Allhiphop.com answers Nas' questions

[bigted]

Nas Asked, 'Where Are They Now?' AHH Got Answers

By Paine and Chuck "Jigsaw" Creekmur

In response to Nas’ Hip Hop is Dead song “Where Are They Now?”, AllHipHop.com decided to answer some of Nasir’s questions. Take a jaunt down memory lane, and find out what the greats of yesteryear are doing, the music they’re making, and what we can do to uphold their names.

Redhead Kingpin: You know? This fellow was moderately successful in the New Jack Swing era of Hip-Hop with songs like the Teddy Riley-produced "Do The Right Thing." However, after Public Enemy's "Fight The Power" was used as the theme song to the movie Do The Right Thing, it just seemed that the days were numbered for the Redhead Kingpin. Perhaps it is ready for him to do the right thing and show his face every so often. At least Nas remembers him and his crew, The F.B.I.

Tim Dog: Nas named-checked Tim Dog, because he's one of the most infamous bullies in rap history. He penned the divisive, incendiary "F**k Compton" in 1991, before aligning with Kool Keith’s Ultramagnetic MC’s. Nas might not know where the dog is, but we do. He's been touring the world and makin' more trouble. In a recent song, rumored to be called "Bronx, We Started Hip-Hop." Tim "the original dog" lashes out at both Snoop and DMX. Penicillin returns in 2007.

Kwame: Kwame reinvented himself from the polka-dotted but to Biggie’s joke as one of the more sought-after producers in Hip-Hop right now. Since creating a hit for Lloyd Banks in 2004’s “On Fire,” Kwame’s cooked up beats for Will Smith and 40 Glocc. Moreover, Kwame is reportedly bringing Dana Dane back out, so that’s where he is too.

King T: King T has always played a low profile like WC, but he never left. In fact, The Firm’s album is rumored to be one of the reasons that Aftermath got scared and never released Thy Kingdom Come. So the eldest Likwit Junkie bootlegged the Dr. Dre-assisted record himself two years ago, we heard. More recently, he released a mixtape called Boss Up Volume 1 jumping off his new company. The Game, Eastwood, and B-Real got down, maybe Nas can hop on volume 2.

King Sun: From what we know, King Sun has been working with producers overseas, trying to stage a comeback. But, those in the New York area (or fans of AllHipHop's flicks area), know that "the god" is known to crash the stage of another rapper. He's also found a partner in crime, Lady Heron – not to be confused of Juggaknots fame. What's next? You never know with King Sun D'Moet!

Super lover Cee & Cassanova Rud: Rest in Peace to James Brown! These guys gave The Godfather his own dance with their song "Do the James." Clearly, Nas knows of their often overlooked classic Girls I Got 'Em Locked, which dropped in '88, but was reinterpreted by Jurassic 5 several years ago. Rud is hard to find, but Super Lover Cee, the lead rapper, has quietly been working with a young R&B singer. We don't have the music so we'll have to wait and see.

Antoinette: Back in the day, Antoinette was known as the "gangstress" for her serious flow. Her battles with MC Lyte were legendary, but she dropped off the map after a couple ill-fated albums. She briefly resurfaced in 1997 on Cru's Dirty 30 and was gone as quickly as she returned. Still, we'd love to hear her "bloody attitude" one more time.

Black Sheep: Both Dres [as “Black Sheep”] and Mr. Long of Black Sheep released solo albums in the ’06. While neither effort had the punch of their early ‘90s classics, you ask “Where are they?” They’re right in front, son. The choice is yours.

Group Home: Okay, good question. Lil' Dap and Melachie had one of the hardest debut albums ever in Livin' Proof, when Premier's whole sound first evolved. Four years later, A Tear for the Ghetto, which save for one track, lacked Guru and Premier, was more helpless than when Jeru stepped out of the Gang Starr Foundation. Rumor has is Lil' Dap is in Poland, signed to Prosto Records, working on music and Malachi the Nutcracker tried his had at boxing a few years ago. Still, where is Group Home?

Busy Bee: Busy Bee is currently doing speaking engagements with KRS-One’s Temple of Hip-Hop. He, Grandmaster Caz, Kool Herc, and others teach the truth, to the young Black, White, and Brown youth. The Wild Style star remains an active Hip-Hop luminary from the early days, and his battle with Kool Moe Dee invented the diss record as we know it.

