Posse cut

Last updated

A posse cut is a popular form of song in hip hop music that involves successive verses by four or more rappers. [1]

Contents

Tracks described as posse cuts by Rolling Stone include A Tribe Called Quest's "Scenario", [2] "Tha Shit" by The D.O.C., [3] "Doin' Our Own Dang" by Jungle Brothers, [4] "Monster" and "So Appalled" by Kanye West, and "Set It Off" by Snoop Dogg. [5] Tracks described by AllMusic as posse cuts include "Wu-Gambinos" by Raekwon, [6] "1, 2, 3" by Naughty by Nature, [7] and "Head Banger" by EPMD. [8]

History

Many classic early hip hop tracks, such as Afrika Bambaataa & the Soul Sonic Force's "Zulu Nation Throwdown", took the form of a posse cut. The posse cut became established in the eighties as a way for rappers to give exposure to their friends, or their posse. However, towards the end of the eighties and the start of the nineties, the posse cut began to be used as an "All-Stars" device to bring together rappers who had respect for each other's skills on the microphone, or a way to unite various well-known and respected artists to deliver an important message.

Notable examples

1980–90s

Notable Examples of Posse Cuts (1980s–90s)
TrackArtistsNotes
"The Symphony" Marley Marl, Masta Ace, Craig G, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane Allmusic describes it as "one of the best posse cuts in hip-hop history", [9] and "classic". [10]
"Parental Discretion Iz Advised"N.W.A, The D.O.C. The only track from the 1988 Straight Outta Compton album to feature verses from all rapping members of N.W.A, and a guest appearance from The D.O.C who also co-wrote several songs on the album.
"We're All in the Same Gang"West Coast Rap All-StarsA 1990 single by the West Coast Rap All-Stars, a collaboration of West Coast hip-hop artists that assembled for this song that promoted an anti-violence message. Produced by Dr. Dre, the song featured rapped verses from various artists.
"Live at the Barbeque" Main Source, Nas, Joe Fatal, Akinyele, Large Professor From their 1991 album Breaking Atoms . This song was the debut for Nas, and his verse was later sampled on "Genesis", the intro track to his debut album Illmatic (1994).
"Scenario" A Tribe Called Quest, Leaders of the New School Rolling Stone describes "Scenario" as "the ultimate posse cut", [2] and in Allmusic's review of "Scenario" they say, "not only did Tribe make history on The Low End Theory by putting together one of the best hip-hop albums of all time, they also opened up a hole in the sky for the emergence of the ever-unique and talented genius of Busta Rhymes". [11]
"Cowboys" The Fugees, Outsidaz A song by The Fugees from their 1996 album The Score . Besides verses from the existing Fugees, the song also features Outsidaz members.
"Make 'Em Say Uhh!" Master P, Fiend, Silkk The Shocker, Mia X, Mystikal From the 1997 album Ghetto D and the 1998 album MP da Last Don . The song features verses from various artists.
"Triumph"Wu-Tang ClanFrom the 1997 album Wu-Tang Forever . The song features verses from various members of Wu-Tang Clan.
"Banned from T.V." Noreaga, Big Pun, Nature, Cam'ron, Jadakiss, Styles P 1998 collaboration featuring various artists.
"The Anthem" Sway & King Tech, RZA, Eminem, Tech N9ne, Xzibit, Pharoahe Monch, and othersA 1999 posse cut featuring various artists. Described as a "classic posse cut". [1]

