West Coast hip hop
Encyclopedia
West Coast hip hop is a hip hop music
subgenre that encompasses any artists or music that originates in the westernmost
region of the United States
, as opposed to East Coast hip hop
, based originally in New York
alone. The gangsta rap
subgenre of West Coast hip hop began to dominate from a radio play and sales standpoint during the early 1990s.
, DJing
, graffiti art
, and MCing
, existed on the East and West Coasts of the United States simultaneously during the mid-seventies. This theory runs in opposition to the more universally accepted belief that the fundamental elements of hip hop were all born and cultivated exclusively on the East Coast, New York City
in particular, in the most early stages of the culture. Although it is agreed that hip hop was given its name in New York, some say a culture that closely mirrored the East Coast hip hop culture had emerged in the West existing from Los Angeles
to the San Francisco Bay Area during the same period. The culture itself is believed to have been a mutual creation which probably evolved from interaction between people who identified with elements from their respective coasts.
The entire west coast hip hop scene started in 1978, with the founding of Uncle Jamm's Army
(originally called "Unique Dreams Entertainment"). The group was influenced by Prince
, East Coast hip hop
, Kraftwerk
, Parliament-Funkadelic
etc. In 1980, Uncle Jamm's Army became the best party promoters in LA. In 1983, the group's leader Roger Clayton influenced by Funkadelic's album Uncle Jam Wants You changes the group's name from Unique Entertainment to Uncle Jamm's Army. 1984 was the year that Uncle Jamm's Army released their first single Dial-a-Freak and the year Egyptian Lover released his On the Nile album which includes the most listened 12' single Egypt Egypt. In the city of Compton former locking dancer Alonzo Williams formed his own electro-hop group World Class Wreckin' Cru which included future N.W.A members Dr. Dre and DJ Yella. Williams founded Kru-Cut Records and made a recording studio in the back of his Compton-based night club Eve's After Dark. The club was the place where local drug dealer Eazy-E and Jerry Heller would come to the conclusion of founding Ruthless Records and where Dr. Dre and DJ Yella met the group CIA which included future N.W.A member and one of the best rappers from LA Ice Cube, Dre's cousin Sir Jinx and K-Dee. But the one greatest factor who spread the west coast hip hop style was the radio station 1580 KDAY
and its hottest DJ Greg "Mack Attack" Mack.
. Their first single was Gigolo Rapp or Gigolo Groove. Captain Rapp would in 1983 create the classic West Coast song that to this day is played on the radio "Bad Times". 1981 would also bring the Rappers Rapp Group, a West Coast version of Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five. The group consisted of King MC, Lovin C, MC Fosty, DJ Flash, Macker Moe and Mr. Ice. One year later, the group broke up because MC Fosty & Lovin C went solo and released "Radio Activity Rapp", which was produced by Rich Cason and "When Doves Cry Rapp". DJ Flash and King MC became the Future MC's and had two hits, "State of Shock Rapp" and "Erotic City Rapp". "Beverly Hills Rapp" was done by DJ Flash and MC Fosty. In the mid-80s, Mixmaster Spade and his Compton Posse would define the early form of gangsta rap or reality rap. Out of this group future rap stars of the West Coast were mentored by Spade himself. In 1985, Spade's protege Toddy Tee recorded South Central LA's first anthem before Straight Outta Compton, "The Batteram".
The dance is very performance oriented.
Popping developed from locking in the early 1970s, its development and popularization is largely accredited to Boogaloo Sam and the Electric Boogaloo Locker's dance crew. Like other street dances both popping and locking is performed in cyphers.
, Abstract Rude
, Spinz
, Ahmad
, Freestyle Fellowship
, Jurassic 5
, the Pharcyde
, Skee-Lo
, a pre-Dogg Pound Kurupt
, and many others performed at the Good Life's open mic Thursday nights from the late-80s into the mid-90s. In the 2008 documentary This Is the Life, L.A. hip hop artist and Good Life regular 2Mex
likened the Good Life movement to that of the New York punk rock and Seattle music scenes.
