SOUND CHECK
Hip-hop fest goes old-school, but sounds fresh
For accessAtlanta
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Old-school hip-hop artists have resurrected Fresh Fest, a classic road show. Here’s a primer on the performers and a playlist of their greatest hits:
Naughty by Nature
Big Daddy Kane saw major success with the 1989 album ‘It’s a Big Daddy Thing,’ which spawned the hit ‘Smooth Operator.’
• Fresh Fest. $38.50-$76. 8 p.m. Oct. 11. Atlanta Civic Center, 395 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com.
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• Fresh Fest brings backs memories for Whodini member
This trio emerged in 1991 with the hit single “O.P.P.” It peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Albums and hits followed, including “Hip Hop Hooray” and “Jamboree.” “Poverty’s Paradise” won a Grammy in 1996 for best rap album.
Doug E. Fresh
Fresh is credited with being one of the earliest recorded beatboxers, a performer who vocally imitates drums, which earned him the nickname the Human Beatbox. Both sides of his 1985 single “The Show” are considered classics. “The Show” includes the melody of the theme song from the cartoon series “Inspector Gadget.” “La Di Da Di,” an equally infectious tune, sits on the flip side.
Big Daddy Kane
Along with Biz Markie, he was a member of the Juice Crew, a collective overseen by producer Marley Marl. In 1989, he released his most successful album, “It’s a Big Daddy Thing.” It contains the hits “Smooth Operator” and “I Get the Job Done.” Appeared in a compromising position with Madonna in her “Sex” book.
Slick Rick
Originally from England, Slick Rick hit the charts with “Mona Lisa,” “Children’s Story” and his appearance on Doug E. Fresh’s “La Di Da Di.” He’s also known for his trademark eye patch, which he wears because of a childhood injury.
Whodini
A trio from Brooklyn, N.Y., that scored big with its 1984 sophomore album “Escape.” It was loaded with the hits “Freaks Come Out At Night,” “Friends” and “Five Minutes of Funk.”
The Force MDs
A New York-based doo wop group perhaps best known for its hit “Tender Love,” written by producer giants Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The group scored its first R&B No. 1 hit, “Love is a House,” in 1987.
