M.O.P.

Last updated
M.O.P.
Mop-04-mika.jpg
M.O.P. in 2001
Background information
Also known as
  • Mash Out Posse
  • The Marxmen
Origin Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
Genres
Years active1992–present
Labels
MembersLil' Fame
Billy Danze

M.O.P. (short for Mash Out Posse) is an American hip-hop duo composed of rappers Billy Danze and Lil' Fame, best known for their song "Ante Up." [1] [2] The group has frequently collaborated with DJ Premier. The group is part of the Gang Starr Foundation. Fame occasionally produces under the moniker Fizzy Womack, and has produced tracks on every M.O.P. release since 1996's Firing Squad . He has also worked for other artists, including Kool G Rap and Wu-Tang Clan. [3]

Contents

Origin

Lil' Fame (Jamal Grinnage; born April 9, 1976) [4] and Billy Danze (Eric Murray; born November 15, 1974) [4] grew up together in the neighborhood of Brownsville, Brooklyn. They formed a street gang called Mash Out Posse [2] . They later formed a hip hop duo under the same name. Danze reported that they kept "losing people in between albums;" their music often reflects emotional themes with a driving beat. [5]

Performing in Hamburg, Germany, in 1999 Mop-06-mika.jpg
Performing in Hamburg, Germany, in 1999

History

Rise to Fame (1992–2005)

After contributing to the 1992 compilation The Hill That's Real, M.O.P. debuted in 1993 with the single "How About Some Hardcore?", which appeared on the soundtrack for the film House Party 3 . [6] The underground success of their single, promoted by a low-budget video from then-unknown director Hype Williams, led to their debut album To the Death . [5] It was released in 1994 through the small label Select Records, almost fully produced by DR Period.

In 1996, M.O.P. released their second album, Firing Squad, [7] under the slightly larger label Relativity Records. Production duties now involved Gang Starr's DJ Premier and Lil' Fame himself, and the group continued to grow their following.[ citation needed ] In 1998 M.O.P. released the Handle Ur Bizness EP, soon followed by the album First Family 4 Life . Once again, much of the record was produced by DJ Premier and Lil' Fame. The album also featured guest appearances by Guru of Gang Starr, Treach of Naughty by Nature, OC of Diggin' in the Crates Crew and Jay-Z. The album was the most-stolen album from New York City's HMV stores in 1998. [6]

In 2000, they released their fourth album, Warriorz , this time through Loud Records. Mainstream radio began playing the first single, "Ante Up", produced by DR Period, with whom they had not worked with since their debut. The single was a hit and propelled the album to #25 on the Billboard 200 chart. [8] The follow-up single, "Cold As Ice", a self produced track (which featured a sample of "Cold As Ice" by Foreigner), also received radio airplay, [5] although partially censored for radio play. It was used in the UK on a TV advert for Maclean's Ice Whitening toothpaste. Both "Ante Up" and "Cold as Ice" reached the top ten on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at #7 and #4 respectively. [9] In 2001, M.O.P. collaborated with Krumbsnatcha to make the song "W.O.L.V.E.S.", which appeared on the soundtrack for the film Training Day . [10]

In 2001, a successful remix of "Ante Up" was released featuring Busta Rhymes, Remy Ma, and Teflon. [5] That same year, they collaborated on a song titled "Life is Good" with the pop group LFO. The song reached #40 on Billboard's Hot Singles Sales chart. [11] Both singles continued the Posse's mainstream success.

In 2002, Loud Records folded, leaving the group stranded. In 2003, Loud's parent label Sony/Columbia issued a greatest hits album titled 10 Years and Gunnin'. M.O.P. later joined Jay-Z and Damon Dash's Roc-A-Fella Records. [5] Their first recording for the label was a guest appearance on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse ; they were set to release their album titled Ghetto Warfare , but the anticipated album was shelved. Two other albums were recorded: one titled The Last Generation, and the other titled Kill Nigga Die Slo Bluckka Bluckka Bloaoow Blood Sweat Tears and We Out. [12] A Dash-produced track "It's That Simple" with Spice Girl Victoria Beckham was created, and received a premiere on radio stations in July 2003. This generated mixed reviews and further criticism, specifically that Beckham was unconvincing as an urban act.