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
subgenre that encompasses any artists or music that originates in the westernmost
Western United States
.The Western United States, commonly referred to as the American West or simply "the West," traditionally refers to the region comprising the westernmost states of the United States. Because the U.S. expanded westward after its founding, the meaning of the West has evolved over time...
region of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, as opposed to East Coast hip hop
East Coast hip hop
East Coast hip hop is a regional subgenre of hip hop music that originated in New York City, USA during the 1970s. Hip hop is recognized to have originated and evolved first in the East Coast...
, based originally in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
alone. The gangsta rap
Gangsta rap
Gangsta Rap is a subgenre of hip hop music that evolved from hardcore hip hop and purports to reflect urban crime and the violent lifestyles of inner-city youths. Lyrics in gangsta rap have varied from accurate reflections to fictionalized accounts. Gangsta is a non-rhotic pronunciation of the word...
subgenre of West Coast hip hop began to dominate from a radio play and sales standpoint during the early 1990s.
Early years
Some believe that the five elements of hip hop culture, which include B-Boying, beatboxingBeatboxing
Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one's mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. It may also involve singing, vocal imitation of turntablism, and the simulation of horns, strings, and other musical instruments...
, DJing
Disc jockey
A disc jockey, also known as DJ, is a person who selects and plays recorded music for an audience. Originally, "disc" referred to phonograph records, not the later Compact Discs. Today, the term includes all forms of music playback, no matter the medium.There are several types of disc jockeys...
, graffiti art
Graffiti
Graffiti is the name for images or lettering scratched, scrawled, painted or marked in any manner on property....
, and MCing
Rapping
Rapping refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics". The art form can be broken down into different components, as in the book How to Rap where it is separated into “content”, “flow” , and “delivery”...
, existed on the East and West Coasts of the United States simultaneously during the mid-seventies. This theory runs in opposition to the more universally accepted belief that the fundamental elements of hip hop were all born and cultivated exclusively on the East Coast, New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
in particular, in the most early stages of the culture. Although it is agreed that hip hop was given its name in New York, some say a culture that closely mirrored the East Coast hip hop culture had emerged in the West existing from Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
to the San Francisco Bay Area during the same period. The culture itself is believed to have been a mutual creation which probably evolved from interaction between people who identified with elements from their respective coasts.
The entire west coast hip hop scene started in 1978, with the founding of Uncle Jamm's Army
Uncle Jamm's Army
Uncle Jamm's Army is a former American hip hop crew based in Los Angeles, California in the 1980s. Their singles "What's Your Sign", "Dial-a-Freak", and "Yes, Yes, Yes" were influential to the electro, old school hip hop, and early-West Coast hip hop genres....
(originally called "Unique Dreams Entertainment"). The group was influenced by Prince
Prince (musician)
Prince Rogers Nelson , often known simply as Prince, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Prince has produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. Prince founded his own recording studio and label; writing, self-producing and playing most, or all, of...
, East Coast hip hop
East Coast hip hop
East Coast hip hop is a regional subgenre of hip hop music that originated in New York City, USA during the 1970s. Hip hop is recognized to have originated and evolved first in the East Coast...
, Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk is an influential electronic music band from Düsseldorf, Germany. The group was formed by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider in 1970, and was fronted by them until Schneider's departure in 2008...
, Parliament-Funkadelic
Parliament-Funkadelic
Parliament-Funkadelic is a funk, soul and rock music collective headed by George Clinton. Their style has been dubbed P-Funk. Collectively the group has existed under various names since the 1960s and has been known for top-notch musicianship, politically charged lyrics, outlandish concept albums...