Ill & Al Skratch: Back in the ‘90s, Ill & Al had a song called "Where My Homiez" and now we ask the very same question. The only thing, we don't know. Just for the 411, Ill was one ill MC. He had the gall to diss Big Daddy Kane at his own birthday party many moons ago. While the name still resonates, we cannot locate these homiez.

Special Ed: Last week, your man probably did see Special Ed, especially if your man was in Los Angeles. Ed lives out there, so don’t go there. In 2002, Snoop Dogg reportedly wanted to sign Ed to Doggystyle Records. Despite some collaboration, it never happened. In 2004, Ed released Still Got it Made, revealing his West Coast influence, but a debacle no less.

Spice-1: Since 1990-Sick, Spice-1 releases more albums than a Tower Records bargain bin knows what to do with. After three collaborative albums with MC Eiht, plus others with Yukmouth, Celly Cel, and Jayo Felony, Spice keeps busy. Fans should know that Spice-1’s first five albums showed the gangsterism that The Clipse and UGK try best to uphold at Jive.

Positive K: Positive K: Good question. "I Got a Man" continues to end up on every crappy rap compilation, while K's contribution on Brand Nubian's "Grand Puba, Positive, and L.G." stays in the AllHipHop boombox. He's been known to take the stage without warning, but its a negative that Positive K isn't around these days.

Father MC: Big Daddy Kane wasn't the only rapper to pose nude. Since bearing his assets to Playgirl after his rapping career subsided, the Father vanished from our collective sight. That didn't stop Father MC from his last album, My dropping in 2003. My, my, my. These days, he is still on the West Coast working on grittier music, a far cry from the New Jack Swing era.

Skinny Boys: You know, only real die-hard, fanatical fans of Hip-Hop remember the Skinny Boys. They were like the exact opposite of the Fat Boys of New York except they were thin, from Connecticut and had a beatbox named The Human Jock Box. They offered the underground a number of quality songs like "Rip The Cut" and "Jockbox (America Loves the Skinny Boys)" and three full LPs. From what we understand, the Skinny Boys have been vocal about how they weren't properly compensated for their work and were considering dropping some music for the streets. Regardless, they are the toast of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

The Original Spinderella: Most people don't even know there was a different female on the cover of Salt-n-Pepa's first album. She soon left the team, but wasn't seen much - until recently. The Original Spinderella has been seen hangin' out with DJ Kay Slay and lookin' hella good. Well, we have to see if this is a case of bad meets evil or the best of both worlds.

Lakim Shabazz: We’ve been wondering the same thing. When we spoke to 45 King a few years ago, we asked him if Lakim would ever want a feature. Lakim, wherever you’re at, we salute you as one of the fiercest lyricist to ever grasp the mic. Stones Throw signed Percee P and somebody ought to put out a Lakim LP.

Nine: In the midst of Onyx and Flatlinerz, Nine arguably perfected gore rap. “Redrum” became the word of choice in the mid-‘90s as the raspy voiced MC became an underground smash. Nine resurfaced this year on The Juggaknots’ Use Your Confusion album. The track “Never” is grimy as he ever was, but he's never been so invisible as he is now.

Fu-Schnickens: A 1990s affiliation with Shaq (lovingly known then as Shaq-Fu) and a martial arts style that pre-dates Wu couldn't keep these guys on the commercial rap radar. All we can find is that Chip Fu is still spittin' verses and is working on his solo debut, Math. Expect collaborations with producers like Oh No, Ali Shaheed, Da Beatminerz, and Needlz. As for Moc-Fu, we heard he has a normal 9-to-5 to feed the family. No shame in that!

Buckshot: This one really doesn’t make sense. Not only has Black Moon been one of the only early ‘90s groups to stay together, all three of their albums are undisputed bangers. Last year Buck and 9th Wonder made Chemistry, and this year, Evil Dee remixed and re-released the whole album with that Beatminerz hump. Get familiar.

Finesse & Synquis: There is no reason why we shouldn't know what's up with Finesse & Synquis. They were the New York soul sistas that can came after Salt-N-Pepa were big. Decidedly less pop, F-N-S didn't quite catch on even though musically they were more than up to par. Their second single "Straight From The Soul" should have took them over the top (even a young Sean Combs makes a cameo!). Rumor has it Synquis is currently working in entertainment law. Ahhhhhh, we miss them!

