Prince Paul
Encyclopedia
Paul Huston, better known by the stage name
Prince Paul, is an American
disc jockey
and hip-hop
record producer
. He was also a founding member of the Gravediggaz
where he used the name The Undertaker.
, he produced tracks on hip-hop albums such as 3rd Bass
' 1989 debut album The Cactus Album and De La Soul
's first three albums. After which he put together two solo albums: Psychoanalysis: What is It?
and the hip hop operette A Prince Among Thieves
, which featured Big Daddy Kane
, Xzibit
, Kool Keith
and Everlast. He, along with Frukwan
of Stetsasonic, Too Poetic
of Brothers Grimm, and The RZA
of Wu-Tang Clan
, made up the Gravediggaz
.
In 1990, Russell Simmons
gave Paul an imprint under his Def Jam label. The imprint's only album, It Takes a Nation of Suckers to Let Us In by Resident Alien, was never officially released.
In the liner notes of De La Soul
's 1993 album Buhloone Mindstate
, Paul hinted at his future projects with the Gravediggaz
: "I would like to thank all my friends and business cohorts who dissed me, played me, and jerked me when times were hard. For you made me wiser, stronger, crazier, and, most of all, a Gravedigga!"
Alongside Teo Macero
, Prince Paul co-produced guitarist Vernon Reid
's solo debut in 1995.
In 1996, he appeared on the Red Hot Organization
's compilation CD, America is Dying Slowly
, alongside Wu-Tang Clan
, Coolio
, and Fat Joe
, among others. The CD, meant to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic among African American men, was heralded as a masterpiece by The Source
magazine.
Huston teamed up with Dan the Automator
to form Handsome Boy Modeling School
; the group's album So... How's Your Girl?
featured diverse names from Sean Lennon
and Del tha Funkee Homosapien
to Alec Empire
and Don Novello
. Huston was also featured in a feat with super group Deltron 3030 on their self titled album for the song The Fantabulous Rap Extravaganza. In the year 2000, Paul Produced MC Paul Barman
's début EP It's Very Stimulating
. White People
continued Handsome Boy's tradition of strange skits and an odd mix of guests over Paul- and Automator-produced beats, including The RZA
, Linkin Park
, Tim Meadows, and John Oates
.
Politics of the Business
(2003) is a look at present-day hip hop, again featuring many guests, from Chuck D
and Ice T
to the Beatnuts and Wordsworth
. The latter also collaborated on a track Paul composed for the SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
soundtrack.
Several songs by Paul have been featured only on compilation releases such as Om Records
's "Deep Concentration" and Bill Laswell
's "Altered Beats" collections.
His most recent release is the album Itstrumental
, a return to Paul's previous work, depending on how one saw POTB. Itstrumental contained a range of genres, relying heavily on past samples, especially those from A Prince Among Thieves, and tying it together with several lighthearted skits about his apparently real depression
. He also produced the album The Art of Picking Up Women of imaginary rockers the Dix
, which bring some of hip-hop's misogyny and boasting to 1960s-style R&B.
Paul nabbed a deal with satellite radio
company XM and was the host of "The Ill Out Show" on the company's Rhyme 65 channel, until the station was dropped following the merger with Sirius. The show was hosted with members of the Ill Out Crew, various staple partners Paul has worked with throughout his career such as Don Newkirk
(who closes engineer Al Watt's imaginary 3 Feet High and Rising game show and also appears on 3rd Bass
's The Gas Face.). The show is a hip-hop fan favorite, airing news, classic songs, and interviews with various hip-hop artists. What may become one of the show's most famed episodes was a love-joint show in July 2006, featuring love/relationship-oriented Hip-Hop songs programmed in an unorthodox fashion through an in-depth interview with R.A. the Rugged Man
.
Paul's latest project is Baby Elephant, a collaboration with Parliament
and Talking Heads
keyboardist Bernie Worrell
, and longtime Paul associate Don Newkirk
. Released September 11, 2007, Turn My Teeth Up!, features George Clinton
, Shock G
, Yellowman
, Reggie Watts
, Nona Hendryx
, David Byrne
, and Gabby La La
.
On October 30, 2006, it was reported on the official Hieroglyphics blog that Prince Paul was in the studio doing production work on upcoming album of the Souls of Mischief
.
Stage name
A stage name, also called a showbiz name or screen name, is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers such as actors, wrestlers, comedians, and musicians.-Motivation to use a stage name:...
Prince Paul, is an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
disc jockey
Disc jockey
A disc jockey, also known as DJ, is a person who selects and plays recorded music for an audience. Originally, "disc" referred to phonograph records, not the later Compact Discs. Today, the term includes all forms of music playback, no matter the medium.There are several types of disc jockeys...
and hip-hop
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
record producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
. He was also a founding member of the Gravediggaz
Gravediggaz
Gravediggaz is an American hip hop group from New York City, well known for its dark sense of humor and abrasive, menacing soundscapes. The group was formed in 1994 and was effectively a supergroup, bringing together Prince Paul , Frukwan , Too Poetic and RZA...
where he used the name The Undertaker.
