Cormega "Queens Survivor" on The Kool Skool Radio Show -Out Take Part 1 Cormega "Queens Survivor" on The Kool Skool Radio Show -Out Take Part 2 Cormega Speaks On The Eric Garner Situation, the Hip-Hop Police + Why Some Rappers Aren't Militant http://www.forbezdvd.com Shouts to Doggie Diamonds!
After "They Don't Care About Culture, They Only Care About Profit" - Cormega
UZN40 Fun Passes: Just $70 flat gets you in each & every event from Nov. 6 – 10, 2013 during the Universal Zulu Nation’s 40th Anniversary. Email: uzn40nov@gmail.com for more info. Paypal accepted! Passes can be picked up at the door on any night of the UZN40 Anniv. UZN40 Fun Passes will be available for purchase on Wed. Nov. 6 and Thurs. Nov. 7 at the events. Potential savings of $60! WED. NOVEMBER 6: ZULU JAPAN CONNECTION 5pm-10pm. DJs Yutaka, OG Chino, Zulu King Tone & Soul. Host: TC Izlam. Fat Buddha 212 Ave A betw. 13th & 14th St. NYC. Ages 18+. Trains to 14th/Union Sq. $5 or UZN $70 Fun Pass for all events.www.fatbuddhabar.com + www.zulunation.com Afrika Bambaataa tribute VH1 hip hop honors 2006
WED. NOVEMBER 6: HOUSE OF HIPSTEP 10pm-4am. DJs Afrika Bambaataa, TC Izlam, Large Professor, Just-Ice, Baby Bam, Dynamix 2, Evil Dee, Rich Medina, Rob Swift, Wednesday, Odyssey, Randall PLUS Stick-E & the Hoodz, Wadadda, PHONY PPL, Duckdown USA and Jah Dan Blackamoor. Hosts: Freedom Williams, Bonz Malone & TC Izlam. Ages 18+. Sullivan Room 218 Sullivan St betw. W. 3rd & Bleecker NYC. Trains: A B C D E F M to W.4th. 1 to Houston. 6 to Bleecker. $20 for Ages 21+. $25 for under 21. Ladies in free before 11:30pm. UZN $70 Fun Pass for all events.www.sullivanroom.com + www.zulunation.com https://www.facebook.com/events/1377212259181733/
THURS. NOVEMBER 7: FILM SCREENING – BEAT THIS! 6-11pm. Opening words by PopMaster Fabel & film screening @ 7pm. All Ages (wine & cheese tasting for 21+). Maysles Cinema 343 Malcolm X Blvd betw. 127th & 128th. Harlem NYC. Trains: 2 3 4 5 or 6 to 125th. $10 suggested or UZN $70 Fun Pass for all events.www.maysles.org + www.zulunation.com
FRI. NOVEMBER 8 – AFRIKA BAMBAATAA & FAMILY 8pm-3am. Show @ 10pm. All Ages. Feat. Ice Cube, Public Enemy, Ice T, Naughty Nation and UltraMagnetic MCs. DJs Afrika Bambaataa, Kool DJ Red Alert, Afrika Islam, Jazzy Jay, Easy LG, Mark Luv & Luvbug Starski, Funkmaster Flex. Opening: M.C. Spice. Host: Mick Benzo. National Black Theater 2031 5th Ave betw. 125th & 126th Harlem NYC. Trains: 2 3 4 5 or 6 to 125th. $30 or $20 w/ Zulu or Moorish ID or UZN $70 Fun Pass for all events. www.zulunation.com
SAT. NOVEMBER 9 DAY - UZN FAMILY DAY 12noon-8pm. FREE! All Ages. Youth performances by Nene Ali, Hip Hop Catz, Def Groove, Miranda Writes & more. Johnson Community Center 1833 Lexington Ave betw. 113th & 114th East Harlem NYC. Train: 6 to 116th St. Free food too! www.zulunation.com https://www.facebook.com/events/149096081955802/
SAT. NOVEMBER 9 8pm-3am: Show @ 10pm. All Ages. Feat. DITC: (OC, AG, Showbiz, Lord Finesse, DiamonD, Buckwild), MVP, Junior Demus, Joe Ski Love, Methuzulah Gem, Blahzay, Billy Ray, Jasiri X, Rebel Diaz, Sa Roc, Black UN, K-Swift, Balla Belly, L.A.W. PLUS DJs Jazzy Jay, Q Tip, 9th Wonder, GrandWizzard Theodore, Mell Starr, Mark Luv, DJ Kool D & DJ Tyrone the Mixologist. Hosts: GrandMaster Caz & Ed Lover. Opening: M.C. Spice. National Black Theater 2031 5th Ave betw. 125th & 126th Harlem NYC. Trains: 2 3 4 5 or 6 to 125th. $30 or $20 w/ Zulu or Moorish ID or UZN $70 Fun Pass for all events.www.zulunation.com
