Today marks the 55th birthday of Grammy Award-winning lyricist Big Daddy Kane!
Born on this day in 1968, Brooklynite Antonio Hardy aka Big Daddy Kane stepped on the scene with the Juice Crew in the late ’80s and has been rocking the mic and setting cultural trends ever since. Even cultural critic publication Rolling Stone called him “a master wordsmith of rap’s late-golden age.” His career has solidified him in hip-hop history putting out hits such as “Ain’t No Half Steppin”, “I Get The Job Done”, and “Smooth Operator”. He has also lent his lyrical talents to others such as Biz Markie, who founded the budding star, helping to ghostwrite his hit “Vapors”.
As if that was not enough, Big Daddy Kane was the first Hip Hop artist to sell out the Apollo Theatre not once but twice with his women-only show. He also has film credits making appearances in several movies such as Brown Sugar, Posse, and Gunman to name a few. Needless to say, Big Daddy Kane is an amazingly talented and versatile artist. We salute you and thank you for all that you have given yourself to the rap game! Enjoy your physical degree day God!
Despite the fact that the Hip Hop community lost this giant in the game over two decades ago, the legacy of Eazy-E will always be seen, heard and celebrated by the culture of Hip Hop.
Eazy-E was born Eric Lynn Wright on this date in 1964 in Compton, California. As most of his gang-infested Compton neighborhood, Eazy adopted the street life and began a career in selling drugs in the early 80s. Wright earned as much as $250K selling drugs, but quickly reinvested his street profits into the music business, thus starting Ruthless Records.
Not long after, Eazy linked up with O’Shea “Ice Cube” Jackson, Andre “Dr. Dre” Young and Lorenzo “MC Ren” Paterson and founded “the world’s most dangerous group”, N.W.A. This multi-platinum, Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame group catapulted Eazy’s status to the “godfather of gangster rap”.
Even though the world said goodbye to Eazy in 1995 after his short battle with AIDS, his musical genius continues to live on and influence future generations of Hip Hoppers.
Sean Moltke, aka MC Shan of QB’s Juice Crew, turns 58 today.
The first solo MC with a major release from the “infamous” Queensbridge Projects celebrates his 58th birthday today. MC Shan was at the top of his game during Hip Hop’s “Golden Era,” along with crewmates Roxanne Shante, Craig G, Tragedy, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, and of course DJ Marley Marl, who formed The Juice Crew. Shan’s first album, Down By Law, was a hit among Hip Hop aficionados of the 80s, with his epic battle against KRS-1 and Boogie Down Productions was one of the greatest crew beefs in Hip Hop all time. BDP vs. Juice Crew is a prime example of a good, healthy beef that stayed on wax and even managed to morph into a Sprite commercial featuring Shan and Kris.
The Source Magazine sends a supreme born day salute to the God Shandu on his 58th born day and wishes him many more in the future!
Beyonce had the grandest, most celebrated, and most anticipated 42nd birthday that will probably ever take place. Of course, a big part of that is because she held a star-studded RENAISSANCE tour show in Los Angeles on Monday (September 5). There’s no way that any concert from the trek would be anything other than hyped to the heavens, and each show proved that in its own way. Still, there was particular pressure for this show to be something truly special, not for the fans, but for Queen Bey. Turns out that previous reports were true, and one of music’s greatest legends came out on stage to wish the Houston superstar a glorious day.
Moreover, the one and only Diana Ross emerged during the performance to sing happy birthday to Beyonce along with 60 to 70,000 fans in attendance. Unsurprisingly, the “CUFF IT” singer could barely express her excitement and emotion in the moment, and embraced and thanked Ross for being there that night. Overall, it was a show filled with instances like these where she could really feel the love. After all, a four-minute standing ovation, balloons, and all your staff wearing party hats will do that to you.