Biography
Originally a member of StetsasonicStetsasonic
Stetsasonic was an American hip hop group formed in 1979 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York. It is remembered as one of the first hip hop crews to use a live band, and the group's positive, uplifting lyrics made it forerunners of alternative hip hop and jazz hip...
, he produced tracks on hip-hop albums such as 3rd Bass
3rd Bass
3rd Bass was an American hip-hop group that rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and was notable for being one of the first successful interracial hip-hop groups.-Career:...
' 1989 debut album The Cactus Album and De La Soul
De La Soul
De La Soul is an American hip hop trio formed in 1987 on Long Island, New York. The band is best known for their eclectic sampling, quirky lyrics, and their contributions to the evolution of the jazz rap and alternative hip hop subgenres...
's first three albums. After which he put together two solo albums: Psychoanalysis: What is It?
Psychoanalysis: What is It?
Psychoanalysis: What Is It? is the first album by hip hop producer Prince Paul. The album marks Prince Paul's first turn as a solo artist after gaining recognition for producing De La Soul, among others, as well as being a member of the hip hop super group the Gravediggaz...
and the hip hop operette A Prince Among Thieves
A Prince Among Thieves
A Prince Among Thieves is the second studio album by hip hop artist Prince Paul. It is considered an apex in the hip hop world, and was one of the most acclaimed concept albums of its time. The concept follows the story of an aspiring young emcee named Tariq, played by emcee Breezly Brewin, who...
, which featured Big Daddy Kane
Big Daddy Kane
Antonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop...
, Xzibit
Xzibit
Alvin Nathaniel Joiner , better known by his stage name Xzibit , is an American rapper, actor, and television host. He is known as the host of the MTV show Pimp My Ride, which brought him mainstream success...
, Kool Keith
Kool Keith
Keith Matthew Thornton, better known by his stage name Kool Keith, is an American rapper from The Bronx, New York. A founding member of Ultramagnetic MCs, Kool Keith has recorded prolifically both as a solo artist and in group collaborations. Kool Keith is the self-proclaimed inventor of...
and Everlast. He, along with Frukwan
Frukwan
Frukwan Sun-Star Allah-Bey is a Moorish American hip hop musician. He is best known as The Gatekeeper from the hip hop group Gravediggaz and was a member of the pioneering hip hop band Stetsasonic.- Early life :...
of Stetsasonic, Too Poetic
Poetic (hip hop)
Anthony Ian Berkeley better known as Poetic, was an American rapper and producer. He was also a founding member of the hip-hop group, Gravediggaz, where he used the alias Grym Reaper.- Early life :...
of Brothers Grimm, and The RZA
RZA
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA , is an American Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, emcee, and occasional actor, director, and screenwriter. A prominent figure in Hip Hop, RZA is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost...
of Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
The Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group from Staten Island that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group...
, made up the Gravediggaz
Gravediggaz
Gravediggaz is an American hip hop group from New York City, well known for its dark sense of humor and abrasive, menacing soundscapes. The group was formed in 1994 and was effectively a supergroup, bringing together Prince Paul , Frukwan , Too Poetic and RZA...
.
In 1990, Russell Simmons
Russell Simmons
-External links:** * * * * * * from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum* *...
gave Paul an imprint under his Def Jam label. The imprint's only album, It Takes a Nation of Suckers to Let Us In by Resident Alien, was never officially released.
In the liner notes of De La Soul
De La Soul
De La Soul is an American hip hop trio formed in 1987 on Long Island, New York. The band is best known for their eclectic sampling, quirky lyrics, and their contributions to the evolution of the jazz rap and alternative hip hop subgenres...
's 1993 album Buhloone Mindstate
Buhloone Mindstate
Buhloone Mindstate is De La Soul's third full-length album. It was the last De La Soul album to be produced with Prince Paul. Comedian Chris Rock ranked it 10th in his list of the top 25 hip-hop albums of all time that was published in Rolling Stone in 2005.- Title significance :The title refers...
, Paul hinted at his future projects with the Gravediggaz
Gravediggaz
Gravediggaz is an American hip hop group from New York City, well known for its dark sense of humor and abrasive, menacing soundscapes. The group was formed in 1994 and was effectively a supergroup, bringing together Prince Paul , Frukwan , Too Poetic and RZA...
: "I would like to thank all my friends and business cohorts who dissed me, played me, and jerked me when times were hard. For you made me wiser, stronger, crazier, and, most of all, a Gravedigga!"