SUN. NOVEMBER 10 DAY - MEETING OF THE MINDS 3pm-9pm. Free! All Ages. Feat. Cashus D, Dr. Shaka Zulu, Ernie Paniccioli, 9th Wonder, Joe Conzo, M.C. Spice and many more! Donations welcomed. National Black Theater 2031 5th Ave betw. 125th & 126th Harlem NYC. Trains: 2 3 4 5 or 6 to 125th.www.zulunation.com
SUN. NOVEMBER 10 – BEAT STREET THROWBACK 8pm-3am. Feat. Us Girls (Lisa Lee, Debbie Dee & Sha Rock w/ Original DJ Spindarella), Soul Sonic Force, Shango, Sequence, Chief Rocker Busy Bee w/ Kool DJ AJ Scratch, T-Ski Valley, Grand Master Melle Mel, Treacherous 3, Young Star, Master G & Wonder Mic. PLUS DJs Afrika Bambaataa, Rockin’ Rob, Johnny Juice, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Chuck Chillout, Scratch, Supreme, Diamond and Cabin. Opening: M.C. Spice. Host: GrandMaster Caz. Ages: 18+. SOBs 200 Varick St @ Houston NYC. 1 train to Houston. $30 or $20 w/ Zulu or Moorish ID or UZN $70 Fun Pass for all events.http://sobs.com/2013/2264/the-40th-anniversary-of-the-universal-zulu-nation + www.zulunation.com
More info to be announced as it is confirmed!
Vending during the 40th Anniversary of the Universal Zulu Nation is $50 per night for Wed. Nov. 6, Fri. Nov. 8 and Sat. Nov. 9. $25 for SunDAY Nov. 9: Meeting of the Minds. Email: uzn40nov@gmail.com for more info. Paypal accepted! Vendors can bring only one assistant, only one table and 2 chairs. Must set up one hour before doors open. Space is limited, claim your space now! No vending on Thursday at Maysles or Sunday at SOBs.
New Music From Golden Era Kings - Edo G, Large Pro, De La Soul, D.I.T.C., Tragedy & More
De La Soul "Get Away" Feat. The Spirit Of Wu Tang ***OFFICIAL VIDEO*** NORE aka PAPI feat. Large Professor - Built Pyramids N.O.R.E. "Student Of The Game" album out now! SHOWBIZ & A.G." HERE AND NOW" official video Edo G - What They Say (Official Video) AZ ft DooWop "Thank You"
Tragedy Khadafi - "Mental Journey" (Directed By D. Gomez Films)
Masta Ace "I Did it" Official Video New blast from the Last...American B-Boy that is. More heat from his Nickel Bag project coming soon...
MEDIA MOVEMENT, RECORD LABEL, INNOVATIVE CONCEPTUAL THINKERS, CONTENT CREATORS AND ALL AROUND FLY MUTHAFU****
NEW ALBUM, STUDENT OF THE GAME RELEASED ON APRIL 16, 2013
(Documentary, Snippets & Rare Videos)
NEW YORK HIP HOP LEGEND N.O.R.E. AKA PAPI IS SET TO RELEASE HIS NEW ALBUM, STUDENT OF THE GAME, ON APRIL 16, 2013. WATCH THIS EXCLUSIVE DOUMENTARY WHERE HOT 97 FOLLOWS HIS JOURNEY MAKING THE ALBUM! Hip hop legend N.O.R.E. (aka P.A.P.I.) is set to release his long-awaited new album, Student of the Game, on April 16, 2013. Featuring production by Neptunes, Jahlil Beats, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Hazardous Sounds, SPK,Charlie Brown, and Illa and Inf (Black Ops), Student of the Gameshows that N.O.R.E.'s sound continues to be innovative and new, while still delivering the hard street tracks that have earned him the status as one of New York's most beloved rappers. The first single, "Tadow" features French Montana, 2 Chainz and Pusha T. N.O.R.E. says, "This album is the most unique art piece I have ever put together I'm excited for the world to hear it. I am also very excited to be working wit the eOne staff and there whole operation."
