Thanksgiving 2020 Part 2

  

 

 

 

The History of R&B Part 4: The 1980's

  

Now, it's time to go into the decade of the 1980's. R&B music in the 1980's was heavily dominant indeed. It relates to a golden age of experimental artists, fashion, and classic ballads. This era saw contemporary R&B bloom from parties, graduation ceremonies, stadiums, and in the black community too. Solo artists and groups of musicians inspired creativity and crowds. Legends are synonymous with the 1980's. Quincy Jones worked with Michael Jackson to create the most selling album in history with Thriller. Even to this day, all forms of modern popular music of the 21st century has been indirectly or directly influenced by the songs from Thriller. You have artists like Vesta Williams, Shamalar, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Miki Howard, Freddie Jackson, Evelyn King, and Patti Labelle singing their hearts out on a multiple amount of topics. Digital recording, synthesizers, and synth pop music existed. We can never forget about how house, techno, Eurodance, electro, and other music related to dancing were created. As the decade continued, many R&B artists collaborated hip hop artists like Jody Watley and Rakim (with the song of Friends on Jody Watley's album Larger than Life. To this day, both artists are great friends). 1980's music was so great, that every genre of music was on its top form. You can see that the 1980's music has stood the test of time with flair, emotion, and vocal power. Music from Billy Ocean's The Colour of Love had riveting messages of romance and the love among human beings. Groups like New Edition, etc. started on the scene. New Edition was so influential that BET made a multi-series documentary about their lives plus legacies. Prince asserted himself as the premier multi-instrumentalist. Prince loved to experiment with genres, and he loved the art of performance. 

Lionel Richie, Morris Day, Melisa Morgan, Jermaine Jackson, Deniece Williams, The S.O.S Band, Jeffrey Osborne, Earth, Wind & Fire, Stephanie Mills, The Jets, Marvin Gaye, Jody Watley, Midnight Star, The Gap Band, The S.O.S. Band, Al B. Sure!, Gregory Abbott, Mtume, Rick James, Zapp, Ashford and Simpson, James Ingram, and I can go down the list were legendary musicians. Each of them not only sang great songs. They had charisma, personality, and a goal to make the audience feel their lyrical content. Maze continued their excellence on soulful sounds. The new quiet storm genre grew during the 1980's with artists like Luther Vandross, Freddie Jackson, Sade, Anita Baker, Teddy Pendergrass, Peabo Bryson, and other human beings. The quiet storm had relaxed tempos, rhythms, and romantic lyrics. The 1980's was the time of legends being part of comebacks like Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Donna Summer, The Pointer Sisters, and Irene Cara. Janet Jackson dominated the charts by the mid to late 1980's with dancing, music, and cultural strength. Janet Jackson wanted to have personal independence socially. Her message of personal control of her life was exemplified in her music throughout  the 1980's plus beyond. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis used their producing sounds to help artists out including Janet Jackson. Janet Jackson established a powerful foundation and blueprint for future music videos that involved intricate dancing choreography. Teddy Riley did the same thing of changing the game with new jack swing. R&B reached new heights of glory and influence with the 1980's obviously. 

 

  

Powerful Ballads

 

The decade of the 1980's was filled with great, powerful ballads. Back in 1980, Michael Jackson's Rock With You (which is one of the great love songs on his Off the Wall album) and Shalamar's Second Time Around dominated the charts. Jermaine Jackson also made Let's Get Serious as a powerful record. Diana Ross made her huge comeback with her song of Upside Down with a disco influence. Stevie Wonder, the S.O.S. Band, Ray, Goodman & Brown, and other artists shown their gifts to the world. By 1981, Yarbrough & Peoples made Don't Stop the Music. Smokey Robinson and Chaka Khan had hits. Evelyn King released I'm in Love. Rick James, The Four Tops, Luther Vandross, Roger Troutman, and Kool and the Gang flourished. Diana Ross had the duet with Lionel Richie with Endless Love. Let's Groove from Earth, Wind and Fire blew crowds away with their sound. The early 1980's carried over the sounds from the early 1970's. 1982 saw the comeback of 1970's and 1960's artists. Daryl Hall and John Oates made the record of I Can't Go That (No Can Do) in 1982. George Benson had the song of Turn Your Love Around. Stevie Wonder's That Girl was a classic too. Master songwriter is part of Stevie Wonder's whole persona. Jennifer Holiday gave the song of "Am I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" represents a large part of her career. Jennifer Holiday is very underrated as a singer. Aretha Franklin, Evelyn Champagne King, and Marvin Gaye made their historic songs. 1983 was the year of my birth and R&B music was strong in its force. Marvin Gaye Sexual Healing was in the charts from 1982 to January of 1983. Michael Jackson had many hits in 1983 like Billie Jean, The Girl is Mine with Paul McCartney, etc. The Gap Band made Outstanding. New Edition's Candy Girl was very popular. New Edition was a group from Roxbury, Boston. They saw poverty and oppression first hand, but they had a dream to express themselves through music. Through mentors, family, and faith, they fulfilled their dreams in a magnificent fashion. George Clinton and Gladys Knights and the Pips excelled. Juicy Fruit came from Mtume.  

She Works Hard for the Money was released by Donna Summer in 1983. Rick James had Cold Blooded. Get it Right was made by Aretha Franklin. A'int Nobody was an anthem made by Rufus & Chaka Khan. Lionel Richie made All Night Long. DeBarge was popular with the song of Time will Reveal. 1984 saw the continuation of DeBarge and Kool and the Gang making classic music. Patti La Belle made the song If Only You Know in 1984 too. Cheryl Lynn made Encore, and Somebody's Watching Me was made by Rockwell (with vocals from Michael Jackson). Cameo, Lionel Richie, Yarbrough and Peoples, and Deniece Williams made songs constantly. The 1980's music was like a Dream team lineup of artists. O'Bryan's Lovelite and Prince's When Doves Cry certainly were anthems about love. Prince's popularity would explode with the film of Purple Rain which was a fictional film based on some aspects of his life. 1984 was a time of Billy Ocean's Caribbean Queen song, Ray Parker Jr.'s Ghostbusters, and Prince and the Revolution making people dancing worldwide. Stevie Wonder's genius was further shown on the song I Just Called to Say I Love You.  

The beautiful Chaka Khan's I Feel For You was an inspirational record about romance. New Edition's Cool it Now was about childhood angst, and Ashford and Simpson made Solid in 1984. Midnight Star made Operator. 1985 was the year when Whitney Houston grew into another status of legendary artistry. Houston would be the greatest vocalist of our generation. She was born in Newark, New Jersey to a church going family. Whitney Houston released You Give Good Love, Saving All My Love for You, and other records in 1985. Eugene Wilde, New Edition, and Diana Ross made music. The Commodores, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly had songs like Nightshift and Back in Stride. Rhythm of the Night was a popular song of DeBarge. DeBarge was a talented group of biracial artists from the Midwest. They had a lot of love for music, and they were victims of abuse by an evil male (not man) who was their father. To this day, the DeBarge remains very resilient and a key element of R&B greatness. This year was when the We are the World record was made where musicians raised music to fight the famine in Africa. Fresh was made by Kool and the Gang. Rene and Angela made their song Save Your Love. Freddie Jackson and Stevie Wonder made hits. The Caravan of Love was a song made by Isley Jasper Isley. Loose Ends had their song called Hangin' on a String (Contemplating). 

  

 

The quiet storm

 

The quiet storm was part of contemporary R&B. It dealt with a smooth, romantic jazz influenced style. It was named after the song from Smokey Robinson's 1975 album of "A Quiet Storm." Its music was pioneered in 1976 by Melvin Lindsey when he was an intern at the Washington, D.C. radio station WHUR-FM. The quiet storm was loved by older music listeners including fans among all ages. The songs of the quiet storm from people like Sade and Luther Vandross had a peaceful vibe. I never felt boredom listening to their music. Their sounds were always exciting and inspiring. Sade's roots are from England and Nigeria. From the start, she has shown a grace in her presence. Luther Vandross is jsut Luther Vandross with a talented voice and dedicated fans. He passed away years ago, but his legacy will always live on as a pillar of R&B music. The quiet storm existed in the 1970's, but it increased in its power by the 1980's. By 1980, Teddy Pendergrass released the song of Feel the Fire. Patti Austin & James Ingram - Baby, Come To Me from 1981 showcased  themselves as a great duet. Ingram would go on to be one of the greatest singers of all time. Patti Austin made an excellent career as a magnificent artist too. James Ingram and Michael McDonald's  Yah Mo Be There outlined a harmony of sounds. Sade's Smooth Operator in 1984 was raw with talent, and it was the start of her long career spanning beyond the 2010's even. In the same year, Chaka Khan made Through the Fire that caused audiences to praise her vocal skills. You are my Lady by Freddie Jackson in 1985 shown his range. One of the Queens of the quiet Storm with Anita Baker with her song Caught Up in the Rapture from 1986 including Sweet Love. Her music is the blueprint of quiet storm music. Anita Baker is from the Midwest. From Roberta Flack's Tonight I Celebrate My Love in 1983 to Lionel Richie's Hello in 1983, the quiet storm genre represents outstanding music. Past and artists of genre are Larry Graham, Teenie Marie, Jon B., Brian McKnight, Regina Belle, A B. Sure, Phyllis Hyman, D'Angelo, Babyface, Marvin Gaye, Paebo Bryson, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Stephanie Mills, Dionne Warwick, Jill Scott, Billy Ocean, Chante Moore, Vanessa Williams, Heatwave, Maxwell, Barry White, and other people who had great musical gifts. Billy Ocean's The Colour of Love have great, sentimental lyrics of the following words that outlined the power of the quiet storm genre:

 

"...If I had to paint a picture

To show the world how true love can really be

I would use the brightest colours

To create a vision of harmony

It would be a reality

Cause it's only what's inside of my heart

You would see I've always loved you

Right from the very start

Tell me what is the colour of love, what do you see

Is it warm, is it tender when you think of me

I see the colour of love when I'm thinking of you

As a picture perfect painting of a love forever true..."

