Carhartt Couture and the Crossroads of Hip Hop in 1993 #HipHop50 (Show #88)
Show Notes: Revisiting Queen Latifah's "Roll Wit Tha Flava" Compilation on the 30th Anniversary
Queue Points continues our #HipHop50 commemoration with show notes from Show #88 - Rollin Wit Flava: Revisiting Flavor Unit’s Compilation and the Rise of Zhané.
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Intro
In the 1980s and early-1990s the East Coast, in particular New York was the cradle of hip hop. But by 1993 things were changing as "The Chronic" shifted the balance of power. 1993 proved to be a pivotal year for the genre with artists such as Queen Latifah, Naughty by Nature and other East Coast rappers releasing some of their most iconic albums. But it wasn't all roses.
Opening Segment Notes
Before they dive into the main topic, Jay Ray and DJ Sir Daniel caught up on the week's news, including Harry Styles winning Best Pop/R&B Act at the Brit Awards. Jay Ray questions the why of this award, as the acts that are nominated are all Pop acts. DJ Sir Daniel always wonders where the R&B is as British R&B acts have been incredibly influential.
They check in on Common, who is currently on Broadway in Between Riverside and Crazy, which just got extended through February 19th!! The two shout Common out, because he's definitely coming for his EGOT. The only award the rapper has left to gather is a Tony.
They also revisit the tense conversation between Willie D and Scarface, who were at odds following Scarface's appearance at the 50th anniversary of hip hop performance. It's a dope conversation where the two men agree to disagree, and while tense, never devolves into violence.
Main Segment Notes
For the main topic, we revisited Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere's Flavor Unit compilation album "Roll Wit Tha Flava" which celebrated its 30th anniversary on February 16th. They start the conversation by discussing Queen Latifah's career pivot, and why this record was an important part of that shift.
DJ Sir Daniel recounts some of the major hip hop compilation albums that have influenced him, and Jay Ray reminds the folks about the first Flavor Unit compilation - “The 45 King Presents The Flavor Unit,” which you can stream below from Spotify.
The two discuss the moment in hip hop where the women were wearing Carhartt and baggy clothes to align with what was happening at the time. Jay Ray also recounts what might be his worst rap song ever that was included on this compilation, "On the Bone Again."
Suprisingly, the compilation's highlight is at the end of the record, and it's Zhane's debut single "Hey Mr. DJ." The two discuss this unlikely moment, and how timeless that song is.
