Rawkus Records is an American hip-hop record label known for jump-starting the careers of both Mos Def and Talib Kweli. Rawkus started in 1996 with initial releases ranging from hip-hop to drum and bass. Label heads Brian Brater and Jarret Myer then signed some of the top underground talent from the New York area, notably Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Hi-Tek and Company Flow, who went on to define the label's sound. The string of 12" releases and full length albums that followed helped initiate a resurgence in the New York/East Coast sound. Many of these are considered classics among hip-hop aficionados. During the mid to late '90s, Rawkus became a dominant label in the underground hip-hop scene, producing a string of gold albums and a platinum album with Mos Def's Black On Both Sides.

Overview[link]

Rawkus Records was established in 1996 by Brian Brater and Jarret Myer, with financial backing from James Murdoch,^[1][2][3] son of Rupert Murdoch. In 1999 the label entered into a distribution deal with Priority Records.

Over the years, Rawkus has recorded several notable independent hip hop artists,^[4] including Reflection Eternal, Company Flow, the High and Mighty, Mos Def and Talib Kweli (as Blackstar), Eminem, Common, Pharoahe Monch, and Skillz.

In 2002, Rawkus signed a joint venture deal with MCA. Soon after, MCA folded and Interscope/Geffen bought Rawkus. After the sale of its catalog in 2004, Rawkus split from Geffen.

In 2006, Rawkus signed with RED, a Sony Music distribution company and reemerged with a new line up of notable independent Hip Hop artists including The Procussions, Panacea, Mr. J. Medeiros and Kidz in the Hall, among others.

In early 2007, Rawkus Records accepted album submissions from hip-hop artists, known or unknown, to be considered for their new campaign. The 50 artists chosen to wear the Rawkus 50 badge were signed to a digital distribution deal through IODA's (Independent Online Distribution Alliance) digital distribution network and had their albums released under the banner "Rawkus 50 presents".

Rawkus 50[link]

The Rawkus 50, according to the promotional materials, is a group of "the 50 next important Hip hop artists." In early 2007, Rawkus Records accepted album submissions from Hip Hop artists, known or unknown, to be considered for their new campaign. The 50 artists chosen to wear the Rawkus 50 badge were signed to a digital distribution deal through IODA's (Independent Online Distribution Alliance) digital distribution network and had their albums released under the banner "Rawkus 50 presents".

The Rawkus 50 project is a landmark undertaking in the music business. In an industry plagued with low physical album sales and digital music becoming more and more the norm in society, record labels have been trying various strategies to adjust to the new landscape. The Rawkus 50 project focus' on a digital distribution model to get the music to the masses and mixes part traditional marketing and internet/social networking based forms of promotion. The idea is to use the accumulated fan base of all 50 artists to promote the project as a whole via mediums such as Myspace and Rawkus Records owned site MyRawkus. In addition, Rawkus has taken out an ad in a major Hip Hop magazine XXL listing the names of all artists in the 50. Other promotional efforts are to include National Internet marketing and promotion, sponsored NY and LA Showcases for the artists to perform and blog and podcast hosting, marketing and promotion. Critics of this way of distributing and promoting hip hop argue that the idea is not, in fact, raw.

The musicians in the Rawkus 50 and their respective releases are listed below in alphabetical order by artist name:

Discography[link]

Studio Albums[link]

• 1997: Company Flow - Funcrusher Plus
• 1998: Black Star - Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star
• 1999: Company Flow - Little Johnny from the Hospitul: Breaks & Instrumentals Vol.1
• 1999: The High & Mighty- Home Field Advantage
• 1999: Mos Def - Black on Both Sides
• 1999: Pharoahe Monch - Internal Affairs
• 1999: DJ Spinna - Heavy Beats Volume 1
• 2000: Various - Hip Hop for Respect
• 2000: Big L - The Big Picture
• 2000: Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek - Train of Thought
• 2001: Smut Peddlers - Porn Again
• 2001: Hi-Tek - Hi-Teknology
• 2001: Da Beatminerz - Brace 4 Impak
• 2002: Mad Skillz - I Ain't Mad No More
• 2002: Talib Kweli - Quality
• 2004: Talib Kweli - The Beautiful Struggle
• 2006: The Procussions - 5 Sparrows for 2 Cents
• 2006: Kidz in the Hall - School Was My Hustle
• 2006: Panacea - Ink Is My Drink
• 2007: Mr. J. Medeiros - Of Gods and Girls
• 2007: Blue Scholars - Bayani
• 2007: Marco Polo - Port Authority
• 2007: Panacea - The Scenic Route
• 2007: Point Blank - Don't Get Carried Away
• 2007: Hezekiah - I Predict A Riot