2000s–20s

Notable Examples of Posse Cuts (2000s–20s)
TrackArtistsNotes
"Candy (Drippin' Like Water)" Snoop Dogg, E-40, MC Eiht, Goldie Loc, Tha Dogg Pound, Ladybug MeccaFrom the album "Tha Blue Carpet Treatment". Produced by Rick Rock. [12]
"Its Okay (One Blood MegaMix)" Game, Jim Jones, Snoop Dogg, Nas, T.I., Fat Joe, Lil Wayne, N.O.R.E., Jadakiss, Styles P, Fabolous, Juelz Santana, Rick Ross, Twista, Tha Dogg Pound (Kurupt & Daz Dillinger), WC, E-40, Bun B, Chamillionaire, Slim Thug, Young Dro, Clipse (Pusha T & No Malice), Ja Rule The song begins with "Dre, I See More Dead People." It is 11 minutes and 50 seconds long. [13]
"The Last Huzzah!" Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire, Despot, Heems, Kool A.D., Danny Brown, El-P A remix of Exquire's "Huzzah". Named one of the best songs of 2011 by Rolling Stone . [14]
"Mercy"Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz From the album Cruel Summer . Hailed as the best song of 2012 by various publications, including SPIN Magazine . [15]
"Oldie" Odd Future, Tyler, the Creator, Hodgy Beats, Left Brain, Mike G, Domo Genesis, Frank Ocean, Jasper Dolphin, Earl Sweatshirt Posse cut from The OF Tape Vol. 2 .
"1 Train" ASAP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar, Joey Badass, Yelawolf, Danny Brown, Action Bronson, Big K.R.I.T. From the album Long. Live. ASAP . [16]
"Rosie at Rubber Tracks (known alternatively as "Sorry Bonita") PRO ERA, Dyemond Lewis, Chuck Strangers, Dirty Sanchez, A la $ole, Kirk Knight, Dessy Hinds, CJ Fly, Joey Bada$$ On the Summer Knights mixtape by Joey Bada$$, as "Sorry Bonita"; released in 2013. Can also be found on Underground Airplay 2: The New York Renaissance by Peter Rosenberg, released in 2013 as "Rosie at Rubber Tracks".
"Detroit vs. Everybody"2014 single off Shady Records's compilation album Shady XV , Eminem, DeJ Loaf, Royce Da 5'9, Big Sean, Danny Brown, Trick Trick
"Piñata" Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, Domo Genesis, G-Wiz, Casey Veggies, Sulaiman, Meechy Darko, Mac Miller On their collaborative 2014 album of the same name.
"Really Doe"Danny Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Earl Sweatshirt Released as a single for his 2016 album Atrocity Exhibition .
"RAF" ASAP Mob, ASAP Rocky, Playboi Carti, Quavo, Lil Uzi Vert, Frank OceanFrom their 2017 album Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy .
"Rolling 110 Deep" DJ Kay Slay, Sheek Louch, Styles P, Dave East, Crooked I, Black Thought, Conway the Machine, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Papoose, Loaded Lux, AZ, Bun B, Fred the Godson, Jim Jones, Ransom, Rah Digga, M.O.P., Trae The Truth, Joell Ortiz, Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz, Cory Gunz, Shaq Diesel, Roy Jones Jr., Kool DJ Red Alert, Redman, Young Buck, MC Serch, Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan, KRS-One, Jon Connor, Twista, Drag-On, Chris Rivers, Nino Man, Locksmith, 3D Na'Tee, Trick-Trick, Tragedy Khadafi, E-A-Ski, Cassidy, Freddie Foxxx, Gillie da Kid, Ice-T, Treach, Kool G Rap, Lil Cease, RJ Payne, J.R. Writer, Shoota 