The first rap name was Pigmeat?! Dewey "Pigmeat" Markham Best known as a comedian, was also a singer, dancer, and actor. Markham was more of a vaudeville act than a singer-songwriter. In 1968, "Here Comes the Judge" Peaked at 4th place on the U.S. R&B charts.
Read MoreThe King Of Rap Music and apparently The King Of Africa?! Hip Hop has had a lasting influence on, fashion, language, and pop culture in general. At last, we had arrived or so we thought, the heads of the major labels reside primarily in New York and the south. These familiar names Def Jam, Aftermath, Cash Money, are American companies or are they? Vivendi is a 163-year-old French company that started life as a water utility by Napoleon the III and now exists as a media conglomerate and happens to own Universal Music Group and a HUGE portfolio of other corporations in various industries. In case you forgot music is a business and labels are companies often owned by other companies. The further you trace the history of these companies their origins are often foreign and obscure.
Read MoreWho is the greatest? We all think about who is the greatest in sports, science, film, and music. For example, some of your favorite artists are not among the best in regards to technical ability, delivery or the variation in mood. However, it can be the novelty or unique aesthetic, or simply something that speaks directly to you. That is your favorite. Favoritism is a bit of a romantic concept that leads with emotion and at times suspends rational thinking.
Read More