I couldn’t afford any of the professional equipment that was out there. When I first decided to try my hand at making my own music in 1979, I was an office messenger in a mailroom. I like to think also that the rhymes, most of which were battle-tested in the parks of Brooklyn in the ’70s, were just simple and catchy enough to be timeless.Ĭan you tell us some of the history behind your development as a producer and musician? The track just drips with spontaneity and funky authenticity. Whatever it is, it’s been a blessing for a long, long time! I came up with every aspect of the track and arrangement in about 45 minutes, and I am usually very slow. I wish I knew! I would bottle it up and then sprinkle some on everything I did! I think it has a lot to do with the fact that it was probably the most natural and impulsive track I've ever made. What is it about “Jam On It” that has kept its fresh and appealing to new generations through games like Dance Dance Revolution, DJ Hero 2, and other outlets? This disqualifies it from being hip-hop, as the #1 rule in hip-hop has always been not to bite someone’s style. There is still hip-hop to be found out there, but it mostly struggles to be heard. Most everybody sounds the same, using the same styles, flows and cadences, and the same subject matter.
Rap has very little divergence in style and substance. Well, in my opinion, what we have now are hip-hop and rap. What are your thoughts on the current state of hip-hop music? Any particular favorites? That's why the whole world is singin' this song I'm Cozmo D from outer space, I came to rock the human race You can picture the kids popping and locking, gathered crowds clapping in time, all because Newcleus traveled the cosmos for a safe place to share their funk. In addition to the 808, Cozmo D used a TB-303 for the sequencing and the RS-09 for chordsĪround five minutes in, the beat gets vicious and the bass line pushes even harder against the 808. In fact, Roland powered the whole “Jam On It” production.
"Jam On It" follows the classic structure established by Sugar Hill Gang, even referencing Superman ala “Rapper’s Delight.” And those percussive sounds? The cutting claps and pitched cowbell so perfectly suited for a breakdown? Pure TR-808. The deliberate, delicate keyboard plinks evoke the New Romantic movement, while simultaneously predicting future acts like Santigold, Outkast, and Bruno Mars. Still, the song never feels a moment too long.
Too White Crew performs all songs 100% live and their Fly Girls remind the crowd of all the moves from "back in tha day". "Got Cred?" Too White Crew is the only band in this Millennium to perform at the Playboy Mansion and has even been called "The Playboy Mansion's Favorite Band" They've performed in Las Vegas and have shared stages with Tone Loc, Naughty By Nature, Vanilla Ice, Digital Underground, Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock, and many more. The whole stage show is a spectacle beyond anything offered in any other band. There is also an optional "Brass Funkeez" horn section, the "Ice Breakerz" break dancers and even TWC's "Extremely Worthless Posse" - three guys who sit on stage and do absolutely nothing except play bones and drink Hennessey. Formed in 2002, this eight-piece all-live tribute (complete with choreographed Fly Girls!) to the Golden era of hip hop brings an energetic performance that drops jaws at festivals, clubs, corporate and private events all over the country. Too White Crew is one of the most unique tribute/party band concepts in the world.