Alongside Teo Macero
Teo Macero
Teo Macero , born Attilio Joseph Macero, was an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and record producer...
, Prince Paul co-produced guitarist Vernon Reid
Vernon Reid
Vernon Reid is an English-born American guitarist, songwriter, composer, and bandleader. Best known as the founder and primary songwriter of the heavy metal band Living Colour, Reid was named #66 on Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.Critic Steve Huey writes, "[Reid's]...
's solo debut in 1995.
In 1996, he appeared on the Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization
Red Hot Organization is a not-for-profit, 501 3, international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture.Since its inception in 1989, over 400 artists, producers and directors have contributed to over 15 compilation albums, related television programs and media events to raise...
's compilation CD, America is Dying Slowly
America Is Dying Slowly
America Is Dying Slowly is a compilation album, the eighth in the Red Hot AIDS Benefit Series of recorded by the Red Hot Organization...
, alongside Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
The Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group from Staten Island that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group...
, Coolio
Coolio
Artis Leon Ivey Jr. , better known by the stage name Coolio, is an American musician, rapper, actor and record producer.-Late 80s:He recorded two singles in the late 80s, titled "Watcha Gonna Do" and "You're Gonna Miss Me"...
, and Fat Joe
Fat Joe
Joseph Antonio Cartagena , better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper, CEO of Terror Squad Entertainment, and member of musical groups D.I.T.C. and Terror Squad....
, among others. The CD, meant to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic among African American men, was heralded as a masterpiece by The Source
The Source (magazine)
The Source is a United States-based, monthly full-color magazine covering hip-hop music, politics, and culture, founded in 1988. It is the world's second longest running rap periodical, behind United Kingdom-based publication Hip Hop Connection. The Source was founded as a newsletter in 1988...
magazine.
Huston teamed up with Dan the Automator
Dan the Automator
Daniel M. Nakamura , better known by the stage name Dan the Automator, is a Japanese-American hip hop producer. He founded the record label 75 Ark, which was distributed by Tommy Boy Records during its short existence....
to form Handsome Boy Modeling School
Handsome Boy Modeling School
Handsome Boy Modeling School was a collaborative project between renowned hip hop producers Dan the Automator and Prince Paul...
; the group's album So... How's Your Girl?
So... How's Your Girl?
So... How's Your Girl? is the debut album by Handsome Boy Modeling School, released on the label Tommy Boy Music. It makes liberal use of sound bites from the 1990 episode "The Prettiest Week of My Life" of the sitcom Get a Life, an episode in which the main character decides to attend the...
featured diverse names from Sean Lennon
Sean Lennon
is an American singer, songwriter, musician, guitarist and actor. He is the only child of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. His godfather is Sir Elton John.-Early life and education:...
and Del tha Funkee Homosapien
Del tha Funkee Homosapien
Teren Delvon Jones , better known as Del the Funky Homosapien or Del tha Funkee Homosapien, is an American MC.-Early life and beginnings: 1990-1997:...
to Alec Empire
Alec Empire
Alec Empire is a German musician who is best known as a founding member of the band Atari Teenage Riot. Also a prolific and distinguished solo artist, producer and DJ, he has released well over a hundred albums, EPs and singles and remixed over seventy tracks for various artists including Björk...
and Don Novello
Don Novello
Don Novello is an American writer, film director, producer, actor, singer, and comedian. Novello is best known for his work on NBC's Saturday Night Live, from 1977 until 1980, and then 1985 until 1986, often as the character "Father Guido Sarducci". Novello has appeared as "Sarducci" on many...
. Huston was also featured in a feat with super group Deltron 3030 on their self titled album for the song The Fantabulous Rap Extravaganza. In the year 2000, Paul Produced MC Paul Barman
MC Paul Barman
Paul Nathaniel Barman better known as MC Paul Barman is a Jewish- American emcee from Ridgewood, New Jersey, who attended Brown University....
's début EP It's Very Stimulating
It's Very Stimulating
It's Very Stimulating is an EP by MC Paul Barman.-Track listing:#"An Introduction"#"The Joy of Your World"#"School Anthem"#"Salvation Barmy"#"I'm Fricking Awesome"#"Mtv Get Off the Air, part 2"...
. White People
White People
White People is the second and final album by Handsome Boy Modeling School.-Track listing:# "Intro" – 1:08# "If It Wasn't For You" – 4:37...
continued Handsome Boy's tradition of strange skits and an odd mix of guests over Paul- and Automator-produced beats, including The RZA
RZA
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA , is an American Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, emcee, and occasional actor, director, and screenwriter. A prominent figure in Hip Hop, RZA is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost...
, Linkin Park
Linkin Park
Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...
, Tim Meadows, and John Oates
John Oates
John William Oates is an American rock, R&B and soul guitarist, musician, songwriter and producer best known as half of the rock and soul duo Hall & Oates ....
