Pioneers
GROUPS OF THE EARLY WEST COAST HIP HOP
The most of the West Coast Crews began as Dj´s like Uncle Jamms Army, Knights of the Turntables or the World Class Wreckin Cru back in the early 80´s. Uncle Jamms Army was the starting Point for the whole Genre. The origins of West Coast hip hop can be traced back to the late 1970s. After its invention in New York it started to spread across the country. It quickly jumped coasts to California, where a strong presence of African Americans embraced hip-hop, prominently in block parties and some clubs. However, The West Coast scene became truly established during the 1980s as hip hop music first gained national appeal, and established itself in California in general (and in Los Angeles in particular).
Just click on pictures to go to the groups page.
Bobby Jimmy and the Critters
Bobby Jimmy initially started out as just a joke but one day the Egyptian Lover called and said "Hey man Bobby should do a record!!" So Russ Parr went into the studio and did the first single We like ugly Women on his own Label Rapsur, which sold over 50,000 copies. After Russ Parr received his first royalty check he realized that these song parodies could make some money. Then came the hit record Big Butt, a parody of Whodini's "Big Mouth". More ...
Dark Star - Rappers Rapp Group
King MC and DJ Flash were two members of one of Los Angeles first rap labels (Rappers Rapp Records) with which Disco Daddy and Captain Rapp; recorded their first hit "The Gigolo Rap". The second act was The Rappers Rap Group, later renamed to Dark Star, with "Rappers Rapp Theme" which consisted of DJ Flash, King MC, Lovin C, Mr Ice, MC Fosty and Mack-A-Moe in the early 1980's. The Rappers Rap group enjoyed a short fame. More...
Electrobeat Crew
The Electrobeat Crew never released a record together as a group, but all members of the Crew raised huge success. The Solo Releases from the Artists on Dave Storrs Label Electrobeat changed LA Rap forever and gave them the base to start their carreers. Ice T innovated Gangsta Rap, Chris "The Glove" Taylor is a successfull Producer and parted in the "The Chronic" Album by Dr. Dre. The Electrobeat Crew were involved in the Movies Breakin, Breakin 2 (Electric Boogaloo) and Rappin. More...
Knights of the Turntables
Lil Rockin G was influenced by "Grandmaster Flash" and the "Breakout Crew" which lived in his neighbourhood in New York. Then he moved to Los Angeles and first made his name as a DJ in Benning highschool. The same highschool Boogaloo Shrimp visited. There he met C-Brez, Curtis and Madmixer RMG. "Curtis" worked for JDC Records which was the biggest record distributor at that time. Jim Callon who was the owner of JDC aked him if he knew anybody who can do a Hip Hop record. More ...
L.A. Dream Team
In 1984 Snake Puppy (Chris Wilson) and Rudy Pardee formed their own label called "Dream Team Records", that would go on to issue not only records from the L.A. Dream Team but other early California rap as well, including the first single from J.J. Fad. The group's electro classics include "The Dream Team Is in the House" and "Rockberry Jam" distributed by Macola. In 1986, the group signed with MCA and recorded two albums with the label. More ...
RC & Synister Rhyme
In 1985, they formed the rap group RC & Synister Rhyme. They won the first and only “Best of the West” Rapp Contest, sponsored by radio station Kday and Sugarhill Records. The group then expanded to four adding MC Fosty & Vince D., and assumed the name Park Avenue. Releasing their 1st 12” single “Tear down the Rockhouse”, which was a anti drug song, written and arranged by Charles “Rich” Cason and Jimmy Lewis on the Sugarhill Record Label. More ...
Uncle Jamms Army
Uncle Jamms Army were founded in 1983 by Roger Clayton. The group name is inspired by George Clinton - Uncle Jam. In the early 80´s rap hits the West Coast and the "The Army" was throwing big block parties. In 1984 they filled stadiums like the L.A. Sports Arena. At that time Roger released the first 12inch record on his own Freak Beat label called "Dial-a-freak" which was mainly produced and arranged by Roger Clayton and the Master of the Beats Egyptian Lover. More ...
West Coast Crew
The West Coast Crew originated in 1983 in Los Angeles California. While writing arranging, performing, and co-producing their own material, the West Coast Crew expresses themselves in a unique style of rap music. First they signed with "Jam Power" Records and released a Promotion EP which featured the Tracks "We really like to Rock" and "Jealous People". In 1984 they signed to the "KMA" Label and released the 12" Single "We are the crew" bw "Jelaous People". More...
World Class Wreckin Cru
The World Class Wreckin' Cru was a 1980s electro hop-style rap group from Compton, California formed by nightclub owner Alonzo "Lonzo" Williams. Other members of the fluctuating line-up included DJ Yella, Dr. Dre, Shakespeare, Cli-N-Tel, and Mona Lisa Young. Dre and Yella would go on to achieve fame as members of N.W.A.. Fila Fresh Crew's Dr. Rock was also an early member of the Wreckin' Cru. Wreckin' Cru singles such as "Surgery" and "Juice" were marked by a blend of old school rap. More ...