Flipmode Squad
Encyclopedia
The Flipmode Squad is a production crew and musical group, founded and fronted by rapper Busta Rhymes
. The first Flipmode album debuted in 1998
with The Imperial
, Rampage
and Rah Digga
went on to record solo efforts. In the move to J Records
in 2000
, Lord Have Mercy left Flipmode Squad in preference of a solo career in 2000, feeling that Busta was holding him down.
A second Flipmode Squad release, Rulership Movement, was set for release in 2003
on J Records
, but because of the label change to Aftermath it was never released. It was been announced that the album might be released sometime in 2009
, but this never materialized.
The founding member, Busta Rhymes has joined Dr. Dre
's Aftermath
label recently. Rah Digga & Spliff Star
have appeared alongside Busta in the "Touch It (Remix)" video, lending credibility to Flipmode's longevity.
Rah Digga left the Flipmode Squad after feeling that she needed to move on and release yet long awaited Sucker Free album. The newest addition to the group is Show Money who has made an appearance in the "Don't Touch Me (Throw da Water on 'em)
" and "I Got Bass" music videos. DJ Scratchator left Flipmode/The Conglomerate in 2009 and he returned now in July 2011. Reek Da Villian
left Flipmode in February 2009, because of business reasons and headed up to The Conglomerate which is the current Flipmode. Flipmode releases are on Flipmode Entertainment.
Busta Rhymes
Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...
. The first Flipmode album debuted in 1998
1998 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1998.-Events:*January 28 – "Weird Al" Yankovic gets LASIK surgery to cure his myopia...
with The Imperial
The Imperial (album)
-Samples:*To My Peoples'"MacArthur Park" by The Soulful Strings* Everybody On The Line Outside'"Sorcerer" by Tangerine Dream*We Got U Opin '"Come Live With Me by Ten Wheel Drive"Odwalla" by The Art Ensemble of Chicago...
, Rampage
Rampage (rapper)
Rampage, is an American rapper who is a member of the Flipmode Squad. He was born as Roger McNair in Brooklyn, New York City to Katherine McNair and Roger Williams...
and Rah Digga
Rah Digga
Rah Digga is an American rapper. Well known as a long time member of the Flipmode Squad, a hip hop group led by Busta Rhymes, she parted ways amicably with the group in 2007. She has been called "one of rap's most prominent women MCs" by Allmusic and "one of hip-hop's most skilled female MCs" in...
went on to record solo efforts. In the move to J Records
J Records
J Records was an American record label, owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment, and was distributed through the RCA Music Group.-Company history:...
in 2000
2000 in music
See also:* 2000 in music Record labels established in 2000-Events:*January – Gary Glitter is released from jail, two months before his sentence for sexual offences ends.*January 1**John Tavener is knighted in the New Year's Honours List....
, Lord Have Mercy left Flipmode Squad in preference of a solo career in 2000, feeling that Busta was holding him down.
A second Flipmode Squad release, Rulership Movement, was set for release in 2003
2003 in music
-January:* January – following an investigation by The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry and London detectives, police raids in England and the Netherlands recover nearly 500 original Beatles studio tapes, recorded during the Let It Be sessions. Five people are arrested...
on J Records
J Records
J Records was an American record label, owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment, and was distributed through the RCA Music Group.-Company history:...
, but because of the label change to Aftermath it was never released. It was been announced that the album might be released sometime in 2009
2009 in music
The following is a list of notable events and releases in 2009 in music. Susan Boyle's album I Dreamed a Dream became the biggest selling album in the world for 2009, selling 8.3 million copies in five weeks; more than any other artist's in the whole year...
, but this never materialized.
The founding member, Busta Rhymes has joined Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
's Aftermath
Aftermath Entertainment
Aftermath Entertainment is an American record label founded by Dr. Dre. It operates as a subsidiary of, and is distributed through, Universal Music Group's Interscope Records. Current acts include Dr. Dre, Eminem, 50 Cent and Slim da Mobster, with former acts including Busta Rhymes, Game, Raekwon,...
label recently. Rah Digga & Spliff Star
Spliff Star
William A. Lewis Raised in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York, he is of Trinidadian descent, better known as Spliff Star, first appeared alongside Busta Rhymes as the Flipmode Squad in 1996 on his album The Coming....
have appeared alongside Busta in the "Touch It (Remix)" video, lending credibility to Flipmode's longevity.
Rah Digga left the Flipmode Squad after feeling that she needed to move on and release yet long awaited Sucker Free album. The newest addition to the group is Show Money who has made an appearance in the "Don't Touch Me (Throw da Water on 'em)
Don't Touch Me (Throw da Water on 'em)
"Don't Touch Me " is a promo single for rapper Busta Rhymes' album Back on My B.S.. It was produced by Grind Music for The Hitmen. The song samples "I Can Give You Love" by 60s/70s soul band The Diplomats . The official remix features Reek Da Villain, Spliff Star, Lil Wayne, Nas, The Game, and Big...
" and "I Got Bass" music videos. DJ Scratchator left Flipmode/The Conglomerate in 2009 and he returned now in July 2011. Reek Da Villian
Reek da Villian
Tariek Williams , better known as Reek da Villian, is an American rapper, protege of rap veteran Busta Rhymes and former member of the rap group Flipmode Squad. Reek is currently signed to Busta Rhymes' new label Conglomerate Records.-Early life:Tariek Williams was born in Roosevelt, Long Island,...
left Flipmode in February 2009, because of business reasons and headed up to The Conglomerate which is the current Flipmode. Flipmode releases are on Flipmode Entertainment.
