Positive K

Last updated
Positive K
Positive K 2018.png
Positive K in 2018
Background information
Birth nameDarryl Gibson
Also known asPos K
Born (1967-08-09) August 9, 1967 (age 56)
Origin The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s)
Years active1985–present
Labels
Website PositiveK.com

Positive K (sometimes stylized as +K) (born Darryl Gibson on August 9, 1967) is an American MC and songwriter from the Bronx, New York City, New York, and one of the original artists of the First Priority Music camp. He is best known for his hits "I'm Not Havin' It" (a duet with MC Lyte) and his 1992 hit "I Got a Man". [1]

Contents

Early life

Darryl Gibson was born August 8, 1967, and was raised in the Bronx, New York and spent much of his childhood near Richman (Echo) Park where early hip hop DJs Grandmaster Flash, DJ Sinbad and Busy Bee would throw block parties. He was inspired as a child to rap when one day The Fearless Four were performing in his neighborhood and invited him to say a rhyme on their mic. [2] Gibson's first musical endeavor was a short-lived rap group with his family named Disco Cousins, and he rapped under the name Baby Breeze. [2]

Later, while a member of the Five-Percent Nation, Gibson joined the rap group Almighty God Committee from Queens, rapping under the name Positive Knowledge Allah. However, after their DJ played the wrong side of a record at a televised rap contest and the rest of the group walked offstage, Gibson continued on as a solo act under the shortened name Positive K. [2]

Solo career

Glenn Toby, a fellow Queens rapper known as Mr Sweety G, produced Positive K's first solo record "Getting Paid" for the short-lived independent label Star Maker Records. The track brought him recognition after it was included on the label's showcase album Fast Money, a 1986 compilation featuring Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock's debut recording and a track by hip hop pioneer Disco Dave. [3]

In 1987, Positive K signed to Nat Robinson's First Priority Music under the management of Lumumba Carson (the son of activist Sonny Carson) who would later become better known as X-Clan founding member Professor X The Overseer. [2] With the guidance and production skills of Grand Puba of Brand Nubian and Daddy-O of Stetsasonic, Positive K released a number of songs that appeared on various underground compilations. His 1989 duet with MC Lyte "I'm Not Havin' It" was Positive K's first song to land on a Billboard music chart and it helped further establish his reputation in hip hop. [4] Positive K soon left First Priority Music, feeling there was favoritism happening with the owner's relatives on the label. [2]

After leaving First Priority Music, Positive K began working closely with Big Daddy Kane, whom he'd met through a mutual friend. He would bring Positive K on stage to freestyle with Jay-Z and Sauce Money. [2] Guest spots on Brand Nubian’s One for All and Grand Puba's Reel to Reel along with his self-released, Big Daddy Kane-produced single "Nightshift" generated enough interest to land him a major record label deal.

The Skills Dat Pay Da Bills , Positive K's 1992 full-length debut on Island Records, balanced themes of Nation of Gods and Earths with gangsta-isms and more pop-based moments. The album's most successful single was "I Got a Man," a track loosely based on his earlier duet with MC Lyte "I'm Not Havin' It." This time, however, he pitch-shifted his own vocals to perform the lines of the track's female rapper himself. [5] [6] "I Got A Man" reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1993. Meanwhile, he kept his Creative Control label in operation, signing and cultivating new talent.

Later that year, Positive K was featured in a remix of the song "Come To Butt-head" with Beavis and Butt-head on the soundtrack album for the film The Beavis and Butt-head Experience . The song is hidden at the end of the album on the same track as "I Got You Babe," performed by Beavis and Butt-head with Cher. The same year, Positive K briefly appeared in the Robert De Niro film A Bronx Tale as an angry protester [5] and was featured on WYBE's Old School Show, where he was awarded the #3 slot on the list of early hip hop pioneers.

