Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast

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 Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Whitney Houston" hosted by DJButterrock  Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer, actress, film producer, and record producer. Commonly referred to as "the Voice", Houston is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with sales of more than 220 million records worldwide. She is among the most awarded artists of all time. A cultural icon, Houston broke down gender and racial barriers through her artistic achievements, Hollywood crossover, and music videos. Known for her vocal delivery, gospel singing style, crossover appeal, and live performances, she was ranked second on Rolling Stone's list of the greatest singers of all time in 2023.

Houston became one of the first black women to appear on the cover of Seventeen after becoming a teen model in 1981. She signed to Arista Records at the age of 19. Her first two studio albums, Whitney Houston (1985) and Whitney (1987), topped the Billboard 200 for 14 and 11 weeks, respectively. The former remains the best-selling debut album by a solo artist, while the latter made her the first woman to debut atop the US and UK charts. Houston took a more urban turn with her third album, I'm Your Baby Tonight (1990), and performed an acclaimed rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXV in 1991. She then starred in the films The Bodyguard (1992), Waiting to Exhale (1995), The Preacher's Wife (1996), Cinderella (1997) and Sparkle (2012), and produced the film franchises The Princess Diaries (2001–2004) and The Cheetah Girls (2003–2006). Soundtracks of The Bodyguard and The Preacher's Wife, respectively, rank as the best-selling soundtrack album and gospel album of all time, with the former winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year and topping the Billboard 200 for 20 weeks.

Following the success of My Love Is Your Love (1998), Houston's first studio album in eight years, she renewed her contract with Arista Records for $100 million in 2001, one of the largest recording deals of all time. However, her drug use and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown tarnished her "America's Sweetheart" image, overshadowing her next albums, Just Whitney (2002) and One Wish: The Holiday Album (2003). After divorcing Brown, Houston returned to the top of the Billboard 200 with her final album, I Look to You (2009). On February 11, 2012, Houston accidentally drowned in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California, with heart disease and cocaine use as contributing factors. News of her death coincided with the 54th Annual Grammy Awards and broke Internet and television records. Houston's death was covered internationally along with her memorial service.

Houston's first two albums, along with The Bodyguard soundtrack, rank among the best-selling albums of all time and made her the first black artist to score three RIAA diamond-certified albums. "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" and "I Will Always Love You" are among the best-selling singles ever; the latter remains the best-selling single by a woman and has been certified diamond by the RIAA. Houston scored eleven number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains the only artist to have seven consecutive singles top the chart. She has been inducted into multiple halls and walks of fame, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, and the Grammy Hall of Fame (twice). Guinness World Records named Houston the highest-earning posthumous female celebrity. Her assets amounted to $250 million, earned over a 25-year career. Her life and career have been the subject of multiple documentaries and television specials. 

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 Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Ray J" hosted by DJButterrock

William Ray Norwood Jr. (born January 17, 1981),[1] known professionally as Ray J, is an American R&B singer, rapper, songwriter, television presenter, and actor. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Carson, California, he is the younger brother of singer and actress Brandy.[3]

Ray J's 1997 debut single, "Let It Go", was released by EastWest Records for the soundtrack to the F. Gary Gray film Set It Off. Both moderate hits, the song peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and additionally served as lead single for Ray J's debut studio album, Everything You Want (1997), which entered the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. He then signed with Atlantic Records to release his second album, This Ain't a Game (2002). Led by his second top 40 single, "Wait a Minute" (featuring Lil' Kim), the album became his first to enter the Billboard 200–at number 21. His 2005 single "One Wish" peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and preceded his third album, Raydiation (2005), which commercially trailed the success of both the song and his previous album. The albums were each met with mixed critical reception.

In 2007, he co-starred in the controversial adult film Kim Kardashian, Superstar, opposite then-relatively unknown actress Kim Kardashian. This foresaw the release of his fourth album, All I Feel (2008), which was critically panned, but yielded his furthest commercial success and peaked at number seven on the Billboard 200; it also spawned the single "Sexy Can I" (featuring Yung Berg), which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains his highest charting song. Released independently, his 2013 single "I Hit It First" (featuring Bobby Brackins) peaked at number 51 on the chart, providing a brief period of resurgence as it talked about his previous affair with Kardashian.

