#mc sha-rock

[todayinhiphophistory]

Today in Hip Hop History:

MC Sha-Rock was born October 25, 1962

[kickmag]

Netflix Presents Ladies First: A Story Of Women In Hip-Hop

Ladies First: A Story Of Women In Hip-Hop is a new docuseries coming to Netflix. Women's history in hip-hop is chronicled from early emcees like Sha-Rock to current rappers like Latto and Coi Leray. Hip-Hop is having its 50th year of existence and this docuseries is a timely contribution to all the canonizing celebrations. The trailer features MC Lyte who is also an executive producer, along with other women such as Tierra Whack, Rapsody and Queen Latifah sharing their perspectives. Viewers have already complained about the absence of Nicki Minaj and Missy Elliott but Shawn Allen who worked on the series posted on Twitter that both artists refused to license their music and videos. Ladies First will debut the first of the four-part series on August 9th. 

[musicmags]

[oldschoolhiphoplust]

Know Your Hip-Hop Pioneers: Funky Four Plus One More

Photo Credit: Anthony Barboza

Every weekend in the Boogie Down Bronx, hot spots like T-Connection and The Back Door had a DJ and 5 MCs rockin’ the house. Kk Rockwell, Keith Keith, Lil Rodney C, Jazzy Jeff, Sha Rock & DJ Breakout, known as The Funky 4 Plus 1, had their funky on and on rapping, shaking dance floors. Their 1980 hit song “That’s That Joint” is one of hip-hop’s most essential songs, making them the first hip-hop group to perform on live television. They also featured the first femcee known to the world, MC Sha Rock.

By Ime Ekpo

*Originally published in 2016

[blazestar345]

Here's my favorite incorrect quotes from the friend trio from Gen 9 plus the MCs. Yes I am hyperfixating, thank you for asking.

A part two will be made shortly

Penny: In your opinion, what’s the height of stupidity?

Nemona: *turning to Arven* How tall are you?

Penny: Do you ever want to talk about your emotions, Nemona?

Nemona: … No.

Arven: I do!

Penny: I know, Arven.

Arven: I’m sad!

Penny: I know, Arven.

Penny: You have to apologize to Nemona

Arven: Fine.

Arven: 'Unfuck you' or whatever.

Arven: What do you think Nemona will do for a distraction?

Juliana: They’ll probably, like, make a noise or throw a rock. That’s what I would do.

*Building explodes and several car alarms go off*

Juliana: ... or they could do that.

Arven: *Gently taps table*

Nemona: *Taps back*

Florian: What are they doing?

Penny: Morse code.

Arven: *Aggressively taps table*

Nemona: *Slams hands down* YOU TAKE THAT BACK-

Arven: On a scale from “damn Daniel” to “fre sha vaca do”, how are you feeling?

Nemona: In between “it’s an avocado, thanks” and “how did you defeat Captain America”, but as a solid answer I would say “I don’t need a degree to be a clothing hanger”. How about you, Juliana?

Juliana: Probably “road work ahead”.

Penny: I speak many languages, and this is none of them.

Arven: Dammit, Nemona!

Nemona: What?! It wasn’t me!

Arven: Sorry, force of habit. Dammit, Florian!

Florian: Not me either.

Arven: Oh...Then who set the house on fire?

Penny: *whistles*

[aguycalledkwest]

MC Sha-Rock | Flowers | Rock The Bells

[djpurplehill]

