Greg Nice & Smooth B meet up with Big Lez at Def Jam offices in New York shortly before the 1994 release of their 3rd album "Jewel Of The Nile". From this interview it's clear that Nice & Smooth are strictly about leadership, originality and innovation, a creative approach which they speak about with great freedom and confidence at the helm of a brand new project. At cratesofjr, the old to the new and timelessness in music is represented like this great duo of Def Jam Records who give a word to the wise in '94.
A flashback to Def Jam Hip Hop greatness courtesy of MTV! L.L. Cool J, DMX, Method Man & Redman represent in '97 to show how great MCs can take advantage of being under the same roof to bear the torch of skills and tradition for the history of their label.
Back in '95, Russell Simmons and Def Jam Records show their support for The Rickster during his jail bid. Go behind bars with one of Hip Hop's greatest lyricists with a celebration of what was already a remarkable career for Rick. This documentary includes the praise of fellow artists, producers, writers, Hip Hop pioneers and other Def Jam artists. It's clear, all have been influenced in their own way by The Grand Wizard MC Ricky D.
The legendary Hollis Queens duo speak on Rap City in 1993 about their newly-released single and give props to new acts which would go on to release classics and become legends of the game in their own right. This footage is intercut between a rooftop interview with Russell and Run being interviewed by DJ Chuck Chillout and AJ Scratch.
As president of Def Jam, Rus debuts the promo video for Redman's "Hardcore", a classic verse turned visual off EPMD's 3rd album.
In addition to the '93 footage, enjoy a couple of cool tributes to Run-DMC by paristoon and mikedub.
Run DMC MY Adidas JMJ Tribute Remix Produced by Paris Toon
Drums Dowell Davis
Cuts DJ Trade Mark
Recorded at Carefree Studios
Mixed and Mastered by Kolton Lee.
Rund DMC appears courtesy of Def Jam Recording
Paris Toon appears courtesy of Island/Def Jam
Could Def Jam have picked a setting that more out-of-place for a hardcore Hip HOp act from Queens to perform? Probably not. Regardless of the pool party crowd who look like they were paid to be there, Onyx still brings their style of raw energy to this 1993 performance of "Slam" on MTV's "The Grind" with Eric Neis. Enjoy this classic clip during their promo run for Bacdafucup and sorry about the first verse with Fredro getting cut off at the beginning.
Revisit the 9 trey where the mad-face invasion of Onyx helped shape the sound of Hip Hop for the East Coast. Watch as these rebels introduce their debut album "Bacdafucup" before jumping into the anger-fueled adrenaline rush of "Bichasniguz". The Afficial Nastee Niguz movement was a force to be reckoned with at this time as one of the most ferocious breakthroughs in Hip Hop.
Like many classic debuts of the young and hungry in Hip Hop, the 1992 debut of Reggie "Redman" Noble on Def Jam Records seemed to redefine the attitude, wit and persona of how an MC presents himself. Redman's debut was a depart from the image of an MC which was either flashy, afro-centric, positive or socially conscious and instead embraced the raw essence of the everyday street dweller with no restriction.
"Whut Thee Album marked a period which showed a more ruff and rugged side of the East Coast than before. While other groups walked a line between positivity, maturity and the unforgiving nature of the streets, Redman stepped on the scene with an F-you attitude in a cloud of blunt smoke, dressed in timbs and a hoodie to show you the dark side of Hip Hop in full form.
Backed by the James Brown, P-Funk production of Erick Sermon, Redman tore through his debut like a beast with a combination of humor and raw energy for an album which makes "Whut Thee Album" an unforgettable work of young, street persona and musical individuality. Like his powerful debut verse on EPMD's "Hardcore", Red along with the rest of his Hit Squad were here to show you they were anything but soft, leaving an undeniable impact on East Coast urban music with their own outlook of the streets, dark Funk-inspired sound and an unmistakable image.
I know the "favorite Redman album" choice varies from person to person, I haven't heard a more varied opinion of an artist's best album than his catalog. Mine is "Whut Thee Album" and to commemorate this release, I've pulled a couple of my favorite freestyle from that era, courtesy of The Stretch & Bobbito show. I hope you enjoy these if you don't have them already:
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