On this date in 1971, Craig Jamieson Mack was born in Brentwood, Long Island—one of New York’s rising Hip Hop hotbeds at the time. Though he left us far too soon, his contributions to the culture, especially during the golden age of East Coast rap, remain undeniable.
As the very first artist to release an album on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy Records, Craig Mack helped set the tone for what would become one of the most influential labels in hip-hop history. His 1994 debut album Project: Funk da World featured the smash hit “Flava In Ya Ear,” produced by Easy Mo Bee, which marked a major moment for East Coast hip-hop during a time when the West Coast was dominating the airwaves.
“Flava In Ya Ear” was more than a single—it was a cultural reset. The iconic remix featuring LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, Rampage, Puff Daddy, and the introduction of The Notorious B.I.G. helped push Bad Boy into the national spotlight. Mack’s voice, cadence, and energy added a raw, distinctive layer to the sonic identity of 1990s New York rap.
Before his mainstream rise, Mack—then performing as MC EZ—dropped underground joints like “Just Rhymin’” and “Get Retarded” in the late ’80s. He also had early ties to EPMD and DJ Scratch, contributing behind the scenes and soaking up game before stepping fully into the spotlight.
Craig Mack passed away on March 12, 2018, from heart failure at just 47 years old. But on what would have been his 53rd birthday, fans and hip-hop historians alike continue to honor his legacy and the lasting impact of his music.
Happy Heavenly Birthday to Craig Mack—a pioneer whose “flava” will never fade.