Tag Archives: Grand Puba

Happy 57th Birthday To Brand Nubian Founder Grand Puba!

Grand Puba

On this day in Hip-Hop history, Brand Nubian founder Maxwell Dixon a.k.a. Grand Puba, was born today in 1966.

Grand Puba made his musical debut with the group Masters of Ceremony. The group’s first album Dynamite was released in 1988 and had an excellent critical reception. However, due to the lack of sales, the group disbanded shortly after the album’s release. This was when Puba emerged as the lead emcee of Brand Nubian.

Shortly after the 1990 release of the group’s debut, genre-less album One for All (which spanned reggae to Hip Hop to new jack swing), Grand Puba again parted ways from his group and embarked on a solo career. He recorded and released two albums, Reel to Reel, in 1992 and 2000 in 1995. Reel to Reel had much commercial success peaking at #28 on the Billboard 200 and toting the #1 hit single “360 Degrees (What Goes Around).” 2000 was also a success reaching the #48 spot on the Billboard 200 and its single “I Like It (I Wanna Be Where You Are)” hitting #91 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In 1997, Grand Puba returned to Brand Nubian, and the group released Foundation in 1998. This album marked the reunion of the four original members. It was the first time they appeared together since their debut. This was their most successful album as a group peaking at #59 on the Billboard 200 chart, and the single “Don’t Let It Go To Your Head” reached #53 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was their highest climbing track.

In 2001 Grand Puba released Understand This, and in 2009, he released his fourth solo album Retroactive featuring production from Q-Tip, Large Professor, and Kid Capri. Over the years, Grand Puba has worked with Beanie Sigel, Missy Elliot, Mary J. Blige, and more. He was even sampled on the hook on the 2Pac record “Old School.”

We here at The Source would like to wish Grand Puba a happy born day. May you see many more years of success and prosperity!

The post Happy 57th Birthday To Brand Nubian Founder Grand Puba! first appeared on The Source.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Mary J. Blige Dropped Her Debut Album ‘What’s The 411?” 31 Years Ago

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Today marks the 31st anniversary of Mary J. Blige’s debut album, What’s The 411?. This was her introduction to the world and Puff Daddy before he called himself Diddy and proclaimed Mary as the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul”.  This was one album that totally dominated not only the 90’s but also r&b music. During that time, she wasn’t your average r&b singer as she talked about love, lost, and heartbreak and she dressed in hip hop clothes instead of your typical gowns & dresses.

She released her first single, “Real Love”, which sampled rap duo Audio Two”s hit single, “Top Billin”. The album featured collaborations from rapper Grand Puba from Brand Nubian and then labelmate/boyfriend K-CI Hailey from Jodeci. She even put a spin on Chaka Khan’s single, “Sweet Thing”. Despite not being the number one in the country at the time, the album still remains a favorite among today’s singers. Some of the singles off the album still being sampled in today’s music.

Since the release of the album, Blige went on to become one of the biggest r&b singers in the world and even performed for President Obama when he was sworn into office for the first time and still continue to influence today’s singers.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Mary J. Blige Dropped Her Debut Album ‘What’s The 411?” 31 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Mary J. Blige Dropped Her Debut Album ‘What’s The 411?” 31 Years Ago

tumblr 762f44da1afe6f67073e10f0e1664f61 aac07bfb 1280

Today marks the 31st anniversary of Mary J. Blige’s debut album, What’s The 411?. This was her introduction to the world and Puff Daddy before he called himself Diddy and proclaimed Mary as the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul”.  This was one album that totally dominated not only the 90’s but also r&b music. During that time, she wasn’t your average r&b singer as she talked about love, lost, and heartbreak and she dressed in hip hop clothes instead of your typical gowns & dresses.

She released her first single, “Real Love”, which sampled rap duo Audio Two”s hit single, “Top Billin”. The album featured collaborations from rapper Grand Puba from Brand Nubian and then labelmate/boyfriend K-CI Hailey from Jodeci. She even put a spin on Chaka Khan’s single, “Sweet Thing”. Despite not being the number one in the country at the time, the album still remains a favorite among today’s singers. Some of the singles off the album still being sampled in today’s music.

Since the release of the album, Blige went on to become one of the biggest r&b singers in the world and even performed for President Obama when he was sworn into office for the first time and still continue to influence today’s singers.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Mary J. Blige Dropped Her Debut Album ‘What’s The 411?” 31 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Mary J. Blige Dropped Her Debut Album ‘What’s The 411?” 31 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

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A$AP Rocky Calls Grand Puba, Kanye West and Pharrell Hip Hop’s Best Dressed Rappers

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In an interview with Complex Magazine, A$AP Rocky named the three best dressed rappers of all time; Brand Nubian’s Grand Puba, music/fashion mogul Kanye West and super producer Pharrell Williams.