 

 

New technologies

 

The 1980's in music advanced technology. We saw music using digital recording. This recording allowed people to use synthesizers. The first CD Player was released in August of 1982. It was called the Philips CD100. The 1980's saw the invention of the Walkman. People could walk around with tapes playing with music being listened to more conveniently. The expansion of 1980's music made music more international. In other words, music from Sade, U2, or Whitney Houston could be heard in multiple continents at the same time. The drum machine grew into another level of sophisticated power by the time of the 1980's. The Linn's LM1 Drum Computer was the first drum machine of 1980 that used digital samples of real drum sounds. It allowed users to tune the individual sounds to add a swing effect to make a human drummer feel. Digital beats were a large part of the 1980's like Irene Cara's Flashance...What a Feeling, etc. People used the sampler. The gated reverb sounds was done by Phil Collins in 1981. This involved drum breaks. That is why when you look at it, the music of the 1980's was just as good as any music from any era of human history. 

  

 

Legends Flourish

 

The 1980's had the flourishing of legendary R&B singers. The group Midnight Star were formed in 1976 at Kentucky State University. They are based at Frankfort, Kentucky. Their original members were Reggie Calloway, Belinda Lipscomb, Melvin Gentry, Kenneth Gant, Bill Simmons, Bo Watson, and Jeff Cooper. They were made with help from SOLAR Records leader Dick Griffey. Their debut album was The Beginning in 1980. Their songs like Midas Touch, Love Song, You're Star, etc. were clear on its expressions. Also, one of the greatest entertainers of all time was Michael Jackson. He dominated the 1980's with albums, hits, and awards. His albums of Thriller and Bad influential modern day videos and music to this very day. Michael Jackson helped to break down racist barriers in music as a pop icon. He popularized the moonwalk and the robot. Michael Jackson is the most awarded artist in the history of popular music. One of the most powerful singers of the 1980's was Phyllis Hyman. She was a legend from the 1980's and beyond. She was a singer, songwriter, and actress. Phyllis encouraged the development of more black owned businesses and more black representation in the music industry. She loved theater as she was in the Broadway 1981 musical that was based on the music of Duke Ellington. The musical was called Sophisticated Ladies lasting from 1981 to 1983. Phyllis Linda Hyman (1949-1995) was born in Philadelphia. The man from the Cosby show named Earle Hyman is her cousin. Phyllis' father was a World War II veteran named Phillip Hyman and her mother was Louise Hyman. Her hit song of Can't We Fall in Love Again? was a classic with Michael Henderson. She also loved opera, jazz, and other genres of music.  

Phyllis Hyman was on films like School Daze in 1988 that exposed colorism and other divisions as evil. By 1991, her album Prime of My Life was the biggest album of her career. She was a kind soul and a gentle spirit. She will be missed. A person with one of the greatest voices of all time was Mary Vesta Williams. Vesta Williams had a four octave vocal range. Her songs of Sweet Sweet Love (1998) and other music remain part of iconic status. She was born in Coshocton, Ohio. Artists like Al Jarreau, George Duke, James Ingram, Angela Boifil, Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Teena Marie, and El Debarge are legends who made the 1980's as one of the most talented decades in human history in terms of music.  

 

 

House music

 

One of the most important music of the 1980's is house music. It is electronic dance music made with repetitive four on the floor beat and a tempo of 120 to 130 beats per minute. It was created by DJs and music producers form Chicago's underground DJ culture. DJs back then altered disco dance tracks to get a more mechanical beat and deeper baselines. Many genres came out of house like UK garage, dance pop, trance, electroclash, etc. There is deep house, funky house, ghetto house, tribal house, etc. Many originators of the house sounds are people like Frankie Knuckles, Larry Levan, Ron Hardy, Jesse Saunders, Chip E, etc. House spread from Chicago, then into New York, into London, and throughout the world. House helped to strengthen dance and pop music which would continue to explode in the 1990's. That is why elements of house has been used by Janet Jackson, Madonna, and Kylie Minogue. House has an intro, a chorus, various verse sections, a midsection, and a brief outro. House originated heavily from disco. Jesse Saunders' On and On in 1984 has been called the first Chicago house record. Early house music appeared to positive message for all people. Hip house used elements of hip hop in the music. Tyree Cooper's Turn Up the Bass featuring Kool Rock Steady in 1988 had hip hop elements in it. By the 1990's and the 21st century, house evolved into more subgenres and musical songs. 

 

  

Unsung Artists

 

1986 in R&B shown artists with a lot of legendary artists and songs. It was a time when people like Meli'sa Morgan, Janet Jackson, Stephanie Mills, El DeBarge, Michael McDonald, Timex, Social Club, Jean Carne, Shirley Jones, Cheryl Lynn, Gwen Guthrie, LeVert, Oran Juice Jones, Bobby Brown, Gregory Abott, and Melba Moore dominated the charts. Janet Jackson, Billy Ocean, and Freddie Jackson had multiple number one singles in that year. In early 1986, Say You, Say Me was the song done by Lionel Richie. That's What Friends are For was done by Dionne and Friends. Meli'sa Morgan was popular. How Will I Know done by Whiteny Houston was a classic. Vocally, that was one of the most outstanding records of her career. Whitney Houston was already a legend in the 1980's. Your Smile was done by Rene and Angela. Janet Jackson's What Have You Done for Me Lately was creative. Janet Jackson wanted to show more control and independence in her own life. Janet wanted to be more free beyond just the lovable actress. She is entitled to express her own womanhood in diverse ways. Prince and the Revolution made the song Kiss. Patti Labelle, Billy Ocean, and LeVert made people dance. Word Up was done by Cameo. Girlfriend was done by Bobby Brown. By 1987, R&B had more teen acts. Angela Winbush made her solo artist debut. People like Jody Watley, The System, Gregory Hines, Atlantic Starr, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, Alexander O'Neal, and other people were high on the charts. Jody Watley reached into new heights. Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson made music that touched many lives. Luther Vandross and Stephanie Mills including Freddie Jackson were excellent. 

Let's Wait Awhile and The Pleasure Principle made Janet Jackson's career reach into new heights. Michael Jackson's Bad album was more than about creativity. That album was about his anger at the industry and the things that came with it. It was like Michael Jackson wanting the industry world almost to leave him alone. Candy from Cameo was an anthem of club music. Falling was made by Melba Moore. Loose Ends made Slow Down. The O'Jays, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Roger, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, The Whispers, and Atlantic Starr made more music. In 1988, The Way You Make me Feel by Michael Jackson was very powerful in 1988. Older and new artists were hitting their stride like Keith Sweat, Pebbles, Morris Day, Teena Marie, Tony Toni Tone, Sade, George Michael, Karyn White, and Anita Baker. Cheryl Pepsii Riley, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, and Mac Band grown their musical strength. Man in the Mirror had a social message from Michael Jackson (about how to make change starts with changing ourselves). Love Overboard was made by Gladys Knights and the Pips. Stevie Wonder made You Will Know. Wishing Well was created by Terence Trent D'Arby. E.U. had his song that dealt with Washington D.C.'s go-go scene. Joy from Teddy Pendergrass was about life after his accident still being spiritually strong. Lossey's Rap was made by Rick James and Roxanne Shante. My Prerogative by Bobby Brown was about his controversies and determination to be his own man. Bobby Brown left New Edition to pursue his solo career. 

Giving You the Best that I Got from Anita Baker was one of her greatest records. Anita Baker expressed the power and exquisite nature of love and romance with her music. Everything I Miss at Home by Cherrelle was a great song too. In 1989, the 1980's ended with the growth of new jack swing and other modern sounds. Roberta Flack and Jermaine Jackson had songs with their comebacks. Bobby Brown, Surface, Soul II Soul, Stephanie Mills, and Babyface were on the move wither their music. Vanessa Williams, Teddy Riley, Guy, Caron Wheeler, Regina Belle, Miki Howard, and Eric Gable made music that inspired human souls. Superwoman and Love Saw It outlined Karyn White's powerful legacy. Oasis was made by Roberta Flack. Can You Stand the Rain was one of the great songs of New Edition. Dreaming from Vanessa Williams showed her side as an underrated singer. Real Love by Jody Watley was classic. Prince, Natalie Cole, Janet Jackson developed their crafts more. Here and Now from Luther Vandross was another classic. Miki Howard's Aint Nuttin in the World continued to show her legendary status. All of My Love was made by the Gap Band dealt with emotion, and Tender Love from Babyface was one start of his long career. 

