| Oaktown's 3.5.7. | |
|---|---|
| Genres | Hip-Hop, rap rock |
| Labels | Def Jam |
| Associated acts | MC Hammer |
| Past members | |
| Phyllis Charles, Tabatha King and Djuana J. Johnican[1] | |
Oaktown's 3.5.7 were a female rap group formed by MC Hammer in 1989. They enjoyed minor success in the late 80s and early 90s. They were seen as a large surprise to the general audience, since they were all ex-dancers.
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The core members of the group were Phyllis Charles (Lil' P), Tabatha King (Terrible T) and Djuana J. Johnican (Sweet L.D.). They began their career in the music and entertainment industry as background dancers in "Hammer's posse", featuring in his music video for "Pump It Up".
Their performances as dancers and their creative side as lyricists drew Hammer's interest, around the time when he was searching for a female singing group to create. After hearing Lil' P rapping on the microphone, rehearsing for a dancing show, Hammer decided to present the idea to all the ladies about becoming vocal performers. Shortly after this suggestion, Oaktown's 3.5.7 was formed.
The name Oaktown is a nickname for Oakland, California and .357 Magnum was chosen to represent their powerful dance moves.
Oaktown's 3.5.7 Wild and Loose was their first album, released in 1989. Soon after the release of the first album, Phyllis Charles left the group. Sweet L.D. and Terrible T stayed and continued to show and prove they were more capable of being women hip-hop artists in a male dominated industry.
Oaktown's 357's second release in 1991, Fully Loaded included more material written and co-written by Djuana J. Johnican, Tabatha King and Treasure Williams.
Terrible T and Sweet L.D., along with M.C. Hammer were members of the West Coast Rap All-Stars who sang on the Grammy-nominated single "We're All in the Same Gang." [2]
Due to internal conflict between the management and record company representing Oaktown's 3.5.7, this group was unable to receive the consistent support they needed to be a successful act and they split up in 1992.