Cool C: The I Gotta Habit Rapper Turned Bank Robber
Cool C, born Christopher Roney, was a rapper from Philadelphia who rose to prominence in the late 80s and early 90s with the release of his debut album, I Gotta Habit. His music primarily focused on life in the ghetto and the struggles that came with it.
However, Cool C’s career came to an abrupt end when he was involved in a bank robbery that resulted in the death of a police officer.
I Gotta Habit and Life in the Ghetto
Cool C’s debut album, I Gotta Habit, was released in 1989 and was well received by fans and critics alike. The album’s title track became a hit and helped propel Cool C to mainstream success.
The song’s catchy beat and lyrics about the rapper’s love for hip hop and his desire to make it big resonated with audiences. Despite the success of I Gotta Habit, Cool C’s music continued to focus on life in the ghetto and the hardships that came with it.
He frequently rapped about poverty, crime, and violence, painting a vivid picture of what it was like to grow up in his neighborhood.
The Bank Robbery and Aftermath
On January 2, 1996, Cool C, along with two other individuals, attempted to rob a PNC bank in Philadelphia. During the robbery, a police officer was shot and killed.
Cool C and his accomplices were apprehended shortly after the incident and charged with murder. Cool C was found guilty and sentenced to death.
However, his sentence was later commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He has since turned to religion and has been active in mentoring young people from behind bars.
Final Thoughts
Cool C’s sudden fall from grace serves as a reminder of the dangers of the lifestyle he once glamorized in his music. It is a cautionary tale of what can happen when individuals make poor choices and fail to consider the consequences of their actions.
Despite this, Cool C’s music remains a testament to the struggles and realities faced by many individuals living in impoverished communities. 3) Will Smith: The Fresh Prince Turned Rapper
Before Will Smith became a Hollywood superstar, he was one-half of the legendary hip hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince.
The duo initially gained popularity in the mid-80s with hits like “Girls Ain’t Nothing But Trouble” and “Parents Just Don’t Understand.” Their music was known for its upbeat, party vibe and lighthearted lyrics. However, it wasn’t until the release of their 1991 album Homebase that they truly cemented their place in hip hop history.
The album’s lead single, “Summertime,” was a massive hit and helped propel the duo to mainstream success. The song’s smooth, laid-back vibe and catchy hook made it an instant classic.
The duo continued to release successful albums throughout the early 90s, with hits like “Ring My Bell” and “Boom! Shake the Room.” However, their most successful single to date is undoubtedly “Gettin’ Jiggy wit It,” which was released in 1997 and won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. While Will Smith eventually transitioned to acting full time, his legacy as a rapper and hip hop pioneer will always be remembered.
4) Black Thought: The Roots of Jimmy Fallon’s Late Night Success
Black Thought, born Tariq Trotter, is best known as the lead rapper and co-founder of the hip hop group The Roots. The group, formed in 1987, gained a following in their hometown of Philadelphia before eventually gaining national recognition.
Their music defied genre boundaries, incorporating elements of jazz, soul, and rock into their sound. However, it wasn’t until their partnership with comedian Jimmy Fallon that they truly became household names.
In 2009, The Roots became the house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and their on-screen chemistry with Fallon quickly became a hit with audiences. Black Thought’s ability to freestyle and improvise on the spot became a highlight of the show, leading to numerous viral moments over the years.
He was also given the opportunity to showcase his lyrical prowess with recurring segments like “Black Thought’s 10-Minute Freestyle” and collaborations with guests like Lin-Manuel Miranda. Despite their success on late night TV, The Roots have continued to release critically acclaimed albums over the years, with Black Thought’s powerful rhymes and thought-provoking lyrics at the forefront.
His work with The Roots and his contributions to hip hop culture have cemented his place as one of the genre’s most talented and respected MCs.
5) Lil Uzi Vert: The Emo Rapper Inspired by Marilyn Manson
Lil Uzi Vert is a rapper from Philadelphia who is known for his unique style and blending of various genres. His music incorporates elements of rap, rock, and emo, creating a sound that is both catchy and emotionally charged.
One of Lil Uzi Vert’s biggest inspirations is the iconic shock rocker Marilyn Manson. In an interview with XXL, Lil Uzi Vert cited Manson as one of his favorite artists and credited him with helping him develop his aesthetic.
