The GS Boyz were a group of rappers from Arlington, Texas who made their first big break with the single “Stanky Legg” in 2008. Although they are no longer performing as a group anymore, the Stanky Legg dance is still used at parties and by athletes at sporting events today. It’s a simple, multi-step dance […]
Like: Speak English LIKE a Native
Das EFX is an American hip hop duo consisting of emcees Dray and Skoob. They named themselves “Das” standing for “Drayz and Skoob” and “EFX” meaning “effects”. They rose to popularity in the early 1990s due to their affiliation with EPMD‘s Hit Squad and the duo’s stream of consciousness lyrical delivery, which became one of the most influential lyrical styles in hip hop music during the early 1990s. Their […]
Ain’t: Learning English AIN’T Difficult!
Gorillaz are a British musical and visual project created in 1998 by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett. The project consists of Gorillaz itself and an extensive fictional universe depicting a “virtual band” of cartoon characters. This band has four animated members: 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle and Russel Hobbs. The band’s first single, “Clint Eastwood“, was released on 5 March 2001. It was produced by Dan the Automator and originally featured […]
Adverbs of Frequency: It’s like a jungle SOMETIMES!
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five was an influential hip hop group formed in the South Bronx of New York City in 1978. Composed of one DJ (Grandmaster Flash) and five rappers (Melle Mel, Kidd Creole, Cowboy, Mr. Ness/Scorpio, and Rahiem), the group’s use of turntablism, break-beat deejaying, choreographed stage routines and lyricism was a significant force in the early development of hip-hop music. The group rose to fame in […]
Still: I’m STILL taking my time to perfect the beat!
Dr. Dre is an American record producer, rapper and entrepreneur. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics and was previously the co-owner and artist of Death Row Records. He has produced albums for and managed the careers of many rappers, including Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Xzibit,50 Cent, The Game and more recently Kendrick Lamar. He is credited as a key figure in the popularization of West […]
Too: You’re TOO hot to handle!
The Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip-hop group from Staten Island, New York City. They are one of the biggest and most successful hip-hop groups on the East Coast. The Wu-Tang Clan has nine members, including RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and the late Ol€™ Dirty Bastard. The Wu-Tang […]
Let: LET me welcome you to the Wild West!
“California Love” is a hip hop song by 2Pac featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman. The song was released as 2Pac’s comeback single upon his release from prison in 1995. A popular remix version of the song appeared on his 1996 double album All Eyez on Me. This is perhaps 2Pac’s best-known song and his most successful, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two […]
Level 1 Lesson 3: Even
Rocko is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. His debut album, Self Made, was released in 2008, and it received several Billboard awards. He recently collaborated with Future and Rick Ross on the track “U.O.E.N.O.” and it became his first single to attain Top 40 status. There was controversy surrounding the song because Rick Ross sang […]
Level 1 Lesson 10: So & Such
De La Soul is a hip-hop trio that was formed in 1987 on Long Island, NY. They are known for their unique sampling, playful lyrics and humorous skits between tracks. They contributed to the rise of alternative hip-hop in the 1990s, especially to the beginning of jazz rap. The members are Kelvin Mercer, David Jude […]
Level 1 Lesson 7: Everyday & Every Day
Binary Star is an underground hip-hop duo from Pontiac, Michigan. The two members, Senim Sill and One Be Lo, formed the group in 1998 and released Water World in 1999. One year later, they remixed their debut album and renamed it Masters of the Universe, which eventually became a well-known LP. The duo grew apart and had a […]