In January 2017, he competed in the nineteenth season of the British reality television series Celebrity Big Brother. In his entrepreneurial career, he launched the technology company Raytroniks in 2016, as well as the Raycon line of direct-to-consumer earbuds in 2017.[4]

Early life
William Ray Norwood Jr. was born on January 17, 1981, in McComb, Mississippi, to Willie Norwood and Sonja Bates-Norwood. His older sister Brandy is a multi-platinum recording artist. Early in his life, he moved with his family from McComb to Carson, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. In 1989, started appearing in television commercials for different companies. In 1989, at the age of eight, Norwood began auditioning for and appearing in television commercials; he played the foster son in The Sinbad Show, from 1993 to 1994. This period in Norwood's life would shape his acting career. According to Bradley Torreano of AllMusic, "his easygoing image and boyish looks appealed to the producers of Brandy's television show, Moesha, giving him a role on the UPN series as Dorian "D-Money", a role he played from 1999 until the show ended in 2001.

Career
1995–2006: Everything You Want, This Ain't a Game, and Raydiation
He signed to Elektra Records in 1995 and he began to record his debut album Everything You Want the same year. The album, released in March 1997, spawned the lead single "Let It Go", which appeared on the Set It Off soundtrack. "Let It Go" peaked at number 25 in the U.S. and number 11 in New Zealand. The second single peaked at number 54 on the U.S. R&B chart. In 1997, he was dropped from the label. In 1998, he appeared on the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack with the single "That's Why I Lie". He produced for toy company Mattel, putting together the music for several commercials and a few of the demos for his second record.[1]

Ray J recorded "Another Day in Paradise" with Brandy, which was a Top Ten success in Austria, UK, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway, Ireland, and the Netherlands, and number 11 in Australia and France. The song was the lead single of the R&B/Hip Hop tribute Urban Renewal, in which he co-produced and performed songs. Norwood also worked with the Neptunes, Rodney Jerkins and Lil' Kim, and several other producers and singers for his second studio album This Ain't a Game. The album was recorded over 18 months, and was released on June 26, 2001, with Atlantic Records. The lead single "Wait a Minute" peaked at #30 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and #8 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Formal Invite" followed at #54 on the R&B chart.[5] 

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Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of TLC" hosted by DJButterrock

TLC is an American girl group formed in 1990 in Atlanta, Georgia. The group's best-known line-up was composed of Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas. The group enjoyed success during the 1990s,[1] with nine top-ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including four number-one singles: "Creep", "Waterfalls", "No Scrubs", and "Unpretty".[2] TLC also recorded four multi-platinum albums, including CrazySexyCool (1994), which received a diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[3] They became the first R&B group in history to receive the million certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for FanMail (1999).[4]

Having sold over 60 million records worldwide, TLC is one of the five best-selling American girl groups of all time.[5][6] VH1 ranked TLC as the greatest female group, placing them at number 12 among the 100 Greatest Women in Music.[7] Billboard magazine ranked TLC as one of the greatest musical trios,[8] as well as the seventh-most-successful act of the 1990s. The group's accolades include five career Grammy Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards, and five Soul Train Music Awards.

Twenty years after their debut, TLC received the Outstanding Contribution to Music award at the 17th MOBO Awards and the Legend Award at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards Japan. After Lopes' death in 2002, instead of replacing her, the remaining members chose to continue as a duo.[9] In 2017, they released their eponymous fifth album TLC. In 2022, the group was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.[10]

History
1990–1991: Formation and early years
Record producer Ian Burke, based in Atlanta, and one of his clients, a teenager Crystal Jones came up with a concept for a girl group with a tomboyish, hip-hop image, similar to the blend of contemporary R&B and hip-hop music of new jack swing act Bell Biv DeVoe in 1990.[11] Jones put out a call for two more girls to join her, eventually answered by Tionne Watkins, a native of Des Moines, Iowa who had moved to Atlanta with her family at a young age, and Lisa Lopes, a rapper who had just moved to the city from her native Philadelphia with a small keyboard and $750 ($1,848 today). The group, then named "2nd Nature", was formed with Jones, Watkins, and Lopes, who then began working with producers Jermaine Dupri and Rico Wade on demo tape material.[11]



TLC members Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas (left), Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins (right) performing in Toronto, September 2016
Through a connection at the hair salon where Watkins worked,[12] the group eventually managed to arrange an audition with singer Perri "Pebbles" Reid, who had started her own management and production company, Pebbitone. Impressed by the girls, Reid renamed the group TLC, an initialism for the names Tionne, Lisa, and Crystal. Reid arranged an audition for them with local record label LaFace Records, run by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Reid's then-husband, Antonio "L.A." Reid.