However, that’s not all that the now-42-year-old brought to the table for her big day this year. Well, this time she didn’t bring anything, but icons in the LGBTQIA2+ community did. On the Parkwood Instagram page, Beyonce (by proxy) shared a new song to celebrate her birthday. It’s called “Nine Four Eight One” (a reference to her birth date… shocking, we know) and was put together by TS Madison, Kevin Aviance, and Kevin JZ Prodigy.
It’s exactly what you expect from this era: a shimmering, house-inspired, empowering, and above all fun cut. While it’s not an official release, it will definitely have you dancing and vibing along, whether you had a RENAISSANCE show on your calendar or not. With all this celebration in mind, there’s nothing more to say other than our best wishes to Beyonce for her birthday and for her incredible artistry. Stay up to date on HNHH for more news and the latest updates on the icon.
What dictates cool? Originality, tenacity, courage, creativity? Is it the will to stand alone beside your own thoughts and ideas or simply just being the first and fliest to ever do”it”? Whatever the definition may be, Bedford-Stuyvesant’s own Fab Five Freddy was its embodiment throughout the ’80s and ’90s. As the host of Hip Hop’s most important TV show Yo! MTV Raps!Fab Five Freddy brought Hip Hop culture to the living rooms of millions of Americans and thousands abroad. Through the sheer exposure alone, Fab Five Freddy turned Hip Hop from an underground subculture to the dominating force of a blooming international popular culture.
For a long time, Yo! MTV Raps! was Hip Hop’s grandest stage. It was the Soul Train for the 80s generation and paved the way for shows like TRL and 106 & Park. As its host, Fab Five Freddy was the public’s ambassador to a new and exploding scene. Some of the most historical moments of the culture happened behind Fab Five Freddy’s microphone, and in honor of his born day here is a list of some of the most memorable.
1989 Grammy Boycott
In 1989 The Grammy’s awarded their first Hip hop Grammy to DJ Jazzy Jeff&The Fresh Prince for “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” What could have been a huge moment for Hip Hop culture was turned into a farce. Although the award was given out, the Grammys refused to televise the reception speech. This discrimination outraged the rap community and caused a widespread anti-Grammy campaign to get underway. Fab Five Freddy was actually on the scene and able to get a short interview with The Fresh Prince and Jazzy Jeff about the incident that can be seen in full here.
Interviewing 2Pac with Digital Underground
In one of 2Pac‘s earliest interviews, Fab Five Freddy gets a chance to pick the brain of a young man who would grow to become one of the most influential figures in Hip Hop.
Leaders of the New School Break Up
In one of the tensest interviews ever conducted on Yo! MTV Raps, one of New York’s brightest groups, completely self-destructed on screen. Leaders of the New School had already been under scrutiny with rumors of standout Busta Rhymes looking to venture onto a solo career. What started as a normal interview broke apart into the group stepping off-camera to have a heated discussion. When the pow-wow finally broke up, Busta Rhymes apologized for the group’s actions, concluding the interview. The group officially announced its parting ways in the week following the interview.
Grand Finale Freestyle
In 1995 MTV decided to pull the plug on Yo! MTV Raps. What resulted was one of television’s greatest show finales of all time. With a cypher featuring Rakim, MC Serch, Erick Sermon, Chubb Rock, and a few other legends, Yo! MTV Raps bid a fond farewell to the fans and supporters that tuned in day after day for their daily dose of Hip Hop culture.
Travis Scott has been celebrating a lot of success as it pertains to his new album, Utopia. Overall, the project has sold a ton of units and is likely going to be certified platinum very soon. There were some huge features on the album and some great tracks at that. Although it may not be his best, it is definitely a project to be proud of. Having said that, in the wake of the album’s release, it has felt like Scott has been everywhere. He is always popping out at shows and clubs, leading to lots of fanfare.
