On this date in 1972, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr., the rapper, actor, and poet also known as Common was born in Chicago, Illinois. The Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist is not only an icon of Windy City’s Hip Hop scene, but he has also helped to blaze a trail for Golden Era rappers into other […]
On this date in 1972, AZ was born Antonio Cruz in Brooklyn, New York. AZ is regarded as one of the most prolific emcees of the 90s, even though his entrance into the game came from just one verse on Nas’ “Life’s A Bitch” from the epic Illmatic album. That one verse led to an […]
Born on this date in 1974 in the City of Brotherly Love, Dwight Grant aka Beanie Sigel aka Beans morphed into a icon in the Philly Hip Hop scene as the leader of the now defunct Roc-A-Fella Records’ State Property. Even with all of his legal troubles and the untimely split of the Roc, Beanie […]
On this day in Hip-Hop history, Brand Nubian founder, Maxwell Dixon a.k.a. Grand Puba was born today in 1966. Grand Puba made his debut with the group Masters of Ceremony. The group’s first album Dynamite was released in 1988 and had an amazing critical reception. However, due to the lack of sales, the group disbanded […]
On this day in 1962, Scott Monroe Sterling known widely as DJ Scott La Rock of the famous Boogie Down Productions was born in the Bronx borough of New York City. Scott La Rock was the producer for rap icon KRS-One until his untimely death on August 27th, 1987. La Rock was born in the […]
On this date in 1971, the Shaolin Island emcee who was virtually named after the term “John Blaze”, was born in Long Island, New York. Admired for his unique voice and witty lyrics, Method Man is known for his one of a kind sound. The Long Island-born/Staten Island bred rapper raised the bar for the […]
Today we celebrate the birth of one of the most influential figures in Hip-Hop. Not only was this man the first rap billionaire, but he was also an instrumental part (literally and figuratively) in the creation of a new sub-genre of rap known as G-Funk. The living legend is described is none other than Dr. […]
Today we celebrate the birth of a Trap God. Trap music godfather, Radric Davis, better known as Gucci Mane La Flare was born today in 1980 making him 36 years old. Gucci was born in Birmingham, Alabama and moved to the current home of Atlanta, Georgia when he was nine years old. Over the years Gucci […]
Born on this date in 1968, William Griffith Jr. aka Rakim Allah is considered the greatest emcee to ever touch the mic. His debut album along with DJ Eric B., Paid In Full, is a necessary piece of Hip-Hop’s creative history, used as an instructional tool to many up and coming emcees and deejays as […]
On this date in 1965, Jeffrey Townes, better known to Hip Hop and television fans as “Jazzy Jeff” was born in the City of Brother Love and has become one of the best to ever place their hands on a pair of Technics 1200s. Originally known as the DJ for rapper/actor The Fresh Prince aka […]
Hip Hop lost a great DJ almost two decades ago, but in celebration of JMJ’s life today, his legacy will forever live on On this date in 1965 in Brooklyn, New York, Jason Mizell, who later became as Jam Master Jay, was born. Jay was the DJ for the legendary Kings from Hollis, Queens, Run-D.M.C. […]
Born on this date in 1972, Jonathan Smith better known as Lil Jon, is one of Hip Hop’s most eccentric personalities, in and out of the studio. This rapper/producer/DJ/actor was very instrumental I developing the “crunk” sub-genre of Hip Hop, expanding it from its Dirty South roots to everywhere Hip Hop is experienced. Lil Jon […]
Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Born January 15, 1929, Civil Rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would’ve turned 91 Years old today; as we celebrate the day of his birth almost 47 years after he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. Born to Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King, Dr. King […]
Born Ricky Martin Lloyd Walters on this date in 1965 in London, England, Slick Rick is undoubtedly the best storyteller in the history of Hip Hop. From stories about his hectic lifestyle just “six minutes” before stage time to his almost unbelievable sexcapades, Rick The Ruler set the bar for rappers to tell their tall […]
On this date in 1970, Wu-Tang Clan swordsman and lyrical legend Raekwon The Chef was born in Staten Island, New York. The Staten Island-based emcee is one of the Wu’s most celebrated artists, with his Only Built 4 Cuban Linx projects reaching cult-like following proportions. Along with his Wu bloodkin, Rae has appeared on every […]
On this date in 1971, rapper Daniel Dumile also known as MF DOOM (Metal Face Doom), was born in London, England to his Trinidadian mother and Zimbabwean father. His family relocated to New York when Dumile was a teenager, which was where he developed a love for the Hip-Hop culture. In 1988, Dumile, under the […]
Born Chad Lamont Butler on this day in 1973 in Port Arthur, Texas, Pimp C emerged into the Hip Hop scene with his partner Bun B to make the Underground Kingz (UGK) one of the greatest rap groups to come out of the Dirty South and undoubtedly the best rap duo from Texas. In his […]
Today (December 22) marks what would’ve been the 59th birthday of art legend Jean-Michel Basquiat, had it not been for his unfortunate passing at the age of 27 on August 12, 1988. While his iconic works of art won’t soon be forgotten, it’s always great to see how Basquiat pieces are still influencing the worlds […]
One of the most infamous graffiti artists of the 20th century is celebrating his 51st born day today and he goes by the name of COPE2, founder of the world-famous KINGS DESTROY crew. Born Fernando Carlo on this date in 1968 in the Bronx, New York, COPE2 began his illustrious graff career in 1985, during […]
Today in 1970 in “Illtown” New Jersey, the king of “OPP”, better known as Treach, was born. For those who don’t know, Treach was the frontman for the New Jersey rap collective Naughty By Nature. Born Anthony Criss in East Orange, New Jersey, Treach got his musical start in his hometown. He, Vin Rock, and […]