Antonio Reid saw potential in Watkins and Lopes as performers, but felt that Jones should be replaced. According to Jones, things began to unravel for her after Pebbles denied the group the opportunity to take home the contracts that Pebbitone had drafted. Jones did not want to sign before having the contract reviewed by others and perhaps a lawyer.[11] In contrast, Watkins's recollection of Jones's departure is that both she and Lopes asked Jones to leave the group before their initial contracts were negotiated.[12]

On February 28, 1991, Watkins and Lopes signed production, management, and publishing deals with Pebbitone,[13] with Perri Reid becoming their general manager. As they looked for a replacement for Jones, the two-member TLC made its first recorded appearance on a track for LaFace act Damian Dame's self-titled 1991 LP.[14] Pebbles found the third member in Rozonda Thomas, one of Damian Dame's part-time backup dancers.

Thomas was signed to the act in April 1991, and to maintain TLC's name as an acronym for the girls' names, Watkins became "T-Boz", Lopes became "Left-Eye", and Thomas became "Chilli".[13] The girls were then signed to LaFace in May through the production deal with Pebbitone;[13] their records would be distributed by Arista Records/BMG. TLC was immediately set up to go into the studio with Reid and Edmonds, Dallas Austin, Jermaine Dupri, and Marley Marl producing their first album. The new trio debuted as backing vocalists on "Rebel (With a Cause)", a track on Jermaine Jackson's sole album for LaFace, You Said (1991).

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Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Roc-A-Fella Records Part 2" hosted by DJButterrock    Roc-A-Fella Records was an American record label and music management company founded in 1994 by record executives and entrepreneurs Damon Dash, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke.[1] Carter issued his debut album, Reasonable Doubt (1996), as the label's first release, in a joint venture with Priority Records. The label signed and released albums for acts including Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Jadakiss, DJ Clue?, State Property, and The Diplomats before its dissolution in 2013.[2][3]

History
1994–2000: Formation and early years
Roc-A-Fella Records was founded in 1994.[4] After Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter had been rejected by major record labels, it began as an independent outlet for the rapper's debut album. Carter, Damon Dash and Kareem Burke started the label through Priority Records, using finances from Payday Records due to their singles-only deal.[5][6] The name "Roc-A-Fella" was conceived by rapper Tone Hooker as a double entendre for Rockefeller and a rapper dominating his opponent ("rocking a fella").[7] Though Reasonable Doubt (1996) didn't earn immediate commercial success, it spawned successful singles and earned Jay-Z regional popularity in hip hop. Starting out as Roc-A-Fella's only artist, Jay-Z was supported by the Notorious B.I.G.'s producer DJ Clark Kent and Camp Lo's producer DJ Ski; affiliated rappers, Sauce Money, Jaz-O, and a young Memphis Bleek, though only Memphis Bleek would eventually sign with the label in 1996. By this time, Roc-A-Fella's headquarters were located at 17 John Street in Lower Manhattan.[8]

In June 1997, Roc-A-Fella agreed to a 50/50 partnership and distribution deal with Def Jam Recordings. In November 1997, Roc-A-Fella released their first two albums under Def Jam's distribution, Jay-Z's sophomore album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, as well as R&B duo Christión's debut and only album for the label, Ghetto Cyrano, on the same day. Roc-A-Fella and Jay-Z saw increasing popularity, mainly due to a high-profile appearance by Jay on The Notorious B.I.G.'s posthumous Life After Death, complete with Roc-A-Fella and Damon Dash references. While Memphis Bleek signed with Roc-A-Fella, Sauce Money chose to pursue a deal with Priority, and Jaz-O refrained from signing anywhere and provided production for only one song on In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, "Rap Game/Crack Game." Despite Jaz-O not signing to Roc-A-Fella, he became Memphis Bleek's manager. In 1998, Roc-A-Fella Records released the movie Streets Is Watching and the accompanying soundtrack; the film compiles various Jay-Z videos into a continuous story, and the album introduced more affiliated, later Roc-A-Fella Records acts like Noreaga, M.O.P., and DJ Clue, as well as producer Irv Gotti and the short-lived group, Murder Inc. (namesake of Irv's record label, Murder Inc.).