 

 

A Shift

 

By the mid to late 1980's, a new shift happened in R&B music. It was so powerful that it influenced pop and hip hop cultures too. It is called new jack swing or swingboat. It was lead by Teddy Riley and Bernard Belle. This style of music used rhythms, samples, and production techniques from R&B, hip hop, and pop. It merged old sounds with new music. Drum machines and hardware samples were popular in R&B and during the Golden Age of hip hop. The music had elements of jazz, funk, rap, and R&B. Many of their beats were crated by the SP-1200 sampler and the Roland TR-808 drum machine. Other producers involved in new jack swing were Timmy Gatilin, Alton Stewart, DJ Eddie F., Babyface, L.A. Reid, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. This style was found in Janet Jackson's third studio album of Control in 1986. This revolved around a collaboration between the Minneapolis music group of The Time, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Janet Jackson. Control merged R&B, rap, funk, disco, and synthesized percussion. The song Nasty had that song. Control helped to bridge the gap between R&B and hip hop music. D.C.'s go-go bands from Chuck Brown, Trouble Funk, and EU were roots of new jack swing too. 

Northern California's Club Nouveau covered Bill Wither's song of Lean on Me in 1987 in go-go. Teddy Riley called this style new jack swing. He led the band Guy in the late 1980's to Blackstreet in the 1990's. Riley used offbeat in a rhythmic pattern with 16th note triplets. New jack swing helped to unite R&B and hip hop so much that they influenced each other by the 2000's in a very high level. By the late 1980's, Andre Harrell also promote the new jack swing culture. Riley used sweet melodies and big beats. Bobby Brown by 1989 had a song On Our Own with a new jack swing beat on the Ghostbusters II soundtrack. New Jack swing was shown on Video Soul, Soul Train, Showtime at the Apollo, and Arsenio Hall's show. Many of its elements were found in Kid n Play, Paula Abdul, Donna Summer, Bell Biv DeVoe, etc. Keith Sweat, Johnny Kemp, Al B. Sure, Tony! Toni! Tone!, Karyn Layvonne White, New Edition, Kane, Sheena Easton, and other artists had new jack swing elements as well. 

 

 

Conclusion

  

The music of the 1980's was a golden age of creativity and power. Massive new experimentation of sounds and technologies were abundant. People wanted to use drum machines, synthesizers, and other devices to perfect their expression of music. Also, there were diverse singers like Sade, Anita Baker, and Miki Howard. People loved talent and wanted to dance too. Disco never died, as their descendants like house music was available. Also, by the 1990's, disco inspired songs would make a huge comeback. The 1980's also saw the internationalization of popular music with the advent of people like Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, and Prince. From Lionel Richie's ballads to The Pointer Sisters, there is that massive creativity involving 1980's music. Music videos became more complex and unique. Prince's When Doves Cry showed imagery. Michael Jackson's videos of Thriller and Bille Jean exciting audiences and were ahead of their times too. Sade's music videos showed a mystique about her interesting personality. Chaka Khan's and Patti Labelle's music videos were like massive events on the screen. There was the exciting style of singers like Vesta Williams and the soulful sounds of Stevie Wonder. As this was going on, the public saw the rise of Reagan and Bush Sr. as Presidents. Both men were Republicans, and the conservative movement dominated the politics of American society. A lot of people forget that the 1980's wasn't all peaches and cream. There were the War on Drugs, the crack epidemic, and the growth of the prison industrial complex, racist hate crimes, etc. that harmed the lives of many black people. We know that Reaganomics doesn't work to economically develop society collectively. Yet, people never gave up in promoting progressive values. The 1980's R&B chapter was all about dreams coming true in many ways along with how long we have to go in seeing the Dream made real for all. It showed the lives of men and women who wanted to ascend into more heights filled with soul and inspiration. 

 

 

 

The History of Hip Hop (After 50 Years) Part 5: The Transitional Era (1997-2006) 

 

After the deaths of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G., the hip hop community was in mourning. People debated whether hip hop would survive or what to do about the content of many hip hop songs. People were reflecting the pain of the violence that cost the lives of innocent people all over the world. Yet, hip hop survived. Hip hop, by this time, has grown into places like London, Paris, Cape Town, Berlin, Lago, Canada, and the rest of the world. Corporate profits soared. The time from 1997-2006 was the era of bling, various hip hop movements, increased commercialization, and independent artists developing their own styles. It was not just a time of experimentation. It was the era of a new generation of human beings who wanted their expression to be prominent. Various movements developed like No Limit Soldiers from Master P, Rocafella Records, Ruff Ryders, Cash Money, G-Unit, Rap-a-Lot, and the Dungeon Family. This time saw P Diddy reach new heights with his Bad Boy movement, while Death Row decreased in its influence. This time saw individual artists reach into untold wealth like Jay Z, DMX, Eve, the Lox, Juvenile, Master P, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Nas, Mase, Nelly, Fat Joe, Cam'ron, Big Pun, Eminem, The Game, and other artists. Many hip hop artists collaborated with R&B musicians like TLC, Destiny's Child, Ashanti, Aaliyah, Usher, Beyonce, Joe, Akon, etc. Jay Z evolved from a hip hop artist to the rich entrepreneur that he is today. Alternative hip hop was well represented from Mos Def, OutKast, Jean Grae, Pharaoh Monche, Black Thought, and others. The OutKast's Speakerboxx/The Love Below was ahead of its time, because it was taboo for hip hop artists to go into pop records, even in the early 2000's. Lauryn Hill's classic 1998 album of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is universally praised as one of the greatest albums in history period with its lyricism, messages, soul, and inspiration. 

By the late 1990's, East Coast hip hop and Southern hip hop were even in influence on hip hop culture. By the early 2000's, southern hip hop (as found in places like Miami, Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, Memphis, Dallas, etc.) grown into higher power with artists like Bone Crusher, David Banner, Pastor Troy, 3-6 Mafia, T.I. Lil Flip, Trick Daddy, Lil Jon, Ludacris, Ying Yang Twins, Chingy,  Archie Eversole, Yo Gotti, Project Pat, 8ball and MJG, Nappy Roots, Young Buck, etc. The end of this era of hip hop saw Nas' Hip Hop is Dead album (which had a controversial message, but it was very popular in the hip hop community.  In 2002, Southern hip-hop artists accounted for 50 to 60 percent of the singles on hip-hop music charts. Nas is one of the greatest hip hop artists of all time), crunk music, glitch hop and wonky, and the rise of Kanye West. Kanye West was once a producer, but he also wanted to rap too. He rapped since the 1990's, but he wasn't that popular until the early 2000's when he was a producer of Jay Z's Blueprint album. Kanye West's first album was The College Dropout that sent shockwaves worldwide (especially with the song of Jesus Walks). Kanye West won a Grammy for Best Rap Song for the Jesus Walks song. Kanye would go on to be one of the greatest hip hop artists of the 21st century despite his reactionary politics today. Kanye West helped to merge conscious message into mainstream hip hop culture. West is always outspoken. By the year 2006, hip hop was in a new time with new sounds developing its content. 

 

 

The Shiny Suit Era

 

The shiny suit era came about in hip hop immediately after the passing of the Notorious B.I.G. It reached its peak from 1997 to 2001. Many people love it or don't like it. Yet, we have to analyze it in order to get a comprehensive look at the legacy of hip hop music. The shiny suit era existed, because people were scared after the murder of 2 hip hop musicians. They were Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G. People wanted some sense of relaxing and having a good time. Extravagance characterized this era. With large budgets, larger than life music videos, and eccentric suits, this time was very much unique. The head leader of this movement was one man. We know who he is. He is Sean Combs or P. Diddy. Flashy clothes were commonplace. This wasn't the old school hip hop. To be honest, this was the true start of the new school hip hop that we witness in our time in 2020. P. Diddy is not the only founder of this movement. By 1997, Hype Williams was already a legendary video director of hip hop videos. By 1997, he continued to make shiny shit era videos constantly. June Ambrose is one of the greatest fashion designers of our generation. She made clothes that defined the shiny suit time. One video that showed the anthem of the shiny suit era was Mo' Money, Mo' Problems. It had the suits, lyrics, and dancing. One thing about this era was even with the materialism and pomp and circumstance, many artists during that time did had great lyrical abilities. 