etc. In 1980, Uncle Jamm's Army became the best party promoters in LA. In 1983, the group's leader Roger Clayton influenced by Funkadelic's album Uncle Jam Wants You changes the group's name from Unique Entertainment to Uncle Jamm's Army. 1984 was the year that Uncle Jamm's Army released their first single Dial-a-Freak and the year Egyptian Lover released his On the Nile album which includes the most listened 12' single Egypt Egypt. In the city of Compton former locking dancer Alonzo Williams formed his own electro-hop group World Class Wreckin' Cru which included future N.W.A members Dr. Dre and DJ Yella. Williams founded Kru-Cut Records and made a recording studio in the back of his Compton-based night club Eve's After Dark. The club was the place where local drug dealer Eazy-E and Jerry Heller would come to the conclusion of founding Ruthless Records and where Dr. Dre and DJ Yella met the group CIA which included future N.W.A member and one of the best rappers from LA Ice Cube, Dre's cousin Sir Jinx and K-Dee. But the one greatest factor who spread the west coast hip hop style was the radio station 1580 KDAY
KDAY
KDAY in Redondo Beach and KDEY in Ontario are a pair of synchrocasting radio stations based in South Los Angeles that airs an Classic hip-hop format aimed at African Americans in the 18-49 range. The station is owned by Magic Broadcasting, LLC and broadcasts at 93.5 MHz on the FM dial...
and its hottest DJ Greg "Mack Attack" Mack.
Early West Coast rap scene
The rap scene started in 1981, when Duffy Hooks launched the first West Coast rap label Rappers Rapp Records, inspired by Sugar Hill Records in New York. Its first act was the prime duo of Disco Daddy & Captain RappCaptain Rapp
Captain Rapp is the stage name of Larry Earl Glenn, an American hip hop/post-disco musician, producer and West Coast Rap pioneer.He is best known for his politically conscious song "Bad Times ", which was a West Coast response to Grandmaster Flash's "the Message".-History:Glenn's musical career...
. Their first single was Gigolo Rapp or Gigolo Groove. Captain Rapp would in 1983 create the classic West Coast song that to this day is played on the radio "Bad Times". 1981 would also bring the Rappers Rapp Group, a West Coast version of Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five. The group consisted of King MC, Lovin C, MC Fosty, DJ Flash, Macker Moe and Mr. Ice. One year later, the group broke up because MC Fosty & Lovin C went solo and released "Radio Activity Rapp", which was produced by Rich Cason and "When Doves Cry Rapp". DJ Flash and King MC became the Future MC's and had two hits, "State of Shock Rapp" and "Erotic City Rapp". "Beverly Hills Rapp" was done by DJ Flash and MC Fosty. In the mid-80s, Mixmaster Spade and his Compton Posse would define the early form of gangsta rap or reality rap. Out of this group future rap stars of the West Coast were mentored by Spade himself. In 1985, Spade's protege Toddy Tee recorded South Central LA's first anthem before Straight Outta Compton, "The Batteram".
Influences on the West Coast scene
- George ClintonGeorge ClintonGeorge Clinton is the name of:*George Clinton , British colonial governor of New York*George Clinton , Vice President of the United States and Governor of New York...
- HypnotizeHypnotizeHypnotize may refer to:* Hypnosis* Hypnotize , by System of a Down** "Hypnotize" , title track from the above album* "Hypnotize" Hypnotize may refer to:* Hypnosis* Hypnotize (album), by System of a Down** "Hypnotize" (System of a Down song), title track from the above album* "Hypnotize" Hypnotize...
- The Bar-Kays
- CameoCameo (band)Cameo is an American soul-influenced funk group that formed in the early 1970s. Cameo was initially a 13-member group known as the New York City Players; this name was later changed to Cameo to avoid a lawsuit from Ohio Players, another group from that era. Since then, Cameo has recorded several...
- Parliament-FunkadelicParliament-FunkadelicParliament-Funkadelic is a funk, soul and rock music collective headed by George Clinton. Their style has been dubbed P-Funk. Collectively the group has existed under various names since the 1960s and has been known for top-notch musicianship, politically charged lyrics, outlandish concept albums...
- PrincePrince (musician)Prince Rogers Nelson , often known simply as Prince, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Prince has produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. Prince founded his own recording studio and label; writing, self-producing and playing most, or all, of...
- The TimeThe Time (band)The Time is a funk and dance-pop ensemble formed in 1981. They are close Prince associates and arguably the most successful artists who have worked with him.-Prince, Formation and Success:...