Nore's Iced Out Newport Medallion
N.O.R.E. (aka P.A.P.I.,) first came in the public eye as half of the hardcore street duo Capone-N-Noreaga. Together, the two released four albums, 3 of which went top 20 on the R&B Chart. N.O.R.E. went on to release five solo albums. His platinum solo debut, N.O.R.E., debuted at #1 on the R&B chart, while his follow-ups, Melvin Flynt -- Da Hustler, and God's Favorite, were both certified Gold. http://www.57thave.com 57th Ave on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/57thave Nore Blog on 57th Ave: Militainment NORE aka PAPI feat. Large Professor - Built Pyramids Capone-N-Noreaga- Bloody Money (Official Video) NEW CNN ALBUM COMING SOON! Fabolous & N.O.R.E - DJ Clue Freestyle [1998] Nutso f/ CNN & Royal Flush & Tragedy Khadafi - Galaxy of Queens [prod. SPKilla] "Back To The Galaxy of Queens!" @NUTSOPPM @NOREAGA, @CaponeQB & @REALROYALFLUSH Capone-N-Noreaga- Pain (Official Video) N.O.R.E Freestyles On Funkmaster Flex 2013 http://www.queens-hiphop.com
The 38th Hip Hop Culture & 39th Zulu Nation Anniversary Celebrations!
All-Star Native Tongue DJ Line Up: Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest),DJ Maseo (De La Soul), DJ Sammy B (Jungle Brothers), 9th Wonder, DJ Spinna, Evitan, Dres (Black Sheep), Jarobi (A Tribe Called Quest),
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8: 2012 @ IRVING PLAZA NYC ***Just added: ***
8pm. Feat. AFRIKA BAMBAATAA, Dead Prez, Large Professor! DJ Maseo (De La Soul), Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest), DJ Sammy B (Jungle Brothers), 9th Wonder, DJ Spinna, Evitan, Dres (Black Sheep), Jarobi (A Tribe Called Quest), Mazzi SoulPurpose, Black Rob and more!
@ Irving Plaza 17 Irving Place @ the corner of 15th St NY 10003 (one block east of Union Square). 212.777.6800 $15 w/ Zulu ID. $30 without. 18+ Buy advance tickets: http://irvingplaza.com/event/0000494228D3F42E Trains: 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, or R to 14th St/Union Square
The Mighty Universal Zulu Nation 1995 Anniversary B-Boy Battles Universal Zulu Nation 1995 Anniversary B-Boy Battles B-Boy Cypher featuring Rock Steady and other Crews Battling over traditional Breaks at the annual Party to celebrate Hip-Hop's oldest Family! http://www.universalzulunation.com http://thekoolskool.blogspot.com FRIDAY NOVEMBER 9: 2012 @ GRAMERCY THEATER NYC ****Just Added: SOUL SONIC FORCE!!! ElectroFunkin Breakz! 8pm. Feat. TC Izlam, Afrika Baby Bam, DJ Soul Slinger, DJ JJ Frost, DJ Nigel Richards, DJ ICue, DJ Power, S.T.R.A.F.E., Newcleus, Cozmo-D, MC Globe, Freedom Williams, MC T.R.A.C. MC Jamalski, MC Supa, K-Swift, Myzeyesis, DJ Odyssey, DJ Paul-C, DJ Vandal, DJ Wally Pish Posh, DJ Odi and more! Co-Hosts: MC GLOBE & Freedom Williams
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10: 2012 @ GRAMERCY THEATER NYC ****Just added: Methuzulah Gem & The Jungle Brothers! 8pm. Feat. Young Guru, Kool DJ Red Alert, GrandWizzard Theodore, DJ Tony Tone, El Da Sensei, King Russ, Samsunn and DJ Ayce International, Tone Trump, Peaceful Order of Warriors and more.
@ Gramercy Theater 127 East 23rd St. NYC 10010 212.614.6932. 18+. $15 w/ Zulu ID. $30 without. http://thegramercytheatre.com/event/000049438C5962C7 Trains: N, R or 6 Train to 23rd St. The world-famous Johnny Juice of Public Enemy shows off M-Audio's Torq at DJ Expo in Atlantic City, NJ
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11: 2012 @ SOBS NYC
8pm. Dj's Jazzy Jay, Johnny Juice, Rockin' Rob, Chuck City, Peril (Uzn Australia) Lady Love, Mel Starr, Chuck Chillout, Rich Medina plus performances by The Crash Crew, Son of Berzerk, Tricky T, Black U.N, Queen Bleu Nile, M-7 Rayvon and Johnny-Wa Boogie Boys, Sequence, Donald D, Quintescence, Santa, Zieme, Yungstar 6/3, MC Stik-E. Co-Hosts: GrandMaster Caz & Baron Ambrosia.