.
Politics of the Business
Politics of the Business
Politics of the Business is the third album by American hip hop producer Prince Paul. This album is considered to be a concept album similar to A Prince Among Thieves. The concept for this album, however, is the concept of following-up a concept album that did not sell too well .-Track...
(2003) is a look at present-day hip hop, again featuring many guests, from Chuck D
Chuck D
Carlton Douglas Ridenhour , better known by his stage name, Chuck D, is an American rapper, author, and producer. He helped create politically and socially conscious rap music in the mid-1980s as the leader of the rap group Public Enemy.- Early life :Ridenhour was born in Queens, New York...
and Ice T
Ice T
Tracy Marrow , better known by his stage name Ice-T, is an American musician and actor.He was born in Newark, New Jersey and moved to the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles when he was in the 7th grade. After graduating from high school he served in the United States Army for four years...
to the Beatnuts and Wordsworth
Wordsworth (rapper)
Wordsworth is an underground hip hop MC from Brooklyn, best known for his freestyle rap.Wordsworth grew up in Brooklyn. A graduate of the State University of New York College at Old Westbury, Wordsworth recorded with his partner Punchline on A Tribe Called Quest's The Love Movement and on Mos Def...
. The latter also collaborated on a track Paul composed for the SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is a 2004 American animated film based on the popular Nickelodeon television series SpongeBob SquarePants. The film stars the voices of Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Doug Lawrence, Scarlett Johansson, Alec Baldwin, Jeffrey Tambor, and...
soundtrack.
Several songs by Paul have been featured only on compilation releases such as Om Records
Om Records
Om Records is a US-based record label, established in 1995, which releases electronic music, dance music, and hip hop. The label was founded in San Francisco in 1995 by Chris Smith. Om Records releases both artist albums and various compilations. Some of the most notable compilations include Om...
's "Deep Concentration" and Bill Laswell
Bill Laswell
Bill Laswell is an American bassist, producer and record label owner....
's "Altered Beats" collections.
His most recent release is the album Itstrumental
Itstrumental
Itsrumental is the fourth album by African-American hip hop producer Prince Paul. Similar to other Prince Paul albums, it follows a theme. The album is strung together by a series of skits about the Mental Victims Unit tracking down and arresting Prince Paul...
, a return to Paul's previous work, depending on how one saw POTB. Itstrumental contained a range of genres, relying heavily on past samples, especially those from A Prince Among Thieves, and tying it together with several lighthearted skits about his apparently real depression
Clinical depression
Major depressive disorder is a mental disorder characterized by an all-encompassing low mood accompanied by low self-esteem, and by loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities...
. He also produced the album The Art of Picking Up Women of imaginary rockers the Dix
The Dix
The Dix is a fictional R&B group from a fictional place called Compton, New York. Its real members are producer Prince Paul, Mr. Len, Mr. Dead and Don Newkirk. Their album, The Art of Picking Up Women, is influenced by both classic funk and soul music as well as contemporary styles such as hip hop...
, which bring some of hip-hop's misogyny and boasting to 1960s-style R&B.
Paul nabbed a deal with satellite radio
Satellite radio
Satellite radio is an analogue or digital radio signal that is relayed through one or more satellites and thus can be received in a much wider geographical area than terrestrial FM radio stations...
company XM and was the host of "The Ill Out Show" on the company's Rhyme 65 channel, until the station was dropped following the merger with Sirius. The show was hosted with members of the Ill Out Crew, various staple partners Paul has worked with throughout his career such as Don Newkirk
Don Newkirk
Donald Newkirk is a musician and record producer known for his voice-overs on hip hop albums such as De La Soul's Three Feet High and Rising and 3rd Bass' song The Gas Face. Newkirk is also a member of the underground hip hop group The Dix, produced by Prince Paul.- References :...
(who closes engineer Al Watt's imaginary 3 Feet High and Rising game show and also appears on 3rd Bass
3rd Bass
3rd Bass was an American hip-hop group that rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and was notable for being one of the first successful interracial hip-hop groups.-Career:...
's The Gas Face.). The show is a hip-hop fan favorite, airing news, classic songs, and interviews with various hip-hop artists. What may become one of the show's most famed episodes was a love-joint show in July 2006, featuring love/relationship-oriented Hip-Hop songs programmed in an unorthodox fashion through an in-depth interview with R.A. the Rugged Man
R.A. The Rugged Man
R. A. Thorburn, better known as R.A. the Rugged Man, is an emcee from Suffolk County, Long Island, New York.-Career:At 18, R.A. signed with Jive Records and then in the mid-1990s signed with Priority Records/EMI. His contract was later absorbed by Capitol Records but he began recording...
.
