Middle School Muddle

Our discussion in class yesterday got me thinking about the transition from "old school" to "new school" in the 1980's -- not only the standout recordings and artists, but some of those that fell through the cracks.  So here, in various groupings that seem to make intuitive sense to me, are some of the artists I think of when I think of this period.

1. Pioneers (Artist/Album)

Boogie Down Productions / Criminal Minded
Public Enemy / Yo! Bum Rush the Show
Beastie Boys / Paul's Boutique
LL Cool J / Radio

2. Lost in the shuffle (but shouldn't have been)

Mad Kap / Look Ma Duke, No Hands!
Jungle Brothers / J. Beez wit the Remedy
The Goats / Tricks of the Shade
Disposable Heroes of Hip-Hoprisy / Hypocrisy is the Greatest Luxury
The Coup / Kill My Landlord
Poor Righteous Teachers / Holy Intellect
Roxanne Shanté / The Bitch is Back
Shazzy / Attitude: A Hip-hop Rapsody
Greg Osby / 3D Lifestyles
Digable Planets/ Blowout Comb
De La Soul / Three Feet High and Rising
Del tha Funkie Homosapien / I Wish my Brother George was Here
Marxman, 331/3 Revolutions Per Minute
KMD / Mr. Hood
Biz Markie / All Samples Cleared
May-May Ali, The Introduction


3.  Had me for a minute ... (a.k.a. one hit wonders)

MC Choice, "The Big Payback"
Bytches Wit Problems, "Two Minute Brother"
Laquan, "Notes of a Native Son"
Us3: "Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)"
Nikki D, "Daddy's Little Girl"
Sir Mix-a-Lot, "Baby Got Back"


4. Good bye and Good Riddance to ...

Bone Thugs 'n' Harmony
Kriss Kross
Das EFX
MC Peaches
2 Live Crew
Vanilla Ice
MC Hammer
Young Black Teenagers
Too $hort
Tam Tam


Have I missed anyone?  Feel free to add or comment below ...