After touring extensively to promote The Skills Dat Pay Da Bills, Positive K focused his efforts on other interests. Island Records had wanted him to record a full album with Grand Puba, but only one song, "Back Together Again," was recorded and the track never saw release. Instead, he started a promotion company, handling record promotions for Def Jam Recordings and London Records, and booked acts in his Harlem studio. [7] During this time, he also worked with Outkast, Rampage and Puff Daddy. [2] Eventually he became fed up with the music business and took a short break from it. [2]

In late 1996, Positive K re-emerged and told Billboard Magazine that his sophomore album, due out in February 1997, would be named Straight To The Moon. He explained the album, like his debut, would be released on both his personal record label Creative Control as well as Island Records, and would feature guest appearances by Al Green and Harry Connick Jr. [8] Its Teddy Riley-produced lead single "Black Cinderella" saw an independent label 1996 release on PosK Records [9] but the full album never materialized.

Positive K has continued to release music over the last 20+ years without duplicating his earlier success of "I Got a Man," earning him the status of one hit wonder. In 2007, he appeared on Nas' track "Where Are They Now ('90s Remix)." [10] In 2008, a compilation album Back to the Old School was released under the EchoVista label. [11] In 2015, Positive K teamed with Greg Nice on his song "Make It Happen" [12] which led to a pairing that would result in a full-length album in 2017, preceded by its lead single was "Bring It." [13] The pair refer to themselves individually as PK Dolla and N.I. and collectively as Gr8te Mindz, but the album is sold online under the artist name "Positive K and Greg Nice."

Positive K told Unkut in 2013 that his next solo effort would be titled Pos K In The Extreme, but it has yet to surface. [2]

Discography

Albums

List of albums, with selected chart positions
TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
US
[14] 		US
R&B
[15]
The Skills Dat Pay da Bills 16850
Back to the Old School
(compilation)
  • Released: September 16, 2008
  • Label: Echo-Vista
  • Format: CD, digital download
——
Gr8te Mindz
(with Greg Nice)
  • Released: March 10, 2017
  • Label: Brainbust
  • Format: CD, digital download
——
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

YearSongUSUKCertificationsAlbum
Hot 100R&BRap
1987"Quarter Gram Pam"—————single only
1988"I'm Not Havin' It"
(with MC Lyte)		——16——
"Step Up Front"—————
1991"Night Shift"——17——The Skills Dat Pay da Bills
1992"I Got a Man"1410145
"Ain't No Crime"——16——
1993"Car Hoppers"—————
1995"Mr Jiggalino"—————single only
1996"What You Want"—————
"Black Cinderella"—92———
1997"How Yah Livin'"—————
1999"E & J"—————
"Feel Good 'Bout Myself"—————
2001"Supreme Alphabet"—————
2009"I'm Not Havin' It (re-recorded)" /
"I Got a Man (re-recorded)"		—————
2015"Make It Happen"
(with Greg Nice)		—————
2017"Bring It"
(with Greg Nice)		—————Gr8te Mindz

[17] [18] [19] [20] [13] [21] [22] [23]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3rd Bass</span> American hip hop group

3rd Bass was an American hip hop group that was active in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Formed by MC Serch, Pete Nice, and DJ Richie Rich, the group was notable for being one of the first successful interracial hip hop acts. Along with Beastie Boys and producer Rick Rubin, MC Serch and Pete Nice were two of the very few white hip hop artists who were widely respected in the community. The group dissolved in 1992 and again in 2000 and 2013 after short-lived reunions. The group released two studio albums in their initial career and both of them were certified gold by the RIAA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MC Lyte</span> Hip hop artist, l author, activist and entrepreneur

Lana Michele Moorer, better known by her stage name MC Lyte, is an American rapper, DJ, and entrepreneur. Considered one of the pioneers of female rap, Lyte first gained fame in the late 1980s, becoming the first solo female rapper to release a full album with 1988's critically acclaimed Lyte as a Rock. She released a total of eight solo studio albums and an EP with Almost September.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brand Nubian</span> American hip hop band

Brand Nubian is an American hip hop group from New Rochelle, New York, composed of three emcees, and formerly three DJs. Their debut studio album, One for All (1990), is one of the most popular and acclaimed alternative hip hop albums of the 1990s, known for socially conscious and political lyrics inspired by the teachings of The Nation of Gods and Earths. In 2008, About.com placed the group on its list of the 25 Greatest Rap Groups of All Time.