Jay's 1998 album, Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life, saw him largely depart from his previous entourage and venture forth with producers Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, The 45 King and Jermaine Dupri. Vol. 2 spawned his first major hit, "Hard Knock Life", and became the label's first Platinum-RIAA certified release; it was the last Roc-A-Fella release to see appearances by Jaz-O or Sauce Money, and the first to feature new Roc artists Beanie Sigel and Amil. The label closed out 1998 with the December release of DJ Clue's debut album, The Professional, which saw guest appearances from Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek, and an appearance from later Roc-A-Fella artist Cam'Ron. The album was certified platinum by the RIAA, making DJ Clue the first act other than Jay-Z on the label to achieve platinum status. Meanwhile, DJ Ski had, at the time, formed the production company Roc-A-Blok, although the company folded when Ski moved out of New York to take a break from music.[9]

In August 1999, Memphis Bleek released his debut album Coming of Age through Roc-A-Fella. The album was executive produced by Kareem "Biggs" Burke, Damon Dash, and Jay-Z, and featured guest appearances from Roc-A-Fella artists Beanie Sigel and Jay-Z, as well as Dark Half and Da Ranjahz, who were signed to the label's subsidiary, The Carter Foundation. Despite their contributions, both Dark Half and Da Ranjahz eventually parted ways with The Carter Foundation. While Coming of Age didn’t reach the same level of success as Jay-Z’s albums, it achieved Gold status in the U.S., driven by the single "What You Think of That" featuring Jay-Z. Jay-Z's 1999 album Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter continued Jay's new affiliations with then-popular producers; in 2000, the label saw a redefinition in both sound and roster. Jay-Z put out The Dynasty: Roc La Familia as a solo album. Originally intended

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Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Roc-A-Fella Records" hosted by DJButterrock  Roc-A-Fella Records was an American record label and music management company founded in 1994 by record executives and entrepreneurs Damon Dash, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke.[1] Carter issued his debut album, Reasonable Doubt (1996), as the label's first release, in a joint venture with Priority Records. The label signed and released albums for acts including Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Jadakiss, DJ Clue?, State Property, and The Diplomats before its dissolution in 2013.[2][3]

History
1994–2000: Formation and early years
Roc-A-Fella Records was founded in 1994.[4] After Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter had been rejected by major record labels, it began as an independent outlet for the rapper's debut album. Carter, Damon Dash and Kareem Burke started the label through Priority Records, using finances from Payday Records due to their singles-only deal.[5][6] The name "Roc-A-Fella" was conceived by rapper Tone Hooker as a double entendre for Rockefeller and a rapper dominating his opponent ("rocking a fella").[7] Though Reasonable Doubt (1996) didn't earn immediate commercial success, it spawned successful singles and earned Jay-Z regional popularity in hip hop. Starting out as Roc-A-Fella's only artist, Jay-Z was supported by the Notorious B.I.G.'s producer DJ Clark Kent and Camp Lo's producer DJ Ski; affiliated rappers, Sauce Money, Jaz-O, and a young Memphis Bleek, though only Memphis Bleek would eventually sign with the label in 1996. By this time, Roc-A-Fella's headquarters were located at 17 John Street in Lower Manhattan.[8]

In June 1997, Roc-A-Fella agreed to a 50/50 partnership and distribution deal with Def Jam Recordings. In November 1997, Roc-A-Fella released their first two albums under Def Jam's distribution, Jay-Z's sophomore album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, as well as R&B duo Christión's debut and only album for the label, Ghetto Cyrano, on the same day. Roc-A-Fella and Jay-Z saw increasing popularity, mainly due to a high-profile appearance by Jay on The Notorious B.I.G.'s posthumous Life After Death, complete with Roc-A-Fella and Damon Dash references. While Memphis Bleek signed with Roc-A-Fella, Sauce Money chose to pursue a deal with Priority, and Jaz-O refrained from signing anywhere and provided production for only one song on In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, "Rap Game/Crack Game." Despite Jaz-O not signing to Roc-A-Fella, he became Memphis Bleek's manager. In 1998, Roc-A-Fella Records released the movie Streets Is Watching and the accompanying soundtrack; the film compiles various Jay-Z videos into a continuous story, and the album introduced more affiliated, later Roc-A-Fella Records acts like Noreaga, M.O.P., and DJ Clue, as well as producer Irv Gotti and the short-lived group, Murder Inc. (namesake of Irv's record label, Murder Inc.).