Rappin’ Duke: Surely Nas was joking with this one! The Rappin' Duke was a novelty act that impersonated John Wayne as a rapper back in the rolling, experimental ‘80s. Biggie’s “Juicy” shout made this name legendary though. You know what Chuck D said about Mr. Wayne, right? Moving along!

Body & Soul: in 1990, this female rap group helped bring some peace to the West Coast with "All in The Same Gang," which featured Ice-T, Tone Loc, M.C. Hammer, N.W.A., Young M.C., Above The Law, Digital Underground, King Tee, Oaktown's 3.5.7, Eazy-E and J.J. Fad. Ironically, group member Dee Barnes, who became a TV host, was later attacked by Dr. Dre and sued the bad doctor. But, we ain't really heard from the group since those early days.

Oaktown’s 3-5-7: These ladies took spandex to whole new levels as the dancing associates of MC Hammer. Truthfully, they have been absent without leave from the music game ever since Hammer's reign ended. Like Kwame, Biggie gave the gals an honorable shout-out – albeit playfully on his legendary Palladium Mr. Cee freestyle with Big Daddy Kane and Tupac.

J.J. Fad: Dr. Dre’s first platinum record was courtesy of these ruthless chicks. Fergie also owes the ladies everything for “Supersonic,” which Will.I.Am stripped to make “Fergilicious.” 40 Glocc told us that Damia of the group had a baby, and lives in San Bernadino County. With rifts between Mobb Deep and 50 Cent though, you’d better ask somebody else.

Young MC: Young MC followed Biz Markie to appear on VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club, and he wrote “Bust a Move” [currently appearing in some crappy commercial], as well as “Funky Cold Medina” and “Wild Thing” for Tone Loc. When he's not shedding those pounds, Young reportedly lives in Arizona these days and still dabbles in music.

Tone Loc: A dollar bin legend. An original Compton rapper, Tone kept the lights on for years at Delicious Vinyl Records before moving into voice and character acting. His last role of note was in the late ‘90s hit television show News Radio - Rest in Peace to Phil Hartman.

Kriss-Kross: Ask Young Dro. He’s best-friends with Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly. Thank God Dro doesn’t wear his pants backwards though. Even Michael Jackson loved Kriss-Kross…pause. Without the success of this early ‘90s duo, would JD have been as big in the game as he’s become? Nas and Kriss-Kross were Ruffhouse roomies – with Schoolly D.

Boss: Boss was shunned from rap, because her gangsta demeanor didn't match her background. She sure could spit and her Def Jam debut was crafted in hardcore heaven. Lichelle "Boss" Laws went through quite a lot of medical difficulty from drinking and was mounting a comeback as of 2004. We even found that her music pretty much represented the life she was leading in the early ‘90s. She was gangsta before chicks were G'd up.

Divine Styler: Divine Styler has been on the low the last few years, working primarily with West Coast underground Hip-Hop groups like The Swollen Members. A book is coming out, chronicling the early ‘90s culture, based off a search for Divine Styler. With the depth in his rhymes, Divine paved the way for Aesop Rock, Dilated Peoples, and countless others.

Def Jef: For a hot minute, Def Jef was working with Krayzie Bone and manages to stay busy. He remixed “Life’s a B***h” for Illmatic to Stillmatic, odd? His Thug Line Records seemingly folded, but we heard that Jef has been getting checks from network TV. Mic Geronimo: Mic is still doing it heavy. He’s been working with B-Money, who just did Jay-Z’s intro, that’s like four degrees of separation from Nas. Mic has always worked with choice producers, helping start the career of Irv Gotti back in the mid ‘90s.

The Pharcyde: The group disbanded around 2003. Bootie Brown and Imani continue to record under the group name, lastly with the dismal Humbolt Beginnings in 2004. Fat Lip enjoyed some solo success with his The Loneliest Punk in 2005. He’s still on Delicious Vinyl too, and many had been asking, “Where are they now?” The Pharcyde’s later works revealed Jay Dee’s genius a decade before Hip-Hop mourned him.

Coolio: Coolio released The Return of the Gangsta this past year. Wikipedia reports that the album sold over 100,000 copies, which just goes to show you that Coolio still has fans that will rid and lie for him. Coolio and AllHipHop.com go back to the Curb Servin’ days though. Nevertheless, Coolio stays busy handling biz all over the world!