He has also been known to pay homage to Manson in his music, with references to the rocker’s hit song “The Beautiful People.”
Lil Uzi Vert’s music is also heavily influenced by emo and punk rock, with his lyrics often exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and self-doubt. This blending of genres has helped him stand out in the crowded hip hop landscape and has resonated with fans who feel marginalized or misunderstood.
Despite his success, Lil Uzi Vert has been open about his struggles with mental health and the pressures of fame. His music serves as an outlet for his emotions and has helped inspire a new generation of emo rappers.
6) Beanie Sigel: From Jay-Z Protg to Controversial Figure
Beanie Sigel, born Dwight Grant, was a rapper from Philadelphia who rose to prominence in the early 2000s as a member of Jay-Z’s record label Roc-A-Fella Records. He quickly established himself as one of Jay-Z’s top protgs, with his debut album The Truth earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
However, Beanie Sigel’s career was overshadowed by numerous controversies over the years. He frequently clashed with Jay-Z and his team, leading to his departure from Roc-A-Fella Records in 2007.
He also found himself in legal trouble, with arrests for weapons and drug offenses over the years. Despite his setbacks, Beanie Sigel continued to release music and collaborate with other notable artists, including Meek Mill.
However, his public feuds and legal issues have often overshadowed his music, and he has become a somewhat polarizing figure in the hip hop community. Despite his controversies, Beanie Sigel’s contributions to hip hop cannot be denied.
His hard-hitting lyrics and unique style helped him establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the early 2000s, and his influence can still be felt in the genre today. 7) Lil Dicky: The Comedian Rapper Tackling Climate Change
Lil Dicky, born David Andrew Burd, is a rapper known for his humorous approach to music.
His songs often center around relatable topics, from awkward encounters with exes to the struggles of being a young adult. However, Lil Dicky’s biggest hit to date takes on a much more serious subject: climate change.
In 2019, Lil Dicky released “Earth,” a star-studded collaboration featuring artists like Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Snoop Dogg. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy hook make it easy to forget that it’s actually a call to action for people to start taking climate change seriously.
Lil Dicky’s unique approach to the issue quickly gained attention, with the song and accompanying video going viral. The video, which features animated versions of the artists as various animals, showcases the potential consequences of climate change if we fail to act.
While Lil Dicky is known for his humor, “Earth” shows that he’s not afraid to tackle serious issues when necessary. His ability to make climate change accessible and entertaining has helped bring attention to an issue that’s often seen as daunting or overwhelming.
8) Eve: The Rapper Who Let Us Blow Ya Mind
Eve is a rapper from Philadelphia who rose to prominence in the early 2000s with hits like “Let Me Blow Ya Mind,” a collaboration with Gwen Stefani that won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
Eve’s unique blend of street smarts and pop sensibilities helped her stand out in a crowded rap landscape.
Her lyrical prowess and energetic stage presence led to collaborations with other big names in the industry, including The Roots, with whom she recorded the hit song “You Got Me.”
In addition to her music career, Eve has also dabbled in acting, appearing in films like Barbershop and TV shows like Eve and Glee. She was also a co-host of the talk show The Talk from 2017-2020.
Despite her success as a rapper and actress, Eve has remained true to her roots, frequently speaking out about social issues and using her platform to advocate for causes like domestic violence prevention. Her unique voice and unwavering commitment to her beliefs have helped her become a standout figure in the entertainment industry.
9) Army of the Pharaohs: A Rap Collective with a Lyrical Edge
Army of the Pharaohs is a rap collective known for their gritty and lyrically complex style. The group was originally formed in 1998 by rapper Vinnie Paz, who recruited other like-minded artists to join him in creating music that was both socially conscious and musically innovative.
Over the years, the group has seen a revolving cast of members, including rapper Bahamadia, who served as the group’s only female member. Their music frequently touches on topics like politics, social justice, and the struggles of life in impoverished communities.
Despite their unconventional approach to hip hop, Army of the Pharaohs has gained a devout following and critical acclaim. Their songs are known for their complex wordplay and powerful imagery, providing a stark contrast to the more mainstream sounds of modern rap.
10) Freeway: A Rapper with Heart
Freeway, born Leslie Edward Pridgen, is a rapper from Philadelphia known for his unique voice and socially conscious lyrics. He rose to prominence in the early 2000s with his hit single “What We Do,” a collaboration with Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel.