Compilations[link]

• 1997 Soundbombing
• 1998 Lyricist Lounge, Volume One
• 1999 Soundbombing 2
• 2000 Lyricist Lounge 2
• 2002 Soundbombing III
• 2005 Best of Decade I: 1995-2005
• 1996 Dancehall Rawkus

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official site — requires Macromedia Flash
• Rawkus Community Network
• Interview with campaign head Slopfunkdust about the Rawkus 50 campaign
• Rapnews.net article
• Audible Hype article examining the business model

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (August 2009)

Sadat X (born Derek Murphy; December 29, 1968^[1]) is an American rapper, most famed as a member of Alternative hip hop group Brand Nubian. Originally known as Derek X, Sadat takes his name from former Egyptian president Anwar Sadat^[2].

In 1996, Sadat appeared on the Red Hot Organization's compilation CD, America is Dying Slowly, alongside Biz Markie, Wu-Tang Clan, and Fat Joe, among many other prominent hip hop artists. The CD, meant to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic among African American men, was heralded as "a masterpiece" by The Source magazine.

Biography[link]

On December 22, 2005, Sadat was arrested in Harlem and charged with criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment and resisting arrest.^[3] On October 3, 2006, Female Fun Music released Sadat's third full-length album Black October.

Sadat is involved in teaching children. Has worked as an elementary school teacher in New Rochelle, New York. Qualified as a firefighter in New Rochelle, New York. Coaches children's basketball for the New York City Basketball League. He also played point guard for the Howard University basketball team.^[4]

On March 23, 2010, Sadat X released Wild Cowboys II, the long-awaited sequel to his 1996 solo debut Wild Cowboys, on Fat Beats Records. The album featured several guest appearances from Ill Bill, Kurupt, A.G., Brand Nubian, Rhymefest and others, with production from Pete Rock, Diamond D, Buckwild, Sir Jinx and others. On February 23, 2010, he released an EP, containing five songs from the album and their complementary instrumentals, which is currently available at any music store. The first single from the album is "Turn It Up" which features, and is produced by, Pete Rock. A music video for the song premiered on March 12, 2010, which contains cameo appearances from different New York veteran rappers.

Discography[link]

Solo albums[link]

Guest Appearances[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Sadat X at Allmusic
• Sadat X on Myspace

This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. No cleanup reason has been specified. Please help improve this article if you can; the talk page may contain suggestions. (July 2009)

Marcus Vialva, better known by his stage name Shabaam Sahdeeq, is an underground rapper from Brooklyn, New York. He has performed with such artists as Pharoahe Monch, DJ Babu, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli.^[1]

Career[link]

In 1999, Sahdeeq collaborated with DJ Spinna, Mr Complex and Apani B to form the hip-hop collective Polyrhythm Addicts. A supergroup renowned for its role in the rise of late '90s indie hip-hop. The single "Not Your Ordinary" paved the way for their first album, Rhyme Related, which was released on June 9, 1999, was referred to as "saturated with quality from top to bottom".^[2] After this success, the group disbanded to focus on their individual careers.

In Sahdeeq's solo career, he featured alongside rappers Busta Rhymes, Redman, Method Man, Kool G Rap, Common, Mos Def and Eminem. His distinct voice and delivery led to mainstream success on the "Simon Says" Remix along side label mate Pharoahe Monch.^[3] Sahdeeq is also recognized for his work on the Sound Bombing^[4] and Lyricist Lounge^[5] series. At this point he was in position to launch his solo album Scandalous on Rawkus Records. Sahdeeq has mentioned in interviews the project featured contributions from Just Blaze, The Alchemist, Greg Nice, Kool G Rap and Xzibit. Unfortunately due to the label's loss of distribution his solo project was never released and he would ask for a release from the label to solidify a new situation with the up and coming label Raptivism. In 2001 the artist re-emerged with the single "Bubbling" on Raptivism Records which received radio airplay. This track featured on his first solo LP Never Say Never.^[6] Four years later he reeased the "solid but not earth-shattering" Strategize: The Mixtape Album.^[7]

