, ‘Wow. Mama, I made it,’” she told HipHopDX. “I’m not asking, ‘Can I buy a car?’ I’m buying a car. ‘I don’t have to put up with your stuff, I’m moving out.’ But after a while, I would say certain stuff in interviews and didn’t know what I was saying, you know? I was so fake. I was trying to be something that I wasn’t instead of just allowing it to take.” However, her sophomore effort Black Pearl expressed significant artistic and personal growth.

Black Pearl solidified her influence in the hip-hop industry. At the time, gangsta rap was inherently focused on the violence and Black plight surrounding impoverished communities. Ice Cube, Tupac, and Dr. Dre were all impactfully raging at the world around them. With Black Pearl, listeners resonated with her steadfast focus on uplifting themes, a stark contrast to the negativity that hip-hop heads had become accustomed to. Grounded in hard raps and thudding beats, many regard it as her best project. However, she would release other successful albums such as You Better Ask Somebody, Total Control, and Ebony.

She Was In A Relationship With Tupac

Speaking of Tupac, the two would meet in a recording studio in the 1990s. Continuing to bump into each other while on tour, their relationship would become romantic for a time. Yo-Yo told EURWeb Spotlight, “We were in love and we loved each other until the day he died. Pac became like a brother to me. We were just two people on the road who found each other, fell in love with each other. We spent many nights on the road together. He wasn’t perfect, nor was he trying to be. He wasn’t afraid to talk about his community, about his parents, stuff that people don’t what to hear about, stuff people don’t want to talk about. People don’t want to talk about their truth. That kind of love he had for truth made me love him more.”

Yo-Yo’s Influence On Women’s Empowerment Is Beyond Music

By 1995, she had begun visualizing a life outside of the scope of hip-hop. Her musical career would take a backseat in favor of her acting career. No longer solely a rapper, Yo-Yo made appearances in the film Panther (1995), the television show New York Undercover (1994), and a recurring role on Martin (1992). In addition, she went back to school to obtain an associate degree in business at Bergen Community College. Reflecting on the experience, she told AARP, “I did not have the skills of business even though I had been in this music business for so long. Going back to school gave me confidence and that was my first step to do something for me.”

In “You Can’t Play with My Yo-Yo,” she references the Intelligent Black Woman’s Coalition. The mastermind behind the IBWC’s core purpose revolves around standing up for Black woman’s rights and advocating for an end to gun violence. Her influence lies beyond hip-hop verses, advocating for creative rights. In 1994, she testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about whether the government should require rating labels on gangsta rap. Additionally, she’s enhanced her love for teaching by founding the Yo-Yo School of Hip-Hop. In essence, Yo-Yo is one of the pioneering influences of West Coast hip-hop and feminine empowerment.

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What Is Boom Bap? A Defining Sound Of Hip Hop

May 25, 2023 by newhiphopnews

One subgenre has steadily maintained its influence in the vibrant and ever-evolving hip-hop world: Boom Bap. Born from the gritty streets of New York City in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the style is defined by its distinctive sound palette. Named onomatopoeically for its hard-hitting drum sounds, “Boom” for the kick drum, and “Bap” for the snare, the old-school version of the genre has become synonymous with East Coast hip-hop’s raw, authentic spirit.

The niche emerged as a response to the highly-produced, synth-heavy sound that dominated the hip-hop scene in the mid-’80s. Pioneers such as DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and KRS-One sought to strip hip-hop back to its roots. They focused on complex lyricism and stripped-down, sample-heavy beats. The result was a gritty, raw sound that has remained a cornerstone of hip-hop culture.

The Anatomy Of Boom Bap

Its unique musical anatomy sets the style apart from other hip-hop subgenres. The beats in Boom Bap are typically slower-paced. This allows the listener to focus more on the lyrics and the rhythm of the emcee. Additionally, the drums are always front and center, with the “Boom” and “Bap” sounds providing a steady, rhythmic backbone to the track.

Equally crucial to the sound is the use of samples. Producers pull from various sources, but classic soul, funk, and jazz records are common staples. These samples are often chopped and recontextualized to create a fresh yet nostalgically familiar sonic landscape.

Golden Age Of Hip Hop

NEW YORK, NEW YORK–NOVEMBER 01: Rappers Method Man, Nas Kurious and Redman (aka Reggie Noble) who is shown giving the middle finger obscene gesture are seen in a portrait taken on November 01, 1993 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)

No discussion of Boom Bap could be complete without acknowledging its integral role in what many consider the Golden Era of hip-hop. From the late ’80s to mid-’90s, artists like Nas, Gang Starr, and A Tribe Called Quest pushed the boundaries of lyrical content and delivery. This was done against the backdrop of BB-styled beats.

Boom Bap became a vehicle for artists to express complex narratives, social critiques, and personal stories. It significantly broadened the scope of hip-hop as a cultural and artistic medium. The raw authenticity of the sound also served to ground these narratives. It created an unfiltered connection between the artist and the listener.