Paul's latest project is Baby Elephant, a collaboration with Parliament
Parliament (band)
Parliament was a funk band most prominent during the 1970s. It and its sister act Funkadelic, both led by George Clinton, began the funk music culture of that decade.-History:...
and Talking Heads
Talking Heads
Talking Heads were an American New Wave and avant-garde band formed in 1975 in New York City and active until 1991. The band comprised David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth and Jerry Harrison...
keyboardist Bernie Worrell
Bernie Worrell
George Bernard "Bernie" Worrell, Jr. is an American keyboardist and composer best known as a founding member of Parliament-Funkadelic and for his work with Talking Heads. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted in 1997 with fifteen other members of Parliament-Funkadelic...
, and longtime Paul associate Don Newkirk
Don Newkirk
Donald Newkirk is a musician and record producer known for his voice-overs on hip hop albums such as De La Soul's Three Feet High and Rising and 3rd Bass' song The Gas Face. Newkirk is also a member of the underground hip hop group The Dix, produced by Prince Paul.- References :...
. Released September 11, 2007, Turn My Teeth Up!, features George Clinton
George Clinton (funk musician)
George Clinton is an American singer, songwriter, bandleader, and music producer and the principal architect of P-Funk. He was the mastermind of the bands Parliament and Funkadelic during the 1970s and early 1980s, and launched a solo career in 1981. He has been cited as one of the foremost...
, Shock G
Shock G
Gregory E. Jacobs , known by the stage names Shock G and Humpty Hump, is an American musician and rapper, known as the lead vocalist for the hip hop group Digital Underground...
, Yellowman
Yellowman
Yellowman is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall deejay, widely known as King Yellowman...
, Reggie Watts
Reggie Watts
Reggie Watts is a Seattle-based comedian and musician. His shows are mostly improvised and consist of stream of consciousness stand-up in various shifting personae, mixed with loop pedal-based a cappella compositions. He also performs regularly on television, radio, and in live theater...
, Nona Hendryx
Nona Hendryx
Nona Hendryx is an American vocalist, producer, songwriter, musician, author, and actress.Hendryx is known for her work as a solo artist as well as for being one-third of the trio Labelle, who had a hit with "Lady Marmalade." Her music has ranged from soul, funk, dance, and R&B to hard rock, art...
, David Byrne
David Byrne (musician)
David Byrne is a musician and artist, best known as a founding member and principal songwriter of the American new wave band Talking Heads, which was active between 1975 and 1991. Since then, Byrne has released his own solo recordings and worked with various media including film, photography,...
, and Gabby La La
Gabby La La
Gabby La La, is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist , signed to Prawn Song Records. Her music is self described as "fun, unique, crazy kooky". La La's eccentric debut album, Be Careful What You Wish For..., is a collaboration with Les Claypool that though "peculiar.....
.
On October 30, 2006, it was reported on the official Hieroglyphics blog that Prince Paul was in the studio doing production work on upcoming album of the Souls of Mischief
Souls of Mischief
-Studio albums:-Singles:-External links:* [ Allmusic Biography]* *...
.
Solo albums
- 1996: Psychoanalysis: What is It?Psychoanalysis: What is It?Psychoanalysis: What Is It? is the first album by hip hop producer Prince Paul. The album marks Prince Paul's first turn as a solo artist after gaining recognition for producing De La Soul, among others, as well as being a member of the hip hop super group the Gravediggaz...
(WordSound Records, later reissued by Tommy BoyTommy Boy RecordsTommy Boy Entertainment is an independent record label started in 1981 by Tom Silverman.-History:...
/Warner Bros. RecordsWarner Bros. RecordsWarner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
in 1997 with bonus cuts) - 1999: A Prince Among ThievesA Prince Among ThievesA Prince Among Thieves is the second studio album by hip hop artist Prince Paul. It is considered an apex in the hip hop world, and was one of the most acclaimed concept albums of its time. The concept follows the story of an aspiring young emcee named Tariq, played by emcee Breezly Brewin, who...
(Tommy Boy/Warner Bros. Records) - 2003: Politics of the BusinessPolitics of the BusinessPolitics of the Business is the third album by American hip hop producer Prince Paul. This album is considered to be a concept album similar to A Prince Among Thieves. The concept for this album, however, is the concept of following-up a concept album that did not sell too well .-Track...
(Razor & TieRazor & TieRazor & Tie is a New York-based corporation founded in 1990 by Cliff Chenfeld and Craig Balsam. The company encompasses a record label with major label distribution , a home video company, a media buying company, a music publishing business, a marketing, promotion and sales team, and a direct...
) - 2005: ItstrumentalItstrumentalItsrumental is the fourth album by African-American hip hop producer Prince Paul. Similar to other Prince Paul albums, it follows a theme. The album is strung together by a series of skits about the Mental Victims Unit tracking down and arresting Prince Paul...