Rocky, whose given name is Rakim Allah Meyers, names Puba first for his truck jewelry and signature Tommy Hilfiger gear that was gifted to him by Mr Hilfiger himself in the early 90s.

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Kanye’s contribution includes his unparalleled contribution to adidas with his Yeezy brand, making the brand wave the white flag after their split from the mogul following his statements about Jews last year.

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Rounding up the trio, Rocky Names Pharrell Williams, the current head of Louis Vuitton’s men department, who created his own high-end brands, Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream.

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The post A$AP Rocky Calls Grand Puba, Kanye West and Pharrell Hip Hop’s Best Dressed Rappers first appeared on The Source.

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Rakim And Grand Puba Kicked Off Salaam Remi’s “Midnight At MuseZeuM” Concert Series

Screen Shot 2023 05 02 at 7.39.33 AM

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, GRAMMY award-winning producer Salaam Remi launched his historic concert series Midnight at MuseZeuM inspired by Remi’s newest creative venture MuseZeuM.

The event took place in the legendary Miami Beach Bandshell in Miami. Midnight At MuseZeuM had Grand Puba alongside legendary emcee Rakim

Limited edition merchandise of renowned artists, all created by Remi himself in collaboration with other artists and photographers.

Now Remi is back in NYC with a special MuseZeuM Pop Up to unveil the 1of1 Rakim Artwork piece and the 1of100 Limited Edition Rakim hoodies. During the first installment, attendees got a chance to see pieces of the collection curated and created by Remi himself which included Bob Marley, Nas, MarvinGaye, Slick Rick, Fab 5 Freddy, Amy Winehouse, Celia Cruz, Dennis Brown, and more. 

Attendees of this week’s popup will see a special NYC unveiling. The MuseZeuM Pop UP will be open to the public: Monday May 1st – Sunday May 7th 11am -9pm

A special tastemakers event will be on Thursday May 4th, 7-10pm at Legacy NYC. Beverages will be provided by JADE champagne. RSVP HERE.

The next installment of Midnight at MuseZeuM will be held on JUNE 10th with Big Daddy Kane.

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Happy 57th Born Day To Brand Nubian Founder Grand Puba!

Screen Shot 2023 03 04 at 9.58.50 AM

On this day in Hip-Hop history, Brand Nubian founder Maxwell Dixon a.k.a. Grand Puba, was born today in 1966.

Grand Puba made his musical debut with the group Masters of Ceremony. The group’s first album Dynamite was released in 1988 and had an excellent critical reception. However, due to the lack of sales, the group disbanded shortly after the album’s release. This was when Puba emerged as the lead emcee of Brand Nubian.

Shortly after the 1990 release of the group’s debut, genre-less album One for All (which spanned reggae to Hip Hop to new jack swing), Grand Puba again parted ways from his group and embarked on a solo career. He recorded and released two albums, Reel to Reel, in 1992 and 2000 in 1995. Reel to Reel had much commercial success peaking at #28 on the Billboard 200 and toting the #1 hit single “360 Degrees (What Goes Around).” 2000 was also a success reaching the #48 spot on the Billboard 200 and its single “I Like It (I Wanna Be Where You Are)” hitting #91 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In 1997, Grand Puba returned to Brand Nubian, and the group released Foundation in 1998. This album marked the reunion of the four original members. It was the first time they appeared together since their debut. This was their most successful album as a group peaking at #59 on the Billboard 200 chart, and the single “Don’t Let It Go To Your Head” reached #53 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was their highest climbing track.

In 2001 Grand Puba released Understand This, and in 2009, he released his fourth solo album Retroactive featuring production from Q-Tip, Large Professor, and Kid Capri. Over the years, Grand Puba has worked with Beanie Sigel, Missy Elliot, Mary J. Blige, and more. He was even sampled on the hook on the 2Pac record “Old School.”

We here at The Source would like to wish Grand Puba a happy born day. May you see many more years of success and prosperity!

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Vevo Teams Up With Public Enemy’s Chuck D To Celebrate 50 Years Of Hip-Hop

Chuck D

Video network Vevo teamed up with Public Enemy’s Chuck D to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop. There will be programming including “Legends In Concert,” “Hip-Hop International,” “2K Hip-Hop Legends,” and more. The world’s leading video network will also collaborate with a hefty, yet, impressive list of hip-hop artists with appearances throughout 2023 from legends such […]

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Brand Nubian Dropped Their Debut Album ‘One For All’ 31 Years Ago

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On December 4, 1990, Brand Nubian released their classic Five Mic debut album One For All on Elektra Records. Boasting production Dante Ross, Skeff Anslem, the SD 50s (Stimulated Dummies), Jam as well as their own hands on the boards, Brand Nubian arguably released one of the most influential debut albums in Hip Hop history. The Source Magazine’s Record Report of All For One gave the LP a perfect rating, stating AFO, “overflows with creativity, originality, and straight-up talent. […] the type of record that captures a whole world of music, rhymes, and vibes with a completely new style.”