- Morris DayMorris DayMorris E. Day is an American musician and composer. He is best known as the lead singer of The Time.-1970s and 1980s:...
- One WayOne Way (American band)One Way was an American R&B/funk band that was popular in the late 1970s, and throughout most of the 1980s.-Al Hudson and the Partners:One Way was formed in 1979 in Detroit, Michigan as the newer incarnation of a band originally known as Soul Partners...
- Con Funk ShunCon Funk ShunCon Funk Shun is an American R&B and funk band popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Influences include James Brown and Sly & the Family Stone.-History:...
- The SOS BandThe SOS BandThe SOS Band is an American musical ensemble, founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 1977. Originally known as Santa Monica, the 'SOS' initialism in the band's name stands for Sounds of Success.-History:...
- Midnight StarMidnight StarMidnight Star is an R&B and electro-funk group that had a string of R&B hits in the 1980s.-Band history:The group was formed in 1976 at Kentucky State University by trumpeter Reggie Calloway, vocalist Belinda Lipscomb, guitarist/vocalist Melvin Gentry, bassist Kenneth Gant, multi-instrumentalist...
- ShalamarShalamarShalamar was an American music group, primarily of the 1970s and 1980s, that was originally a disco-driven vehicle created by Soul Train booking agent Dick Griffey and show creator Don Cornelius. They went on to be an influential dance trio, masterminded by Soul Train producer Don Cornelius...
- LakesideLakeside (band)Lakeside is a funk band, best known for their 1980 number one R&B hit, "Fantastic Voyage."-Formation and early years:In early 1969, The Nomads, a singing quartet consisting of lead singer Mark Wood; Tiemeyer McCain; Tony White; and Brian Marbury, met the Montereys, a band that featured Stephen...
- The WhispersThe WhispersThe Whispers are a long-established R&B-dance vocal group from Los Angeles, California, with a consistent track record of hit records dating back to the late 1960s.-Career:...
- Rick JamesRick JamesJames Ambrose Johnson, Jr. , better known by his stage name Rick James, was an American singer, songwriter, musician and record producer. James was a popular performer in the late 1970s and 1980s, scoring four number-one hits on the U.S. R&B charts performing in the genres of funk and R&B...
- Herbie HancockHerbie HancockHerbert Jeffrey "Herbie" Hancock is an American pianist, bandleader and composer. As part of Miles Davis's "second great quintet," Hancock helped to redefine the role of a jazz rhythm section and was one of the primary architects of the "post-bop" sound...
- The Gap Band
- KraftwerkKraftwerkKraftwerk is an influential electronic music band from Düsseldorf, Germany. The group was formed by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider in 1970, and was fronted by them until Schneider's departure in 2008...
- East Coast electro like Afrika BambaataaAfrika BambaataaAfrika Bambaataa is an American DJ from the South Bronx, New York who was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1980s. Afrika Bambaataa is one of the three originators of break-beat deejaying, and is respectfully known as the "Grandfather" and the Amen Ra of Universal...
, Pretty TonyPretty TonyTony "Pretty Tony" Butler was an influential 1980s electro and freestyle artist based out of Miami, Florida.He recorded a string of popular club tracks on Jam Packed in the mid-'80s. Butler's tracks with his primary group Freestyle Express include such club staples as "It's Automatic", "Don't Stop...
, Juan AtkinsJuan AtkinsJuan Atkins is an American musician. He is widely credited as the originator of techno music, specifically Detroit techno along with Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson... - L.T.D.L.T.D.L.T.D. is an American R&B/funk band best known for their 1977 hit single, " Back in Love Again," as well as their many ballads, such as "Love Ballad," "We Both Deserve Each Other's Love," and "Where Did We Go Wrong?."-Career:L.T.D...
- Michael JacksonMichael JacksonMichael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
- Bill Summers
- ZappZapp (band)Zapp is a soul and funk band formed in 1978 by brothers Roger Troutman, Larry Troutman, Lester Troutman, Terry Troutman, Bobby Glover and Gregory Jackson [Cincinnati Ohio Funk Keyboardist]...