The Kool Skool's Top 10 Concept Songs Hip-Hop & Lyrics are obviously the back bone of Hip-Hop Culture but the Concept song is only to be attempted by True Lyricists! A concept song is a song that has a unified theme or story running through it. Due to the changing formats and reliance on the Singles charts, the Concept song became less popular, during the CD singles era, A&R's would allow less leeway for the Artist to "waste" tracks on tracks that aren't "Bangers". However, due to the Independence of the Internet, Artists have a greater opportunity to explore more creative themes and ideas on songs. This is not a complete list, and in no particular order, but a selection of some of the most powerful examples in our opinion. Please feel free to add your own in the comments sections. Enjoy!
or watch them all as a Playlist HERE
Nas - I Gave You Power (1996) In this song from Nas's "It Was Written" Album he tells the story from the 1st Person perspective of a Ghetto Gun, and how he is manipulated to commit different crimes. This song is not a glorification of violence, but a explanation of how gun crime works in Urban America, it could also be looked at as a metaphor for the Commercialization of Hip-Hop by Corporate Companies.
Sadat X - The Daily News (2005) Off of Sadat X's 3rd solo album, Experience & Education, Sadat, while reading a newspaper, turns headlines and editorial stories into a coherant almost freestyle Rhyme. ILL! Sadat is one of Hip-Hop's hardest working MC's working with most of Hip-Hop's greats, a true lyricist!
Slick Rick - "Children's Story" (1989) "Children's Story" is a song by London-born American Hip-Hop artist Slick Rick, from his album "The Great Adventures of Slick Rick". In most peoples opinion, one of the 1st, if not the greatest storyRhymer, & Rhyme of all time!
Heltah Skeltah - Therapy (1996) This song by Brooklyn duo Rock and Ruck (now known as Sean Price) of Boot Camp Clik) is a clever back and forth conversation between the two, one as a Mental Health Patient and a Doctor, almost a modern re-make of U.T.F.O's Split Personality below.
3rd Bass - Problem Child (1991) MC Serch, Prime Minister Pete Nice, and later DJ Richie Rich featured "Problem Child" on their second Album Derelicts of Dialect. It is a powerful song describing the trials of children who are forced to grow up to quickly. This album really showed the groups progression, and it was a true shame they never released another album together, although they both went on to release solid solo albums. The album is full of skitz, and a good example is the funny"Al'z A-B-Cee'z"an imaginary song by DJ Richie Rich's Dad.
Lupe Fiasco - Little Weapon (2007) Lupe Fiasco is really one of the best modern MC's using proper concepts in his Music and albums. Little Weapon is a stand out track, from his excellent Concept album The Kool. Little Weapon discusses the concept of Child Soldiers, in many different countries and situations, Lupe is a thinking man's MC, and and the song deals with very sophisticated issues.
Masta Ace feat Jean Grae - Soda & Soap Masta Ace is in my opinion one of the most underrated MC's, consistanly dropping classic albums and songs. Masta Ace links up with dope Femcee Jean Grae to record a mind blowing concept song making story raps out of the Brand names of Soft Drinks and Soap. Genius. Masta Ace is a master of Concept Albums and songs, if you haven't checked the albums Disposable Arts" (2001) which features "Unfriendly Game" a American Football ode to Large Professor and Main Sources "A Freindly Game Of Baseball" and "A Long Hot Summer" (2004) your missing out!
Papoose - Alphabetical slaughter Z to A (Part 2) The most recent edition of Papoose's REDICULOUS alphabetical song needs to be heard to be believed! Anyone who follows The Kool Skool know that in our opinion Pap is the best MC out there hands down! If you don't know him check here! Papoose - Alphabet Slaughter Part 1 (1999) check the DUMB NICE Lyrics here!!!
U.T.F.O. - Split personality Brooklyn based U.T.F.O. originally dancers for Whodini, Kangol Kid, the Educated Rapper (EMD), Doctor Ice and Mix Master Ice came together and released several albums. This comedy track is about a person with a Split Personality complex, with Doc Ice playing his famous and hilarious "Dread Doc" character. Doctor Ice also released his own slept on solo album with a Anti "Desert Storm" song "I Ain't Going".
Organized Konfusion - Stray Bullet (1994) Prince Poetry & Pharoahe Monch were Organized Konfusion, "Stay Bullet" was on the Hollywood Basic album Stress: The Extinction Agenda. It like the later "I Gave You Power" by fellow Queens native Nas, is a incredible story song told from the perspective of a bullet. One of the best examples of a Concept song.
Mr Len (feat. Jean Grae) - Taco Day (2001) Jean Grae again this time guesting on Mr. Len's Album "Pity The Fool" where she examines the psychology of a prom queen high school shooter on an intense 9 minute track. Jean Grae is without a doubt one of the top Female MCs ever.