During this period, the group released a slew of mixtapes and appeared on soundtracks to films such as Bad Boys II . They contributed two songs ("Ground Zero" and "Put it in the Air") to the video game NFL Street 2 , and ("Fire") to Fight Night 2004 . They also contributed Ante Up to the third installment of the popular Midnight Club racing video game series. In 2004, M.O.P. joined the American rap rock band Linkin Park on the second stage of the Projekt Revolution Tour. [3]

The group also released a mixtape called Marxmen Cinema (under the name The Marxmen), as well as a self-titled rap rock album (under the name Mash Out Posse) recorded as a collaboration with heavy metal group Shiner Massive. [6] In 2004, Damon Dash sold his share of Roc-A-Fella to new Def Jam president, Jay-Z, and kept M.O.P. on his new label, Dame Dash Music Group. Following this, the group announced their departure from Roc-A-Fella and Dame Dash in May 2005. [12]

Modern Success (2005–present)

In 2005, M.O.P. began affiliating with 50 Cent's G-Unit Records, around the same time as Queens rap duo Mobb Deep. [13] In July of the same year they were signed to the label. [14] The duo completed the song "When Death Becomes You" with 50 Cent which was featured on the Get Rich or Die Tryin' soundtrack, [15] and also contributed their rap vocals in a remix of "I'll Whip Ya Head Boy". [16] At the end of the year, M.O.P. released a compilation album entitled M.O.P. Salutes the St. Marxmen , consisting of both new and old tracks. [17] In July 2006, M.O.P released the long-shelved Ghetto Warfare . [18]

In February 2008, M.O.P. separated from G-Unit Records, due to creative differences. [19] Billy and Fame released their next album, The Foundation, in 2009 on E1 Music. The album featured production from DJ Premier, Statik Selektah, The Alchemist, and Jake One, and guest appearances from Heltah Skeltah, Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Beanie Sigel, Styles P and Redman. [20] The first single from the album "Blow the Horns" featuring Busta Rhymes, and "Street Life," a collaboration with dancehall artist Demarco, were both released on the internet.

On October 14, 2008, M.O.P. filed suit in a New York Federal Court against World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and John Cena. The group argues that Cena and the WWE stole parts of their song "Ante Up" for Cena's theme song "The Time is Now". The theme song is also featured as the first track on Cena's album You Can't See Me . The lawsuit has since been dropped, and it is unknown if a settlement was reached outside of court. [4]

In June 2009, Wu-Tang Chamber Music compilation album was released, majority of which was produced by Lil' Fame (as Fizzy Womack). [21] M.O.P. themselves appeared on the track "Ill Figures" alongside Raekwon and Kool G Rap. [22] Lil' Fame also produced the 2011 Wu-Tang Clan compilation Legendary Weapons alongside Noah Rubin and Andrew Kelley. [23]

On October 24, 2011, M.O.P. released "Get Yours", [24] their first single from their collaborative album Sparta with the German production team Snowgoons, on Babygrand Records. [25]

Lil Fame and Termanology teamed up on a collaborative album, Fizzyology . It was released on November 6, 2012, via Brick Records. [26]

On November 18, 2014, M.O.P. released a new EP, Street Certified, on Nature Sounds. It is executive produced by DJ Premier and features guest appearances from Maino, Mobb Deep and Busta Rhymes. [27] In 2019, M.O.P. released the single "Never Give Up" with DJ Tomekk. [28]

Danze and Fame each contributed a verse to DJ Kayslay's 2020 track "Rolling 50 Deep" alongside 48 other MCs [29] .