Craig Mack: Right you are, Craig is in the studio, recording for his third album reportedly called The Affiliation. “Mack Tonight” b/w “Hip-Hop Life” was a single Craig released this year on his Mack World Entertainment. Always bringin’ that brand new flavor in ya ear.

Funky Four Plus One: Since the group disbanded in the early ‘80s, Rodney Cee and K.K. Rockwell performed as Double Trouble. Rodney also reportedly married Angie B from the early ‘80s R&B group Sequence. Still, when old school cats think about Funky Four’s resonance in Hip-Hop, “That’s The Joint” is the phrase that plays.

Force MD’s: In 1998, the group lost two of its members. Charles “Mercury” Nelson reportedly died of a heart attack, while Antoine “T.C.D.” Lundy died from Lou Gehrig’s Disease. We liked the group as the Force MCs, before the industry molded ‘em.

Miss Melodie: KRS-One’s ex-wife released an album on Jive called Diva in 1989. Boogie Down Productions rolled deep, and while D-Nice stayed in the fray, Melodie seemingly vanished. Wherever she is, she’s down with us!

Roxanne Shante: Roxanne…uh… Dr. Shante has recently been working with MC Shan on reviving the Juice Crew name with new acts. She also owns a dope ice cream spot in Queens, so the next time you’re driving through, get the scoop. And to get super retarded, Roxanne Shante has her PhD in Psychology and has a successful practice in New York.

EPMD: EPMD performed at B.B. Kings less than two months ago and are touring. Erick and Parrish still cash checks and snap necks. Erick Sermon laced Busta Rhymes with a banger called “Goldmine,” on Big Bang, plus some joints for Meth. PMD still works with The Hit Squad, and the whole fam appears in tact…except…

K-Solo: K-Solo is working construction in California. He’s still rapping, and has a company called Waste Management. He’s signed artists named Buckwheat and Maintain, plus Canibus to a single-deal. Solo’s rolling with Mike Tyson a lot lately, so watch what you say. K-Solo was the only rapper actually signed to the original Death Row East, a piece of what-if history right there.

If you are an old school, true school or MIA rapper and we should should know your whereabouts, email us at whereartheynow@allhiphop.com

[Guest Guest_JumpinJack AJ_*]

Yeah, i loved that he brought up all those artists. Just hearing their names mentioned waz cool. There's only a few of them that i don't remember...but out of them, here's the ones i am most interested...

Kwame - I got 2 of his albums...and i'd like 2 see where he's at now after hearing some the production he's done...after all, FP might pop up on the album

King T - He did his thing back in the day for the west coast...i'd love 2 hear his new stuff provided his has a good sound backing him

Black Sheep - definitly one of the greats. I haven't picked up any of their more recent albums tho'

Ill & Al Skratch - These guys are the truth. They lyrics and their sound are dope. I love both of their albums. I think alot of JJ+FP fans who love 90's Hip-Hop would love them 2.

Special Ed - West Coast genious.

Positive K - i loved this cat's swagger and wit. I actually have a freestyle from K from 1999

Father MC - I loved his early stuff on Uptown but i have picked up his post-famous albums.

The Original Spinderella - I knew about the Spinderella switch up since back in the day. I have a Hip-Hop compilation album from 1994 or 1995 that has a track by her...and it's dope.

Nine - i loved his dark, gritty style

Fu-Schnickens - one of my favorite groups of all time. They did their thing along side JJ+FP in the early/mid 90's. This is another group that i think alot of JJ+FP fans who love 90's Hip-Hop would like.

Oaktown’s 3-5-7 - these girls were dope...these girls brought it

J.J. Fad - these gyrls wern't the tightest...but they definitly pioneered females' place in Hip-Hop. Comparing them 2 Eazy's next female trio (Ho's With Attitude), Eazy got it right the 1st time around

Young MC - I love Young MC. I got all 6 of his albums. His style and lyrics are classic old school. I just wish he got beats from other people cuz his own stuff can be kinda basic at times

Tone Loc - I love Tone Loc. He said back in the late 90's that he waz working on his last album...and it never came out

Kris Kross - What can i say...i love Kris Kross...ha ha. They were my age and doing their thing. When it comes 2 kids on the mic, KK arguably had the best flow and the best beats. Chris Kelly released a solo album in the early 2000's but i never found it. They did a few songs 2gether at some councert like 3 years ago...but nothing since.