93, Ms. Hustle, Vado, Mysonne, Mistah F.A.B., Saigon, Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz, Havoc, Tracey Lee, Outlawz, Herb Gruff And Spit, Sickflo, Onyx, Ras Kass, Termanology, DJ Doowop, Junior Reid, Oun P, Merkules, Wais P, Maino, Uncle Murda, PT Capone Mobstyle, Mike Cee, Royal Flush, Super Lover Cee, Page Kennedy, Rock, Gunplay, Brand Nubian, Sonja Blade, Coke La Rock, Nice & Smooth, Consequence, Millyz, OT The Real, Ron Artest, Kaflow, Tone Trump, Hocus 45th, Omar Epps, Bodega Bamz, Bynoe, Ptkny, Aobie, Sporty Thievz, Tony Moxberg, Styleon, Chuck D, Sauce Money From his 2021 mixtape Accolades. Produced by Trackateering Music. [17]
"Strangers" Danger Mouse, Black Thought, ASAP Rocky, El-P, Killer Mike On their collaborative 2022 album Cheat Codes .
"Rolling 200 Deep" DJ Kay Slay, Sheek Louch, Snoop Dogg, Raekwon, Papoose, Bun B, Millyz, Dave East, Run-D.M.C., Jim Jones, AZ, Sha-Rock, Ice-T, Freeway, Maino, Gorilla Nems, Royal Flush, Grandmaster Caz, Cassidy, King Flo, DJ Spinderella, Cory Gunz, KXNG Crooked & Joell Ortiz, M.O.P., Coke La Rock, Sauce Money, RJ Payne, Uncle Murda, Whispers, Keen Streetz, Piff Jones, Nero Ron, Large Professor, OT the Real, Paul Wall, Nino Man, Mic Geronimo, Ransom, Ms. Hustle, Melle Mel, Shoota 93, Ras Kass, DJ Doowop, Haddy Racks, Kid Capri, Bynoe, Kool Keith, GTB King Card, B-Real, Herb Gruff And Spit, Knick Gunz, Tony Touch, Vado, Grand Puba, Axel Leon, Smooth Da Hustler, Trigga tha Gambler, Slim Dyme, Big Daddy Kane, Shyheim, Oun P, Page Kennedy, PRAYAH, Tony Yayo, Double X Posse, Big Noyd, Head Ice, E-A-Ski, Sadat X, Artifacts, Brillo, Daddy-O, Chi-Ali, Tragedy Khadafi, Twista, Goodie Mob, Outlawz, Hocus 45th, Billboard Baby, The Hoodies, China Mac, E. Ness, DJ Paul, Jack Frost, Kaflow, Majesty, Neek The Exotic, PT Capone Mobstyle, O.C., Termanology, Tony Moxberg, Wais P, Talk It Trigga, ZipWithTheDrip, Treach, Rah Digga, Mysonne, Jon Connor, Jae Millz, Rock, Smif-n-Wessun, Skyzoo, Mikey D, Tone Trump, Locksmith, Big T, Saigon, Sha Queen, Peter Gunz, King Bliss, Corporal AK, The Legion, DV Alias Kryst, Nutso, Waterbed Kev, Torae, Mickey Factz, Young Buck, 88 Lo, Smooth B, King Malachi, Master Rob, Vita, Merkules, Nytro, Iron Sheikh, Bishop Lamont, Capitalist, Jade Diamonds, Sparky D, Onyx, Paula Perry, Tahmell, Da Inphamus Amadeuz, Cortez Bodega, Superstar Floss, Innocent?, MC TNT, Tracey Lee, Aobie, Kurtis Blow, Lady Katz, MC Globe, Tony Sunshine, Imam Thug, Mistah F.A.B., Layzie Bone, Lazarus, Neek Da Skittz, J.R. Writer, Terror van Poo, Itbizkit, Dyce Payso, Klass Murda, MC Rayvon, Johnny Wa, Chip-Fu, Iman Shumpert, J SOS, Manolo Bandz, Kitty Gata, Ghostface Killah, Sporty Thievz, Trae Tha Truth, Don Q, T.I., KRS-One, E-40, MC Serch A year and a half after his death, DJ Kay Slay is being honored with the release of the ultimate posse cut in the form of "Rolling 200 Deep." Produced by Trackateering Music. [18]
"Sticky" GloRilla, Lil Wayne, Sexyy Red, Tyler, the Creator On Tyler’s album Chromakopia [19]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naughty by Nature</span> American hip hop trio