Jay's 1998 album, Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life, saw him largely depart from his previous entourage and venture forth with producers Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, The 45 King and Jermaine Dupri. Vol. 2 spawned his first major hit, "Hard Knock Life", and became the label's first Platinum-RIAA certified release; it was the last Roc-A-Fella release to see appearances by Jaz-O or Sauce Money, and the first to feature new Roc artists Beanie Sigel and Amil. The label closed out 1998 with the December release of DJ Clue's debut album, The Professional, which saw guest appearances from Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek, and an appearance from later Roc-A-Fella artist Cam'Ron. The album was certified platinum by the RIAA, making DJ Clue the first act other than Jay-Z on the label to achieve platinum status. Meanwhile, DJ Ski had, at the time, formed the production company Roc-A-Blok, although the company folded when Ski moved out of New York to take a break from music.[9]

In August 1999, Memphis Bleek released his debut album Coming of Age through Roc-A-Fella. The album was executive produced by Kareem "Biggs" Burke, Damon Dash, and Jay-Z, and featured guest appearances from Roc-A-Fella artists Beanie Sigel and Jay-Z, as well as Dark Half and Da Ranjahz, who were signed to the label's subsidiary, The Carter Foundation. Despite their contributions, both Dark Half and Da Ranjahz eventually parted ways with The Carter Foundation. While Coming of Age didn’t reach the same level of success as Jay-Z’s albums, it achieved Gold status in the U.S., driven by the single "What You Think of That" featuring Jay-Z. Jay-Z's 1999 album Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter continued Jay's new affiliations with then-popular producers; in 2000, the label saw a redefinition in both sound and roster. Jay-Z put out The Dynasty: Roc La Familia as a solo album. Originally intended

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Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of WuTang" hosted by DJButterrock

Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip-hop group formed in Staten Island, New York City, in 1992.[4] Its members include RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and, until his death in 2004, Ol' Dirty Bastard. Close affiliate Cappadonna later became an official member. They are credited for revitalizing East Coast hip hop[5][6] and are widely regarded as one of the greatest hip hop groups of all time.[7][8]

After signing to Steve Rifkind's label Loud Records in 1992, Wu-Tang Clan released their debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 1993; initially receiving positive reviews, it has since garnered widespread critical acclaim and is widely considered to be one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time.[9][10][11] Members of the group released solo albums between 1994 and 1996. In 1997, the group released their second album, Wu-Tang Forever. It debuted atop the Billboard 200 and was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 1998 Grammy Awards. The group later released the albums The W (2000), Iron Flag (2001), 8 Diagrams (2007), and A Better Tomorrow (2014), to less popularity. The only copy of their seventh album, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin (2015), was purchased for $2 million by former hedge fund manager Martin Shkreli,[12] making it the most expensive work of music ever sold.[13][14] In 2026, the group will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[15][16]

Wu-Tang Clan has introduced and launched the careers of a number of affiliated artists and groups, collectively known as the Wu-Tang Killa Bees.[17]

History
Founding
In the late 1980s, cousins Gary Grice, Robert Diggs, and Russell Jones formed a group named Force of the Imperial Masters, later known as the All in Together Now Crew.[18] Each member went under an alias: Grice as The Genius, Diggs as Prince Rakeem or The Scientist, and Jones as The Specialist.[19] The group never signed to a major label, but caught the attention of the New York City rap scene and was recognized by rapper Biz Markie.[20] By 1991, The Genius and Prince Rakeem were signed to separate record labels.[21] The Genius released Words from the Genius (1991) on Cold Chillin' Records and Prince Rakeem released Ooh I Love You Rakeem (1991) on Tommy Boy Records.[21] Both were soon dropped by their labels. They then adopted new monikers; The Genius became GZA (pronounced "jizza"), and Prince Rakeem became RZA (pronounced "rizza").[22] The Specialist also took on a new name and became known as Ol' Dirty Bastard.