- The Isley BrothersThe Isley BrothersThe Isley Brothers are a highly influential, successful and long-running American music group consisting of different line-ups of six brothers, and a brother-in-law, Chris Jasper...
Poplocking
Funk Styles is another fine element of the West Coast hip hop culture, which consists of several related dances included popping and locking. Locking started in 1969, when a dancer named Don Campbell introduced a whole new kind of dance which was called after him the Campbellock, which would later be shorted to locking. The dance was originally danced to funk music, which is still favored. Later it was danced to electro music. The legendary poplockers are: Don Campbell, Shabba Doo, Fred "Rerun" Berry, Boogaloo Shrimp, Boogaloo Sam.The dance is very performance oriented.
Popping developed from locking in the early 1970s, its development and popularization is largely accredited to Boogaloo Sam and the Electric Boogaloo Locker's dance crew. Like other street dances both popping and locking is performed in cyphers.
List of Popular West Coast Rappers
- Jayo FelonyJayo FelonyJames Savage, better known by his stage name, Jayo Felony is a rapper from southeast San Diego, California. He is known for being the first San Diego rapper to be signed to a major label...
- Murs
- Haider Mushtaq
- AfromanAfromanJoseph Edgar Foreman , better known by his stage name Afroman, is an American rapper who came to prominence with his singles "Because I Got High" and "Crazy Rap". "Because I Got High" circulated around the Internet before becoming a hit worldwide...
- HopsinHopsinMarcus Hopson, better known by his stage name Hopsin, is an American rapper, music video director and hip hop producer from Panorama City, Los Angeles, California. Known for his white contact lenses, his music videos gained popularity on YouTube...
- Game
- Tyler, The CreatorTyler, the CreatorTyler Okonma , better known by his stage name Tyler, The Creator, is an American rapper, record producer, music video director, actor, graphic artist and fashion designer from Los Angeles, currently signed to English independent record label XL Recordings and his own record label, Odd Future...
- Ant Rich 415
- King MCKing MCKing MC may refer to:* King MC, a member of Rappers Rapp Group* Mary-Claire King, geneticist...
- DJ MuggsDJ MuggsLawrence Muggerud , better known as DJ Muggs, is Cypress Hill's DJ and producer. He also produced tracks for Funkdoobiest on the albums Which Doobie U B? and Brothas Doobie.-Cypress Hill :...
- SpinzSpinzScott Lykins, professionally known as Spinz, is a multi talented rapper, producer, actor and songwriter born in Oxnard, California. A former member of Hollywood bad boy Brad Renfro entourage and the former frontman of the legendary L.A. band Dirt Farmers...
- Suga FreeSuga FreeDejuan Rice , better known by his stage name Suga Free, is an American rapper from Pomona, California.-Biography:Suga Free was born in Oakland and raised in Compton, later becoming based in Pomona, California....
- DJ FlashDJ FlashLee "DJ Flash" Johnson better known as DJ Flash is an American hip hop artist. In 1981 DJ Flash was the first "white rapper" ever signed to a rap label "Rappers Rapp Disco Co." Los Angeles, Ca. He attended high schools in Sacramento and Taft, California...
- Ice CubeIce CubeO'Shea Jackson , better known by his stage name Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined the rap group N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music, and also as a writer,...
- B.G. Knocc OutB.G. Knocc OutAl Hasan Naqiyy , better known by his stage name B.G. Knocc Out, is an American rapper known for collaborating with Eazy-E on the 1993 single "Real Muthaphuckkin G's". He is also the younger brother of rapper Dresta, who also collaborated in the song.- Early life and music career :Arlandis Hinton...
- Blu
- DrestaDrestaAndre DeSean Wicker , better known by his stage name Dresta, is an American rapper known for collaborating with Eazy-E on the 1993 single "Real Muthaphuckkin G's". He is also the older brother of rapper B.G. Knocc Out, who also collaborated in the song.- Early life :Andre DeSean Wicker was born and...