The fashion of Fubu denim suits was popular during the late 1990's. The style is found in diverse songs like Missy Elliot and Timbaland's The Rain song (in 1997), Jay Z's Sunshine video (1997), Mase's Feel So Good video (1997), P. Diddy and Mase's Been Around the World (1997), Missy ft. Total's What About Us (1997), Busta Rhymes' Dangerous video (1997), Mase ft. The Lox's Feel So Good video (1997), Marey Carey's Honey remix ft. Lox (1997),. The LOX ft. DMX and Lil Kim's Money, Power, Respect (1998), Will Smith's Gettin' Jiggy With It (1998), Busta Rhymes' Gimme Some More (1998), Mase ft. Brandy's Top on the World (1998), etc. R&B singers as diverse as Sisqo, Keith Sweat, 112, Brandy, and Total showed shiny suit fashion fully. The shiny suit era was an escape from the drama of life. Mase was  the hip hop artist who personified that era. He was laid back, had flash, and he knew how to rap lyrically. The positives of that movement was it that it expanded the creativity of hip hop fashion and culture, it allowed artists to talk about diverse issues, and it was highly powerful. Its weakness is that far too often it embraced excessive materialism at the expense of making a legitimate social commentary of society. Life is more than about bread alone. People have to discuss about the conditions of life in order to improve the compositions of life. 

 

 

Ruff Ryders

 

The Ruff Ryders' movement was one of the most powerful movements of hip hop history. It helped to increasingly popularize the dirt bike and motorcycle culture among African Americans involved in hip hop culture. It allowed very talented people to express their joy, pain, hurt, and experiences in general. The whole movement was started by 3 Northern black Americans.  Their names are Chivon Dean, Dee, and Waah. All 3 of them are related to producer Swizz Beats being their nephew. Dee is Darin Dean and Waah is Joaquin Dean. Their family was emerged in music. Their father promoted artists involved in R&B and soul music like Jody Watley, Ray, Goodman and Brown, and Blue Magic. The family was born in the Bronx, NYC. Later, they came into Yonkers, NY. Dee and Waah struggled to make ends meet. They resorted to being street hustlers before joining the music business. They made the Ruff Ryders Management Company by 1988. Later, they discussed a hip hop artist in Yonkers named Earl Simmons or DMX. Back then, DMX made many records in 1991 sounding very lyrical almost like Rakim. DMX lived a troubled childhood and was literally struggling to survived. DMX later took on the opportunities given to him to continue in his gift of expressing music. DMX has been through it all from robbing people, being a victim of abuse by his own mother, being jumped by people, and experiencing many traumatic experiences. His first wife and his later grandmother were anchors in his life for years. Originally, Ruff Ryders struggled to gain more artists and to develop their company financially. 

Later, DMX told Ruff Ryders of another group from Yonkers named the Warlocks. They were made up of Sheek Louch, Styles P, and Jadakiss. This trio could all rap, and they made many records with the Notorious B.I.G. when Biggie was alive. They were in a deal with Mush Men. Later, Ruff Ryders and Mush Men had an agreement to allow them to be managed by Ruff Ryders. Mary J. Blige knew the Warlocks as a friend. So, Mary J. Blige sent their music to Diddy. Diddy signed them to Bad Boy Records. Their new name was the Lox. The Lox grew to be one of the most respected hip hop groups in history. DMX continued to make music like Born Loser song in 1992. DMX battled Jay Z in a lyrical battle at a pool hall. By 1995, DMX, Ja Rule, and Jay Z including Mic Geronimo had a song named Time to Build. Irv Gotti helped DMX to get a deal at Def Jam. DMX by 1997 changed the game with his music that resurrected hardcore East Coast hip hop music. 

 

 

In 1997, DMX was on songs like 4,3,2,1, and other songs. In 1998, he released many platinum albums of Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood plus It's Dark and Hell is Hot. In 1998, DMX was on more records like 24 Hours to Live, etc. DMX helped Def Jam to be the most powerful hip hop label during that time. The first lady of Ruff Ryders was Eve. Eve was born and raised in Philadelphia. Eve once signed with Dr. Dre's Aftermath. Eve struggled at first to find her career. She was stripping for a time. Later, Eve came to the South Bronx to sign with Ruff Ryders. Eve was just as good as any artist. She held her own in battles and ciphers. By 1999, she had her debut album of Let There be Eve. Eve would go on to make a huge career in music, fashion, and acting. Her own TV show was called Eve. I heard of the Eve show too. Ruff Ryders helped to inspire the growth of motorcycle clubs among the black community. Swizz Beats and other producers made some of the most innovative beats of the 1990's and the 21st century. Other artists in Ruff Ryders are Drag-On, Pirate, Parle, Kartoon, Aja Smth, Fiend, Jin, Infra-Red and Cross, Flashy, etc. Complication albums of Ruff Ryders existed form 1999 to the 21st century. Later by 2020, Ruff Ryders Indy is was formed to help young artists and spread the Ruff Ryders brand. Historically, the Ruff Ryders remain a powerful group of hip hop culture. 

 

 

Further Southern Hip Hop Growth

 

Southern hip hop from 1997-2006 was all about respect and growth. For decades, many people disrespected and stereotyped Southern hip hop as not real music or totally insignificant. We know that to be a lie. The words from Andree 3000 (from Outkast) in 1995 saying that the South has something to say would prove prophetic. Tons of people should realize that the origin of a large portion of black Americans is the South. The South is home to some of the greatest slavery liberation revolts in history. The Deacons of Defense and the original Black Panther Party of Alabama came from the South. Therefore, you reap what you sow. The South has worked hard in their craft in Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston, Memphis, Miami, Charlotte, Tampa, Nashville, and in other places. After those years, Southern hip hop became very dominate in the hip hop industry. By 1997, groups like the Geto Boys, UGK, 8Ball and MJG, PKO, and other groups were universally respected in the hip hop community because of their talent and merit. By 1997, Goodie Mob (who were friends with Tupac Shakur) and OutKast dominated Southern hip hop too. Goodie Mob also wanted to promote messages in their raps to make people think. Goodie Mob was based in Atlanta, and they were created in 1991 with members like Big Gipp, Khujo, Cee-Lo, and T-Mo. 

Khujo met with Tupac Shakur before in 1996, and Tupac knew of Goodie Mob's music. Their album of Soul Food in 1995 had conscious lyrics with music with Big Boi, Cool Breeze, and Andre 3000. Cell Therapy is one of their greatest records. Their album of Still Standing made known their lyrical power. They continue to make music into the 2010's. Outkast just went into another stratosphere of power and influence. By 1998, they made the album Aquemini which one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. They had collaborations with people from the Goodie Mob and Erykah Badu (who would date Andre 3000 for a time). Their next albums would be Stankonia (2000), Speakerboxx/The Love Below (2003), and Idewild (2006). Andre is more of the conscious type, while Big Boi is more of the rapid fire lyrical person. Hypnotize Minds came out of Memphis with music. Also, No Limit Records was created by Master P and his family. Master P was from New Orleans, moved into Richmond, California, and made his career about building a business.  

Through ups and downs, Master P is one of the most influential hip hop businessmen of all time. Many of the people at No Limit Records at its prime were Snoop, Mercedes, Silkk the Shocker, Mystikal, Mia X, Mac, C-Murder, Magic, Short Circuit, Lil Soldiers, Romeo Miller, Fiend, Kane and Abel, Soulja Slim, CFO, Jefferson Macks, and others. The song Make Em Say Uhh! was made in 1997, but it became a huge success in early 1998. The prime of No Limit Records was from 1997 to 2000. No Limit Records has an all star roster, but legal troubles, disputes over money, and creative differences caused No Limit to lose its influence in the industry later on.  Master P did it all from funding cookies to playing in the NBA. Cash Money was another movement in New Orleans hip hop. By 1998-1999, they started to dominate the hip hop world. They were run by Bryan Williams and Ronald Williams. They were created in 1991. They had Juvenile, Lil Wayne, Turk, Mannie Fresh, and B.G. along with others. The most talented artist in the crew was Lil Wayne. He had God-given talent of lyricism, charisma, and power of voice. Therefore, he just came into having more success and being one of the greatest hip hop artists of the 21st century. Lil Wayne is a man who survived a lot. Obviously, I don't agree with Lil Wayne supporting Donald Trump. By 2006, Lil Wayne had already created multiple Carter albums and became very well known. From working with TI to Destiny's Child, he set his legacy up. During this time, other Southern artists like TI, Lil Flip, Ludacris, Lil Jon, Young Jeezy, Trick Daddy, Rick Ross, Chamillionaire, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Gucci Mane, and other people made their way in expressing themselves. From crunk to alternative music, Southern hip hop remains a big part of overall hip hop culture. 

 

 

The Increased Expansion of Hip Hop

  

1997 saw a massive expansion of hip hop. After the unjust murders of  Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G., tons of artists expressed themselves creatively. Missy Misdemeanor Elliot redefined hip hop and R&B with her album Supa Dupa Fly. Her fashion, videos, and lyrics were ahead of their time, and fans loved her performances. From her large suits to her swagger, people admired her artistic fearlessness. She worked with Timbaland, Aaliyah, Magoo, Guinwine, and other legendary artists to execute music that is timeless. Missy is from Portsmouth, Virginia. That's in the 757. I'm from the 757, so Virginia is always in the house. Missy continues to break barriers, and she is the highest selling woman rapper of all time. While this was going on, Interscope Records sold its interest in Death Row Records and end ties with the label. Death Row was in a tail spin of going down because of scandals, people leaving, and the death of Tupac Shakur. Dr. Dre was building his Aftermath label, and it struggled in the beginning. In 1997, Chicago MC Juice defeated Eminem in a 1997 hip hop rap rap battle of the Scribble Jam competition. That was the largest showcase of underground hip hop in America. MC Juice and Supernatural are some of the greatest MC  battlers of all time. This was when Eminem wasn't too known by the public. Years later, Eminem would be beaten again in a rap battle against the Chicago MC Rhymefest (who knows Kanye West). Eminem had his 1996 album Infinite (which copied Nas' and AZ's rhyme style), and he would go on to be one of the most controversial hip hop artists of all time. In 1997, Roc A Fella sold a 50 percent stake to Island Def Jam for $1.5 million. In 1997, B.I.G.'s Life After Death sold tons of records. Scarface's The Untouchable was released.  