RZA began collaborating with Dennis Coles, later known as Ghostface Killah, another rapper from the Stapleton Houses in Staten Island. The duo decided to create a hip-hop group whose ethos would be a blend of "Eastern philosophy picked up from kung fu movies, Five-Percent Nation teachings picked up on the New York streets, and comic books".[22] Wu-Tang Clan assembled in late 1992, with RZA as the de facto leader and the group's producer.[17] RZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard adopted the name for the group after the film Shaolin and Wu Tang.[23] The group developed backronyms for the name (as hip-hop pioneers such as KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane did with their names), including "We Usually Take All Niggas' Garments", "Witty Unpredictable Talent And Natural Game", and "Wisdom of the Universe, and the Truth of Allah for the Nation of the Gods".[23]

1992–96: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and solo albums

"C.R.E.A.M."
Duration: 24 seconds.0:24
"C.R.E.A.M." features two verses from Raekwon and Inspectah Deck, who discuss their upbringings while living in New York City. It samples the Charmels' 1967 song "As Long As I've Got You".
Problems playing this file? See media help.
Following their 1993 independent single "Protect Ya Neck", Wu Tang Clan began to gain a sizable underground following. Though there was some difficulty in finding a record label that would sign the Wu-Tang Clan while still allowing each member to record solo albums with other labels, Loud/RCA finally agreed, releasing their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), in November 1993. The album loosely adopted a Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang theme, dividing the album into Shaolin and Wu-Tang sections.[24] The album received critical acclaim, and to date is regarded as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time.[25][26][27] The success of their debut album established the group as a creative and influential force in the 1990s, allowing individual members to negotiate solo contracts.[21] RZA spoke on the Wu-Tang Clan's unorthodox business model:

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Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of AZ" hosted by DJButterrock
Anthony Cruz (born March 9, 1972), better known by his stage name AZ, is an American rapper. Best known for his work with fellow East Coast rapper Nas, the two formed the New York City-based hip hop group the Firm in 1996, along with Foxy Brown, Cormega and Nature.

Cruz most notably guest appeared on Nas' 1994 single "Life's a Bitch," and signed with EMI to release his debut studio album, Doe or Die (1995), which was met with critical acclaim. Its lead single, "Sugar Hill" (featuring Miss Jones) peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Moreover, The Firm's sole album (1997) peaked atop the Billboard 200 chart despite unfavorable critical response; the group disbanded two years later.[1]

Upon EMI's dissolution, he was transferred to its sister labels, Noo Trybe Records and Virgin Records, through which he released his second album, Pieces of a Man (1998), to continued acclaim. Afterward, Cruz signed with Motown and Universal Records to release his third and fourth albums, 9 Lives (2001) and Aziatic (2002).[2] The latter contained the song "The Essence" (featuring Nas), which earned a nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards.[2]

Online magazine About.com listed AZ as the "Most Underrated [Rapper] of All Time".[3] AZ also made it onto the site's "Top 50 MCs of Our Time (1987–2007)", where he was named "arguably the most underrated lyricist ever".

Early life
AZ was born in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn[4] to an African-American mother and a Dominican father. He grew up in East New York, Brooklyn, with his mother and sister.[4][5]

AZ started writing rap lyrics when he was 12 years old.[5] He attended Eli Whitney High School, with fellow Brooklyn rapper Jay-Z, until the vocational school closed down in the late 1980s.[6] In the early 1990s, he became friends with Nas, a young rapper from Queens.[4] Nas started working on his debut album Illmatic and invited AZ to work with him in the studio. AZ appeared on the album intro and had a verse on "Life's a Bitch". After Illmatic was released in 1994, EMI Records offered AZ a record deal.[4]

Career
1995–2001: Doe or Die, Pieces of a Man and 9 Lives

AZ performing in 1997
AZ's debut album Doe or Die was released by EMI Records on October 10, 1995. It features guest appearances by Nas and production from N.O. Joe, Pete Rock, L.E.S., and Buckwild, among others. Doe or Die was known for popularizing the theme of mafioso rap, alongside several albums, namely Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt and Nas's It Was Written. Doe or Die produced several singles, including "Mo Money, Mo Murder", "Gimme Yours", "Doe or Die" and "Sugar Hill", the last of which became his highest-charting single domestically and his sole Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, being certified Gold by the RIAA in September 1995.[7]

In 1998, Pieces of a Man, AZ's second album, was released via Noo Trybe Records.[8] His third album, 2001's 9 Lives, was released via Motown, peaking at No. 58 on the Billboard 200.