- Tha Dogg Pound
- Dat Nigga DazDaz DillingerDelmar Drew Arnaud , better known by his stage name Daz Dillinger is an American hip hop producer and rapper mostly known for his membership in the rap duo Tha Dogg Pound, with Kurupt, and his work with Death Row Records.-The Chronic, Tha Dogg Pound and Dogg Food:Daz began his career on Death Row...
- KuruptKuruptRicardo Emmanuel Brown , better known by his stage name Kurupt, also known as Kurupt Tha Kingpin, Kurupt Young Gotti or Young Gotstra is an American rapper and former Executive Vice President of Death Row Records...
- DJ QuikDJ QuikDavid Martin Blake , better known by his stage name DJ Quik, is an MC and record producer. According to Quik himself, his stage name reflects his ability to produce records in short time....
- Duffy Hooks
- Mr. Criminal
- Arabian PrinceArabian PrinceArabian Prince is the stage name of Mik Lezan , a rapper and hip hop producer, best known for being an original member of the rap group, N.W.A.-Biography:...
- Egyptian LoverEgyptian LoverGreg Broussard , better known by his stage name Egyptian Lover is an American musician, vocalist, producer and DJ, and was an important part of the L.A. dance music and rap scene in the early 1980s....
- Roger Clayton - co-founder of Unique Dreams Entertainment later Uncle Jamm's Army
- LA Dream TeamLA Dream TeamThe LA Dream Team were a hip hop group based in Los Angeles, California, active 1985-1989, 1993, and 1996. They are known for being one of the early hip hop acts on the West Coast and one of the pioneers of the West Coast electro hop scene.-History:...
(Rudy Pardee and Snake Puppy) - Silky D - the first World Class Lady DJ
- Micheal Mixxin Moore - a DJ from New York who showed his skills to the West, founder of the Impact Record Pool
- Danny "FUT" James - co-founder of the Impact Record Pool
- Tony G
- Tweedy Bird Loc
- Julio GJulio GJulio G is an influential West Coast hip hop DJ who was born and then raised in Lynwood, CA, and is credited for being responsible for the rise of gangsta rap as part of the KDAY radio station on-air talent in Los Angeles, CA. Following KDAY, he was a DJ at 92.3 The Beat...
- Greg Mack
- Dr. DreDr. DreAndre 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...
- Ice-TICE-T* Ice-T, an American rapper and actor* ICE T , a tilting model of the German InterCityExpress series of high-speed trains...
- Kid FrostKid FrostArturo Molina Jr. , better known as Frost , is a Mexican American hip hop artist.-Early life:...
- Grandmaster Lonzo - founder of the Wreckin' Cru
- King T
- Mixmaster SpadeMixmaster SpadeMixmaster Spade was a hip hop artist. He died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident...
- Toddy Tee
- Chris "The Glove" Taylor - one of the first DJ's on the West Coast, part of the Radio crew
- Koolboy
- Disco Daddy & Captain RappCaptain RappCaptain Rapp is the stage name of Larry Earl Glenn, an American hip hop/post-disco musician, producer and West Coast Rap pioneer.He is best known for his politically conscious song "Bad Times ", which was a West Coast response to Grandmaster Flash's "the Message".-History:Glenn's musical career...
- the first rap act - Rich Cason - the architect of the early West Coast sound
- L.A. Music Child
- Eazy E
- Unknown DJ
- Cli-N-Tel
- Tony "DJ T" Joseph
- Bobby Jimmy
- YukmouthYukmouthJerold Dwight Ellis, III, better known by his stage name Yukmouth, is a Grammy-nominated American rapper from East Oakland, Oakland, California. He is the founder of The Regime, Smoke-A-Lot Records and Godzilla Entertainment.-Career:He is a member of the platinum-selling rap duo Luniz along with...
- Dwayne "Muffla" Simon
- Greg Mack
- Ronnie Hudson - composer of the West Coast Poplock
- Don Campbell - creator of the Poplock
- N.W.A
- 2Pac (Tupac)
- Nate DoggNate DoggNathaniel Dwayne Hale , better known by his stage name Nate Dogg, was an American musician. He is noted for his membership of rap trio 213 and his solo career in which he collaborated with Dr. Dre, Warren G, Tupac and Snoop Dogg on many hit releases. Nate Dogg released three solo albums, G-Funk...
