B-Boy Steady Rockin' (Lords Of The Underground - Chief Rocka)
An Introduction to Early 90's Timbo Era Chorus Rap Part 2
In the Early 90's the Golden era style was starting to fall off, the new school Hip-Hop artists went back to the essence. Although it started as a fashion rehash in the "Hardcore Baldhead" Timbo era, Old school Bombers (Puffer Jackets), Ski Goggles, Mock Necks, Suede Pumas, Adidas Superstars and Backpacks, were the hottest styles, again. It even crossed over to the New York "Club Kid" Rave Scene, Platform Shell Toes anyone? But the fashion became a genuine expression within the the Hip-Hop movement, as MCs that were too young to participate in the Park Jam era, showed their love for the culture. Uptempo club freindly tracks, B-Boys, Dance routines, Graffiti, real DJ skills, Beatboxing and Video cameos by the Legends of Hip-Hop. Looking at it now it looks nostalgic, but to many at the time it is evident that it was a new generation of Hip-Hoppers seeking their own history, and making it their own, not a carbon copy of what went before. Here are a few stand out videos of that time. Please feel free to add some others you feel we missed!
The Hip-Hop community demanded the Old School be represented, and the mainstream was forced to pay homage to the pioneers they tried to bury. The Source November 1993 Featuring Kool DJ Herc Afrika Bambaataa & Grandmaster Flash the excellent T.R.O.Y. Blog uploaded the best parts here was a much needed burst of Old School right knowledge!
Lords Of The Underground - Chief Rocka Video features the records producer Marley Marl (& KDef) as well as fellow New Jeruse native Redman
Rock Steady Crew Zulu King Crazy Legs (Lords Of The Underground - Chief Rocka)
Zhigge - Toss It Up Funk Breaks, dance routines, JA Tags and dubs
Troubleneck Brothers - Back To The Hip Hop 1994
Da Bush Babees - Remember We
EPMD Feat. K-Solo & Redman - The Head Banger Graffiti by Reas AOK (who designed a lot of the logos and illustrations in the Source) & Wen COD feature in what would become a standard look in many of the Def Squad videos EPMD ft. LL Cool J - Rampage 1992 Interview with them and the rest of COD here Video also features Das Efx
EPMD dub by Wen COD? (EPMD Feat. K-Solo & Redman - The Head Banger)
The Rap Bandit Logo By Reas AOK WD aka Todd James Interesting Rap Bandit interview with Unkut.com here
Wen COD RIS in Copenhagen Denmark 2008
Chi Ali - Funky Lemonade Dope scratching
Also here is the new video by the man that re-invented the Mixtape ~ The Kiiiiiiid Capri! http://www.kidcapri.com
I-Ight (Alright) [1993] - Doug E. Fresh This was one of the anthems of the Foundation's return to the front of the culture The video features old school legends
Kurtis Blow & Grand Master Flash (I-Ight (Alright) [1993] - Doug E. Fresh)
Doug E. Fresh spreading the love! Kool DJ The Red Alert, Funk Master Flex (I-Ight (Alright) [1993] - Doug E. Fresh)
Biz Markie clowning around! (I-Ight (Alright) [1993] - Doug E. Fresh)
Phade(?) Shirt Kings Uptowns Finest (I-Ight (Alright) [1993] - Doug E. Fresh) The Shirt Kings did many of the 80's classic Rap groups Air Brush T-Shirts an example can be seen here
Old Cold Crush Brothers flyer (I-Ight (Alright) [1993] - Doug E. Fresh)
DJ Kool - Let Me Clear My Throat ft Biz Markie & Doug E. Fresh Bringing the party back in 96'!