2002–2007: Aziatic, A.W.O.L. and The Format
AZ's fourth album Aziatic features a duet between AZ and long-time friend and collaborator, Nas, "The Essence", which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.[9] The album was mostly well received by critics, one such positive review from Brad Mills at Allmusic, states: "AZ has been looked upon to do amazing things with his music. Has he lived up to those high expectations on this album he has from start to finish. The beats on this album are complex, inventive, and almost perfectly suited for AZ's style of rhyming. He's carefully crafted this album rather than slapped it together overnight to meet his quota, and it shows. It helps immensely that he's brought along people like DR Period, Az Izz, Nas, and Buckwild, but they don't outshine the younger AZ as he holds his own well. AZ has come up with his best work in a long time on this album."[10]

On September 6, 2005, A.W.O.L., his fifth album, was released, becoming the first AZ album to be released on his own imprint, Quiet Money Records.[11]

AZ's sixth studio album The Format features production from Lil' Fame of M.O.P., Face Defeat, Emile, J. Cardim, Phonte, Statik Selektah and DJ Premier.[12] The album's lead single is its title track "The Format", which was produced by DJ Premier, with "Vendetta" as its B-Side. The Format also features the bonus track "Royal Salute", a retaliation to 50 Cent's song "What If" which included a line aimed at AZ. On October 7, 2007, Quiet Money released The Format (Special Edition), adding six bonus tracks including "Royal Salute".

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Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Remy Ma" hosted by DJButterrock
Reminisce Kioni Smith (formerly Mackie; born May 30, 1980), known professionally as Remy Ma, is an American rapper. Discovered by the late rapper Big Pun, she came to prominence for her work as a member of Fat Joe's group, Terror Squad. Her debut solo album, There's Something About Remy: Based on a True Story (2006), sold 37,000 copies in its first week. Ma's most commercially successful songs include "Lean Back", "Conceited", and "All the Way Up".

She is one of five multi-time winners of the BET Award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, which she won in 2005 and 2017.[2] Ma is the recipient of two Vibe Awards, two Source Awards, and has been nominated for four Grammy Awards. From 2015 to 2020, she starred on VH1's reality series Love & Hip Hop: New York, alongside her husband at the time, Papoose.[3]

Life and career
Early life and career beginnings
Smith was born in The Bronx, and grew up in Castle Hill Projects. She was exposed to her family's drug abuse and as a result was forced to take care of her younger brothers and sisters at an early age. She retreated from these home life issues by writing poetry.[4] Her reputation spread around the Bronx, eventually getting the attention of Big Pun. After a meeting and freestyle session, Pun took Ma under his wing and became her mentor.[5] Ma kickstarted her singing career under the name "Remy Martin" on Big Pun's album Yeeeah Baby, where she was featured on the tracks "Ms. Martin" and "You Was Wrong".[6]

True Story, There's Something About Remy: Based on a True Story (2004–2006)
After the death of Big Pun, rapper Fat Joe signed Ma to his imprint label under SRC and Universal where she became a member of his hip hop group Terror Squad. She appeared on their second and final album, True Story, released on July 27, 2004. Their single, "Lean Back", which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks beginning August 21, 2004, garnered Ma her first Grammy nomination.

On February 7, 2006, Ma released her debut album There's Something About Remy: Based on a True Story, which was supported by the singles "Whuteva", "Conceited" and "Feels So Good". The album was a critical success, but a disappointment financially, moving 37,000 units in its opening week and 158,000 units within the first year. Remy was frustrated at the way the album was being promoted by Universal and tensions between her and the label caused a rift between Ma and Fat Joe. Ma and Universal parted ways, and she severed her associations with Joe and the Terror Squad.[7]

Incarceration and mixtapes (2007–2014)
On February 13, 2007, Ma told Billboard that she was working on her second album, PunisHer, as well as a collaboration album as part of the all-female rap supergroup 3Sum, alongside female rappers Shawnna and Jacki-O.[8]

In July 2007, Remy was arrested for shooting Makeda Barnes-Joseph at a Manhattan nightspot. She was found guilty on assault, weapons, and attempted coercion charges; on May 13, 2008, she was sentenced to eight years in prison. She maintained that the shooting was an accident.[9]

While incarcerated, she released the mixtapes The BX Files, Shesus Khryst and Blasremy. In 2011, Ma's music was featured and discussed in the documentary Black Lifestyle in Japan, where she was praised for her style and listed as one of the most frequently listened to hip-hop musicians in Japan, among younger women.[10]

Ma was released from prison in 2014 after serving six years in prison.[11] On October 31, 2014, she released the mixtape I'm Around. On April 28, 2015, she released Remy on the Rocks, a compilation of various tracks from her mixtapes.