(Female Fun Records) - 2005: Hip Hop Gold DustHip Hop Gold DustHip Hop Gold Dust is the compilation album by American hip hop producer Prince Paul. The album consists mainly of unreleased Prince Paul tracks from various points in his career...
(Antidote)
Collaborative albums
- 1986: On Fire (Stetsasonic)
- 1988: In Full GearIn Full GearIn Full Gear is the second studio album by American hip hop band Stetsasonic. The album is considered revolutionary in style and production for its time period. Originally released in 1988, Tommy Boy Records re-released the album in 2001 with three bonus alternate versions of the single "Talkin'...
(Stetsasonic) - 1991: Blood, Sweat & No TearsBlood, Sweat & No TearsBlood, Sweat & No Tears is the third and final album from hip hop group Stetsasonic. Producer Prince Paul, acclaimed for his work with De La Soul, continued a successful production career. Paul and Frukwan became members of the popular horrorcore group Gravediggaz, along with Poetic and The RZA....
(Stetsasonic) - 1994: 6 Feet Deep6 Feet Deep6 Feet Deep is the debut album of the horrorcore supergroup Gravediggaz. It was released August 9, 1994, by Gee Street Records. The album was re-issued in 1997.- Album information :...
(Gravediggaz) - 1999: So... How's Your Girl?So... How's Your Girl?So... How's Your Girl? is the debut album by Handsome Boy Modeling School, released on the label Tommy Boy Music. It makes liberal use of sound bites from the 1990 episode "The Prettiest Week of My Life" of the sitcom Get a Life, an episode in which the main character decides to attend the...
(Handsome Boy Modeling School) - 2002: The Hip-Hop Experiment (A compilation album supporting Dexter's LaboratoryDexter's LaboratoryDexter's Laboratory is an American animated television series created by Genndy Tartakovsky and produced by Cartoon Network Studios . The show is about a boy named Dexter who has an enormous secret laboratory filled with an endless collection of his inventions...
on which he appears on the song "Back to the Lab") - 2004: White PeopleWhite PeopleWhite People is the second and final album by Handsome Boy Modeling School.-Track listing:# "Intro" – 1:08# "If It Wasn't For You" – 4:37...
(Handsome Boy Modeling School) - 2005: The Art of Picking Up Women (The DixThe DixThe Dix is a fictional R&B group from a fictional place called Compton, New York. Its real members are producer Prince Paul, Mr. Len, Mr. Dead and Don Newkirk. Their album, The Art of Picking Up Women, is influenced by both classic funk and soul music as well as contemporary styles such as hip hop...
) - 2007: Turn My Teeth Up! (Baby Elephant)
- 2008: Baby Loves Hip Hop Presents The Dino 5 (Dino 5Dino 5Dino 5 is a hip hop supergroup featuring Prince Paul, Chali 2na from Jurassic 5, Scratch from The Roots, Wordsworth and Lady Bug Mecca from Digable Planets. Their album is a concept hip hop album for children, though it can be listened to by adults as well. The Dino 5 has also been optioned for...
)
Production
- 3 Feet High and Rising3 Feet High and Rising3 Feet High and Rising is the debut album from American hip hop trio De La Soul, released in 1989.The album marked the first of three full-length collaborations with producer Prince Paul, which would become the critical and commercial peak of both parties. It is consistently placed on 'greatest...
by De La SoulDe La SoulDe La Soul is an American hip hop trio formed in 1987 on Long Island, New York. The band is best known for their eclectic sampling, quirky lyrics, and their contributions to the evolution of the jazz rap and alternative hip hop subgenres...
(1989) - It's a Big Daddy ThingIt's a Big Daddy ThingIt's a Big Daddy Thing is the second full-length album by American rapper Big Daddy Kane. It was released on September 15, 1989.To date, it is his most successful effort commercially, certified gold by RIAA....
by Big Daddy KaneBig Daddy KaneAntonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop...
(1989) - The Cactus Album by 3rd Bass3rd Bass3rd Bass was an American hip-hop group that rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and was notable for being one of the first successful interracial hip-hop groups.-Career:...
(1989) - All Hail the QueenAll Hail the QueenAll Hail the Queen is the debut album by hip hop artist Queen Latifah, released on November 7, 1989 on Tommy Boy Records. The album was unusually successful for a hip hop record at the time, buoyed by the single "Wrath of My Madness"...
by Queen LatifahQueen LatifahDana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy...
(1989) - To Your Soul by Jaz-OJaz-OJonathan Burks better known by his stage name Jaz-O, is an American rapper and record producer active in the late 1980s through the 1990s, best known for being the mentor of Jay-Z. Jaz is also known as the Originator and had a song called "The Originators" that featured a young Jay-Z in 1990...