Women in the Rap Game pt 3

Female rappers have always been present, and there’s been a collective few that paved the way for women in the industry today. ABC News states, “MC Sha-Rock, known as the “Mother of the Mic,” got her start as the first female emcee of hip-hop in the 1970s when her rhymes earned her a spot as a member of The Funky 4+1. But during its earliest days hip-hop was not taken seriously by older generations and record companies, she said, so artists had to fight for recognition. “They felt as though this was something that just was never going to go any place,” MC Sha-Rock said. “I can tell you how we were told as young teenagers that this was just a fad. It wasn't until corporate America radio stations saw that these young kids with little or no resources created something out of nothing.” Female rappers were not represented during this time and had to take measures into their own hands. They didn’t wait for record companies to release their songs, but they did it themselves. Releasing their cassette tapes at the time was like a form of communication. Women continuously battled for representation in this industry in the 1980s, as it was male dominated even then. Queen Latifah was a powerful female MC who made history with her single “Ladies First.” Female rap groups emerged, and ABC News states, “...it all started with Salt-N-Pepa. The group released their first studio album in 1986, becoming the first female rap group to sell more than a million records and their style distinguished them from other artists on the scene as they brought sex appeal into the game.” This inspired women to express themselves in new and different ways. It was like a revival of confidence for women in this era, they were able to embrace loving themselves, as the lyrics explained from these famous songs by female rappers. The 2000s had few women involved in the rap game, but they most definitely left their mark. Nicki Minaj owned 2010 with her debut album “Pink Friday” as she is now one of the best-selling female artists to ever do it.  

[granvarones]

From its nascent days in the late 1970s and early 1980s, women MCs like The Sequence, MC Sha-Rock of Funky 4+1, and Roxanne Shante didn’t just step into the scene; they carved out a space for themselves with courageous and defiant voices in a predominantly male arena. As Hip-Hop evolved, women in Hip-Hop challenged gender norms and social assumptions. They pushed the boundaries of what it meant to be a woman, a Black woman artist in an anti-Black musical landscape.

Icons such as Queen Latifah and MC Lyte emerged in the late 80s and early 90s, not only for their lyrical agility but also for addressing issues like gender equality and self-respect, laying the groundwork for a legacy of empowerment and resistance.

The 1990s and 2000s saw an explosion of diversity in the representation of women in Hip-Hop, with artists like Missy Elliott, Lil Kim, and Lauryn Hill. These artists expanded the genre’s boundaries, proving that women could own and redefine Hip-Hop’s essence.

Today, the influence of women in Hip-Hop is more visible than ever, with artists like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion dominating the charts and social media, blending rap prowess with entrepreneurial savvy. They continue to break records and challenge stereotypes, ensuring that the women’s perspective is commanding, clear, and impossible to ignore.

This Spotify playlist, “Women + Hip-Hop: Queen-Sized Rhymes,” celebrates the journey and achievements of women in Hip-Hop. From the pioneers to the new queens, it’s an homage to the resilience, creativity, and sheer talent of Black women who have transformed the Hip-Hop genre. Their stories and songs are not just a part of Hip-Hop history; they are essential chapters in the narrative of music and cultural innovation and queer history.

[texasbama]

Highly recommend. All about black women and the impact they made/make on hip hop culture.

They got all the legends on there. Latifah, Roxanne Shanté, Sha-Rock, MC Lyte…the list goes on. Check it out yall.

[ncisladaily]

It’s been a half-century since DJ Kool Herc energized a West Bronx rec room and invented the most popular musical genre on the planet. Now the celebration is going primetime.

The Recording Academy said today that it will honor the legends of the game with A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop, a concert special that will air in December on CBS and stream on Paramount+.

The two-hour program will showcase and celebrate the genre’s profound history and monumental cultural impact around the world. Among the first announced performers are Black Thought, Bun B, Common, De La Soul, Jermaine Dupri, J.J. Fad, Talib Kweli, The Lady Of Rage, LL Cool J, MC Sha-Rock, Monie Love, The Pharcyde, Queen Latifah, Questlove, Rakim, Remy Ma, Uncle Luke and Yo-Yo, with many more promised to be added.

The show will be taped November 8 at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, and CBS and Paramount+ will carry A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop from 8:30-10:30 p.m. ET/8-10 p.m. PT on Sunday, December 10.

The special will be produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment, with Jesse Collins, Shawn Gee and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Dionne Harmon, Claudine Joseph, LL Cool J, Fatima Robinson and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay serving as executive producers. Marcello Gamma will direct the show.

[angerinthenation]

Is Hip Hop Dead?