Studio albums
- 1998: The ImperialThe Imperial (album)-Samples:*To My Peoples'"MacArthur Park" by The Soulful Strings* Everybody On The Line Outside'"Sorcerer" by Tangerine Dream*We Got U Opin '"Come Live With Me by Ten Wheel Drive"Odwalla" by The Art Ensemble of Chicago...
- TBD: Rulership Movement
Mixtapes
- 2002: Arsenal For The Streets pt. 1
- 2003: Arsenal For The Streets pt. 2 (The Full Court Press)
- 2007: The Facelift pt. 1
- 2007: The Full Course Meal
- 2009: The Pre Rulership (TBD)
- 2010: The Gift
Singles
- 1998: "Everybody on the Line Outside"
- 1998: "Run For Cover" (Promo)
- 1998: "Cha Cha Cha"
- 1999: "Rastaman Chant" Bob MarleyBob MarleyRobert Nesta "Bob" Marley, OM was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the ska, rocksteady and reggae band Bob Marley & The Wailers...
(featuring Flipmode Squad) (from the album "Chant Down BabylonChant Down BabylonChant Down Babylon is a remix album by various hip hop and rock artists covering songs by Bob Marley & The Wailers, released in 1999.The remixed version of "Turn Your Lights Down Low" with Lauryn Hill was released as a single...
") - 2002: "Here We Go"
- 2002: "Just Chill"
Current members of The Conglomerate (child of Flipmode Squad)
- Busta RhymesBusta RhymesTrevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...
(1996–present) - Spliff StarSpliff StarWilliam A. Lewis Raised in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York, he is of Trinidadian descent, better known as Spliff Star, first appeared alongside Busta Rhymes as the Flipmode Squad in 1996 on his album The Coming....
(1996–present) - Reek Da VillianReek da VillianTariek Williams , better known as Reek da Villian, is an American rapper, protege of rap veteran Busta Rhymes and former member of the rap group Flipmode Squad. Reek is currently signed to Busta Rhymes' new label Conglomerate Records.-Early life:Tariek Williams was born in Roosevelt, Long Island,...
(2006–present) - DreadyDreadyDready is a character and a style of art created by West Indian artist Shane Aquart.Since its beginnings in 2004, Dready art has evolved from just images of that character, to a style of art embodying the colours, humor and style. Images of stingrays and turtles of houses and boats in the Dready...
(2007–present) - Show Money (2007–present)
- J-Doe (2008–present)
- Seige Monstracity (2009–present)
- DJ Ice Cold (2009–present)
- Nikki Grier (2010–present)
- Lonny BerealLonny BerealJoseph A. Bereal, also known by his stage name Lonny Bereal, is an American R&B singer, songwriter and producer.-Career:Bereal is the cousin of songwriter and producers Charles and Kenneth Bereal. Having started off as a drummer, Bereal got his first break as a background vocalist for John P. Kee...
(2010–present) - N.O.R.E.N.O.R.E.Victor Santiago, Jr., best known by his stage name N.O.R.E. or Noreaga , is an American rapper of Puerto Rican descent...
(2011–present) - DJ Scratchator (2011–present)
Former
- Serious (1997)
- Lord Have MercyLord Have Mercy (musician)Wayne Notise , better known by his performing name Lord Have Mercy, is an American rapper and producer from Brooklyn, New York City...
(1996–2000) - Roc MarcianoRoc MarcianoRoc Marciano is an American rapper, songwriter and producer from Hempstead, Long Island. Originally a member of Busta Rhymes' crew, Flipmode Squad becoming the sixth member after the departure of Lord Have Mercy, Roc left in 2001 to form the UN , a hardcore underground hip hop group consisting of...
(1999–2001) - Meka (1997–2003)
- RampageRampage (rapper)Rampage, is an American rapper who is a member of the Flipmode Squad. He was born as Roger McNair in Brooklyn, New York City to Katherine McNair and Roger Williams...
(1996–2006) - PapoosePapoose (rapper)Shamele Mackie , better known by his stage name Papoose , is an American rapper.-Biography:Born March 5, 1978 in Brooklyn, New York City by Sierra Leone and Native American parents, Papoose made his first attempts at rapping at the age of 7. He was given his name by his grandma Vivian because of...
(2006–2007) - M. Dollars (2003–2007)
- Labba (2003–2007)
- Rah DiggaRah DiggaRah Digga is an American rapper. Well known as a long time member of the Flipmode Squad, a hip hop group led by Busta Rhymes, she parted ways amicably with the group in 2007. She has been called "one of rap's most prominent women MCs" by Allmusic and "one of hip-hop's most skilled female MCs" in...
(1997–2007) - Baby Sham (1997–2008)
- DJ Scratchator (1996–2009)
- Chauncey BlackChauncey Black (singer)Chauncey Black is a singer & co-founder of Blackstreet. Born November 24, 1968 he co-founder R&B group Blackstreet with New Jack Swing pioneer & Guy member Teddy Riley which Hannibal was a background vocalist for...
(2004–2009) - Show Money (2007–2009)