Seven years after their first album, Sahdeeq re-united with Spinna and Complex, with Tiye Phoenix replacing Apani B. Fly Emcee, to bring out Break Glass. The Polyrhythm Addicts' long awaited second album was released on April 24, 2007 under Babygrande Records.^[8]

Discography[link]

^[9]

References[link]

1. ^ Chait, Mark (May 21, 1999). "Black Star Drop a Bomb on NY". Rolling Stone. http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/blackstar/articles/story/5919062/black_star_drop_a_bomb_on_ny%7C. Retrieved 19 January 2010. 
2. ^ Conaway, Matt. "Review Rhyme Related". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r421046. Retrieved 19 January 2010. 
3. ^ Strickland, Khalid. "Shabaam Sahdeeq interview". The Spizzy. http://spizzyblog.com/2009/05/14/shabaam-sahdeeq-interview-relentless-hosted-by-tony-touch-dj-ronin/. Retrieved 19 January 2010. 
4. ^ "Overview Soundbombing". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r317929. Retrieved 19 January 2010. 
5. ^ "Credits Lyricist Lounge, Vol 1". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r350739. Retrieved 19 January 2010. 
6. ^ "Overview Never Say Naever". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r557922. Retrieved 19 January 2010. 
7. ^ "Review Strategize: The Mixtape Album". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r822441. Retrieved 19 January 2010. 
8. ^ "Overview Break Glass". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r1027005. Retrieved 19 January 2010. 
9. ^ http://www.discogs.com/artist/Shabaam+Sahdeeq

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2011)

Maxwell Dixon (born March 4, 1966^[1]) is an emcee best known as a member of the group Brand Nubian.^[2]

Biography[link]

He made his debut with the group Masters of Ceremony. Its album Dynamite (1988) was hailed by critics, but probably due to lack of sales, the group soon disbanded, and Puba emerged as the lead emcee of Brand Nubian. After their innovative and versatile debut album One for All (1990)—covering areas from reggae-influenced hip hop music to new jack swing—Puba left the group after disputes with its other members and embarked on a solo career. He became a member of the group again around 1997, recording a few tracks for various soundtracks leading up to the full-length album Foundation in '98. In 1999, Puba and group mate Sadat X performed on the track "Once Again" on Handsome Boy Modeling School's concept album So... How's Your Girl? Following the group's 2004 effort Fire in the Hole, a rejuvenated Puba appeared on tracks with Beanie Sigel ("Bread and Butter," also featuring groupmate Sadat X), Missy Elliott ("My Struggles," featuring his onetime collaborator Mary J. Blige), and Ugly Duckling ("Something's Going Down Tonight").

In 2009, Grand Puba released his fourth solo album, Retroactive, featuring production from hip-hop veterans like Q-Tip, Large Professor, Kid Capri as well as his fellow Brand Nubian's. Puba also appeared on the heavy posse-cut "Fresh" together with Cormega, KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, DJ Red Alert and Parrish Smith of EPMD.

On the song "Old School" by Tupac Shakur Grand Puba was sampled and used in the hook. The sample originates from Grand Puba's verse on the song "Dedication" by Brand Nubian.

Discography[link]

• 1992: Reel to Reel
• 1995: 2000
• 2001: Understand This
• 2009: Retroactive (Babygrande Records)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Grand Puba on Myspace
• Information about Grand Puba

Reflection Eternal is a hip hop duo composed of emcee Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek. They released their first album, Train of Thought, in 2000. They have since released a mixtape, The RE: Union, in late December 2009, and their second album Revolutions Per Minute was released May 18, 2010.