Dred Scott - Back In The Day
Da Youngstas Mad Props Dope scratching
R.I.P. (I-Ight (Alright) [1993] - Doug E. Fresh)
An Introduction to Early 90's Timbo Era Chorus Rap Part 1 can be found here
*THE KOOL SKOOL "Remix Pressure" Radio Show* - Listen/Free DownloadHERE
DJ Shucks One The Idiot hosts a rare Remix only special The Kool Skool Radio Show originally recorded Itch FM on 26/12/04. This episode features music by: Doctor Dre, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5, Howie B & DJ Krush, Funky Four + One More, Eric B & Rakim, Stetsasonic, Mantronix, Roxanne Shante, Run D.M.C., MC Lyte, Audio Two, Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan, Queen Latifah, K-Solo, Rodney-O & Joe Cooley, E.P.M.D., Ultramagnetic MC's, King Sun, Public Enemy, Compton's Most Wanted, Lord Finesse, Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, M.O.P., 50 Cent, Eazy-E, Tupac, The Game, Capone, Biggie, Tupac & Gangstarr. Includes the BREAKS FOR DAYS BEATS FOR WEEKS rare Kid Dynomite Remix of Big Daddy Kane "Set It Off"
In 1993, The Kool Skool's DJ O Double Ess picked up an album, called Lune Tunz by a group called Raw Breed, and also their 12" Open Season. It was one of the many one hit wonders (or almost hitters) that really reflect the early 90's, Onyx inspired Timbo Era (shouty-shouty) Chorus Rap, complete with chunky weeded out beats and "Muggs-style" whiney samples. EPMD, The Soul Assassin associated groups, Lord Of The Underground, Double XX Posse, Das Efx, and even the revamped "thugged out" LL inspired groups like Original Flavor, Brokin English Klik, Top Quality, Rough House Survivors, The Legion, Shades of Culture, and a (4th & Broadway signed) Mobb Deep to name just a few.
The often over looked Teenage 1st Mobb Deep Album (fresh from La Guardia School)
Double XX Posse "Eat em' Up Sugar Ray!"
The point is although some were definately better than others, record labels were literally farming out groups like Raw Breed with no information, after getting New York Hood Mixtapes and College radio shows rotation, would simply disappear. Recently, I was talking to Waxer from Disco Scratch about the many hot underground records from the "Mid-School", that never get play by the many "Old School DJs", who seem to only play all the most played out "This Is Rap" compilation songs of that era. Thanks to the internet and the Hip-Hop story diggers out there, these groups live again.
Raw Breed Inner Sleeve Members of the band
About 4 years ago I got the Raw Breed album on CD for about £1 in a closing down record shop and stuck it in a "to listen pile" and forgot all about it. Obviously the album has dated (especially some of the "Jam-erican chatting"), and although you probably wouldn't want to listen to the whole thing in one sitting, it definately has some decent tracks on it.
Open Season 12' Cover
B side track RAMPAGE OUTTA CONTROL featured fellow Boogie Down Bronxters Melle Mel, Ultra Magnetic MC's Kool Kieth and Godfather Don
As some of you out there might not know, in the old days, people would just study the covers of Hip-Hop records, studying, the clothes, landmarks, Credits, label info and especially the shouts-outs to snoop out more about a group. So here is a very brief (ropey) Inspector Shuckel's geeky audio and visual breakdown of little tadbits of info gleaned from the cover...
1. They are from the Bronx
2. At least one of them is wearing so much Desert Storm 1 camo he had better had been in the Army
3. Collage Fraternity Shouts suggest some of them were in collage when they recorded this (with at least two of them being Mature students)
4. D-Squared from B.D.P Co-Produced some of the tracks
5. Even though it is well produced, more than a few of the drum tracks are straight up Beat Jacks, Ultra, Double XX Posse, and Jungle Brothers amongst others
6. The fact that Kool Keith and Godfather Don from Ultra and Melle Mel are on it meant that they were well connected/respected as Ultra was still at its strength at the time. (One of them related to Kool Kieth?) The only other Ultra collabo I have ever heard of was with Dutch fast rap/Tuff Crew Beat Jacker King Bee
So that's about as much I could work out. Anyone out there know anymore? When I first started interviewing Hip-Hop artists before the internet I used to call on a few people who really new their shit! Calling Dr. Werner Von Wallenrod, Kid Dyno, DJ Aiden "Orange" Leacy & Aroe!!!!
Rabbit Stew video????
Werner Von Wallenrod.blogspot.com IS THE BEST UNDERGROUND RAP INFO BLOG HANDS DOWN!!! He goes into proper detail with interviews with people like The Legend of Newcleus - Cozmo D, Kurupt of the DoggPound, Kwame', even Awesome Dre one of the first Rapping Gangstas, funny reviews and videos. If you haven't seen it yet go there now!
LL Cool J "Mama Said Knock You Out" Era Interview 1990. In the video Ladies Love discusses Spirituality, Acting and the future of Rap. From German T.V. Promo. You know the deal its from the Hip-Hop Grapevine. No further info...
The World is Yours - 25 Years of Music Photography Exhibition by Lawrence Watson
LL Cool J
His retrospective exhibition, comes back to East London on 5th November - 5th December.