However, what many people don’t know about Freeway is that he suffers from kidney disease and has been an advocate for kidney health awareness. In 2015, he founded the Freeway Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and support for people struggling with kidney health issues.
Despite his health struggles, Freeway has continued to make music and collaborate with other notable artists, including Chance the Rapper and The Roots. His music often touches on the struggles of growing up in poverty and the importance of self-care and community support.
Freeway’s commitment to activism and raising awareness about kidney health issues has demonstrated his dedication to using his platform for positive change. His contributions to hip hop and to the larger community serve as a testament to his strength and resilience.
11) Cassidy: The King of Freestyle and Rap Battles
Cassidy, born Barry Adrian Reese, is a rapper from Philadelphia known for his freestyle and battle rap expertise. He rose to prominence in the early 2000s with hits like “Hotel” and collaborations with other notable artists like R.
Kelly and Swizz Beatz. However, it was Cassidy’s skills on the battle circuit that truly set him apart from other rappers.
He became known for his intense freestyle ability and his knack for improvisation, often incorporating his opponent’s rhymes into his own verses. Cassidy’s most famous battle came in 2005, when he went up against fellow Philadelphia native and rising star Meek Mill in an epic freestyle battle.
While the outcome of the battle is still debated by fans, Cassidy’s performance further cemented his status as one of the best battle rappers of his time. Despite his success, Cassidy has faced setbacks over the years, including legal issues and a near-fatal car accident in 2006.
However, he has continued to release music and has been known to make surprise appearances at rap battles and events. 12) Kurupt: A Gangsta Rap Veteran with Enduring Influence
Kurupt, born Ricardo Emmanuel Brown, is a rapper and member of the West Coast hip hop group Tha Dogg Pound.
His unique flow and gritty lyrics helped establish him as a prominent figure in gangsta rap during the 1990s and early 2000s. Kurupt’s influence on the genre can still be felt today, with modern artists like Kendrick Lamar crediting him as a major inspiration.
Kurupt’s ability to seamlessly blend street tales with poetic rhymes helped him stand out in a crowded rap landscape. Over the years, Kurupt has continued to release music and collaborate with other notable artists, including Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.
He has also ventured into acting, appearing in films like Half Baked and Johnson Family Vacation. Despite his enduring influence on hip hop culture, Kurupt has largely remained out of the spotlight in recent years.
However, his contributions to the genre have left a lasting impact and have helped shape the sound of modern rap. 13) Lisa Lopes: The Creative Force of TLC
Lisa Lopes, also known as Left Eye, was a member of the R&B girl group TLC.
Along with Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, the group rose to prominence in the 1990s with hits like “Waterfalls” and “No Scrubs.”
Lisa Lopes was known for her unique style and fearless approach to music. She often incorporated rap verses into TLC’s songs and was known for her socially conscious lyrics.
However, her contributions to the group went beyond just her musical abilities. Lopes was a creative force behind TLC, helping to conceptualize and direct many of their iconic music videos.
She was also heavily involved in the group’s styling and image, often designing their outfits and creating memorable looks. Despite her success as a member of TLC, Lopes’ life was tragically cut short when she was killed in a car accident in 2002.
Her passion for music and her influence on the R&B genre will always be remembered. 14) DJ Jazzy Jeff: The Innovator Behind the Turntables
DJ Jazzy Jeff, born Jeffrey Allen Townes, is a DJ and producer best known for his collaborations with Will Smith as the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince.
The duo rose to prominence in the 1980s with hits like “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and “Summertime.”
However, it was DJ Jazzy Jeff’s innovations behind the turntables that truly set him apart from other DJs of his time. He was known for his use of the transformer scratch, a technique that involves rapidly cutting and repeating a sound to create a rhythmic effect.
DJ Jazzy Jeff’s influence on hip hop culture can also be felt through his work as the musical director of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, a popular sitcom that helped bring hip hop and urban culture to mainstream audiences. He also continued to release music and collaborate with other artists over the years, including Jill Scott and Michael Jackson.
Despite his success, DJ Jazzy Jeff remains down-to-earth and committed to the art of DJing. His contributions to hip hop and to the larger music industry have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire new generations of DJs and