By mid 1997, artists like Artifacts, Boot Map Clik, KRS-One, Esham, and other people established music. One of the most influential albums of that year of 1997 was Wu Tang Clan's Wu Tang Forever. It debuted number one at Billboard with 612,000 copies sold at one week. Their signature song of Triumph was popular especially with Inspectah Deck's opening verse. That opening verse was one of the most lyrical opening verses in hip hop history. The verse has the following words:

"I bomb atomically, Socrates' philosophies and hypotheses

Can't define how I be dropping these mockeries

Lyrically perform armed robbery

Flee with the lottery, possibly they spotted me

Battle-scarred Shogun, explosion when my pen hits tremendous

Ultraviolet shine blind forensics

I inspect you through the future see millennium

Killa Beez sold fifty gold, sixty platinum

Shackling the masses with drastic rap tactics

Graphic displays melt the steel like blacksmiths

Black Wu jackets, Queen Beez ease the guns in

Rumble with patrolmen, tear gas laced the function

Heads by the score take flight, incite a war

Chicks hit the floor, die hard fans demand more

Behold the bold soldier, control the globe slowly

Proceeds to blow, swinging swords like Shinobi

Stomp grounds and pound footprints in solid rock

Wu got it locked, performing live on your hottest block."

 

 

The album had Method Man, Ghostface, and others at their finest lyrical performance. This album established Wu Tang Clan as probably the greatest hip hop group in history. In the Summer of 1997, artists like Capone N Norega, Lil Keek, The Lost Boyz, The Beanuts, Canibus, Cru, Twista, and Craig Mack made music in albums or various songs. Also, the summer of 1997 saw a transition to see more movements and Southern artists shine like Bad Boy with No Way Out, Mia X, The Lady of Rage,  Bone, Rampage, and Trick Daddy. Master P progressed as an industry powerhouse. 

 

The end of 1997 saw music from a diverse amount of musicians from Jay Z with In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, Jedi Mind Triacks, Mase (with Harlem World), Luniz, Salt-n-Pa, LL Cool J, Jurassic 5, Common, Busta, EPMD with Back in Business, Hot Boys, and others. By the end of 1997, Eminem would release Slim Shady EP. Eminem wouldn't be extremely popular until late 1997 and early 1998. Eminem would go onward to have a massive following, especially among white youth. It is obvious that I don't agree with Eminem for his words disrespecting his mother, disrespecting black women (then made a record Yellowbrick road calling women of all colors the h word which is wrong and nonsense), and on other issues. I cite him, because all types of hip hop artists must be discussed even those that I disagree with. Eminem would make a vulgar reference to our late elder C. Delores Tucker. It's one thing to disagree with Tucker on some issues. It's quite another to slander the woman by calling her out of her name, and Eminem is wrong for that. Ironically, C. Delores Tucker was right. Gangsta rap readily glamorizes disrespect of especially black women, nihilistic violence, drug dealing (for the sake of harming people for profit), and total hatred of our people by repeating the n word constantly. That is wrong. I don't believe in authoritarian censorship, but we should know that we are grown enough to realize that right is right (and wrong is wrong). Tupac had unreleased music of R U Still Down? (Remember Me) being released on November 25, 1997. 1997 saw the Hype Williams type of larger than life videos. 

In 1998, Lauryn Hill would released the classic album of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. It talked about Blackness, consciousness, love, romance, etc. She won 11 Grammy nominations, won 5 awards including Album of the Year and Best New Artist. Lauryn Hill is so loved by us, because she stood up for us, she refuted colorist lies, and she is extremely talented on her terms. Dr. Dre signed Eminem on his Aftermath label. Jay Z's Hard Knock Life song saw Jay Z go into the mainstream level. Jay's album of 1998 was Vol. 2, Hard Knock life. It had lyricism, popularity, and commercial aspects. The late 1990's had commercial records, but they were extremely lyrical. Shyne or Jamal Barrow signed with Bad Boy Entertainment. 1998 in hip hop had the perfect blend of East Coast, Midwestern, Southern, and other forms of hip hop. If you like Southern classic hip hop, there was Outkast's Aquemini in 1998. If you like a more backpack vibe, there was Mos Def & Talib Kweli's Black Star album. Tribe released music along with Big Pun, Juvenile's 400 Degrees, Gang Starr, etc. 1998 saw DMX reached a new level of power with 2 albums of It's Dark and Hell is Hot along with Flesh of Flesh, Blood of My Blood being platinum in the same year of 1998. Goode Mob, Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Canibus' Can-I-Bus, Lyricist Lounge, and other music were common place. Xzibit, Beasite Boys, Pete Rock and a young Black Eyed Peas were in the music industry. From Ice Cube, Master P., Kurupt, the LOX, and other artists, 1998 was a dynamic year of music. 1999 was the last year of the 20th century. 

 

It ended with a bang. Dr. Dre had his comeback album of 2001. He worked with Snoop, Eminem, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, and others to prove that he wasn't washed up. He came back to his old formulas of West Coast beats and lyricism. Nas made the introspective album of I Am with the most respectful tribute to Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. Mobb Deep, Phraoahe Monch, Q-Tip released music. B.G., Slick Rick, Jay Z, Prince Paul, MF Doom (who has a massive underground fan base), Nia, Soundboombing II, etc. had songs. Jean Grae in 1999 shown music too. Jean Grae is one of the greatest MCs of all time. Eve released her album of Let There Be Eve to represent Philly and her talent. Ja Rule had Venni Vetti Vecci. Ja Rule worked in the industry during the 1990's. He made music with Jay Z, DMX, Mic Geronimo, and other people. By this time, Snoop was in No Limit Records to leave Death Row. 1999 was a time of releasing new projects and older rappers establishing their marks as legends from Rakim to Gang Starr. Tech N9ne established music to make him one of the greatest lyricists of all time. E-40, Public Enemy, and 8Ball and MJG expressed themselves. In 1999, Eminem made the Slim Shady LP. This was his 2nd album from Aftermath. 

Back in 1999, many people didn't know what to make of Eminem. People questioned whether this guy was for real or whether he was putting on an act. His biggest support was from the late Proof. Proof was not just one of the most powerful people in Detroit in the hip hop world. He was a peacemaker who wanted to put Detroit rappers on. He was the bridge that allowed people to appreciate Detroit hip hop on a regular basis. He opened shows to allow hip hop artists in Detroit to show their skills and represent their life. Eminem was born in St. Joseph Missouri. Later, he lived in Michigan. He was bullied and beaten up massively. He lived in Detroit later on. His 1999 album had graphic imagery. Slim Shady as his alter ego. This album was about his life, his fantasies, and his imaginations (filled with tales of graphic details). Eminem is lyrical, and even the most strongest hater of Eminem admits to this. Yet, many times, Eminem lacks the soul to let the music to come to him. He usually allows to try to beat the music. By 1999, he reached a new era of massive popularity. His early songs of My Name I and Guilty Conscience was heavily influenced by Dr. Dre beat wise. Without Dr. Dre, there is no Em as he is today. 

 

The year of 2000 witnessed both major artists releasing album like OutKast with Stankonia, Ghostface's Supreme Clientele, Common's Like Water for Chocolate, Jay Z's The Dynasty, COP Warriorz, Slum Village, Snoop's The Last Meal, and Canibus's 2000 B.C. Also, it saw newer artists having their shine like Nelly's Country Grammar, Ludacris's Back for the First Time, Beanie Sigel's The Truth, Black Eyed Peas' Bridging the Gap, Ja Rule's 3:36, etc. Many artists who have performed for years have continued to make music like Wu Tang Clan, Jedi Mind Tricks, Xzhibit, Ice Cube, Lil Kim, Dead Prez, Nature, Cam'ron, Cypress Hill, Jungle Brothers. 2000 also saw Eminem's most controversial album called The Marshall Mathers LP. It was released in May 23, 2000. It talked about school shootings, censorship, Bill Clinton, and other issues. His album was protested by many groups. It was filled with the old school horrocore sub genre of hip hop along with satirical music. It had many people from D12, Snoop, Nate Dogg, Xzhibit, RBX, Dido, etc. It won awards, and his supporters cite it as his best album. It sold over 25 million copies worldwide. The album criticized the pop groups of NYSNC and Backstreet Boys. Many of these pop groups tried to mimic establish legendary African American groups like Backstreet Boys and SWV. 