Chuck D & Flavor Flav - Public Enemy
Lawrence Watson is a British photographer with a career spanning many decades photographing music legends from Morrissey and David Bowie to Run DMC and Snoop Dogg, he is one of the most talented yet humble photographers that UK country has ever produced.
The Book Club - (TBC) 100 Leonard Street, EC2A 4RH, London
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hip hop history is a rocky word of mouth terrain, with many a foundation participant overlooked, or edited out of history. Dr. Butcher (not to be mistaken for producer Joe ‘the Butcher’ Nicolo) is just such an example. The Corona Queens native was born in the thick of the golden era amongst the best, LL Cool J, Kool G Rap, Large Professor, you name em’. Contrary to popular belief, it was the real Dr Butcher NOT DJ Polo that did most of G-Raps cuts, and his hand-skills won him a spot in the X-men (the original X-ecutioners). Not just handy at slashing up wax, over the years he’s also produced the Artifacts, Kool G Rap, Akinyele, MF Grimm, Coolio and several video games, commercials and movie scores, ‘New Jersey Drive’ being one.
In 2004 he dropped the “Hip hop on Wax” (remix), a Queensboro’ who’s-who posse cut with Akinyele, Rob Swift and Large Professor on Tableturns Records. The good Doctor has a bunch of tricks in his blood-splattered apron, so we got an appointment and this is his diagnosis.
What was the early scene in Queens like?
It was crazy! I was about 8 years old and had little contact with the Bronx scene. But with the music attacking your ears from every direction you were forced to take notice. My neighbours were DJ’s. From block parties to house parties every crew was trying to out do the others sound system. Being so young I wasn’t allowed to attend the block parties due the violence associated with the music. At home I created my own scene…. Hahahahah! I convinced my mother to buy me a Gemini mixer (no turntables) for Xmas and would pretend to be the world’s greatest DJ.
"... Most people don’t know but I am the ghost rapper on “Jive-Talk” [on ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’] ..."
How long have you been Djing?
Minus the days of pretending… (Laughs), I would say about 20 years. I met some friends who had equipment and were looking to start a rap group. I figured it would give me access to the equipment and joined on as an MC. Whenever possible I would jump on the turntables until someone kicked me off…hahaha! Fortunate for me I was surrounded by a couple of excellent DJ’s for that time. One named Cutmaster Vinni Vince and the other was [LL Cool J’s DJ] the ORIGINAL Cut Creator, not the imposter! Just so happened that the original Cut Creator’s name was Phil and the LL Cool J imposter was named Philpot. So when LL says Cut Creator Philly Phil he is actually referring to the original, but due to professional differences they parted ways and the then road manager Philpot took over as the "new Cut Creator." The original Cut Creator actually laid the scratches for “I Need A Beat” and “Dangerous” [from LL’s 1st album ‘Radio’]. Everything thereafter was performed by Jazzy-J and Bobcat. That’s the original Jazzy J from the Zulu Nation. To my understanding Rick Rubin and him are good friends. He used to do a lot of Rick’s scratches hence, [T La Rock’s] "Its Yours".
Did you go to school with LL Cool J and Kool G Rap?
I actually didn’t go to school with either. LL and I met at a talent show that my high school was sponsoring. I was 14 years old at the time. We hit it off well and after the show decided to form a group with another rapper named Royal Rich Little. The group was called the Extravagant-3. Man that sounds old school! Hahaha! LL is one of the best and most prolific writers that I have ever met. I was introduced to Kool G Rap through a mutual friend who was in a group with him called the Rapperteers. Both being from Corona, he and I quickly became neighbourhood favourites. Our relationship developed from there.
Is it true you did a lot (if not most of) the cuts on the first two Kool G Rap and Polo albums?
No. Marley did the scratches on the “Road to the Riches” album. I did mostly everything thereafter. “Wanted Dead or Alive” was my DJ debut. Funny thing was Kool G didn’t even know I could DJ. I remember talking to him about Jazzy Jeff one day and told him that I could also get busy. He thought it was a joke until the day he visited my crib and told me to show him something. He thought it would be a good idea for the group to have a rapper of his calibre team up with a DJ on the level of Jazzy-Jeff. Next thing I know, I was in the studio showcasing for Eric B. [Kool G Rap] told me that I was going to be the new Dr. Butcher and the rest is history.