Over 30 years ago, Grand Puba Maxwell of the Masters Of Ceremony linked up with the Gods Derrick X and Lord Jamar Allah, recruited X’s childhood pal Alamo as the DJ to form the four-man crew of Brand Nubian. The crew pioneered the sound of the Gods, infusing the knowledge and wisdom of the 5% Nation in their lyrical content, and used the music to attract many young Black youths of that era to Black consciousness. Together the quartet has only released this album, but Lord J and Derrick X, who is now known as Sadat X, have dropped two additional projects under the Brand Nubian flag. Even with all of their respective solo endeavors, their collective impact on the culture of the rap game is forever embedded in the fabric of Hip Hop.

Salute to Puba, Lord Jamar, Sadat, Alamo, Stud Dougee(RIP), Dante Ross, Skeff, and everyone at Elektra who was involved in bringing the people such an important part of Hip Hop history!

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Brand Nubian’s Debut Album ‘One For All’ Turns 30 Years Old!

tumblr pj71atkpUZ1t1yehoo1 640

On December 4, 1990, Brand Nubian released their classic Five Mic debut album One For All on Elektra Records. Boasting production Dante Ross, Skeff Anslem, the SD 50s(Stimulated Dummies), Jam as well as their own hands on the boards, Brand Nubian arguably released one of the most influential debut albums in Hip Hop history. The Source Magazine’s Record Report of All For One gave the LP a perfect rating, stating AFO, “overflows with creativity, originality, and straight-up talent. […] the type of record that captures a whole world of music, rhymes, and vibes with a completely new style.”

Almost 30 years ago, Grand Puba Maxwell of the Masters Of Ceremony linked up with the Gods Derrick X and Lord Jamar Allah, recruited X’s childhood pal Alamo as the DJ to form the four-man crew of Brand Nubian. The crew pioneered the sound of the Gods, infusing the knowledge and wisdom of the 5% Nation in their lyrical content and used the music to attract many young Black youths of that era to Black consciousness. Together the quartet has only released this album, but Lord J and Derrick X, who is now known as Sadat X, have dropped two additional projects under the Brand Nubian flag. Even with all of their respective solo endeavors, their collective impact on the culture of the rap game is forever embedded in the fabric of Hip Hop.

Salute to Puba, Lord Jamar, Sadat, Alamo, Stud Dougee, Dante Ross, Skeff and everyone at Elektra who was involved in bringing the people such an important part of Hip Hop history!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Brand Nubian’s Debut Album ‘One For All’ Turns 30 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Brand Nubian’s Debut Album ‘One For All’ Turns 30 Years Old!

tumblr pj71atkpUZ1t1yehoo1 640

On December 4, 1990, Brand Nubian released their classic Five Mic debut album One For All on Elektra Records. Boasting production Dante Ross, Skeff Anslem, the SD 50s(Stimulated Dummies), Jam as well as their own hands on the boards, Brand Nubian arguably released one of the most influential debut albums in Hip Hop history. The Source Magazine’s Record Report of All For One gave the LP a perfect rating, stating AFO, “overflows with creativity, originality, and straight-up talent. […] the type of record that captures a whole world of music, rhymes, and vibes with a completely new style.”

Almost 30 years ago, Grand Puba Maxwell of the Masters Of Ceremony linked up with the Gods Derrick X and Lord Jamar Allah, recruited X’s childhood pal Alamo as the DJ to form the four-man crew of Brand Nubian. The crew pioneered the sound of the Gods, infusing the knowledge and wisdom of the 5% Nation in their lyrical content and used the music to attract many young Black youths of that era to Black consciousness. Together the quartet has only released this album, but Lord J and Derrick X, who is now known as Sadat X, have dropped two additional projects under the Brand Nubian flag. Even with all of their respective solo endeavors, their collective impact on the culture of the rap game is forever embedded in the fabric of Hip Hop.

Salute to Puba, Lord Jamar, Sadat, Alamo, Stud Dougee, Dante Ross, Skeff and everyone at Elektra who was involved in bringing the people such an important part of Hip Hop history!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Brand Nubian’s Debut Album ‘One For All’ Turns 30 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

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