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May 13, 2004

Hiphop History via Tooley

Do check out Tooley's chronology of the rise of Gangsta and commercialism in rap. It's a good reminder, as in "let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be", because there isn't that much humor in rap any longer.

I often think of the golden age of commercial hiphop as exemplified by the House Party crews. Kid & Play, Doug E. Fresh, Biz Markie, Salt & Pepa and Rob Base. Guy and the New Jack Swing. And don't forget "Doin' the Butt" and the rise and fall of Go-Go. This was the music that Quincy Jones reached out to.

I think it's something of a shame that Gangstarr had so little talent at the time (and depending on who you ask, is still short). It's also too bad that Buckshot Lefonque came out too late. Because a lot of what might have been got started too late. The vulgarity of the Roots is what I'm talking about. If they would have started around '89 and picked up the ball where Paris was falling off, then ATCQ, Jungle Bros and De La might have had more company.

By the time Onyx blew up, it was too late. They made lighthearted party rap with humor all look like Kriss Kross. It only lived on with a bit of the Digables and the Wu, but I digress. But let me say one more thing. Daddy Freddy. Daddy Freddy should have been a star. KMD should have lasted. Black Sheep should have lasted.

Anyway do check out Tooley's site. We're on the same side.

Posted by mbowen at May 13, 2004 10:56 AM

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Comments

Thanks for the shout-- and for reminding me of those groups. I was planning on stretching the discussion beyond gansta rap, which is so tired, but I really had forgotten groups like Kid-N-Play and that whole lighthearted group that used to get all the good press in Ebony.

Posted by: Avery at May 13, 2004 04:02 PM