How do you feel about not only getting no credits, but also no shout outs on the albums as they were both legendary?
G Rap and I are better than shout outs, so it never bothered me. Everyone knew me as Dr. Butcher so the shout outs meant little. He gave me recognition within the songs and that was good enough. It was all in the spirit of making good music. Most people don’t know but I am the ghost rapper on “Jive-Talk” [on ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’]. He, I and Large Pro were just having fun that night and they kept about a minute’s worth of my vocals at the end of the song.
"... Battles are all about the unpredictable and being able to execute under pressure. I am at my best under pressure ..."
Did you tour with G-Rap?
I performed with him a couple of times. For me, the most notable show was a performance at the Apollo featuring Ice Cube.
Was that the legendary night King Sun tried to get on stage and get Cube?
Not to my knowledge. The only drama that night was K-Solo getting booed off the stage... hahahahahaha. I remember Redman Djing for him and he kept saying to me "I can't wait ‘til my album drops".
You met Large Professor while working on “Wanted Dead or Alive”, what was it like working with all of those guys?
Magic. Everyone was at the top of their game. Like [the Chicago Bulls] Pippen playing with Jordan. You had Large on the beats, G Rap on the mic and me and the tables. We never wanted to leave the studio. I was in college and Large was still in high school. Every session was an adventure. It felt like Def Comedy Jam most nights. Nothing but laughs. Having fun is how we created good music.
Did you do a lot of production for people back in the day?
No. My production career started after the completion of “Wanted Dead or Alive”. Large and Polo suggested that I get involved on the production side of things since I had a natural ear. He (Large) let me borrow an SP-1200 until I was able to purchase my own. My solo production debut was the intro track for the Artifacts’ first album “Wrong side of the Tracks”. I had previously collaborated with producer C4 on the LL Cool J song “Soul Survivor” from the “14 Shots To The Dome” LP. Things took off from there, including movie scores, video games and TV commercials. Large Pro and I teamed up after his departure from Main Source. When that ended due to his label woes, I hooked up with Akinyele. We toured together for about six years.
As an original member or the X-men [X-ecutioners], did you ever enter the seminars, DMC, ITF?
No. Looking back I probably would have done very well in those competitions, since I like to perform live. Battles are all about the unpredictable and being able to execute under pressure. I am at my best under pressure. A battle is like a boxing match. You have to be prepared to go 12 rounds. That’s how we (the X-Men) prepared for competitions.
Are you still a member of the X-men/X-Ecutioners?
No. Both crews have disbanded. At the end of the day we're [Akinyele’s original DJ] Rob-Swift, [1994/95 DMC US & World Champion] Roc-Raida, [1990 N.M.S. Superman DJ Champion] Steve-D, [1995 DMC East Coast Champion] Mister Sinister, [EPMD’s original DJ] Diamond-J, Total Eclipse, Johnny-Cash and Fatman-Scoop. We’re all still Xmen/X-ecutioners for life!
You’ve done production for Akinyele and MF Grimm. Can you talk about that? They are both very easy to work with. They require little direction. You can give them tracks and they will give you songs. From a producer's standpoint it makes life easy. It allows you to be more creative as you feed from their ideas. After creating a track and listening to it a million times you get exhausted for ideas. Hearing something new in the form of a song gives the music new energy. I have been surrounded by talent my entire career. I guess that why I have such high standards when it comes to working with new artist. I want the artist to approach the music with the same intensity that I do. Never settle for less is my motto! If it can be better then make it better. You only get one first impression.
What is your view on the state of hip hop?
Hip hop is no longer a state, it’s more like a country. I love it and look forward to working with artist from all parts of the globe and to continue working with new artists and release a few solo production projects independently. At this point in the game it’s all about building a catalogue. The first is “The Good Doctor presents” mixtape and “The Butcher Shop of Horror” album. Bottom line is you will be hearing something from me in the very near future...
New Dr. Butcher & Understanding "In This World" Digi-12 now available!
Fresh from the vault, Dr. Butcher and partner in rhyme Understanding come together to release their first digital single from the upcoming album "From the Vault". This material is truly classic; recorded during the 1990's and found just recently. Both tracks are produced by Dr. Butcher and featuring verses from Understanding, instrumentals included. Look out for the full length album later this year on Domination Recordings.
Tracklisting: 1. In This World (Not of This World) 2. Can We Find Understanding 3. In This World [Instrumental] 4. Can We Find Understanding [Instrumental]