1999 Mop-01-mika.jpg
1999

Discography

Studio albums

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raekwon</span> American rapper (born 1970)

Corey Woods, better known by his stage name Raekwon, is an American rapper. He rose to prominence as a founding member of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, which achieved mainstream success following the release of their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang , in 1993. Raekwon would subsequently pursue a solo career, releasing his first solo album, entitled Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., in 1995. The album received critical acclaim, and is regarded by many critics as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, as well as a staple of 1990s rap.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inspectah Deck</span> American rapper and producer

Jason Richard Hunter, better known by his stage name Inspectah Deck, is an American rapper and hip hop producer. He is a member of the groups Wu-Tang Clan and Czarface.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roc-A-Fella Records</span> American hip hop record label

Roc-A-Fella Records was an American hip hop record label and music management company founded by record executives and entrepreneurs Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Damon Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke in 1994. Carter issued his debut album, Reasonable Doubt (1996) as the label's first release, in a joint venture with Priority Records. The label has signed and released albums for acts including Kanye West, Cam'ron, Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, Juelz Santana, Freeway, Jadakiss, Teairra Marí, State Property, and The Diplomats before its dissolution in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ill Bill</span> American rapper and record producer

William Braunstein, professionally known by his stage name Ill Bill, is an American rapper and record producer from Brooklyn, New York City. Having gained fame in the underground hip hop group Non Phixion, Ill Bill is known for his diverse lyrics and as the producer, founder and CEO of Uncle Howie Records. His brother Ron is rapper and producer Necro.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loud Records</span> Hip hop record label

Loud Records, LLC. is a record label founded by Steve Rifkind and Rich Isaacson in 1991. Rifkind served as the chief executive officer while Isaacson served as the president of the label.

<i>The Format</i> (album) 2006 studio album by AZ

The Format is the sixth solo studio album by American rapper AZ. It was released on November 7, 2006 via Quiet Money Records. Recording sessions took place at Chop Shop Studios in Brooklyn. Production was handled by Emile Haynie, J. Cardim, Lil' Fame, Arnold Mischkulnig, Bob Perry, DJ Premier, Face Defeat and Statik Selektah. It features guest appearances from Fresh, Big Pooh, Jha-Jha, M.O.P., Phonte, Ralo, and Samson.

<i>Warriorz</i> 2000 studio album by M.O.P.

Warriorz is the fourth full-length studio album released by M.O.P., a hip hop duo composed of emcees Billy Danze and Lil' Fame. The album was released on October 10, 2000. Despite the growing popularity of M.O.P., this album marked their last major-label-affiliated release. Loud Records folded in 2002 and M.O.P. did not follow other Loud artists to Columbia Records. Warriorz is M.O.P.'s most successful album by far. It debuted 65 places higher on the Billboard 200 charts than its previously highest-selling album, First Family 4 Life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Busta Rhymes discography</span>

American rapper Busta Rhymes has released eleven studio albums, three compilation albums, eight mixtapes, one hundred and nine singles, fourteen promotional singles and fifty-six music videos. Busta Rhymes signed his first recording contract with Elektra Records at the age of just 17, as a member of hip-hop group Leaders of the New School. Though the group would disband in 1994, a number of well-received guest appearances on songs by artists including A Tribe Called Quest and Mary J. Blige led Elektra to offer Busta Rhymes a solo contract in 1995. His debut studio album, The Coming, was released the following year, with lead single "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check" reaching number eight on the United States Billboard Hot 100 and being certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). As of 2019 Busta Rhymes has sold around 9,000,000 albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">M.O.P. discography</span>

American hip hop duo M.O.P. have released six studio albums, three compilation albums, one mixtape, one extended play (EP) and twenty-seven singles.

<i>Wu-Tang Chamber Music</i> 2009 compilation album by Wu-Tang Clan

Wu-Tang Chamber Music is a compilation album endorsed by Wu-Tang Clan, which was released through E1 Music/Universal Records on June 30, 2009. The album features performances by several Wu-Tang members and affiliates. The album was released to positive reviews from music critics. This album was followed up with the 2011 compilation album Legendary Weapons.

<i>Foundation</i> (M.O.P. album) 2009 studio album by M.O.P.

