Rap History Flashcards

Study Notes

JJ FAD

Female trio from Rialto, California known for their platinum single and album Supersonic (1988).
Supersonic marked Ruthless Records' first platinum LP.
Success attributed to techno-pop sound and distinctive spandex costumes.

TONE-LŌC

Los Angeles rapper with a party-centric style, famous for 1988 hits "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina."
"Wild Thing" became the second best-selling single since "We Are the World."
Lyrics for his hits were primarily written by Young MC, known for "Bust a Move."

MC HAMMER

Oakland artist who placed the city on the hip-hop map.
First single "Ring 'Em" released on independent label Bustin Records.
Achieved mainstream success with Let's Get It Started and superior dance moves, influencing many hip-hop artists.
Utilized recycled funk and rhythm blues in his music.

TOO $HORT

Began in the East Oakland underground rap scene during the early 1980s.
Released three albums on the 75 Girls label, including Don't Stop Rappin and Players.
Known for a subdued rap style about street life, with Born to Mack (1988) achieving gold status.

SIR MIX-A-LOT

Seattle-based rapper with several platinum albums.
Achieved U.S. Number 1 hit in 1992 with "Baby Got Back," featuring a techno-funk style.

ROLAND TR-808

Iconic drum machine widely utilized in hip hop for its powerful kick sound.
Essential in genres such as Miami bass and crunk music.

MIAMI BASS

Genre characterized by heavy bass and electronic beats, originating from Miami's music scene.

BASS ROCK EXPRESS

1985 single by MC ADE, significant for its national success in the Miami Bass genre.
Reached #42 on the national dance chart with the declaration "Miami the place for the bass."

2 LIVE CREW

A Miami-based group founded by Luke Skyywalker (Luther Campbell) known for explicit lyrics.
Their 1989 album As Nasty as They Wanna Be faced national bans and obscenity charges, but they were acquitted, marking a significant censorship case in the 1990s.

CRUNK

Genre originating from Memphis, TN in the early 1990s, pioneered by DJs Juicy J and DJ Paul.
Characterized by murky basslines, wheezy synths, and chanted group vocals.
Gained popularity as artists from Atlanta embraced a more dance-oriented style.

DJ PAUL & JUICY J

Memphis DJs and producers that laid the groundwork for crunk music in the early 90s.
Founding members of Three 6 Mafia, alongside Lord Infamous.

THREE 6 MAFIA

Formed in Memphis, TN, a precursor to crunk music with early themes evolving towards mainstream acceptance.
Known for hits "Stay Fly" and "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp," the latter winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2006.

DIRTY SOUTH

A musical style emerging from Atlanta and New Orleans, reflecting southern black life through vernacular expression.
Characterized by a singsongy and freeflowing rap style.

LIL JON

Atlanta artist known for furthering crunk music's development, heavily influenced by Dirty South rappers and Three 6 Mafia.
Created the official crunk anthem "Who U Wit" in 1996, later popularizing the genre with albums Put Yo Hood Up and Kings of Crunk (2002).

TRICK DADDY

Notable artist in the Miami hip-hop scene, recognized for his contributions to the Southern rap genre.
Known for his gritty lyrics and unique style, influential in the Dirty South movement.

Description

Test your knowledge of iconic rap artists and groups with these flashcards. Learn about influential acts like JJ FAD and Tone-Lōc, and dive into their contributions to hip-hop culture. Perfect for music enthusiasts and history buffs alike.