- Too Short
- Snoop Doggy DoggSnoop DoggCalvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
- Warren GWarren GWarren G , is an American West Coast rapper and hip hop producer. He is also Dr. Dre's half-brother.His biggest hit is the song "Regulate" with Nate Dogg released in 1994...
- MC RenMC RenLorenzo Jerald Patterson , better known by his stage name MC Ren, is a rapper who formed part of the group N.W.A. His moniker is derived from his first name .-Early life:...
- XzibitXzibitAlvin Nathaniel Joiner , better known by his stage name Xzibit , is an American rapper, actor, and television host. He is known as the host of the MTV show Pimp My Ride, which brought him mainstream success...
- WCWC-Computing:* wc , a Unix utility used for counting words and lines in a file* Wing Commander , a video game media franchise* Write-combining, a computing performance method of combining multiple memory writes before sending them-Industry:...
- E-40E-40Earl Stevens , better known by his stage name E-40, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and investor from Vallejo, California. He is also part of the rap group The Click and the founder of Sick Wid It Records. His solo debut album, Federal, was released in November 1992, after The Click's debut...
- Mack 10Mack 10Dedrick Rolison, , better known by his stage name Mack 10 is an American rapper and actor. He was a member of hip hop trio Westside Connection, along with Ice Cube and WC...
- Rodney O & Joe CooleyRodney O & Joe CooleyRodney O & Joe Cooley are noted west coast hip hop pioneers from Los Angeles, California, best known for tracks such as "Everlasting Bass" and "This is for the Homies." DJ Cooley was highly influential in Miami Bass music; Latin emcees Jonny Z and SPM did their own version of it, which they called...
- Sly Boogy
- Mac DreMac DreAndre Hicks , better known by his stage name Mac Dre, was an American rapper.-Biography:Andre Hicks was born in Oakland, California but moved to Vallejo while still a child...
- Cypress HillCypress HillCypress Hill is an American hip hop group from South Gate, California. Cypress Hill was the first Latino hip-hop group to have platinum and multi-platinum albums, selling over 18 million albums worldwide...
- Tristian
- B-RealB-RealLouis Freese, better known by his stage name B-Real, is an American rapper of Cuban and Mexican heritage, and a film and TV actor...
- Sen DogSen DogSen Dog is a Cuban-American rapper, and member of rap group Cypress Hill. He is the older brother of fellow rapper Mellow Man Ace.Sen Dog has been developing his own solo career in addition to his work with Cypress Hill...
- Mellow Man AceMellow Man AceUlpiano Sergio Reyes , better known as Mellow Man Ace, is an American rapper. He is best known for his hit single "Mentirosa"...
- MC EihtMC EihtAaron Tyler , better known by his stage name MC Eiht, is an American rapper. His stage name was partly inspired by the numeral in KRS-One's name. He chose Eiht for its links to "hood culture", including 8Ball and .38 caliber firearms...
- The PoetessThe PoetessThe Poetess is an American rapper and radio personality.Felicia “The Poetess” Morris made her radio debut at the age of 5 years old on KDIA-AM, a soul station in the San Francisco Bay Area, where her father, Johnny Morris, was a popular disc jockey...
- Yo YoYo-Yo (rapper)Yo-Yo is a Grammy-nominated American hardcore rapper and actress. Much of her music has advocated female empowerment, denouncing the frequent sexism found in hip-hop music. She is the protege of gangsta rapper Ice Cube...
- C-BoC-BoShawn Thomas, better known by his stage name C-Bo is an American rapper. He was born and raised in the south area of Sacramento, California. He has sold over 3.5 million albums independently since 1993...
- Young MaylayYoung MaylayChristopher "Chris" Bellard also known by his stage name, Young Maylay, is an American West Coast rapper from Los Angeles...
