Posse cut
A posse cut is a popular form of song in hip hop music that involves successive verses by four or more rappers.[1]
Tracks described as posse cuts by Rolling Stone include A Tribe Called Quest's "Scenario",[2] "Tha Shit" by The D.O.C.,[3] "Doin' Our Own Dang" by Jungle Brothers,[4] and "Set It Off" by Snoop Dogg.[5] Tracks described by Allmusic as posse cuts include "Wu-Gambinos" by Raekwon,[6] "1, 2, 3" by Naughty by Nature,[7] and "Head Banger" by EPMD.[8]
History
Many classic early hip hop tracks, such as Afrika Bambaataa & the Soul Sonic Force's "Zulu Nation Throwdown", took the form of a posse cut. The posse cut became established in the eighties as a way for rappers to give exposure to their friends, or their posse. However, towards the end of the eighties and the start of the nineties, the posse cut began to be used as an "All-Stars" device to bring together rappers who had respect for each other's skills on the microphone, or a way to unite various well-known and respected artists to deliver an important message.
Notable examples
- "The Symphony" by Marley Marl, featuring Masta Ace, Craig G, Kool G Rap and Big Daddy Kane. Allmusic describes it as "one of the best posse cuts in hip-hop history",[9] and "classic".[10]
- "We're All in the Same Gang" is a 1990 single by the West Coast Rap All-Stars, a collaboration of West Coast hip-hop artists that assembled for this song that promoted an anti-violence message. Produced by Dr. Dre, the song featured rapped verses from: King Tee, Body & Soul (including Dee Barnes), Def Jef, Michel'le, Tone-Loc, Above The Law, Ice-T, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, Eazy-E of N.W.A, J.J. Fad, Young MC, Digital Underground's Money-B and Shock G/Humpty Hump, Oaktown's 3.5.7 and MC Hammer.
- "Live at the Barbeque" by Main Source, featuring Nas, Joe Fatal, Akinyele, and Large Professor, from their 1991 album Breaking Atoms. This song was the debut for Nas, and his verse was later sampled on "Genesis", the intro track to his debut album Illmatic (1994).
- "Scenario" by A Tribe Called Quest, featuring Leaders of the New School. Rolling Stone describes "Scenario" as "the ultimate posse cut",[2] and in Allmusic's review of "Scenario" they say, "not only did Tribe make history on The Low End Theory by putting together one of the best hip-hop albums of all time, they also opened up a hole in the sky for the emergence of the ever-unique and talented genius of Busta Rhymes".[11]
- "Parental Discretion Iz Advised" by N.W.A, featuring The D.O.C.. The only track from the Straight Outta Compton album to feature verses from all rapping members of N.W.A, and a guest appearance from The D.O.C who also co-wrote several songs on the album.
- "The Anthem" by Sway & King Tech, featuring RZA, Eminem, Tech N9ne, Xzibit, Pharoahe Monch, Kool G Rap, Jayo Felony, Chino XL, and KRS-One. The book How to Rap describes it as a "classic posse cut".[1]
- "Banned from T.V." by Noreaga featuring Big Pun, Nature, Cam'ron, Jadakiss, and Styles P.
- "Its Okay (One Blood MegaMix) by Game featuring Jim Jones, Snoop Dogg, Nas, T.I., Fat Joe, Lil Wayne, N.O.R.E., Jadakiss, Styles P, Fabolous, Juelz Santana, Rick Ross, Twista, Tha Dogg Pound (Kurupt & Daz Dillinger), WC, E-40, Bun B, Chamillionaire, Slim Thug, Young Dro, Clipse (Pusha T & No Malice), and Ja Rule. The song begins with "Dre, I See More Dead People". It is 11 minutes and 50 seconds long.[12]
- "Swagga Like Us" by T.I. featuring Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne.
- "Forever" by Drake featuring Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem.
- "The Last Huzzah!" by Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire feat. Despot, Heems, Kool A.D., Danny Brown, and El-P. The track was a remix of Exquire's "Huzzah". The cut was called one of the best songs of 2011 by Rolling Stone Magazine.[13]
- "Mercy" by Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz is a cut from the G.O.O.D. Music album Cruel Summer that became a hit in 2012, and the track was hailed as the best song of 2012 by many publications including SPIN Magazine[14]
- "1 Train" by ASAP Rocky featuring Kendrick Lamar, Joey Badass, Yelawolf, Danny Brown, Action Bronson, and Big K.R.I.T.. From the 2013 ASAP Rocky album Long. Live. ASAP.
- "Detroit Vs Everybody" by Eminem, DeJ Loaf, Royce Da 5'9, Big Sean, Danny Brown and Trick Trick. From the 2014 Shady Records compilation album Shady XV.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Edwards, Paul, 2009, How to Rap: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC, Chicago Review Press, p. 221.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ Huey, Steve. "((( Only Built 4 Cuban Linx > Overview )))". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ↑ Swihart, Stanton (1991-09-03). "((( Naughty by Nature > Overview )))". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ↑ Swihart, Stanton (1992-07-28). "((( Business Never Personal > Overview )))". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ↑ Witt, Chris (1988-11-19). "((( In Control, Vol. 1 > Overview )))". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ↑ Swihart, Stanton. "((( SlaughtaHouse > Overview )))". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ↑ Butler, Blake. "allmusic". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ↑ "50. The Game "One Blood (Remix)" (2006) — The Best Rap Remixes Since 2000". 2013-07-24. Retrieved 2014-03-26.
- ↑ http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-best-singles-of-2011-20111207/mr-muthafuckin-exquire-feat-despot-das-racist-danny-brown-and-el-p-the-last-huzzah-20111209
- ↑ http://www.spin.com/articles/best-songs-2012?slide=40