Boss - Back when i was more open 2 gangsta rap...i like what Boss waz doing. My cousin actually had her album. I think i peeped it recently for the 1st time in awhile but i wazn't feeling it as much. Partly cuz i remember reading that she waz more of a smart business woman rather than the female gangsta she portrayed in her music

Def Jef - Def Jef is the truth. "Here We Go Again" is my favorite song by him. He's done alot of producing over the years, but a new album is long overdue.

The Pharcyde - definitly one of the coolest groups of all time. They were the 1st Hip-Hop act i'd ever seen perform life (back in 1993)

Coolio - I didn't like Coolio at 1st (i thought he waz like all the other west coast rappers comeing out trying 2 do what Dre + Snoop were doing. But i later found out he had skillz and lots of heart. Like many former superstars...the skillz are in tact, but some of his recent stuff really needs better producers on the boards

Craig Mack - definitly one of the illest. He needs 2 get his stuff 2gether and come back. 10 years since the last album!!

Roxanne Shante - personified old school female emcee

EPMD - i don't think anyone considers EPMD broke up...we are just waiting a long time for the next album. EPMD is one of my favs of all time

[Silver Tiger]

This reminded me that I really love Hip Hop. I just wish I loved more of the new Hip Hop coming out these days.

God Blessa!

[Hero1]

that was great.. the guy from fu schnickens recently wrote a blog on the spitkicker myspace about how bad the music industry is..

http://www.myspace.com/spitkicker

The Road Back: Chip Fu Blog 1

What up people? It's Chip-Fu and I will be giving y'all some updates on how the industry is changing and how hard it is to convince people that there is hope for good music. At this point I have finished up my solo album, (Yeah right! I'm always adding new songs.) it's long over due man.

The problem really is the industry and how they are so brainwashed into signing one hit wonders and not understanding if an artist has a fan base they can still sell records or [even] try some artist development!! It's hard as hell to make them believe that man. It's also hard to get dudes to listen to the new material. When they finally do hear the material dudes are shook and they start looking at the whole competition thing. I believe that if the music is good, then it should be heard...we get to hear so much other stuff that's not to up to par. It's hard as hell to make them believe that man.

Hey some dudes got to understand this .When I dropped my first record, I was in a group that went platinum, and had gold singles. Now I want to drop a solo album. Yeah you could judge me from the past but it would be nice if labels would say to themselves; "Lets give it a listen." I also get tired of people telling me they are going to do something with my music in one breath, telling my "it's a breath of fresh air," and that you "want to help resurrect Hip Hop," and that I am "one of the dudes that can do it from the East, all I need is the right push," and then they turn around and do nothing in the next breath. Trust me if you say "It's wack," then I'm cool but if you biging it up and telling me your going to do something then do it!!!! Then what these same dudes want me to do is write for there wack ass artists. What the ****!!!

Let me tell you, I was getting to the point that I was tired of music, but it is my first love. I went to a lot of people who showed interest in me as an artist, but in the end, after all the hype, they got shook. So I had to do things differently, right now, I'm at the point were distribution is almost in place and a lot of people are coming to the table. I'll keep y'all posted.

I'm also gonna school y'all on how they feel golden age artists are no longer relevant. That **** is funny man. Is it just me or is your favorite emcees always going through some **** with a label or getting pushed back? Trust me they know if certain emcees re emerge a lot of people will stop eating. Think about that. Till next time.

[Turntable]

That was very intresting. I cant believe I missed out on Coolio last year.

[Guest Guest_JumpinJack AJ_*]

Tim, Thanx for the Chip-Fu article. I have him as a friend on Myspace but don't have much time 2 check all the artist pages i have as friends. Chip-Fu said alot of things that aren't surprising...but they are the 1st time i heard a few of those statements said...especially the last one.

[rcpbball30]

Thanks for that article, it was real interesting to read up on what all of them have been doing.

[mfuqua23]

I haven't heard of 22 of these names. But, I've heard the other 19. Seeing all these names, and their bits of success makes me feel better about Hip Hop has a whole culture. There is endless knowledge that fans of the culture can acquire. It's nice to read up on things like this.

[dparrott]

Lots of memories there, no doubt.

I'd like to know what happened to the original pre-Ruthless J.J. FAD with the 5 girls (only 2 went to Ruthless). I like their version of Supersonic better.