- Mistah F.A.B.Mistah F.A.B.Stanley Petey Cox , better known by his stage name Mistah F.A.B. , is an American rapper. He attended Oakland Technical High School and Emery High School. He is signed to Bay Area rap legend Mac Dre's label, Thizz Entertainment and Atlantic Records. Mistah F.A.B...
- Sammy P
- The FederationThe Federation (group)The Federation is a hip-hop group from Fairfield, California, part of the San Francisco Bay Area. The group consist of Doonie Baby , Stressmatic, and Goldie Gold, along with their producer Rick Rock...
- Hill West aka Lkhèbra D Rap aka Gangster
Alternative and underground scene
In the early 1990s, many of the Los Angeles hip hop scene's most talented and progressive-minded MCs would attend the Good Life Cafe to hone their skills and develop their craft. Artists such as Del tha Funkee HomosapienDel tha Funkee Homosapien
Teren Delvon Jones , better known as Del the Funky Homosapien or Del tha Funkee Homosapien, is an American MC.-Early life and beginnings: 1990-1997:...
, Abstract Rude
Abstract Rude
Abstract Rude is an American rapper, from Los Angeles, CA. He is the MC for the hip hop group Abstract Tribe Unique , alongside dancers Zulu Butterfly Prince and Irie Lion Locks, Turntablist DJ Drez, and Underground Hip Hop producer, Fat Jack...
, Spinz
Spinz
Scott Lykins, professionally known as Spinz, is a multi talented rapper, producer, actor and songwriter born in Oxnard, California. A former member of Hollywood bad boy Brad Renfro entourage and the former frontman of the legendary L.A. band Dirt Farmers...
, Ahmad
Ahmad (rapper)
Ahmad Ali Lewis, who was born October 12, 1975 , in Los Angeles, California, is an American emcee. Credited simply as Ahmad, he is best known for the 1994 single "Back in the Day," a nostalgic song that became a signifier for nostalgia in hip-hop culture.Ahmad is also a member of the Christian hip...
, Freestyle Fellowship
Freestyle Fellowship
Freestyle Fellowship are a rap group from Los Angeles consisting of rappers Aceyalone, Myka 9, P.E.A.C.E., Self Jupiter and producer J Sumbi...
, Jurassic 5
Jurassic 5
Jurassic 5 was an American alternative hip hop group formed in 1993 from members of two previous groups, Rebels of Rhythm and Unity Committee by rappers Charles Stewart , Dante Givens , Courtenay Henderson , Marc Stuart , and disc jockeys Mark Potsic and Lucas Macfadden...
, the Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde are an alternative hip hop group based in South Central Los Angeles. The original four members of the group are Imani , Slimkid3 , Bootie Brown and Fatlip . DJ Mark Luv was the group's first DJ, followed by producer J-Swift and then J Dilla...
, Skee-Lo
Skee-Lo
Antoine Roundtree , better known as Skee-Lo, is an American rapper. He is best known for his 1995 song, "I Wish", which became a top-40 hit in several countries....
, a pre-Dogg Pound Kurupt
Kurupt
Ricardo Emmanuel Brown , better known by his stage name Kurupt, also known as Kurupt Tha Kingpin, Kurupt Young Gotti or Young Gotstra is an American rapper and former Executive Vice President of Death Row Records...
, and many others performed at the Good Life's open mic Thursday nights from the late-80s into the mid-90s. In the 2008 documentary This Is the Life, L.A. hip hop artist and Good Life regular 2Mex
The Visionaries
The Visionaries is an underground hip hop crew from Los Angeles, California. The crew formed in 1995, and have since released four full-length albums on Up Above Records. The crew's six members have collectively released over twenty solo and side projects...
likened the Good Life movement to that of the New York punk rock and Seattle music scenes.
See also
- Culture of CaliforniaCulture of CaliforniaThe culture of California is closely tied to the culture of the United States as a whole. However, there are features that are unique to California...
- List of West Coast hip hop artists
- List of West Coast hip hop record labels
- Music of CaliforniaMusic of CaliforniaIn the United States, California is commonly associated with the film, music, and arts industries; there are numerous world-famous Californian musicians. Hardcore punk, hip hop, country and heavy metal have all appeared in California...