(1990) - Starting from Zero by Groove B Chill (1990)
- Taste of ChocolateTaste of ChocolateTaste of Chocolate is the third album by emcee Big Daddy Kane, released in late 1990 on Cold Chillin' Records. After the success of his first two albums, Long Live the Kane and It's a Big Daddy Thing, Taste of Chocolate became Kane's first album not to reach Gold sales status. The album received...
by Big Daddy KaneBig Daddy KaneAntonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop...
(1990) - Derelicts of DialectDerelicts of DialectDerelicts of Dialect was Queens-based emcees 3rd Bass' second LP and final studio album, released on Def Jam Recordings...
by 3rd Bass3rd Bass3rd Bass was an American hip-hop group that rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and was notable for being one of the first successful interracial hip-hop groups.-Career:...
(1991) - It Takes a Nation of Suckas to Let Us In by Resident Alien (1991)
- Daddy's Little GirlDaddy's Little Girl (album)Daddy's Little Girl is the first and only album released by rapper, Nikki D. It was released on September 3, 1991 through Def Jam Recordings and featured production from S.I.D., Prince Paul, Sam Server and The Bomb Squad's Eric Sadler. The album reached No. 54 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums; the...
by Nikki DNikki DNichelle "Nikki D" Strong is an American female rapper. Nikki D was the first female rapper signed by Def Jam Recordings.-Career:She signed with Def Jam in 1989, and released her debut single "A No No No" the same year. It was produced by Sam Sever. The single's video featured Flavor Flav...
(1991) - De La Soul Is DeadDe La Soul Is DeadDe La Soul Is Dead is De La Soul's second full-length album, released in 1991 . The album was produced by Prince Paul, whose work on 3 Feet High and Rising was highly praised by music critics. The album was one of the first to receive a five mic rating in the Hip hop magazine The Source...
by De La Soul (1991) - Sex and ViolenceSex and Violence (album)Sex and Violence is the final album released by hip hop group Boogie Down Productions. The next year, 1993, the group's lead member, KRS-One, would begin recording under his own name....
by Boogie Down ProductionsBoogie Down ProductionsBoogie Down Productions was a hip hop group that was originally composed of KRS-One, D-Nice, and DJ Scott La Rock. DJ Scott La Rock was murdered on August 27, 1987, months after the release of BDP's debut album, Criminal Minded. The name of the group, Boogie Down, derives from a nickname for the...
(1992) - I Thought U KnewI Thought U KnewI Thought U Knew is the third album by rapper, Candyman. The album was released on June 29, 1993 for IRS Records and was produced by Candyman, himself...
by CandymanCandyman (rapper)Candell Manson known by his stage name Candyman, is an American rapper and record producer. He is best known for his only hit single, "Knockin' Boots".-Biography:...
(1993) - My Field Trip to Planet 9 by Justin WarfieldJustin WarfieldJustin Warfield is a musician and hip hop emcee of African American and Jewish Russian-Romanian maternal parentage, who is currently half of the darkwave duo She Wants Revenge...
(1993) - Buhloone MindstateBuhloone MindstateBuhloone Mindstate is De La Soul's third full-length album. It was the last De La Soul album to be produced with Prince Paul. Comedian Chris Rock ranked it 10th in his list of the top 25 hip-hop albums of all time that was published in Rolling Stone in 2005.- Title significance :The title refers...
by De La Soul (1993) - Behind BarsBehind Bars- Personnel :* Slick Rick - performer, producer* Warren G - performer, producer, remixing* Nice & Smooth - performer, producer* Doug E. Fresh - performer* Vance Wright - producer* Prince Paul - producer* Pete Rock - producer, remixing...
by Slick RickSlick RickRichard Walters , better known by his stage name Slick Rick is a Grammy-nominated English-American rapper...
(1994) - Latin Lingo (Prince Paul Mix) by Cypress HillCypress HillCypress Hill is an American hip hop group from South Gate, California. Cypress Hill was the first Latino hip-hop group to have platinum and multi-platinum albums, selling over 18 million albums worldwide...
(1996) - America is Dying SlowlyAmerica Is Dying SlowlyAmerica Is Dying Slowly is a compilation album, the eighth in the Red Hot AIDS Benefit Series of recorded by the Red Hot Organization...
by Various Artists (1996) - Downlow - The Hip Hop Underground by Various Artists (1996)
- The Pick, the Sickle and the ShovelThe Pick, the Sickle and the ShovelThe Pick, the Sickle and the Shovel, released October 14, 1997, is the second album by the Gravediggaz, an influential horrorcore hip hop supergroup...
by the Gravediggaz (1997) - Roll With the NewRoll with the NewRoll with the New is the second comedy album by Chris Rock. It is a combination of live material and comedy sketches...
by Chris RockChris RockChristopher Julius "Chris" Rock III is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, television producer, film producer and director. He was voted in the US as the 5th greatest stand-up comedian of all time by Comedy Central...