In fact, last night, Scott was in New York City for the Dave Chappelle 50th birthday bash. There were tons of comedians at the event, including the likes of Aziz Ansari, Jeff Ross, George Wallace, and a whole lot more. Travis has worked with Chappelle in the past, particularly on the song “Parasail.” This track is an interlude of sorts on Utopia that also features Yung Lean. While at this celebration, it seems like Travis said thank you through song. Below, you can see a clip in which he sings “Happy Birthday” to the comedian.
Overall, it was a pretty nice gesture from Travis. After all, it is rare that you are able to get someone like Dave Chappelle on your album. As the clip portrays, the entire crowd was singing along with Travis Scott. There were times when he decided to stop singing so that the crowd could carry the torch. Chappelle seemed to be amused by the whole ordeal, although he did seem to be a tad bit shy about it.
As for what’s next for Travis Scott, well, it seems like a tour is in the cards. The Circus Maximus tour is supposed to take place soon. Fans are expecting an arena/stadium tour that will take the artist all around North America. Let us know if you will be attending the tour, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the music world.
The “genius” of the iconic WTC is celebrating his 57th born day today.
On this date in 1966, Gary Grice, better known to the rap world as the “GZA”, was born in Brooklyn, New York, and is now recognized as one of the most celebrated lyricists to ever grace the mic in Hip Hop.
Before the Wu-Tang Clan formed like Voltron, the GZA began his career as “The Genius”, signing a deal with Cold Chillin’ Records, where he released Words From The Genius in 1991. After an unsuccessful solo career, GZA joined forces with his cousin Robert “RZA” Diggs and created the world-famous Wu the following year and the rest is history. Wu-Tang Clan went on to become a multiplatinum group that is arguably the best Hip Hop collective of all time.
GZA went on the release four more solo projects and has even released a series on Netflix entitled Liquid Science, with the title being a play off of his Liquid Swords albums.
Peace and happy degree day to Allah Justice on his 54th birthday and many more hereafter!
Today, July 20 marks the birthday of one of Hip-Hop’s most innovative emcees of all time, Kool G Rap. The Golden Era icon turns 54.
Along with DJ Polo, the Corona, Queens wordsmith was recruited into the Juice Crew by Marley Marl and launched his debut album Road to the Riches– solidifying the blueprint of mafioso rapping. With the use of stacked syllables and intense delivery, G Rap detailed the journey of the ideal Black male youth in New York City. Not just any young Black male. The Black male who was born into an impoverished foundation who wishes to embellish the lifestyle of a millionaire in a mob-like method. Owning the job to tell the New York street narrative, G Rap went on to lay out the blueprint for hardcore storytelling. His ability to paint the picture of an average day is deemed to be complex and the post-generation influence is evident on classics such as Only Built 4 Cuban Linx and Reasonable Doubt.
Two years ago, the Hip-Hop legend dropped his fifth solo album, Return of the Don, an overall comforting trip through his legacy as a mafioso rap pioneer. The album hoard several collaborations with renowned mafioso rappers among the likes of Raekwon, N.O.R.E., and Sheek Louch, which overall confirm G Rap’s grand influence. Without a shadow of a doubt, Kool G Rap is one of Hip-Hop’s most straightforward, yet complex personalities to ever contribute to the rap element and street tale spits are vital to his legend.
Happy Birthday to the Kool Genius of Rap, Kool G Rap!
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!!
In the half century of Hip Hop that is being celebrated this year, there are countless unsung artists who caught wreck during their respective era, but the 90s in NYC was a special time and not many rappers had the streets on tilt like the Brooklyn duo Smooth Da Hustler and Trigger Da Gambler. Today, Tyvone Smith aka Trigger, the younger of the brothers from Brownsville, celebrates his 47th born day.
If you was outside in NYC , you remember how crazy the clubs like The Tunnel or Nells would go when “Broken Language” was played, with the video in the heart of the ‘Ville reflective of that same energy. Trigger was signed to Def Jam in 1996 and dropped his only solo LP Life’s A 50-50 Gamble.
Super shout out to Trigger on his born day! More life and salute for bringing a different chapter to the book of Hip Hop!