Naughty by Nature is an American hip hop trio from East Orange, New Jersey, consisting of Treach, Vin Rock, and DJ Kay Gee.

<i>Daily Operation</i> 1992 studio album by Gang Starr

Daily Operation is the third studio album by American hip hop duo Gang Starr. It was released by Chrysalis Records on May 5, 1992. It peaked at number 65 on the Billboard 200 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coke La Rock</span> American rapper (born 1955)

Coke La Rock is an American rapper from New York City who is sometimes credited as being the first MC in the history of hip-hop. In 2010, he was inducted into the High Times Counterculture Hall of Fame at the annual ceremonies at the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big Daddy Kane</span> American rapper from New York

Antonio Hardy, better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper, producer and actor who began his career in 1986 as a member of the Juice Crew. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled MCs in hip hop. Rolling Stone ranked his song "Ain't No Half-Steppin'" number 25 on its list of The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time, calling him "a master wordsmith of rap's late-golden age and a huge influence on a generation of MCs".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">M.O.P.</span> American hip hop duo from Brooklyn, New York

M.O.P. is an American hip-hop duo composed of rappers Billy Danze and Lil' Fame, best known for their song "Ante Up." 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.

<i>Doe or Die</i> 1995 studio album by AZ

Doe or Die is the debut studio album by rapper AZ, released October 10, 1995, by EMI Records. The album features guest appearances by artists such as Nas and Miss Jones, and production from N.O. Joe, Pete Rock, L.E.S., and Buckwild, among others. The album spawned the single "Sugar Hill" - which was certified gold by the RIAA in 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">O.P.P. (song)</span> 1991 single by Naughty by Nature

"O.P.P." is a song by American hip hop group Naughty by Nature, released in August 1991 by Tommy Boy as the lead single from the group's self-titled second album, Naughty by Nature (1991). It was one of the first rap songs to become a pop hit when it reached No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 35 on the UK Singles Chart. Rodd Houston and Marcus Raboy directed the music video for the song. Its declaration, "Down wit' O.P.P." was a popular catchphrase in the US in the early 1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oddjobs</span> American alternative hip hop band from Minnesota

Oddjobs was an alternative hip hop group from Minnesota formed in 1995. The band released three studio albums and several EPs including 2003's critically praised Drums; it broke up in 2004 and the members re-formed as Kill the Vultures and Power Struggle.

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

The discography of Jeezy, an American rapper, consists of thirteen studio albums, 18 mixtapes, 70 singles and 28 music videos. Aside from his solo career, he has also released albums as a member of Boyz N Da Hood and U.S.D.A., respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rick Ross discography</span>

The discography of Rick Ross, an American rapper, consists of 11 studio albums, one compilation album, 145 singles, one soundtrack, and 40 music videos. Ross's debut studio album, Port of Miami (2006), features two singles with "Hustlin'" and "Push It". Ross's second studio album, Trilla (2008), produced hit singles such as "The Boss" and "Here I Am". Ross's third studio album, Deeper Than Rap (2009), includes the singles such as "Magnificent" and "Maybach Music 2". Ross's fourth studio album, Teflon Don (2010), includes the hit single, "Aston Martin Music".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Go Hard (DJ Khaled song)</span> 2008 single by DJ Khaled featuring Kanye West and T-Pain

"Go Hard" is the second single from DJ Khaled's third studio album, We Global. The hip-hop track features American rappers Kanye West and T-Pain and their trademark auto-tune effect. The song is produced by The Runners and it samples Madonna's 1985 song "Angel". It first charted on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip Hop chart on December 4, 2008, debuting at number 25, where it peaked at number 15, and charted on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs debuting at number 85 and then rising to number 53. It also debuted at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 the same week the album We Global was released due to digital downloads, also at number 19 on the Hot Rap Tracks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Get By</span> 2003 single by Talib Kweli

"Get By" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Talib Kweli. It was released on March 11, 2003, as the third single from his debut studio album Quality (2002). Produced by Kanye West, the hip hop track samples "Sinnerman" as performed by Nina Simone and features background vocals from Abby Dobson, Chinua Hawk, Kendra Ross, Vernetta Bobien, and William "Na2" Taylor. The song peaked at number 77 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and at number 29 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, becoming Kweli's most successful solo hit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)</span> 2009 single by Jay-Z

"D.O.A. " is a song written by American rapper Jay-Z and produced by No I.D. The song was released as a digital download on June 23, 2009, and as the first single from Jay-Z's 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3. The song made its world premiere on the New York radio station Hot 97 on June 5. Its lyrics address the overusage of Auto-Tune in the music industry. The song samples "In the Space" by the Montenegrin composer Janko Nilović. The bridge is inspired by Steam's "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" and interpolates lyrics from Kanye West's "Big Brother", and "You're Nobody " by The Notorious B.I.G. The song won Jay-Z his eighth Grammy Award, and his second for Best Rap Solo Performance. It peaked at No. 24 on Billboard Hot 100.