(1997) - Lyrical Chemical by Metabolics (1998)
- Bigger & BlackerBigger & BlackerBigger & Blacker is an album by Chris Rock, originally released on July 13, 1999, on the Dreamworks label. The album features live stand-up comedy tracks recorded for an HBO special at the Apollo Theater in Harlem and studio-recorded comic sketches, featuring Ol' Dirty Bastard, Biz Markie, Gerald...
by Chris RockChris RockChristopher Julius "Chris" Rock III is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, television producer, film producer and director. He was voted in the US as the 5th greatest stand-up comedian of all time by Comedy Central...
(1999) - It's Very StimulatingIt's Very StimulatingIt's Very Stimulating is an EP by MC Paul Barman.-Track listing:#"An Introduction"#"The Joy of Your World"#"School Anthem"#"Salvation Barmy"#"I'm Fricking Awesome"#"Mtv Get Off the Air, part 2"...
by MC Paul BarmanMC Paul BarmanPaul Nathaniel Barman better known as MC Paul Barman is a Jewish- American emcee from Ridgewood, New Jersey, who attended Brown University....
(2000) - Both Sides of the BrainBoth Sides of the BrainBoth Sides of the Brain is the fourth studio album by Del the Funky Homosapien. The song "If You Must" is notable for being featured in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 as well as having its own music video.-Track listing:...
by Del tha Funkee HomosapienDel tha Funkee HomosapienTeren Delvon Jones , better known as Del the Funky Homosapien or Del tha Funkee Homosapien, is an American MC.-Early life and beginnings: 1990-1997:...
(2000) - Dawn of the Dead by Mr. Dead (2000)
- Coast II CoastCoast II CoastCoast II Coast is the second album of hip hop trio The Alkaholiks released in 1995. It features guest rapping from Xzibit, Diamond D, King Tee, Lootpack, Q-Tip, Declaime and The Baby Bubbas. It features production from Tha Alkoholiks themselves, E-Swift, Madlib and Diamond D.-Track listing:-Album...
by Various Artists (2001) - Against All OddsAgainst All Odds (Tragedy Khadafi album)Against All Odds is the third solo studio album by hip-hop artist Tragedy Khadafi. The album was releasd in 2001 after much delay, and included his 2000 single "Bing Monsters". The album reached #9 in the Billboard Top Heatseekers Album Chart....
by Tragedy KhadafiTragedy KhadafiPercy Chapman IV, known by his stage name Tragedy Khadafi, and formerly known as Intelligent Hoodlum, is an American rapper and producer who hails from the Queensbridge housing projects in Queens, New York, which has spawned other hip hop artists such as Nas, Cormega, Mobb Deep, Capone-N-Noreaga,...
(2001) - The Best PartThe Best PartThe Best Part is the debut album by underground rapper, J-Live. It was recorded from 1995 to 1998 and featured production by Prince Paul, DJ Premier, and Pete Rock. Due to problems with his record label, Raw Shack Records, J-Live left the label and the album was shelved...
by J-LiveJ-LiveJ-Live is an MC, DJ, and producer from New York.-Early career and The Best Part:...
(2001) - Paullelujah!Paullelujah!Paullelujah! is MC Paul Barman's first full length album, released in 2002. It featured production from artists MF Doom, Prince Paul, MikeTheMusicGuy and Phofo.-Track listing:...
by MC Paul BarmanMC Paul BarmanPaul Nathaniel Barman better known as MC Paul Barman is a Jewish- American emcee from Ridgewood, New Jersey, who attended Brown University....
(2002) - Palace of the Pretender by Last Emperor (2003)
- Mm..LeftOvers by MF DoomMF DoomDaniel Dumile is a hip hop artist who has taken on several stage names in his career, most notably MF DOOM, where the "MF" stands for metal face, and for tracks he has produced, metal fingers...
(2004) - Montezuma's RevengeMontezuma's Revenge (album)Montezuma's Revenge is the fifth album by the Oakland hip hop group Souls of Mischief. It was released on December 1, 2009 by Clear Label Records. This album is notable for the collaboration with prominent producer Prince Paul who is also depicted with the group on the front cover.-Track listing:...
by Souls of MischiefSouls of Mischief-Studio albums:-Singles:-External links:* [ Allmusic Biography]* *...
(2009) - Thought Balloon Mushroom CloudThought Balloon Mushroom CloudThought Balloon Mushroom Cloud is MC Paul Barman's second full length album, released in 2009. It features production from DJ Pocket, DOOM, Prince Paul, ?uestlove and Michel Gondry.-Track listing:...
by MC Paul BarmanMC Paul BarmanPaul Nathaniel Barman better known as MC Paul Barman is a Jewish- American emcee from Ridgewood, New Jersey, who attended Brown University....
(2009)