west coast hip-hop | Musicosity

west coast hip-hop

Dom Kennedy

Dominic Hunn (born on August 22, 1984 in Los Angeles, California), better known by his stage name Dom Kennedy, is a West Coast rapper from Leimert Park, Los Angeles, California. Since 2008, Kennedy has released 5 mixtapes, most notably his 2010 critically acclaimed mixtape From The Westside With Love DOM. KENNEDY graced the streets of Los Angeles in 2008 with the release of his debut project, entitled 25th Hour. The Leimert Park native made a name for himself by performing at various events and venues including the popular Sneaker Pimps Tour and the world famous House of Blues.

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Blackalicious

Gift Of Gab (Tim Parker) and Chief Xcel (Xavier Mosley) met at John F. Kennedy High School in 1987 in Sacramento, California and formed the group in the early 1990s. They released their first recording, "Swan Lake", on . The Solesides Crew consisted of the duo, as well as other friends of theirs they had met at University of California - Davis, including DJ Shadow, Lyrics Born and Lateef The Truth Speaker. The single was an underground hit, but label trouble prevented the duo from immediately capitalizing on their fame.

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Blu & Exile

Blu is definitely a leader in the new school of Los Angeles emcees. His presence is undeniable, while his music captivates audiences regardless of race, class, and gender. His delivery flows flawlessly, while his content reflects the joy and pain of working class youth everywhere. Exile is a producer, DJ and occasional emcee previously known for being a member of the duo Emanon, along with Aloe Blacc. His style of production is known for its "laid back soulful vibes" and is influenced by such producers as J Dilla and Madlib.

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MED

There are at least two artists with this name. 1) M.E.D. aka Medaphoar is a MC who has recorded with Madlib, Wildchild, and Oh No. M.E.D's debut album was released on Stones Throw Records in 2005. Entitled Push Comes To Shove, the album features production from Madlib, J Dilla, Oh No (Madlib's younger brother), and Just Blaze. A CD entitled "Bang Ya Head" was released during Stones Throw's 2005 Tour and features M.E.D (known as Medaphoar) guest spots from 1998 to 2005.
M.E.D. made a dis track toward Canibus called "Lightwork."

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Arabian Prince

Arabian Prince is the stage name of Mik Lezan (born October 12, 1964 in Inglewood, California), a rapper and hip hop producer, best known for being an original member of the legendary rap group, N.W.A. Born and raised in Inglewood, California, Arabian Prince released a solo album Situation Hot in 1985. In the following year, Arabian Prince joined up with the first gangsta rap group N.W.A. three years after graduating Inglewood High School in Inglewood, CA. He wanted to be an artist in N.W.A.

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Peanut Butter Wolf

As a young kid growing up in San Jose, Chris Manak soon realized he needed an escape from the realities of suburban life in the Silicon Valley. The age of nine was his coming of age. This was the year he discovered sports (Pittsburgh Pirates), video games (Pac man), girls (Anita Balderama), and hip hop ("Rappers Delight"). Alongside partner Sweet Steve, young Chris fashioned primitive mix-tapes (using the pause button) and ran amok at the local roller rink.

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The Coup

The Coup is a group based in Oakland, California. It formed as a three-member group in 1992 with rappers (Raymond) Boots Riley and E-Roc along with DJ Pam the Funkstress. E-Roc left on amicable terms after the group's second album, but appears on the track "Breathing Apparatus" on The Coup's third album, Steal This Album. The group is now a duo. The Coup, part of the sub-genre of political hip hop, is politically radical and Marxist in their music, and align themselves with other radical hip-hop groups like dead prez.

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