Christian hip hop is a cross-genre of contemporary Christian music and hip hop music. It emerged from urban contemporary music and Christian media in the United States during the 1980s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jermaine Dupri</span> American record producer, rapper, and songwriter

Jermaine Dupri Mauldin is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, record executive, entrepreneur, and DJ.

<i>The Art of War</i> (Bone Thugs-n-Harmony album) 1997 studio album by Bone Thugs-n-Harmony

The Art of War is the third studio album by hip hop group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony which was released on July 29, 1997. The album sold 394,000 units in its first week of release. The album was certified quadruple Platinum by the RIAA in June 1998. It was the first double-album from Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. The album included the platinum-single "Look into My Eyes", and the gold-single "If I Could Teach the World". The whole album is produced by DJ U-Neek.

"Back in the Day" is a 2003 hip-hop song by Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, featuring guest vocals from Jay-Z and Elliott protégé Tweet. The song appears on her 2002 album Under Construction and was at one time planned for release as a single. It peaked at #86 on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart in 2003 before being scrapped as a single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tag Team (group)</span> American hip hop duo

Tag Team is an American hip-hop/pop-rap duo residing in Atlanta, Georgia. They are best known for their 1993 single "Whoomp! ", which appeared in a number of advertisements, films, and TV shows. The duo is made up of Cecil Glenn and Steve Gibson.

This is the discography of American rapper KRS-One.

<i>Lyte as a Rock</i> 1988 studio album by MC Lyte

Lyte as a Rock is the debut studio album by American hip hop recording artist MC Lyte. It was released on April 19, 1988 via First Priority and Atlantic Records, and featured production from Audio Two, Prince Paul, King of Chill and his group, Alliance.

<i>I Dont Care: The Album</i> 1990 studio album by Audio Two

I Don't Care: The Album is the second and final studio album by American hip hop duo Audio Two. It was released in 1990 through First Priority Music with distribution by Atlantic Records. Production was handled by its members Milk Dee and DJ Gizmo along with the King of Chill and Terence Dudley. It features guest appearances from MC Lyte and Positive K. I Don't Care: The Album was not a success, only peaking at number 74 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and spawning two singles: "On the Road Again" and "I Get the Papers". Its lead single, "On the Road Again", peaked at number 16 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.

<i>Eyes on This</i> 1989 studio album by MC Lyte

Eyes on This is the second studio album American hip hop recording artist MC Lyte. It was released on October 3, 1989, via First Priority and Atlantic Records, and featured production from Audio Two, as well as Grand Puba, The King of Chill, Marley Marl and PMD.

<i>Act Like You Know</i> 1991 studio album by MC Lyte

Act Like You Know is the third studio album by American hip hop recording artist MC Lyte. It was released on September 17, 1991, by First Priority Music, distributed by Atlantic Records, and featured production from Audio Two, The 45 King, Ivan "Doc" Rodriguez, The King of Chill, Pal Joey, Epic Mazur, Richard Wolf and DJ Master Tee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cha Cha Cha (MC Lyte song)</span> 1989 single by MC Lyte

Cha Cha Cha is the lead single from MC Lyte's second album Eyes on This. Produced by King Of Chill, who also has songwriting credits, it was released on September 8, 1989.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MC Lyte discography</span>

The following is the discography of MC Lyte, an American hip hop musician.