History[link]

The duo of Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek met in Tek's native Cincinnati, Ohio, following the release of the Hi-Tek/Mood collaboration "Hustle on the Side". Kweli and Hi-Tek made their first official collaboration in 1997 on Mood's debut album, Doom, on the track "Industry Lies". That same year, the two formed as Reflection Eternal, and signed to upstart underground hip hop label Rawkus Records. The tracks from their debut single, "Fortified Live" b/w "2000 Seasons", were included on the Rawkus Records compilation Soundbombing in October 1997. In 1998, Kweli and his high school friend, fellow Rawkus Records artist Mos Def, formed the duo Black Star, and released their first, and only album, Black Star, to rave reviews. Hi-Tek provided production for a number of songs on the album, including the singles "Definition" and "Respiration". The album put the three at the forefront of an underground hip hop scene that appeared at the time to be flagging against the influence of the "Jiggy" era of hip-hop, and was followed by a number of acclaimed collaborations and albums. Kweli and Hi-Tek reconnected in 2000 for the release of their debut album, Train of Thought. Though highly acclaimed, the release did not receive a significant amount of commercial attention, despite the success of the rap hits "Move Somethin'" and "The Blast".

Following the Train of Thought album, the duo split for solo projects, beginning with Hi-Tek's Hi-Teknology, released in 2001, on which Kweli appeared. The album didn't receive as much attention or as many sales as Train of Thought, though the single "Round & Round" became a crossover hit in 2002. Kweli released his first solo album, Quality, in late 2002. In a 2002 interview he also stated that another Reflection Eternal and Black Star album would be released.^[1] Hi-Tek was not involved with the project's production, instead featuring beats from artists like Kanye West, DJ Scratch, DJ Quik, Ayatollah and J Dilla. The Kanye West-produced single "Get By" became Kweli's biggest success, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2003. Kweli's second solo album, 2004's The Beautiful Struggle, saw the duo working together once again, with three tracks produced by Hi-Tek. Kweli released his next album, Ear Drum, in 2007, featuring production from Tek; Hi-Tek released the follow-up to his debut, Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip, in 2006 and his third album, Hi-Teknology 3: The Underground, in 2007, both on Babygrande Records and both featuring appearances by Kweli.

The duo announced that another Reflection Eternal album was in the works in 2008. They named their second album Revolutions Per Minute.^[2][3][4] They played a live reunion gig in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on September 20, 2009.^[5] In the same year Bootsy Collins collaborated with Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek on the track "Internet Connection".^[6] also a track "Back Again" has been released along with video. They also collaborated with J. Cole, Mos Def, and Jay Electronica on the track "Just Begun"[1]. These 3 songs were released in a mixtape on January 1, 2010 called The Re:Union which received positive fanbase feedback. Their second album Revolutions Per Minute was released on May 18, 2010 with similar praise as their debut album. It spawned 3 singles: "In This World", "Strangers (Paranoid)" featuring former UGK member Bun B, and Midnight Hour featuring Atlantic recording artist Estelle.

Discography[link]

Studio albums[link]

Singles[link]

Appearances as Reflection Eternal[link]

• "Fortified Live" (appears on the Soundbombing compilation, 1997)
• "2000 Seasons" (also appears on the Soundbombing compilation, 1997)
• "The Manifesto" (appears on Lyricist Lounge, Volume One compilation, 1998)
• "Chaos" (appears on the Soundbombing 2 compilation, 1999)
• "On Mission" (also appears on the Soundbombing 2 compilation, 1999)
• "The Express" (from "The Express" single, 2000)
• "Train of Thought" (from "The Blast" single, 2000)
• "Down for the Count (Solo Version)" (from "The Blast" single, 2000)
• "The Human Element" (from the Unbound Project, Volume 1 compilation, 2000)
• "Sharp Shooters" (from the Lyricist Lounge 2 compilation, 2000)
• "Bridge to 'Bama (Remix)" (from the Soulive single "Bridge to 'Bama", 2001)
• "Let Me See (Remix)" (by Morcheeba)

Other Collaborations[link]

• "Industry Lies" (from the Mood album Doom, 1997)
• Songs from the Mos Def & Talib Kweli Black Star album, 1998
• "Halfway" (from the Brixx album Everything Happens For A Reason), 1999
• "Transmorgify" & "Empty Pages" (from the compilation Mission Control Presents, 2000; both songs are by Mood)
• Songs from the Hi-Tek album Hi-Teknology, 2001
• Songs from the Talib Kweli album The Beautiful Struggle, 2004
• Songs from the Hi-Tek album Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip, 2006
• Songs from the Talib Kweli album Eardrum, 2006
• Songs from the Rawkus Records album Soundbombing II, 1999

References[link]