Love & Hip Hop and television career, Plata O Plomo (2015–2017)
On July 7, 2015, Ma announced that she was joining Love & Hip Hop: New York for its sixth season, alongside her husband Papoose.[12][3] She continued to appear on the show as a series regular in seasons seven, eight, nine and ten, as well as starring in the spin-off show Remy & Papoose: Meet the Mackies, and the specials Remy & Papoose: A Merry Mackie Holiday, Dirty Little Secrets, The Love Edition, Love & Hip Hop Awards: Most Certified and 40 Greatest Love & Hip Hop Moments: The Reboot.

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Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of MO3" hosted by DJButterrock

Melvin Abdul Noble Jr. (May 31, 1992 – November 11, 2020), known professionally as MO3, was an American rapper from Dallas, Texas, known for his 2020 single "Broken Love" (remixed featuring Kevin Gates), which received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[1][2]

His collaborative album with Boosie Badazz, BadAzz Mo3, moderately entered the U.S. Billboard 200. His posthumous album, Shottaz 4Eva (2021) reached number 36 on the chart.[3][4] He guest appeared on the remix of OG Bobby Billions’ 2021 single "Outside", which peaked at number 92 on the Billboard Hot 100.[5]

On November 11, 2020, MO3 was shot and killed in Dallas. In March 2025, fellow Dallas rapper Yella Beezy was indicted for his murder.[6]

Early life and career
MO3 was born in McKinney, Texas. He later moved to North Dallas, where he was raised.

His debut mixtape, Shottaz, was released in 2014. The same year, MO3 released his single "Hold Ya Tongue", a remix of Texas rapper Mr. Lucci,[citation needed] which resulted in him gaining buzz throughout the region.[7][2]

In 2016, MO3 released Shottaz Reloaded, a project with numerous hits that gained the attention of Boosie Badazz, who at the time wanted to sign him.[7][2]

Personal life
Noble was the father of three children, two girls and one boy.[8]

Death
Noble was shot and killed on November 11, 2020, at the age of 28. While driving on Interstate 35 in Dallas, Noble was pursued by another vehicle, leading him to stop his car in the center lane of the highway. The shooter stopped his car and approached Noble’s vehicle.[9]

Noble tried to retrieve a weapon but was unsuccessful and attempted to escape on foot. White chased Noble and shot him multiple times with a rifle before fleeing in his dark colored vehicle, believed to be a 2015 Chevrolet Camaro. Noble was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.[9]

Two suspects were arrested for his murder: the gunman Kewon Dontrell White on December 9, 2020,[10] and Devin Maurice Brown on April 23, 2021.[11]

On March 20, 2025, Markies Conway (also known as Yella Beezy) was arrested by Dallas County Texas in connection with felony capital murder-for-hire charges of MO3 in the State of Texas vs. Conway, Markies (Case #F-25-00154).[12] The charges allege that Conway hired White to carry out the murder of Noble.[6]

In August 2023, Noble's estate filed a lawsuit against Ray Gene Bollin, Jr., an audio technician and owner of Absolut Production Recording Studios, over claims made by Bollin that he was entitled to an ownership stake in seventy-eight previously released recordings and fifty-one unreleased recordings.[13] Bollin also claimed that he was owed money for use of the studio. In May 2025, a federal jury in Sherman, Texas, ruled in favor of MO3’s estate, finding that Noble has sole ownership over the recordings.[13]

On September 4, 2026, a Dallas County jury found Kewon White, who was alleged to have been hired by Conway to carry out the murder of Noble, guilty of capital murder.[14] Immediately following his conviction, White was sentenced to life in prison without parole.[15]

In addition to White and Conway, a third defendant was also charged with capital murder over Noble's murder, Devin Brown.[14]

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