Boom Bap In The Modern Era

In the late ’90s and 2000s, the mainstream hip-hop scene shifted from Boom Bap to more polished, commercially viable styles. However, Boom Bap never vanished. Instead, it found a home in the underground scene, where it thrives today. Modern artists like Joey Bada$$ and producers like Madlib have not only kept the tradition alive, but they have also injected it with fresh energy and perspective. They honor the subgenre’s roots while pushing its boundaries, incorporating elements of trap, lo-fi, and other contemporary styles.

Conclusion: The Legacy & Future

(L-R) Bobcat, Cut Creator, LL Cool J, and E-Love take a ride in a limousine in New York City during the filming of the video for LL Cool J’s single, ‘I Need Love’, 1987. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

So, what is Boom Bap? It’s more than just a hip-hop subgenre. It’s a testament to the enduring power of authenticity in music. Its gritty beats and lyrical depth are also a bold counterpoint to commercialized trends, serving as a reminder of hip-hop’s roots in the streets of New York City. As we look toward the future of hip-hop, the spirit of the sound continues to resonate. Artists worldwide draw inspiration from its raw energy and authenticity, ensuring that Boom Bap continues influencing hip-hop’s evolution.

Remembering Rap Icon Craig Mack On His Birthday

May 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Today, we take a moment to celebrate the life and legacy of rapper Craig Mack on his heavenly birthday. As a pioneer in the hip-hop industry, Mack’s influence on music and culture remains indisputable. The East Coast emcee is remembered for his megahit “Flava in Ya Ear”—a track that still resonates with fans today. His untimely passing stunned a community, but his legacy lives on through his music, the stories from his loved ones, and his fans who champion his career. The Bad Boy hitmaker was unlike any other, so let’s revisit the rise of Craig Mack.

Craig Mack: The Beginnings

Craig Mack and Pharrell Williams during Star Trak Hosts Weekly Neptunes Party at the Coral Room at Coral Room in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Born on May 10, 1971, Bronx-born, Long Island-bred rapper Craig Mack was destined for greatness. He first showcased his lyrical prowess under the moniker MC EZ in the late 1980s, releasing his debut single, “Just Rhymin’,” in 1988. However, it wasn’t until the early 1990s that Mack’s career took a significant turn.

In 1992, a chance encounter with Sean “Diddy” Combs resulted in Mack joining the fledgling Bad Boy Records label. Mack’s raw talent, hunger, and unique voice caught Diddy’s attention. When that happens, it sets the stage for a successful partnership. As the first artist signed to the label, Mack played a crucial role in shaping the sound and image of Bad Boy Records.

Success With Bad Boy & Global Stardom

The year 1994 marked a turning point for Mack as he dropped his groundbreaking single “Flava In Ya Ear.” This track, produced by Easy Mo Bee, quickly became a fan favorite. “Flava In Ya Ear” became an instant hit, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning a Grammy nomination. Just like that, Craig Mack was a superstar.

Following the success of his debut single, Mack released his first studio album, Project: Funk Da World, in September 1994. The album, featuring production from Diddy and Easy Mo Bee, debuted at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 chart. As Bad Boy Records’ first release, Project: Funk Da World set a high standard for the label’s future artists, including The Notorious B.I.G., who later released his debut album Ready to Die.

Despite his initial success, Mack’s career began to falter as The Notorious B.I.G. quickly overshadowed him on the Bad Boy roster. His second album, Operation: Get Down, released in 1997, failed to achieve the same level of acclaim as his debut. Eventually, Mack parted ways with Bad Boy Records, but his contributions to the label’s early success and hip-hop genre cannot be understated.

His Death & Controversy

Craig Mack’s later years were marked by controversy and personal struggles. In the early 2010s, he became involved with the Overcomer Ministry, a South Carolina-based religious group led by self-proclaimed prophet Ralph Gordon Stair. Mack’s association with the group raised eyebrows, particularly due to Stair’s controversial teachings and criminal charges.

Then, in 2018, Craig Mack passed away at 46 due to heart failure. His sudden death left the hip-hop community in shock and mourning. Fellow artists and fans alike paid tribute to the rapper’s life and career, highlighting his impact on the music industry. Despite the controversies that followed him, Mack’s legacy remains undeniable. As one of the founding artists of Bad Boy Records, he helped shape the sound of a generation and paved the way for countless artists. Today, on his birthday, we remember and honor the extraordinary talent and lasting influence of Craig Mack.

Craig Mack’s Enduring Legacy

craig mack birthday — CHICAGO – SEPTEMBER 1994: Rappers Saafir, Craig Mack, The D.O.C. and Notorious B.I.G. poses for photos backstage after their performance at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago, Illinois in September 1994. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)

In the years following his passing, rapper Craig Mack’s influence continues to echo throughout the hip-hop community. His contributions to the growth of Bad Boy Records left an indelible mark on the genre. Many current artists cite Mack as an inspiration, drawing from his unique approach to music.

A testament to his impact, the 25th anniversary of Project: Funk Da World in 2019 saw a resurgence of appreciation for Craig Mack’s work. Fans and artists took to social media to express their admiration for the rapper’s trailblazing career. His music remains an essential part of hip-hop history and will leave its mark for generations to come.

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