Middle America in many cases hypocritically criticized rap music, but some of them loved movies with violence, torture, profanity, and other disturbing imagery. I certainly don't follow Eminem's agenda or views on mocking Michael Jackson, MC Hammer, and other black performers. Em a'int no King of hip hop. Rakim saying that if Em was black, he will be Muhammad Ali was disappointing. Em never apologized for mocking Michael Jackson and MC Hammer. Eminem lied about Lauryn Hill as calling her hating white people, when Lauryn never said those words. His song called Role Model shows his mentality. Eminem also made sexual allegations against the legendary Mariah Carey that Mariah has always denied. I believe Mariah Carey.  During the Up in Smoke tour back in 2000, there is video evidence of Em saying the n word. He has gone out of his way to admit that he wants to be like Elvis to make black music to make himself wealthy. Em is like the other gangster rappers who glamorized violence, drug abuse, and straight nihilism.  Some black people have to get over their fears of this false white god and speak truth to power. Another vulture is Post Malone. Rap is about allowing the flow and rhythm to speak your mind. Hip Hop deals with soul, funk, and poetry with rhythm. Even as a child, I know this. You can make a case that hip hop is a cousin to disco. That is why the powers that be wanted to destroy disco and exploit hip hop for nefarious purposes. That is why we will always defend black music.   

2001 saw the battle of Jay Z and Nas coming in public view. Back in the 1990's, Jay Z admired Nas and was in one song with Lord Tariq. Nas was cool with Jay Z, but Nas wasn't obsessed with the man. Jay Z wanted Nas to be on records, but Nas declined. Later, Nas made a subliminal shot at Jay Z in the song We Will Survive (from Nas' I am album in 1999) saying it's not about being New York's King. Later, Jay Z responded with words in Is That Your Chick song talking disrespectful about Nas' on and off girlfriend Carmen Bryant and Nas himself. Memphis Bleek criticized Nas and Nas responded with Queens artists in one song called Da Bridge 2001 (with artists like Marley Marl, MC Shan, Havoc, Cormega, Millennium Thug, Nature, Capone, Tragedy aka Intelligent Hoodlum, Havoc, and Prodigy). Nas' verse on Memphis Bleek and Jay Z just ended the battle. Nas won that one. Jay' Z's Blueprint album came in 2001. 

 

Before it came bout, Jay Z overtly criticized Nas and Mobb Deep in a song Takeover. Nas was dealing with his mother dying. At first, Nas made a response, but it wasn't powerful enough. Then, Nas made Ether, and it was game over. Nas won the battle, because Ether was personal despite the claims. It was charged and lyrical. Jay Z responded with Suger Ugly, but Super Ugly was forced, didn't have the power, and was too late. Super Ugly was all over the place. Both of them would take shots against each other until they ended their feud in 2006. Jay Z's Blueprint album solidified Jay Z as one of the 10 greatest rappers of all time. Before, people knew that Jay Z was a great rapper, but people were in denial if he was the man who would gain the ring of the legends. With that album, Jay Z became a legend. A young Kanye West worked on that album too along with the legendary Virginia producer Timabaland. Nas made the classic album of Stillmatic in 2001 too. D12, Ghostface, Redman, Beanie Sigel with the Reason, Wu Tang Clan, Eve's Scorpion, Aesop, Cormega, De La Soul, Busta Rhymes, DMX, and Hi Tek made music. Missy Elliot's So Addictive was an album with beats, imagery, lyrics, and creative power. Pete Rock , Ludacris, Lil Jon, Foxy Brown, Fab, Jadakiss, Ja Rule, Dilated Peoples, TechN9ne, Mobb Deep, and other artists made sounds that were powerful.  

Tupac's posthumous Until the End of Time in 2001 was very influential. It showcased Tupac's emotion and lyrical power. P. Diddy released the Saga Continues. It was the album that showed the influence of the Bad Boy legacy. 2002 in hip hop was another year that had a balance of East Coast and West Coast hip hop along with the growing power of Southern hip hop that would dominate hip hop in general. Jay Z released Blueprint 2 that focused on his life, his feud with Nas, and other topics. Nelly released Nellyville, and Eminem released the Eminem Show. Scarfare, The Clipse, Nas' God's Son, Eve's Eve-Olution, Cam'ron, and the Roots had music. Missy had Under Construction. The Lost Tapes was released by Nas. The Lost Tapes had some of the best music from Nas lyrically in his career. Music from Wyclef, 8Mile, Nappy Roots, and other people were abundant. Lil Wayne with 500 Degreez increased his power in the industry. Lil Jon, Snoop, Busta Rhymes, AZ, Ying Yang Twins, Ja Rule, Canibus, GZA, Big Tymers, etc. shown that hip hop is alive. 

 

2003 was the year with some of the greatest hip hop albums and movements around. OutKast released The Love Below/Speakerboxx. That albums was about the respect shown to Andre 300 and Big Boi. Both men had different styles, but they unified to make music come alive. Hip hop is not just about one thing or one concept. Andre 3000 showed the truth that hip hop is multifaceted in its composition. Jay Z released The Black Album in 2003 which further made him a legend. The Black Album was one of his greatest albums. Ludacris, Canibus (with his album of Rip the Jacker in 2003 was one of the greatest lyrical albums of all time. In my opinion, other than K-rino, Canibus is the greatest lyricist in the history of humanity), Obie Trice, TI's Trap Muzik, Freeway, the Diplomats, Gang Starr, and other musicians focused on their music. 50 Cent released Get Rich or Die Tryin' in 2003. 50 Cent was a man who lived a rough life from being shot 9 times, battling foes, knowing Supreme McGriff, and hustling, etc. His life wasn't an easy situation. He formed G-Unit to show their music. People know about their feuds with Murder Inc and other people. Back in 2003, 50 Cent exploded in the scene with funding from Dr. Dre and Eminem. I don't agree with 50 Cent's pettiness, putting his hands on women, and on other issues. The Neptunes, Lil Kim, Killer Mike, Bubba Sparks, Sole, Missy, Jedi Mind Trick, YoungBloodz had music back then too. 2004 saw the increase of trap and crunk music in hip hop. It saw Kanye West releasing his first album of The College Dropout. His famous song of Jesus Walks sparked debates and made people aware there there is no shame in being spiritual. 

The Tipping Point of the Roots was a very lyrical album. Murs, Madvillain, Beastie Boys, Masta Ace, MF Doom, Nas's Street Disciple (when he was dating Kelis), De La Soul, Young Buck, De La Soul, Eminem, Cam'ron, Royce, Brand Nubian, Mos Def, LL Cool J, Twista, Talib Kweli, R.A. the Rugged Man, TI, Ludacris, Nelly, and others showed their music to the world. 2005 saw hip hop increasingly embrace the Texas sound of chopped and screwed music. Mike Jones and Paul Wall were popular. Lil Wayne released the Carter II. The Game and Kanye West made albums. Beanie Sigel, Ying Yang Twins, Common, Chamillionaire made songs. Krayzie Bone, MIA, 50 Cent, Bleek, Guru, and Missy Elliot were on the charts. Jeezy made the 2005 album of his story. Public Enemy made their comeback album. By the year of 2006 in hip hop, it was a new era. Legends continues to spread their talents along with new artists. One of these new artists was Lupe Fiasco who made the album of Food and Liquor. Lupe was born in Chicago and his relatives were involved in the black consciousness movement. Nas made Hip Hop is Dead.  TI made the King album. The Roots, Ghostface, J Dilla, Luadcris, The Game, Murs, Rick Ross, and others. 

 

*That is why I always mention that the greatest rappers not only can rhyme words together. They have the perfect combination of pitch, flow, rhythm, and content (from speaking about conscious issues, love, the streets, dance, etc. The most versatile rappers in my view are the greatest. How you say the words and how you move the crowd matters. I have to feel what you say). You can't say words that promote nihilism and no upliftment of especially black people and be considered the GOAT. 

 

 

Hip Hop and R&B collaborations 

 

One important part of hip hop history form 1997 to 2006 was the high level of hip hop and R&B collaborations. Back in the day, many R&B artists didn't like hip hop. As time came onward, music among both genres would merge. By 1997, Missy Elliot changed the game with her fusion of hip hop and R&B in her album of Supa Dupa Fly. She worked with her friends of Total, Mariah Carey, etc. to make classic records. Missy remains one of the greatest artists of hip hop, and she is from the 757 at Portsmouth. Lauryn Hill in her album of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was released in 1998. I was a teenager when it came out, and that album was one of the most powerful albums of all time. It talked about spirituality, life, black culture, and romance. It allowed her to be nominated for 11 Grammys. Lauryn Hill won 5 Grammys including Album of the Year and Best New Artist. In 1999, singer Kelis made a song with hip hop artist ODB on "Got Your Money." Kelis is from NYC, and she would continue to be one of the most eclectic, creative artists of our generation. Brandy worked with Mase on the song Top of the World. She later worked with Kanye West in the year of 2004 with the song Talk about Us on her album of Afrodisiac. Monica worked with Missy on the song So Gone back in 2003 (on Monica's album of After the Storm). 