A Commentary by Idris Salaam (Boscoe from The Bronx - Bigboscoe Productions)

Is Hip Hop Dead? On Life Support?

If you refer Hip Hop to only as Rapping, then, in some ways, yes it is dead. I mean, just think about it. We are in the period right now where we didn't have a song chart until, out of the blue, one did. (I still they did that because it showed the quality of music finally hit rock-bottom). A lot of entetainers of this era were saying fans were tired of the same stuff, and that's why the record sales were going down. We've had artists having to cancel shows because they can't fill arenas. There's but so much ass the "Bitches" can sell, just like there's but so much money "Niggas" can have and jewelry to flash.

[[More]]

So, if you only looking at it in terms of Rapping, yes, Hip Hop is Dead.

But, are you talking about Hip Hop or are you talking about rapping? And this is where people seem to be confused.

Do they realize Hip Hop comes in many forms?

• Hip Hop is music other than just Rap: Listen to the sounds that crafted the genre. (The samples from Funk, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Soul, etc). Listen to the Instrumentals of past songs. The rhythms. Before 2000, Hip Hop had music for everyone, not just the ones who love the stereotypical "I'm a real nigga/Bad Bitch" scenario.

• Hip Hop is living a particular lifestyle. The fashion, the style. If you look at how Hip Hop is portrayed in Asia, it's almost idenitcal to Hip Hop in its purest form. In fact, pure Hip Hop strips women of the Bad Bitch persona. The men become more Masculine and protective.

• Hip Hop is art (Graffiti). There's a whole Culture of Art revolving around Hip Hop. (Phase II, Dondi, Blade, Fab5Freddy, IN, Comet, etc). There are museums across the country displaying Hip Hop art.

• Hip Hop is the DMC: Turntable battles and performances. (DJ Craze, Roc Raida, Perly, Sonic Jewel, ISP, Jazzy Jeff, etc). These competitons consists of drumming (Using a record to create an entirely different beat), body tricks, etc. Even the parties are amazing as you will hear some of your favorite songs being flipped an entirely different that even the original artists couldn't do. And yes, turntablists have music on the market. The mainstream doesn't play it for obvious reasons.

• Hip Hop is understanding the Culture: What do you know about Hip Hop? Do you know the hostroy? Listen to some of the rhythms that birthed the genre: The Jubilaries (The first rappers) James Brown, The Last Poets, Parliament-Funkadelic (The sound of the West Coast's "G-Funk" was birthed from), Electronic. Research the Culture and how it came about. The Black Spades, the Casanova Crew, The Zulu Nation. When you get to Hip Hop (it was called B-Boying), start learning about Kool Herc and his crew, the Godmother MC Sha-Rock (The Funky Four + 1 More), Grandwizard Theodore (The Fantastic Freaks), The Cold Crush Brothers. Theres plenty more.

In today's society, people refer to Hip Hop as just Rapping, when Rapping it's just one element. We have to blame this on the mainstream as they have dictated the way Hip Hop is being interpreted. And just because you're a rapper doesn't mean you represent Hip Hop. There are many songs across each genre where people are rapping. But does that make them Hip Hop?

We allowed outside forces (the same forces that tried to shut hip hop down in his early days) to dictate what hip hop is. We allowed them to call anything with a rap verse, "Hip Hop." And because we decided to "Get the bag," we also decided to go along with it.

If you're only into listening to Rap hits, then yes, Hip Hop is Dead to you. But if you want to see how Hip Hop is still living it's best life, step outside of the Rap World you live in and explore Hip Hop in a whole. Just like 80% of the ocean hasn't been mapped, the same can be said of Hip Hop.

