MY 25 FAVORITE HIP HOP 1 HIT WONDERS
Many years ago I rock critic suggested you could tell the history just through one hit wonders, acts who had one amazing record, and never made the same impact again. I’ve always thought that was an interesting notion. I don’t know if my list of my favorite one hit rap records is a history of hip hop, but it is definitely a journey back in time, from the early ‘80s to the early ‘00s. You can debate whether some of this acts only had one hit. But, I think, most of these acts had one major moment on the charts, songs that dominated the summer they were released, and never had the same success again. Most of them are classics of their time that evoke vivid memories of parties and fun. These aren’t many gangsta jams (save Schoolly D and the Westside Connection) or conscience songs (Jeru the Damaja). Most feature classic boasting rhymes and an enticements to have a good time. These are songs from all over the country (Philly, LA, the Bay, North Carolina, St. Louis), though fifteen are from New York, reflecting my hometown bias. This not an attempt to be definitive or comprehensive, but listening to these tracks in a row will take you a funky trip across decdaes of music.
That's the Joint - Funky 4 + 1 - 1980
Released on Harlem’s Enjoy records, it features Sha-Rock, the first female MC on vinyl. They’d perform on Saturday Night Live as special guests of Blondie in ‘81. Members K.K. and Rodney also performed as Double Trouble.
Genius Rap - Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde - 1981
Andre Harrell (Dr. Jeckyll) and Alonzo Brown (Mr. Hyde) wore suits and ties, bringing corporate flavor to rap as they jumped on the Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love” to make noise before Harrell transitioned into business and forming Uptown Records.
DAVY DMX
One for the Treble - Davy DMX - 1984
Davy D was Kurtis Blow’s DJ for many years and was a skilled musician. This instrumental track is anchored by Davy’s infectious guitar riffing.
PSK (What the Hell Does That Mean?) - Schoolly D - 1985
Mr. Magic would play this track on his late night radio show and it always sent chills through me. For me, its ground zero for gangsta narratives in hip hop. Great use of echo on the vocals.
Pee Wee's Dance - Joeski Love - 1986
Even if Paul Reubens hadn’t just died this record would have made my list. Pop music history is stuffed full of songs about popular dances. This track is as fun as watching folks do the Pee Wee Dance. Find the video.
Milk is Chillin- Audio Two - 1987
At DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic at Radio City two weeks ago Milk D’s performance of this record was the highlight of the night. His off kilter flow is quietly one of the most influential syncopations in MC history.
It Takes Two - Rob Base - 1988
This record is a celebration on vinyl! Period.
Supersonic - JJ FAD - 1988
Before LA rap became identified with gang life, electro boogie was popular at clubs through the city. Arabian Prince, a very established DJ in the City Angels, collaborated with a young Dr. Dre to craft a uptempo track for three bright voiced female MCs.
I Got It Made - Special Ed - 1989
I got ridiculed for saying Special Ed sounded like '“Baby Rakim” on this track, but I still feel the God MC’s influence on this Brooklyn MC’s remarkable debut single. Special Ed never made anything quite as good, but one classic a career is better than none.
Treat Her - Father MC - 1990
Truly, I have to admit Father MC’s vocals on this record are just ok to me, but Jodeci’s vocals on the hook are what captivates me. Gospel passion over a hip hop beat.
You Can't Play with My Yo Yo - Yo Yo - 1991
The spirited Yo Yo, backed by Ice Cube and his production team, was a gush of feminist fresh air coming from a Cali scene that was consistently sexist.
Daddy's Little Girl - Nikki D - 1991
Nikki was my neighbor in Fort Greene when she was signed to Def Jam, one of the few women to have any success on the label in that era. Had great flow that slides smoothly over the popular Suzane Vega sample as she tells the story of fast girl.
SOULS OF MISCHIEF
'93 til Infinity - Souls of Mischief - 1993
There’s something magical abour this song from this Bay Area posse. Based on a sample from a record by jazz drummer Billy Cobham, its got a vibe that makes it feel timeless. A gorgeous electric piano underlines and elevates.
Getto Jam - Domino - 1993
While Nate Dogg is rightly celebrated as the greatest hook singer in hip hop, the mellow flow of Domino is a prime example of the kind of rap singing that we now take for granted.
Come Clean - Jeru the Damaja - 1994
Okay. I am cheating a bit here. Jeru had another quality track (“Played Yo Self”), but the beat on this DJ Premiere co-production is so unique it feels like it exist in some paralleled universe to everything else. Heard it one night at a Zurich nightclub and it shifted the molecules in the atmosphere.
Back In The Day - Ahmad - 1994
Hip hop nostalgia’s deepest cut, full of yearning and lovely imagery, made by a kid who was only 18 when the song was released.
Flava in Your Ear - Craig Mack - 1994
One of Easy Mo Bee’s dopest production, elevated the tough voiced Mack in his debut single. The star filled remix is better remembered now, but the original has the urgency of a MC who can’t wait to get on.
LADY OF RAGE
Afro Puffs - Lady of Rage - 1994
Another woman with a killer flow. Produced by Dr. Dre and Dat Nigga Daz, Lady of Rage was a rare female voice at the height of Death Row. Sharp hook.
I Got Five on It - Luniz - 1995
A soulful celebration of indo weed as the crew piece together the five bucks necessary to get a sack. An ominious bass line, haunting bells, and the funky vocals on the chorus are what makes this memorable.
Bow Down - Westside Connection - 1996
At the height of the East Coast/West Coast rap battless, veterans of the Cali streets made it clear they were to be respected.
Luchini - Camp Lo - 1997
These two Bronx MCs used local slang for money as the hook for a track anchored by bright keyboard stabs and sampled horns.
Simon Says - Pharoahe Munch - 1999
Perhaps the best opening minute of any record on this list. Feels like a song that sound be played in stadiums LOUD!
Whoa! - Black Rob - 2000
The rhyme scheme sets up a challenge: can the MC find enough short lines that justify being a “Whoa!” Well Black Rob kept it up for nearly four minutes. Like Craig Mack, another Bad Boy act who’s debut single was the height of their rap careers.
Raise Up - Petey Pablo - 2001
Executing an anthem requires invention and local pride. Petey Pablo celebrates the Carolinas and Virginia by requiring people to take their shirts off and swing “like a helicopter!” Video is as fun as the record.
In Da Club Gettin' Tipsy - J-Kwon - 2004
A 17 year old from St. Louis tells the tale of a night at club over a tremendous, wall shaking bass line. Ironically this is great record to work out to, cause its momentum is so relentless.