Requiem for a Queen: Laying Offerings to Hip-Hop's High Priestess
Rest In Power Gloria Rodriguez AKA Hurricane G. 1970-2022
"Hurricane G to the rescue. Here to bless you with the bilingual special.
Mic check. My lyrical manifestation. Divination..
Chicks please, I put that ass at ease...like McIntosh and wash
all that paste off ya face with these flows I lace stinging you like mace. Big banking like Chase."
- Hurricane G "Underground Lockdown"
The news was devastating and official. Eric Sermon, legendary producer, and half of the duo EPMD made a post on Instagram announcing Gloria Rodriguez passed away.
Superstorms originate in West Africa, follow a path through the Caribbean and the subsequent impact can be both overwhelming and cause for restructure. Like The Real Roxanne before her, and future superstar Cardi B., Hurricane G.’s artistry echoed bilingual voices of the Diaspora and rap skills cultivated in the projects of Brooklyn.
Rodriguez’s underground and high-profile appearances punched through and punched up any song. Her debut album “All Woman” released September 1997 remains unmatched vocally and in content. And like some works of genius, not readily accepted by the masses.
Listen To Queue Points
Performers like Hurricane G may not readily ring bells to today’s Hip-Hop generation, but seeing social media littered with loving tributes and clips of her most vicious flows is heartwarming and inspiring. Hip-Hop needs that right now. Still reeling from the murder of Takeoff, founding member of the Migos, our mourning is cross generational. Hurricane G is now in Yoruba terms, Ibaye; an ancestor; one who should be celebrated and honored.
I take a literal approach to pay homage via an all-vinyl salute to Black women performers of Pop/R&B and Hip-Hop. SHUGA-HONEY ON THE ROCKS puts on display musical offerings of both obscure and widely celebrated artists.
Déjame quitarte ese gran dolor
Y llenarte con un gran amor.
Rest In Power Gloria Rodriguez AKA Hurricane G. 1970-2022