Oprah To Launch Huffington Post Section
Reality TV Stars Grace The Cover Of VIBE's 'Sexy Issue'
Long before the music industry revolved around headline-grabbing hip-hop lyricists such as T.I., Eminem, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne, there was a long list of pioneers who came before them. Artists like MC Hammer, who crossed over to the mainstream like none other, and the rabble-rousing self-proclaimed "raptivist" Sister Souljah broke ground and became household names in their heyday. And, of course, hip-hop's don Big Daddy Kane became famous for his lyrical skills as well as his good looks.
Wonder what happened to those rap notables and others?
In celebration of Black Music Month, BlackVoices.com gives you a hip-hop celebrity blast from the past. Check it out.
2008 Deaths
Odetta Holmes
"The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement" was a singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter and activist.
December 31 1930 - December 2 2008.
Ray Tamarra , Getty
Bernie Mac
Comedian, Actor
Oct. 5, 1957 - Aug. 9, 2008.
AP
Isaac Hayes
Singer, songwriter, record producer, composer and actor.
August 20, 1942 - August 10, 2008
Reuters
Miriam Makeba, "Mama Africa"
South African folk singer and anti-apartheid activist.
March 4, 1932 - November 10, 2008.
Reuters
Jennifer Hudson's 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson, brother, Jason, and 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, were killed in 2008.
AP
Shakir Stewart
The Island Def Jam executive who became head of the legendary rap label following Jay-Z's departure, killed himself on Nov. 1. He was 34 years old.
Getty
George Carlin
Stand-up comedian, actor and author.
May 12, 1937 - June 22, 2008
Getty Images
Madelyn Dunham
Barack Obama's grandmother
October 26, 1922 - Nov 3, 2008.
Getty Images
Levi Stubbs
Oct. 17: The iconic lead singer, second from left, who gave voice to Four Tops classics like "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "Baby I Need Your Loving" died at 72 from complications of cancer and a stroke. Abdul Fakir, far left, is now the sole living member of the original quartet.
Corbis
Dee Dee Warwick
Oct. 18: The soul songstress died after months of declining health. Warwick, the sister of soul legend Dionne, also achieved a great deal of success, both as a solo artist as well as with her sister.
Corbis
Comments: (15)
Add a comment
By: Milayah on 6/22/2009 10:25PM
Come on, "Young MC"? Bust a move, MY AZZ. You can't be serious? He shouldn't even be on the list for favorite rap superstar of yesteryear? Rap superstar my AZZ! BUST THAT!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Urbanprincess on 6/22/2009 10:35PM
Sus7637,
My radio station is just like that too, nothing but garbino. I'm glad that our urban broadcasting network is no longer going to be here. Maybe, in the future, there will be a much positive station her were I live? I called the DJ and said to me one time, the DJ'S don't have control of the format of music that is being played? I didn't believe it for a min. Here there playing this song "Birthday Sex" in early morning and afternoon. These stations don't give a damn about our youth and whoever that listens to this MESS? They could edit it out but WON'T! There isn't really any good hip-hop, rap, or good R&B music out anymore and that is the truth!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: hiphopking on 6/22/2009 11:24PM
bigdaddy was/is a great lyricist flav was/is the greatest hipeman ever and a solo artist and all female rappers spit flame old school rap was about lyrics now ..............you be the jury
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: ROBB on 7/20/2009 8:01PM
here's a real list in the 80's top MC's Big Daddy Kane,Eric B & Rakim,LL Cool J,RUN-DMC,MC Lyte,Doug E Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew,Dana Dane,Slick Rick,A tribe Called Quest,EPMD,Public Enemy,Kool G Rap & DJ Polo,Whodini,Doogie Down Productions,MC Shan,Stetsasonic MC's,Kurtis Blow,Schoolly Dee,Heavy D & The boyz,SugarHill Gang,Masta Ace,Biz Markie,The Fat Boys,De la Soul,Salt & pepa,Roxanne Shante,And So much much more this Is real Hip-Hop! there where a lot of one hit wonders too with fire. i miss those days the 90's where crazy too Biggie Smalls,Nas,Jay-Z,DMX,Busta Rhymes,thays Fire. West Coast Has a list too Next Time Hip-Hop Heads Enjoy The List Bro.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: charles on 2/26/2011 1:39AM
they're mentioning artist like Run DMC, Big Daddy Kane, which of course they were great but MC Hammer?? woa, ok but my point is at least these artist that were mentioned are actually known, what about artist like Nine(Nine double M), Smooth da Hustla, Trigger da Gambler, Ill Al Skratch, Camp Lo, Black Moon, Afrika Bambatta, Rob B and the list goes on for days. I know where Run DMC and Big Daddy Kane could be but not these artist Ive mentioned
Reply to this Comment | Report This