Foundation is the fifth studio album by the American hip hop duo M.O.P., from Brooklyn, New York. It was released on September 15, 2009 via E1 Music. Production was handled by DR Period, Statik Selektah, DJ Green Lantern, DJ Premier, Kil, M-Phazes, Nottz, Ron G, Taylor Made, and member Lil' Fame under his Fizzy Womack alias, with Laze-E-Laze serving as executive producer. It features guest appearances from DeMarco, Redman, Rell, Styles P, Termanology and The Revelations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Termanology</span> American rapper

Daniel Domingo Carrillo, better known by his stage name Termanology, is an American rapper and record producer. He first gained major attention with the 2006 single "Watch How It Go Down". A solo album, Politics as Usual, was released in 2008. He has made a number of collaborative albums, such as 1982 and is known also for his prolific mixtape output. He is of Puerto Rican and French descent.

<i>Blakroc</i> 2009 studio album by the Black Keys

Blakroc is a studio album by American rock band The Black Keys, in collaboration with Damon Dash, co-founder and former co-owner of Roc-A-Fella Records, who oversaw the project. The album features guest appearances from several hip hop and R&B acts, namely Mos Def, Nicole Wray, Pharoahe Monch, Ludacris, Billy Danze of M.O.P., Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, Jim Jones and NOE of ByrdGang, as well as Raekwon, RZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard of Wu-Tang Clan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snowgoons</span> German hip hop production team

Snowgoons is a German underground hip hop production team composed of DJ Illegal and Det Gunner. In 2011, producers Sicknature from Denmark and J.S. Kuster from Germany joined the group.

<i>The Green Ghost Project</i> 2010 studio album by Styles P & DJ Green Lantern

The Green Ghost Project is a collaborative studio album by American rapper Styles P and record producer DJ Green Lantern. It was released on February 2, 2010, via Invasion Music Group. Beside Green Lantern, production was handled by Alchemist, Buckwild, Dame Grease, Dutchez Beatz, Poobs, Scram Jones, Statik Selektah and Vinny Idol. It features guest appearances from Tre Williams, Dwayne Collins, June Summers, Junior Reid, M.O.P., Noreaga, Raekwon, S.I. and Uncle Murda, as well as Styles P's The Lox groupmates Jadakiss and Sheek Louch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ante Up (song)</span> 2000 single by M.O.P.

"Ante Up (Robbing-Hoodz Theory)" (rendered on digital platforms as "Ante Up (Robbin Hoodz Theory)", and also simply known as "Ante Up") is a song by American hip hop duo M.O.P. from their fourth studio album Warriorz (2000). Seen as their breakthrough single, it was released in 2000 and reached number 7 on the UK Singles Chart. A remix of the song features Busta Rhymes, Remy Martin and Teflon. The remix CD includes an additional version which features Funkmaster Flex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Currensy</span> American rapper (born 1981)

Shante Scott Franklin, better known by his stage name Currensy, is an American rapper. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, he signed with the regionally-based labels Cash Money Records and Young Money Entertainment in the mid-2000s, although he released no albums for both. He signed with DD172 to release four albums before signing with Warner Records to release his fifth album and major label debut, Weekend at Burnie's (2011). In February of that year, he founded the record label Jet Life Recordings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">M-Dot</span> American rapper

Michael Januario better known by his stage name M-Dot is an American rapper and producer. Before becoming a rap musician, Januario played college basketball at BHCC, MCLA and Fitchburg State.

<i>Fizzyology</i> 2012 studio album by Termanology & Lil Fame

Fizzyology is the first collaboration album from Termanology and M.O.P. member Lil' Fame. It was released on November 6, 2012 on Brick Records. Guest appearances by Bun B, Freeway, Busta Rhymes, Styles P, Lee Wilson, and Kira. Fizzy Womack produced the majority of the songs with the help of DJ Premier, The Alchemist, Statik Selektah, and J-Waxx Garfield.

<i>Wakedafucup</i> 2014 studio album by Onyx

#WakeDaFucUp is the sixth studio album by American hip hop group Onyx, released on March 18, 2014 by Goon MuSick. The album is entirely produced by Snowgoons. The album features guest appearances from Sean Price, Makem Pay, Papoose, Cormega, Dope D.O.D., Reks, Snak the Ripper and ASAP Ferg.