Eddy Castellanos Sr., known professionally as A.D.O.R., is a U.S. hip hop artist whose work includes the Pete Rock-produced hit "Let It All Hang Out", and "One for the Trouble", produced by Marley Marl. The latter has been sampled extensively in later songs, most famously in "Renegade Master" by Roger "Wildchild" McKenzie.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beamer, Benz, or Bentley</span> 2010 single by Lloyd Banks and Juelz Santana

"Beamer, Benz, or Bentley" is the first official single from Lloyd Banks' third album H.F.M. 2 , which was released on November 23, 2010. The song was released as a digital download on February 9, 2010. It was added to KAMP-FM in Los Angeles in four days from release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monster (Kanye West song)</span> 2010 song by Kanye West

"Monster" is a song by American rapper Kanye West, released as the third single from his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). The song features rappers Jay-Z, Rick Ross, and Nicki Minaj, along with indie folk group Bon Iver. All five credited acts have writing credits on the posse cut, with the production handled by West and Mike Dean. The instrumental is atmospheric and drum-heavy, and the lyrics reflect influences from horror films, creating an eerie composition which drew critical comparisons to the Michael Jackson track "Thriller".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Otis (song)</span> 2011 single by Jay-Z and Kanye West

"Otis" is a song by American rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West from their first collaborative album Watch the Throne (2011). The song samples soul singer Otis Redding's version of "Try a Little Tenderness". The production was covered solely by West. The track was premiered by Funkmaster Flex's Hot 97 radio show and was released onto the Internet the day afterward. Lyrically, the song has the two rappers sharing lines discussing wealth, decadence and fame. The track received highly positive reviews from music critics who praised the trading off of verses by the two rappers and the Redding-sampled beat, which was compared to the style heard on West's The College Dropout. Several publications placed the song amongst the best of the year.

"Freestyle 4" is a song by American hip-hop artist Kanye West that features vocals from rapper Desiigner. The track is from West's seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016). It was remixed by Tyler, the Creator in March 2016.

"I Love Kanye" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016). The song was solely produced by West, who wrote it alongside Malik Yusef. A spoken word track, it has no instrumental. Lyrically, West shows self-awareness by making fun of his changing public image while referencing the internet meme that he loves himself. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, who were often complimentary towards West's lyrics. They mostly praised his self-awareness, while a few critics highlighted West's arrogance.

"Who Run It" is a song by hip hop group Three 6 Mafia, released as the lead single from their fourth studio album When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1. The song is a posse cut, featuring a verse from every group member. The song peaked at number 12 on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart.

References

  1. 1 2 Edwards, Paul, 2009, How to Rap: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC, Chicago Review Press, p. 221.
  2. 1 2 Blashill, Pat (June 24, 2003). "Hits, Rarities & Remixes". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on June 3, 2023.
  3. ↑ Archived October 11, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ↑ Archived August 30, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ↑ [ dead link ]
  6. ↑ Huey, Steve. "( Only Built 4 Cuban Linx > Overview )". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
  7. ↑ Swihart, Stanton (1991-09-03). "( Naughty by Nature > Overview )". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
  8. ↑ Swihart, Stanton (1992-07-28). "( Business Never Personal > Overview )". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
  9. ↑ Witt, Chris (1988-11-19). "( In Control, Vol. 1 > Overview )". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
  10. ↑ Swihart, Stanton. "( SlaughtaHouse > Overview )". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
  11. ↑ Butler, Blake. "allmusic". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
  12. ↑ "50. The Game "One Blood (Remix)" (2006) — The Best Rap Remixes Since 2000". Complex Networks . 2013-07-24. Retrieved 2014-03-26.
  13. ↑ "50. The Game "One Blood (Remix)" (2006) — The Best Rap Remixes Since 2000". Complex Networks . 2013-07-24. Retrieved 2014-03-26.
  14. ↑ Rollingstone
  15. ↑ "G.O.O.D. MUSIC, FEAT. KANYE WEST, BIG SEAN, PUSHA T, AND 2 CHAINZ - "MERCY" - Kanye - 41 | SPIN". Archived from the original on 2015-06-27.
  16. ↑ "A$AP Rocky's "1Train" Was the Definitive New Age Posse Cut". HNHH. 14 October 2019.
  17. ↑ "DJ KaySlay Releases Posse Cut 'Rolling 110 Deep' Featuring 110 Rappers". Hip Hop N More. June 25, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  18. ↑ "DJ Kay Slay Honored With Hour-Long 200-Rapper Posse Cut 'Rolling 200 Deep'". Complex. November 5, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  19. ↑ "On 'Chromakopia,' Tyler, the Creator Has to Deal with the Truth". Rolling Stone . 30 October 2024.
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.