  

From 1997-2006, there was a massive increase of R&B and hip hop collaborations. 1997 saw a liberation of Mariah Carey. Mariah left Tommy Motola to express her own ideals, and it is clear that she has a love of hip hop music. People seem to forget that Mariah is a New York woman. She's from Long Island. She worked in songs with Bad Boys rappers from Diddy to the Lox in the song of Honey. The record of I'll Be Missing You had P. Diddy and Fiath Evans including 112 mourning the passing of the Notorious B.I.G. In 1998, Wyclef Jean had a song with Destiny's Child in a remix that caused Destiny's Child to reach huge heights of power. The song was No, No, No. Part 2. In 1998, Mya worked with Sisqo of Dru Hill (Called It's all about me), and Mase worked with Total to make the song What You Want. Mya was in the song Ghetto Superstar with Pras and ODB (part of the soundtrack of the Bulworth movie).  In 1999, Mariah Carey had a song with Jay Z called Heartbreaker. The classic song of The Roots featuring Erykah Badu plus Eve of You Got Me came out in 1999. TLC, P. Diddy, and others made music in this time too. Will Smith worked on his Wild West Song with Sisqo of Dru Hill. 

In the year of 2000, there was Aaliyah working with Timbaland in the song Resolution. Aaliyah had the song of Back in One Piece with DMX. That was part of the Romeo Must Die soundtrack. In the year  of 2000, there was the song of Missy and Mel B called I Want You Back. By 2001, Ja Rule worked with Ashanti and other singers. Eve worked with Gwen Stefani too in 2001.   In 2002, Nelly worked with Kelly Rowland on the song Dilemma. Also, Loon, Usher, and Diddy made their record I Need Girl Part One. In 2002, there was the song of Break You Off of the Roots ft. Musiq Soulchild. From Sleepy Brown working with Outkast in 2003 to Why in 2004 with Anthony Hamilton plus Jadakiss, music was alive in that time period. Where is the Love with Black Eyed Peas and Fergie from 2003 had a message too. In 2004, Ciara worked with Missy Elliot to make 1 2 Step, and Kanye West worked with Sylenna Johnson to make All Falls Down. Nelly worked with Jaheim of the My Place song. Slow Jamz was a hit with Kanye West and Jamie Foxx. The song Yeah was popular with Usher, Lil Jon, and Ludacris. In 2005, Amerie worked with Eve in the remix of One Thing. 50 Cent worked with Olivia too on a song. In 2005, Mariah Carey worked on many songs with Jermaine Dupri. Ciara, Destiny's Child, and other artists worked with hip hop artists in 2005 too. In 2006, Ciara, Donell Jones, and other artists worked with hip hop musicians too.  This era saw hip hop artists like Sole and Amil working with singing artists constantly too. Amil Kahala Whitehead (born September 19, 1979)  continues to make hip hop music. Sole or Tonya Michelle Johnston (born July 17, 1973) was born in Kansas City, Missouri. On August 27, 2017, Solé married Public Enemy band member and rapper Professor Griff, referring to each other as "Aja and Kavon Shah." 

 

 

The Video Models: Their Stories, Their Pain, and their Inspirational Power

 

From 1997-2006, it was the peak of the video model era. Video models have existed in music videos for years and decades and among numerous genres of music. Hip hop is no exception. A slang term for video models is video vixen. I will use the term video model, because it is a more fair description of their lives. The legacy of video models is complicated and diverse. They exist in every race, many of them have been humiliated not only in music videos but in areas outside of the music video scene. Many of them have diverse roles in videos. Some just dance. Some are in a fictional romantic story line in the videos. Some walk around to have fun. Some just act as company. Others do other controversial things in various videos not suitable for children. Hip hop and music in general have to deal with the evils of misogyny, colorism, etc. Unfortunately, many video models have been victims of misogyny, exploitation, harassment, abuse, pay inequality, and other problems. That is why we are clear that any man or any woman should be treated with dignity and with respect, regardless of his or her career choice.  

Some video models are lucky and have their own businesses, other jobs, became singers, became actresses, and much more successful situations in their life. Others still struggle to survive literally. The industry is cut throat. There is no other way to put it. We have to be honest, as we are all grown here. Some video models have been victims of colorism, fetishism, and other evils, but we have to discuss about these issues if we want real change. The video model culture deals with many controversial subjects. Many people have criticized many hip hop artists for using video models in submissive roles, while men artists are placed in positions of power. Many video models have been used as sexual objects, and called misogynistic slurs like the b word and the h word. Nelly's video of Tip Drill in 2004 have been criticized too as for its sexual objectification of women. Nelly said that the women voluntarily did these actions (as it's the argument of many artists involved in such situations), but there is a serious problem of music in general (not just hip hop) where women are objectified. The irony is that corporations exploit hip hop artists all of the time too. 

 

Hip Hop models have criticized the culture found in certain videos too. Candace Smith said in an XXL interview that, "what I've seen on [hip hop music video] sets is complete degradation. Sometimes, video models aren't rappers, but many women rappers have been video models too. The industry pressures many women artists to promote "sex appeal." Some women rappers are conscious, some are lyricists, and some want to take control of their sexuality. Artists like Lil Kim, Trina, Nicki Minja, Megan Thee Stallion, Remy Ma, Da Brat, Jacki-O, and other artists make the argument that they aren't exploiting themselves but they are expressing what they want in their videos (they feel like they are reclaiming their sexuality by doing what they're doing). Debates have come about about this subject. What is true is that if a person critiques these artists (that show their sexuality in full view) and not Too Live Crew, Luke, or many videos from artists that degrade women, then that person is a total hypocrite. Roxanne Shante and Salt-N-Papa made records to defend the image of women. This issue is complicated. We should reject the 2 extremes of a total degradation of a woman and the other extreme that any women not wearing a conservative dress in a video is somehow lacking in human character. In other words, there must be self-expression, respect shown to the dignity of women, and a balance to let the youth know that just because a video exists doesn't mean people should degrade a woman. 

We have to wise to never support videos that promote false stereotypes about black women. It is no secret that colorism is a serious problem in hip hop videos and in the music industry in general. Even in the 1990's and early 2000s (with colorism abundant), there were a diversity of complexions found among video models. For the few years now (especially since ca. 2005), many artists are overt in lusting after white, biracial, multiracial, and Latina women in their videos at the expense of them degrading black women. That's wrong. I remember back in the late 1990's and early 2000's of many very talented dark skinned black women hip hop and R&B artists shown great respect like Gina Thompson, Nicole Wray, Tweet, Foxy Brown, Angie Stone, India Arie, and other people. From 2005-2015, there were many vicious people who maligned the African features of black people. The activism of dedicated activists have made people more aware to end colorism since especially by ca. 2015. Today, we have a new generation of very talented dark skinned artists like Kelly Rowland, Normani, Keke Palmer, SZA, Justine Skye, Ann Marie, Amara La Negra, and other human beings. Don't get it twisted, everything wasn't perfect back then. There was the paper bag test way back in the day, and many corporations promoted mostly lighter skinned people (even in the Golden Era of Hollywood films that showed black people) without fair representation of black people regardless of skin complexion. Therefore, nothing is new under the sun. We have to encourage black women and black men to achieve their highest potentials. We have a very long way to go in seeing justice for our community, but we will fight for justice regardless. 

 

Those evils of colorism and racism have no justification in the world. For years, Hollywood and other industries have promoted the myth that black women, especially dark skinned black women, are not worthy of respect. Janet Hubert's recent words (which accurately describes the entertainment industry's known deception to prop up white imagery as superior when that is a lie) should be used as motivation for all of us to not only defeat racism and colorism. We have to oppose the slander of black people in general. Women should never be pressured to violate their core principles as an excuse to fulfill some corporate image. Corporations and some artists use women in the videos to gain the attention of men and to gain profit. Sex sells. The media in TV shows, magazines, and other media present the myth that African American women are immoral, hostile, only sexual, and these evil lies. We have that responsibility to defend black women and refute the lies from mainstream society. There is nothing wrong with admiring the beauty of black women. I'm attracted to black women. Yet, it is wrong to degrade black women. That point should always be emphasized. 

  

 

 

For long generations, women in hip hop have been diverse. Some use graffiti. Some are backpackers. Some are hardcore lyrically. Some are in conscious movements. Some have specialized lyricism in a massive level. Video models in hip hop music videos are from every walk of life. Some were raised in progressive households. Some have been abused. Some have risen up to have very successful careers in other arenas from fitness to business. One of the first video models in hip hop videos (in the 1997-2006 era) have been Lisa Raye McCoy. She has been on videos form Tupac, Lil Kim, Changing Faces, Ginuwine, Ghostface, Carl Thomas, Jamie Foxx, Master P, Jaheim, and other hip hop plus R&B artists music videos. Today, Lisa Raye McCoy is a grandmother, has businesses, and is on the FOX Soul show called Queens. Buffie Caruth was in many music videos and the film ATL. People know her now as more than a former video model, but she is now a famous author and fitness expert. Lauren London has modeled for Sean John for years. She is also an actress and been on music videos like Pharrell's song of Frontin' and That Girl, Snoop, Ludacris, Common's Drivin' Me Wild, T.I.'s What You Know, Ne-Yo's Miss Independence, etc. She is the widow of the hip hop artist Nipsey Hussle. She has been on TV shows and movies like Next Day Air, I Love You, ATL, Beth Cooper, 90210 (and been on the covers of magazines like King and Jewel). Lola Monroe or Fershegenet Melauku is an Ethiopian-American. She was video model. Now, she is a rapper and actress. She was born in 1986. She was born in Addis Ababa and was in Washington, D.C. She was in music videos from Kanye West and Trey Songz. She made mixtapes and singles. Lola Monroe has been inspired by Jay Z, MC Lyte, Trina, Salt-n-Pepa, Lauryn Hill, and Tupac Shakur. Lola Monroe has one son.  Leila Arcieri was a video model who is now an actress. She was voted Miss San Francisco in the 1997 Miss California pageant. Vida Guerra is the famous Cuban American model who has been on videos and covers of magazines for years. She is now 46 years old. She was in videos from Frankie J, Kanye West, and even on the Chappelle Show to expose R Kelly's evil deeds. She is now a vegetarian. Amber Rose worked on the song of Put On in 2008. She has become a model and actress.  

