As the first rapper from Cleveland signed to a New York label, MC Chill made history not only as a recording artist but later as the leader of a crew of local battle MC’s who had a major impact on the New Music Seminar in the late 80’s. From the days where it actually was…
Category: Rap Veterans
Unkut TV: Episode 7 – Kool G Rap and DJ Polo Live In Philly, 2013
Photo: richdirection When I heard that Kool G Rap was performing in Philadelphia last Saturday night, you know I was getting there no matter what, especially considering how often I’ve argued that he’s the greatest MC of all-time. Just so happens that this performance was also the first time that G had performed with DJ…
No Country For Old (Rap) Men: Live From New York, Week 3
Photo: richdirection. It should be illegal to witness this much greatness in a week. No Country For Old (Rap) Men: Live From New York, Week 3
Unkut TV: Episode 1 – Prodigy and Alchemist “Albert Einstein” release party
Finally I get to act like a poor-man’s Dallas Penn now that I stole a camcorder from some dude who was passed out on my Mom’s couch. Much Rap Hands on the set in this one, as we rolled through to the Albert Einstein listening party and broke bread with QB Rap royalty. Please mail…
R.A. The Rugged Man – The Unkut Interview
Trying to interview R.A. The Rugged Man without treading over the well-worn ground of his expulsion from Jive Records and working with Biggie Smalls was challenge I was more than willing to meet. Having experienced the major label glory days, the independent vinyl boom and having managed to not only survive but actually thrive in…
Pudgee The Phat Bastard – The Unkut Interview, Part 2
Following on from Part 1, Pudgee explains his involvement with Main Source‘s “Live At The BBQ”, his shelved second solo LP, the importance of The Bronx and dealing with the deaths of Tupac, Biggie and Left Eye. Robbie: On the intro to your album, the Trackmasterz seemed to include a larger crew than just Poke…
Lakim Shabazz – The Unkut Interview, Part 2
Concluding my discussion with Lakim Shabazz, he talks about leaving Tuff City, remembering his friend Apache, Queen Latifah incorporating the Flavor Unit name and plans for his final album. Robbie: So how long after the second album did you get off Tuff City? Lakim Shabazz: I was being managed by Dave Funkenklein. At one point…
Lakim Shabazz – The Unkut Interview, Part 1
With the exception of Queen Latifah, Lakim Shabazz proved to be the most prolific of the original Flavor Unit line-up, releasing two albums and a long list of guest spots on 45 King projects during his time at Tuff City. Despite his diminutive frame, Lakim wielded “the voice of power” with authority, as he combined…
Freshco – The Unkut Interview, Part 2
Concluding my talk with Freshco, he details what went down in the New Music Seminar in 1990, teaming up with DJ Miz, the mutual respect he shared with other top-tier lyricists and why his career as an MC didn’t turn out the way he’d hoped. Robbie: How did you get involved with the NMS? Freshco:…
Video: Three Times Dope Dissing The Hilltop Hustlers
The Greatest Man Alive, Da Wizzard of Odds and V-Born kicking rhymes over finger snaps for the Krush Rap show. Larry Larr gets a quick jab in at Cool C, while EST buries his old crew and his former manager in typically acknickulous fashion. Hopefuly footage of the time that one of the Hilltop threw…
Cold Crush 4 Shut Down A Heckler [Harlem World, 1992]
Some poor sap makes the mistake of heckling Grandmaster Caz and yelling out “I’ll give you a dime if you get off the stage!” The result? A verbal ass-whuppin.
Ten Great Flavor Unit Songs
Got a major Flavor Unit interview ready to drop soon, so I’m going in extra deep (pause) on their extensive catalog. Here are ten of sure shots from the greatest collection of MC’s that New Jersey ever produced.