References

  1. ↑ Ryan, Chris (2004). "M.O.P.: Biography". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on December 1, 2007. Retrieved 2008-11-15.
  2. 1 2 Charles, Pat (2000-12-14). "M.O.P. Prove Hip-Hop's Fiercest Warriorz". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on 2006-05-08. Retrieved 2008-11-15.
  3. 1 2 Meyer, Frank (2008-06-03). "Freestyle 101: Lil' Fame (M.O.P.)". G4tv.com . Retrieved 2008-11-18.
  4. 1 2 3 "Cena Rumbles with Rappers Over Theme Music". TMZ.com . 2008-10-28. Retrieved 2008-11-18.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 "All about Mash Out Posse..." themashoutposse.com. 2004. Archived from the original on 2005-02-08. Retrieved 2008-11-15.
  6. 1 2 3 Shapiro, Peter (2005) "M.O.P." in The Rough Guide to Hip-Hop, 2nd edn., Rough Guides, ISBN   1-84353-263-8, p.259-261
  7. ↑ Larkin, Colin, ed. (1998). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Dance Music (1st ed.). Virgin Books. p. 208. ISBN   0-7535-0252-6.
  8. ↑ "Warriorz > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums". allmusic .
  9. ↑ "M.O.P. - full Official Chart History - Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  10. ↑ "Krumb Snatcha – W.O.L.V.E.S. Lyrics | Genius Lyrics". Genius.com. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
  11. ↑ "Hot Singles Sales: Life Is Good". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on July 2, 2014. Retrieved 2008-11-15.
  12. 1 2 Crosley, Hillary (2005-05-09). "M.O.P. Split From Roc-A-Fella And Dame Dash". MTV.com. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  13. ↑ Reid, Shaheem (May 23, 2005). "50 Cent Wants To Sign Mobb Deep, M.O.P. To G-Unit Records". MTV . Archived from the original on December 4, 2022. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  14. ↑ Watkins, Grouchy Greg (July 29, 2005). "M.O.P. Signs With G-Unit, Billy Danze Speaks". AllHipHop . Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  15. ↑ Breihan, Tom (November 7, 2005). "Various Artists: Get Rich or Die Tryin' OST". Pitchfork . Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  16. ↑ Roberson, Justin (May 8, 2013). "25 Rap Songs That Make Us Want To Punch Someone In the Face". Complex . Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  17. ↑ Watkins, Grouchy Greg (October 23, 2005). "M.O.P. Salutes the St. Marxmen". AllHipHop . Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  18. ↑ J-23 (July 29, 2011). "Lost & Found: 10 Great Hip Hop Albums From The Vault". HipHopDX . Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  19. ↑ "M.O.P. Leave G-Unit Records". Starpulse.com. World Entertainment News Network. 2008-02-07. Archived from the original on 2011-06-07. Retrieved 2008-11-15.
  20. ↑ "M.O.P. Will Release New Album Foundation on 06/30/09". Wiseguyz Entertainment LLC. 2009-05-12. Archived from the original on 2009-08-08. Retrieved 2017-07-21.
  21. ↑ Breihan, Tom (July 6, 2009). "Wu-Tang Clan: Wu-Tang Chamber Music". Pitchfork . Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  22. ↑ "Wu-Tang Clan - Chamber Music". HipHopDX . July 2, 2009. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  23. ↑ "Wu-Tang Clan Compilation "Legendary Weapons" Tracklisting Revealed". HipHopDX . June 7, 2011. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  24. ↑ "M.O.P. - Get Yours [Prod. Snowgoons]". HipHopDX . October 24, 2011. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  25. ↑ Lelinwalla, Mark (November 21, 2011). "M.O.P., Sparta". XXL . Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  26. ↑ "Lil Fame & Termanology = Fizzyology by Fizzyology". iTunes. 6 November 2012.
  27. ↑ Dowling, Marcus (November 25, 2014). "M.O.P. - Street Certified". HipHopDX . Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  28. ↑ Jones, Grant (February 19, 2024). "An ode to the Mash Out Posse – Part 5". RapReviews. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  29. ↑ "Kay Slay's Insane "Rolling 50 Deep" Features Raekwon, Ghostface, & 48 More Lyricists". HNHH. 13 November 2020.
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.