<i>The First Priority Music Family: Basement Flavor</i> 1988 compilation album by Various artists

The First Priority Music Family: Basement Flavor is a hip hop compilation album, released on December 15, 1988, on First Priority/Atlantic Records. The single "I'm Not Havin' It" by Positive K and MC Lyte peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart in 1989.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruffneck (song)</span> 1993 single by MC Lyte

"Ruffneck" is a hip hop song recorded by American rapper MC Lyte. It was published on May 27, 1993, as the lead single from her fourth studio album, Ain't No Other (1993). The song was produced by Aqil Davidson with Walter "Mucho" Scott, who along with Lyte have songwriting credits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can't Nobody Hold Me Down</span> 1997 single by Puff Daddy featuring Mase

"Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" is the debut single by rapper Puff Daddy. It appears on Puff Daddy's debut studio album No Way Out and it was released as his first single in 1997. The single was released through BMG Music, Arista Records and Puff Daddy's Bad Boy Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cappucino (song)</span> 1989 single by MC Lyte

Cappucino is the third and final single from MC Lyte's album Eyes on This. It was published on August 2, 1990. In its single version it is a remix by Ivan "Doc" Rodríguez of the original version of the album produced by Marley Marl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Not Havin' It</span> 1989 single by Positive K and MC Lyte

"I'm Not Havin' It" is a song by American rappers Positive K and MC Lyte. It was included on the 1988 compilation album The First Priority Music Family: Basement Flavor and released as a single the following year. The B-side "A Good Combination", by Positive K as solo artist, is the main song in some versions of the single.

References

  1. ↑ Coyle, Jake (June 22, 2006). "Furtado adds to musical history". Press-Enterprise . Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "A Tribute To Ignorance (Remix)". Unkut.com. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  3. ↑ "Fast Money (1986, Vinyl)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  4. ↑ "Positive K: Biography". Billboard. Retrieved Sep 18, 2014.
  5. 1 2 "BET Her". BET.com. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  6. ↑ "Rap and Feminism Do Mix : Surprise! Videos by Positive K and Paris put a positive spin on respect for women". Los Angeles Times . 16 May 1993. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  7. ↑ Billboard Dec 14, 1996. p. 21. He toured extensively, blew the muck up, then exited the spotlight. He wasn't chillin' though. "I started my own promotion company ... That demanded a lot of time, and I was also booking my studio in Harlem..."
  8. ↑ Billboard Dec 14, 1996. p. 21. The title of K's forthcoming set, due in February '97 on Creative Control/Island, is "Straight To The Moon"... The set will feature such songs as "Be Good To Me, " a planned collaboration with buttery black pop preacher Al Green; a remake of "Mr. Bojangles" featuring Harry Connick Jr... and "Black Cinderella," the respectful lead track from the album that was produced by Teddy Riley.
  9. ↑ "Positive K - Black Cinderella". Discogs.com. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  10. ↑ "Nas – Where Are They Now (Remix) (2007, Vinyl)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  11. ↑ "Positive K – Back To The Oldschool (2008, CD)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  12. ↑ "Positive K - Make It Happen feat. Greg Nice". Soundcloud.com. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  13. 1 2 "DaGreatMinds on Facebook". Facebook . Legendary hip hop artists Greg Nice & Positive K are GREAT MINDS. ... BRING IT is the first single
  14. ↑ "Positive K Album & Song Chart History – Billboard 200". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  15. ↑ "Positive K Album & Song Chart History – R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  16. ↑ "American single certifications – Positive K – I Got a Man". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved July 5, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Positive K". Discogs. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  18. ↑ "Positive K - Chart history : Billboard". Billboard . Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  19. ↑ "Positive K - Chart history (R&B/Hip-Hop) : Billboard". Billboard . Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  20. ↑ "Make it Happen (Feat. Greg Nice) - Single by Positive K on Apple Music". iTunes . Archived from the original on 2017-04-18. Retrieved 2017-04-17.
  21. ↑ "Hot Rap Songs Chart". Billboard. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  22. ↑ "Hot Rap Songs Chart". Billboard. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  23. ↑ "Hot Rap Songs Chart". Billboard. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.