Tupac Amaru Shakur, also known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper and songwriter. Considered one of the most influential and successful rappers of all time, and according to academics one the most influential music artists of the 20th century and also a politically conscious activist voice for Black America. Shakur is among the best-selling music artists, having sold more than 75 million records worldwide. His lyrical content has been noted for addressing social injustice, violence, and the marginalization of African-Americans.
Yolanda "Yo-Yo" Whitaker is an American rapper and actress.
Aaron Bernard Tyler, better known by his stage name MC Eiht, is an American rapper. Many of his songs are based on his life in Compton. His stage name was partly inspired by the numeral in KRS-One's name. He chose Eiht for its links to "hood culture", including Olde English 800 and .38 caliber firearms. He is the de facto leader of West Coast hip hop group Compton's Most Wanted, which also included fellow Compton-based rappers Boom Bam, The Unknown DJ, Tha Chill, DJ Mike T, DJ Slip and Ant Capone. He is also known for his role as A-Wax in the 1993 film Menace II Society, as well as playing the character Ryder in the 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
Ant Banks, is an American record producer and rapper from Oakland, California.
Outlawz are an American hip hop group founded by rapper Tupac Shakur in late 1995 after Shakur's release from prison and arrival at Death Row Records.
Shawn Thomas, better known by his stage name C-Bo, is an American rapper from Sacramento, California. Known for his extensive legal troubles, he was the first notable rapper to be jailed due to his lyrical content in 1998. His 1995 song, "Deadly Game" earned this distinction, as its lyrics were a scathing critique of political officials, including governor Pete Wilson, and California's Prop. 184 three-strikes law. He ineffectively argued for appeal three times.
"Who Shot Ya?" is a song by American rapper the Notorious B.I.G., backed by Sean Combs. Bad Boy Entertainment released it on February 21, 1995, on an alternate reissue of Wallace's single "Big Poppa/Warning". Its new B-side "Who Shot Ya", a revision of a track already issued earlier in 1995, was "controversial and hugely influential." Widely interpreted as a taunt at Tupac Shakur, the single provoked a "rap battle" between the two rappers, formerly friends.
The Last Dance is the seventh studio album by American rapper Spice 1. It was released on May 16, 2000, in the U.S., and features appearances from rap artists MJG, RBL Posse, The Outlawz, Bad Azz, UGK, and C-Bo. This was also his first independent album since leaving Jive. It was well received by fans, praising Spice for returning to his raw lyricism and murderous tales, reminiscent of previous albums such as 187 He Wrote and AmeriKKKa's Nightmare.
AmeriKKKa's Nightmare is the third studio album by American rapper Spice 1, released November 22, 1994, on Jive Records. The album was produced by Ant Banks, Battlecat, Blackjack, DJ Slip and Spice 1. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 22 on the Billboard 200. One single, "Strap on the Side", peaked at number 74 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. This album is considered by many to be his most influential album, as well as containing guest appearances from major artists such as E-40, 2Pac, Method Man, and 187 Fac. The album was certified gold by the RIAA.
Hits is the first greatest hits album by the American rapper Spice 1, released November 10, 1998, on Jive Records. The album features production by Ant Banks, Blackjack, Clint "Payback" Sands, E-A-Ski & CMT, MC Eiht, Paris, Rick Rock and Spice 1. It peaked at number 82 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album has guest performances by 2Pac, MC Eiht, Method Man, and G-Nut of 187 Fac.
Malcolm Greenidge, known as E.D.I Mean and EDIDON, is an American hip hop artist and a member of the Outlawz. The name is a play on the name Idi Amin, former dictator of Uganda. While in the third grade, Malcolm became friends with Katari "Kastro" Cox who later introduced him to his cousin, Tupac Shakur.
Hits II: Ganked & Gaffled is second greatest hits album by American rapper Spice 1. It was released February 20, 2001 on Mobb Status Entertainment. The album features production by Ant Banks, Blackjack, E-A-Ski, Mike Dean, Paris, Rick Rock, Sam Bostic and Spice 1. It features songs from all of Spice 1's previous albums, as well as guest appearances from the albums: Hard to Hit, In a Major Way, Lost and the single "I Got 5 on It". The album features performances by 2Pac, E-40, Luniz, Dru Down, Shock G, Richie Rich, Roger Troutman, Too Short, 8Ball and Rappin' 4-Tay.
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted is the debut studio album by American rapper Ice Cube, released on May 18, 1990, by Priority Records. It was his first solo album, after an acrimonious split from his former group N.W.A. Primarily produced by Public Enemy's production team The Bomb Squad, the album was a critical and commercial success, being certified platinum in the United States for selling over one million copies.
Real Talk Ent. is an American privately held record label that was started in 2003. It is led by CEO/President Derrick "Sac" Johnson and is focused primarily on recording and releasing new albums with Gold and Platinum selling Rap and R&B artists.
American rapper Spice 1 has released 15 studio albums, one EP, 11 compilation albums and six charting singles.
Rhyme & Reason is a 1997 documentary film about rap and hip hop. Documentary filmmaker Peter Spirer interviewed over 80 significant artists in rap and hip hop music. The film explores the history of hip hop culture, how rap evolved to become a major cultural voice, and what the artists have to say about the music's often controversial images and reputation. Interview subjects range from veteran old-school rappers, such as Kurtis Blow, KRS-One and Chuck D, to rap icons Ice-T, Dr. Dre, and MC Eiht, to several current rap hitmakers, including Wu-Tang Clan, Tupac Shakur, and The Notorious B.I.G., less than four days before he was murdered.
Yafeu Akiyele Fula, better known by his stage name Yaki Kadafi, was an American rapper and a founding member of the hip hop group Outlawz.
Katari Terrance Cox better known by his stage name Kastro, is an American rapper. A cousin of 2Pac, Kastro would perform alongside him in the former's rap group, the Outlawz, and is featured on many of the late rapper's songs such as "Made Niggaz", and "Hail Mary". When he was in elementary school, he introduced his friend, and future Outlawz rapper, Malcolm Greenridge, later named E.D.I. Mean, to 2Pac.
"Strap on the Side" is a song by American rapper Spice 1 from his 1994 album AmeriKKKa's Nightmare. The song peaked at #74 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. In addition to an official maxi-single, a music video was released in 1994. The video features a cameo appearance by 2Pac. The song was later included on Spice 1's second greatest hits' album, Hits II: Ganked & Gaffled (2001).