[professorevamarieking]

Roxanne Shante, a Devastating and Vicious MC repping Queensbridge Houses Hip Hop audio podcast by Professor Eva Marie King https://open.spotify.com/episode/3uxZBtjVFzsJae8Gh4iEkI?si=eXiyTVlPT12Opa_BWgcIkg&utm_source=copy-link On this episode I discuss Roxanne Shante and her enormous contribution to Hip Hop Movement, Culture and Music.  In October 2010, I had the opportunity of seeing a performance by Roxanne Shante at the Hip Hop Culture Center in Harlem, Manhattan, New York City which at that time was located in the Magic Johnson Theater.  I was amazed at how skilled she was at "going off the head" or freestyle rhyming, she is phenomenal.  On this day, October 12, 2010, Roxanne Shante allowed me to film a drop (https://youtu.be/x7uZ_PiWGLw) of her speaking about MC Sha-Rock's new book of memoirs titled, "The Story of the Beginning and End of Hip Hop's First MC: Luminary Icon." (@MCShaRock #MCShaRock @IamMCShaRock) I encourage young artists to introduce yourself to Roxanne Shante, she was extremely professional and kind to me. Listen to additional audio podcasts on this Queens Hip Hop History channel. Access Roxanne Shante social media via @ImRoxanneShante http://www.Instagram.com/ImRoxanneShante. Connect with me Professor Eva Marie King via Instagram: @ProfessorEvaMarieKing http://www.Instagram.com/ProfessorEvaMarieKing. (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClCCcbAJD7p/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[c-40]

A-T-2 393 I Gave Birth To Most Of Those MCs

Before Roxanne Shante and Sparky D there was The Sequence (which gave us Angie Stone A-T-2 214) and the Funky 4+1 (featuring +1, Sha Rock A-T-2 300, here's some great footage of the Funky 4+1 performing at The Kitchen in 1980 https://vimeo.com/115293799)

The Sequence and the Funky 4+1 were groups, these two are solo female MCs

Jahneen - Gigolette produced and engineered by bassist Wayne Brathwaite (A-T-2 150, A-T-2 262, A-T-2 300, A-T-2 302) and written with Mike Serrette, Bill Moore and Juanita Holloway (of Hardkore/South Bronx A-T-2 301)

Thug Rock could have gone in with my disco rap covers post (A-T-2 300) as the backing track is Give Me by britfunk band i-Level

Sandy Kerr is the daughter of George Kerr, who is a bit of a legend when it comes to his writing and production credits. George Kerr co-produces Thug Rock with Reggie Griffin who we've met already (A-T-2 146.) Griffin had a busy year in 1982 in addition to what I've already posted he released a solo album and under his lead the group he was in group Manchild release an album as Redd Hott, both were produced by George Kerr. I think we can surmise there's some good musicians playing on Thug Rock. M+M remix it, I'm not sure if I've posted a John Morales & Sergio Munzibai mix yet. Bob Blank is engineer (A-T-2 300 Just Four - Jam To Remember, A-T-2 111, A-T-2 119, A-T-2 285 Inner Life, A-T-2 315) George Kerr, Reggie Griffin, M+M, and Bob Blank do a string of disco rap records in 1982

Sandy Kerr - Thug Rock

Sandy Kerr - Thug Rock  (Chimental Mix)

Okay so this last one isn't a female MC, it's T/Ski Valley but it does relate to both the above tracks. !Catch The Beat! is arranged by Wayne Brathwaite (essentially its the same team as Jam To Remember involved with this record, Brathwaite, Glen Adams and Brad Osborne A-T-2 300) and Bob Blank engineers. Oh also obviously uses Taana Gardner's Larry Levan classic Heartbeat as it's basis

T/Ski Valley - !Catch The Beat!

[demondmayhew016]

#HIP HOP LEGEND ✨

#HBD MC SHA-ROCK

🎊🎉🥳🎂♏📽️💿🎼🌹💘👑🎤✨

[citylifeorg]

Bronx Music Hall Celebrates Grand Opening as Borough's First Newly Constructed Independent Music Performance Venue in More Than 50 Years

Image Courtesy of Bronx Music Hall The $15.4 million facility celebrates the rich history & creative spirit that defines Bronx music Opening weekend headlined by hip-hop legends Grandmaster Caz and MC Sha-Rock, and Grammy-nominated bandleader Bobby Sanabria The Bronx’s first newly constructed, independent music performance venue in more than 50 years, the Bronx Music Hall (BMH), will open…