 

Karrine Staffans is one of the most controversial former video models. Yet, her book called "Confessions of a Video Vixen" in 2005 told the truth that many musicians are adulterers and the industry has a lot of corruption in it. She has been in more than 20 music videos as one of the most popular video models of the 1997-2006 era. She is of Afro-Caribbean descent being born in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. That is why you can see your Caribbean accent and Northern accent by how she speaks. She was abused. She ran away when she was 16. She moved into NYC, Arizona, and finally into LA by 1999. She was born in 1978. She was in music videos like Hey Papi from Jay Z in 1999, LL Cool J's song, and Mystikal's song of Danger. She was in the movie A Man Apart, and modeled for Smooth Magazine. She was on KING too. Today, she is an author. Today, she helps women to know about the dangers of the entertainment industry and reach people to realize that misogyny in rap is not cool. Karine Staffans gave voice to a new generation of women to talk about these issues. Q-Tip's song of Vivrant Thing (which was directed by Hype Williams) has many video models like Jeanene Fox (from the Bahamas), Leila Arcieri, etc.  

One of the most resilient former video models is Melyssa Savannah Ford, who was form in Canadian (and her father is Afro-Barbardian. Her mother is Russian and Norwegian). She is 44 and born in Toronto, Canada. By the late 1990's, she was in numerous music videos. She was in men's magazines, TV programs, and films like Love for Sale, Think like a Man, Turn It Up, etc. She has publicly spoken out against music videos that promote  negative stereotypes against black women. She was on 112 ft. Lil Zane's Anywhere, Glenn Jones' The Thing to Do, Jadakiss' Knock Yourself Out, etc. She has been on XXL, Smooth, Maxim, and King. Melyssa Ford was on Soul Food, the TV show in 200, Entourage, The Game, Blood, Sweat and Heels, etc.  She survived a vehicle accident on June 2018. Now, she is a radio host, and a survivor. Nicole Narain has her own acting career. Leslie  Segar was on LL Cool J's Round the Way Girl music video and on Heavy D's Black Coffee. She had a successful career as a host of BET's Rap City. Segar had to battle colorism as a dancer and a host. Even at BET, she was made to feel like she didn’t meet a standard. Yet, Segar proved the haters wrong because of her media talent. Jennifer Lopez was in EPMD's Rampage, Janet Jackson's That's the Way Love Goes, and on In Living Color (as a dancer). Jossie Harris Thacker, Rosa Acosta, Sofia Marie, Shakur, Ms. Cat (Catya Washington), Xtine Noel, Kim Porter, Pilar Sanders, Gloria Velez, Esther Baxter, and other women were video models for a time. Some of the other unsung video models are the Afro-Trinidadian Simone Baptiste (who have a Master's degree, is a realtor, and her daughter is following in her footsteps), Nicole Ricca (who is from Jamaica. She has her own company and graduated from college), Chessika Cartwright (she was from Miami, Florida), Jeanettte Chaves, Sarah Rosete (she was in a singing group called Electric Red. Now, he is a mother to 2 children), Lanisha Cole (she is a photographer, actress, and from Pasadena, California), K.D. Aubert (she is a singer and actress), Sunday Carter, etc. 

 

Today, more and more people are learning the lessons that colorism, sexism, and other evils in the culture of the industry must be condemned. The movie starring Meagan Good called Video Girl from 2011 shows the truth about the video model culture in full detail. The movie was very realistic, and it had former video models in it like Melyssa Ford, Lisa Raye McCoy, Lola Monroe, Esther Baxter, Suelyn Medeiros, etc. It also starred La'Miya Good (or Meagan Good's sister), Adam Senn, Datari Turner, Bun B, and the legendary icon Ruby Dee. That film didn't sugarcoat a thing, and it outlines what's real. The truth is that we have to be wise to realize that you have to treat women with dignity and respect as equals if we are to come into the Dream made into fruition. There is nothing wrong with admiring the beauty of women respectfully. It is wrong to lust after a woman or mistreat a woman unjustly. It is as simple as that. That is why words, deeds, and thoughts must be in accordance to righteousness. We wish for anyone to wake up and come into the knowledge of the truth. 

  

 

Nas' Hip Hop is Dead

 

The 8th studio album of Nas was the controversial album of Hip Hop is Dead. It was released on December 19, 2006 on Def Jam Recordings. The album was about Nas' opinion of the current state of hip hop. It was important in having a song with Jay Z immediately after ending their hip hop feud. It had features from Nas' former wife Kelis, Kanye West, will.i.am, Snoop, The Game, Chrisette Michele, etc. It debuted on Billboard as number 1 in the country with 355,880 copies in its first week. It became platinum as time went on. It was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Album. Nas gave the reason for naming his album Hip Hop is Dead. He told He told English DJ Tim Westwood on his Radio show on May 18, 2006 that, "Hip hop is dead because we as artists no longer have the power... Could you imagine what 50 Cent could be doing, Nas, Jay , Eminem, if we were the Jimmy Iovines? Could you imagine the power we're have? I think that's where we headed?" Nas said that his album had political records, collaborations, and "street records." Nas said that there is no political voice, so in his mind, America is dead, hip hop is dead, thinking is dead, etc. Some of his great songs on the album was Can't Forget About You featuring Chrisette Michele with sampling from Nat King Cole's song Unforgettable. The music video had an appearance of Natalie Cole or Nat King Cole's daughter. 

Nas wanted the title of the album to provoke a reaction among hip hop artists. A lot of people claimed that the album was targeting Southern hip hop music, especially crunk and snap music. Lil Wayne and Kanye West reacted to the album. Artists who disagreed with the title of the album were Ludacris, Trick Daddy, Big Boi, etc. as targeting Southern hip hop. Those who supported the title were KRS One, DMX, Raekown, and Ghostface Killah. You can clearly see a pattern here. Southern rapper Young Jeezy back then was offended by the album, because he felt that hip hop is alive and well. Many people back then and today blame Southern hip hop for cheapening the quality of hip hop music. Of course, that is not true as great music is found in multiple regions of America not just in one region. The deal is that corporate power-bases used consumerism and materialism to water-down a certain segment of hip hop. Jeezy once questioned Nas' street credibility in an interview with Monie Love. Nas and Young Jeezy reconciled with being on the song My President in 2008. The album was praised by the critics. Nas' album Hip Hop is Dead ironically was part of the end of one era of hip hop and the start of a new one. The album Hip Hop is Dead had great talent on it. 

 

 

We Can't Stop, because we won't stop

 

The end of the hip hop era from 1997 and 2006 saw a new era. This era ended with the end of Napster as we know it, and the rise of social media like Myspace helped to grow the music careers of previously unsung people. Stores selling CDs increasingly declined, because there was the advent of electronic sells.  Previously, many artists were showing advanced lyricism years ahead of its time like Kid Wizard aka Rakim performing  live at the Wyandanch High School Jam in 1983. By 2006, ringtones and Internet services propelled the career of new artists. Also, hip hop names like Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco saw their musical influence reach the world. From 2006 to 2012, we saw the future existence of snap rap, a temporarily decline in hip hop sales, and the rise of alternative hip hop movement artists like Kid Cudi, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Electronica, B.o.B., and J Cole. Previously from 1997 to 2006, we saw the development of many movements and artists after the unjust murders of Tupac and Biggie. During the late 1990's and early 2000's, hip hop was the most dominant musical genre in the world. Commercials, movies, and TV shows used hip hop slang and music as soundtracks, etc. Movies like Belly and Brown Sugar (of the late 1990's and early 00's) either had hip hop artists as actors and actress or were heavily influenced by hip hop culture. This time was not without controversies. New rivalries (like between G-unit and Murder inc) along with debates about lyrics consumed the time. BET shows and other forums debated the many forms of content in hip hop music.  The legacy of the time was that this period allowed old and new artists the range to express themselves along with the expansion of the commercialism of hip hop music. We saw massive changes and a mixture of lyrical sounds along with club anthems. We saw a mixture of celebrations of consciousness along with some artists trying to be fun. It was combination of many things during the early era of the war on terror. 

 

By Timothy