Geto Boys - My Mind Playing Tricks On Me (1991) Texas group The Geto Boys are one of the Gangsta Rap era's most slept on greats, the media always tried to portray the genre as ignorant and violent, but Geto Boys, although dipped in Violence and had offensive lyrics, expressed an extremely intelligent message and dealt with serious issues, from the Anti-War "F**k A War", to "Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangsta", and more. "My Minds Playing Tricks On Me" is three different mens battle with Paranoia, a Hip-Hop Classic.
Common - I Used To Love H.E.R This song "I Used to Love H(earing) E(very) R(hyme) by Common (then known as Common Sense), is an open love letter to Hip-Hop and a protest to the negative aspects that were so promoted by Corperate Music Labels. It was released on the 1994 album Resurrection, reintroduced Common to a whole new audience as a more mature artist, and made this an instant classic, and figure head for the early 90's return to true Hip-Hop culture. More on this song and Common can be found here
Hard Knocks - Dirty Cop Named Harry - (1992) Bronx Representers Hard Knocks, consisting of Hardhead and DJ Stoneface released Dirty Cop Named Harry on their only album "School of Hard Knocks" on Wild Pitch Records. This incredibly slept-on, solid album is packed full of Conscious Concept songs, and it was a shame they never released any more music.
"Cuz I'm an ace when I face the bass, 40 side is the place that is giving me grace, Now wait, another dose and you might be dead, And I'm a Nike head, I wear chains that excite the feds And aint' a damn thing gonna change" - Nas "Halftime"
An in-depth look at the life of the hip-hop MC known as Tragedy Khadafi, aka Intelligent Hoodlum, the youngest member of the Juice Crew and founder of 25-Life that gave the world CNN. The Documentary is about Tragedy's life and the history of the infamous Queensbridge housing projects in New York City.
Ghost Writer –noun a person who writes one or numerous speeches, books, articles, etc., for another person who is named as or presumed to be the author. Also, ghostwriter. Origin: 1895–1900, Americanism Mad Skills- Ghost Writer Came up with Timberland, VA native, smashed NY MCs at Open Mic battles, produced by the best of the era, think Large Professor. Wrote lyrics for alot of BIG rappers and called them out on this live version!!!!! Come!
The Game - Ghost Writer
Ghost Writer Rapper - Sauce Money Sauce Money is an MC who for the late Versace era was getting alot of Magazine coverage. He released a few independant underground 12"s on rare labels, but got a name Ghost Writing, or writing lyrics for other "Made" Rappers. It was a while ago but I remember him saying he wrote for Mase, Lil Cease and no doubt several Rocafella Records affilliates, Jay-Z?
Sauce Money - Last Real N**** Alive Freestyle Kay Slay Drama King Freestyle "It was my man Jay(-Z) who discovered me, I remembered the Rock(afella) used to cover me..." Sauce exclaiming the lack of support from Rocafella records that he claims he helped write hits for, "without clearance (credit)". Perhaps hinting that he ghost wrote for Beanie Seigal, amonst others??
Big Jaz/Jaz-O Marcy Projects old School MC guests on Sauces 1999 album he also claims Jay-Z didn't support his career once he blew, allegedly... Read more here
Sauce Money (DJ Premier) - Against The Grain
Sauce Money VS. Nature (The Firm) OOOH No! Nature (The Firm) calls Sauce one of the Fat Boys... "You're claim to fame is that you call me fat?!!! Well anyone who can see n***** can call me that! Well heres the thing Purse Snatcher...." - Sauce Wins! Hilarious! Purse Snatcher.... Pwaaaaaahhahahaha!
Shucks One The Kool Skool Interview with Dr. Butcher (DJ/X-Men/Producer)
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.
Tableturns“Hip hop on Wax” (remix)
Dr. Butcher, Akinyele, Rob Swift and Large Professor
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.
Shucks One: What was the early scene in Queens like?
Dr. Butcher: 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.
LL Cool J can't live without his Radio!
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 Jay and [another of LL Cool J's DJ's] Bobcat. That’s the original Jazzy Jay 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.
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo - Road to The Riches
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.
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?
The Extra P - Large Professor
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.
Rare Large Professor & Dr. Butcher in the Studio in the early 90's
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.
Dr. Butcher tear up the wax at WKCR's Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito show.
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!
Total Eclipse, Mr Sinista Rock Raida R.I.P., Rob Swift
You’ve done production for Akinyele and MF Grimm. Can you talk about that?
M.F. Grimm
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.
DR. Butcher at The Butcher Shop
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.
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