Spice 1
Encyclopedia
Robert L. Green, Jr., better known by his stage name
Spice 1, is an American
rapper
from Hayward, California
. He has consistently been releasing solo and group albums since 1992. Spice 1 was ranked number 56 in The Source
magazine's Top 115 Hip-Hop Artists from 1988–2003. His self-titled debut was also listed in The Source's 100 Best Rap Albums.
EP, was not well known or widely released, and included seven old-school style tracks. His self-titled debut album Spice 1
was a very vivid and fatalistic gangsta rap
album, and his angry, edgy, and pessimistic rapping style and tone only added to the despair emanating from the disc. He followed it with an even more bitter and nihilistic release, 187 He Wrote
in 1993, complete with simulated gunfire.
Spice 1 managed to release six albums under Jive records along with one greatest hits album. It was reported by Jive that he has an album called "Full Metal Jacket", which was supposed to release under Jive. However, Spice 1 stated in many interviews that this information was false. It was something Jive wanted to push him into releasing, but he never agreed to do so. Therefore, the album was never released and it is uncertain whether or not songs for this album were used for future albums or if any songs were even recorded for this project.
In 1996, Spice 1 appeared on the Red Hot Organization
's compilation CD, America is Dying Slowly
, alongside Biz Markie
, Wu-Tang Clan
, Organized konfusion and Fat Joe
, among many other prominent hip hop artists. The CD, meant to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic among African American men, was heralded as "a masterpiece" by The Source
magazine.
While Spice 1 was signed to Jive, three of his albums reached Gold status. According to the RIAA, these albums were Spice 1
, 187 He Wrote
and AmeriKKKa's Nightmare
. He continued to have success on later albums as well, though he never managed receive further certificates for selling over 500,000. Despite this he never changed his image, continuing to retain a gangster image throughout his career on Jive Records. The biggest song in his career was "Trigga Gots No Heart" from the Menace II Society
soundtrack. However, at the same time he released "Trigga Gots No Heart", which also served as a first single for his album, fellow rap artist MC Eiht
also had a hit single from the soundtrack which took the number one spot called "Streiht Up Menace". After 8 years, Spice 1 released his last album with the label, Immortalized. Though it received good reviews, it was not well promoted and didn't sell as expected. According to Spice 1, he left Jive Records because they wanted him to clean up his image.
Spice 1 recently defended Ice-T
in his feud with Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
.
in Hayward
.
Spice 1 was shot in the chest on the morning of December 3, 2007, while sitting in his Cadillac Escalade
outside his parents' home in Hayward. The shooting is believed to be motivated by robbery, rather than any sort of rivalry. He suffered a collapsed lung. He talked about the shooting 6 days after it occurred from his hospital bed.
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:...
Spice 1, is an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rapper
Rapping
Rapping refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics". The art form can be broken down into different components, as in the book How to Rap where it is separated into “content”, “flow” , and “delivery”...
from Hayward, California
Hayward, California
Hayward is a city located in the East Bay in Alameda County, California. With a population of 144,186, Hayward is the sixth largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area and the third largest in Alameda County. Hayward was ranked as the 37th most populous municipality in California. It is included in...
. He has consistently been releasing solo and group albums since 1992. Spice 1 was ranked number 56 in 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's Top 115 Hip-Hop Artists from 1988–2003. His self-titled debut was also listed in The Source's 100 Best Rap Albums.
Jive Records (1991-1999)
He was first discovered by rapper Too Short. His first release, Let It Be KnownLet It Be Known
Let It Be Known is a seven track EP by American rapper Spice 1. It peaked at number 69 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album was produced entirely by Ant Banks.-Track listing:#"Ghetto Thang"#"Let It Be Known"#"187 Proof "...
EP, was not well known or widely released, and included seven old-school style tracks. His self-titled debut album Spice 1
Spice 1 (album)
Spice 1 is debut album by American rapper Spice 1, released May 12, 1992 on Jive Records. The album was produced by Ant Banks, Blackjack, E-A-Ski & CMT and Spice 1. It peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 82 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers...
was a very vivid and fatalistic gangsta rap
Gangsta rap
Gangsta Rap is a subgenre of hip hop music that evolved from hardcore hip hop and purports to reflect urban crime and the violent lifestyles of inner-city youths. Lyrics in gangsta rap have varied from accurate reflections to fictionalized accounts. Gangsta is a non-rhotic pronunciation of the word...
album, and his angry, edgy, and pessimistic rapping style and tone only added to the despair emanating from the disc. He followed it with an even more bitter and nihilistic release, 187 He Wrote
187 He Wrote
187 He Wrote is the second studio album by American rapper Spice 1, released September 28, 1993 on Jive Records. It peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 10 on the Billboard 200. The album was produced by Ant Banks, E-A-Ski & CMT, Johnny Z, MC Eiht, Mentally...
in 1993, complete with simulated gunfire.
Spice 1 managed to release six albums under Jive records along with one greatest hits album. It was reported by Jive that he has an album called "Full Metal Jacket", which was supposed to release under Jive. However, Spice 1 stated in many interviews that this information was false. It was something Jive wanted to push him into releasing, but he never agreed to do so. Therefore, the album was never released and it is uncertain whether or not songs for this album were used for future albums or if any songs were even recorded for this project.
In 1996, Spice 1 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 Biz Markie
Biz Markie
Marcel Theo Hall better known by his stage name, Biz Markie, is an American rapper, beatboxer, DJ, comedian, singer, reality television personality, and commercial spokesperson. He is best known for his single "Just a Friend", an American Top 10 hit in 1989...
, 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...
, Organized konfusion 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 many other prominent hip hop artists. 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.
While Spice 1 was signed to Jive, three of his albums reached Gold status. According to the RIAA, these albums were Spice 1
Spice 1 (album)
Spice 1 is debut album by American rapper Spice 1, released May 12, 1992 on Jive Records. The album was produced by Ant Banks, Blackjack, E-A-Ski & CMT and Spice 1. It peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 82 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers...
, 187 He Wrote
187 He Wrote
187 He Wrote is the second studio album by American rapper Spice 1, released September 28, 1993 on Jive Records. It peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 10 on the Billboard 200. The album was produced by Ant Banks, E-A-Ski & CMT, Johnny Z, MC Eiht, Mentally...
and AmeriKKKa's Nightmare
AmeriKKKa's Nightmare
AmeriKKKa's Nightmare is the third studio album by American rapper Spice 1, released November 22, 1994 on Jive Records. The album was produced by Ant Banks, Battlecat, Blackjack, DJ Slip and Spice 1. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 22 on the Billboard 200...
. He continued to have success on later albums as well, though he never managed receive further certificates for selling over 500,000. Despite this he never changed his image, continuing to retain a gangster image throughout his career on Jive Records. The biggest song in his career was "Trigga Gots No Heart" from the Menace II Society
Menace II Society (soundtrack)
Menace II Society is the name of the official soundtrack for the movie of the same name. It was released May 26, 1993 by Jive Records. It peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 11 on the Billboard 200...
soundtrack. However, at the same time he released "Trigga Gots No Heart", which also served as a first single for his album, fellow rap artist MC Eiht
MC Eiht
Aaron Tyler , better known by his stage name MC Eiht, is an American rapper. His stage name was partly inspired by the numeral in KRS-One's name. He chose Eiht for its links to "hood culture", including 8Ball and .38 caliber firearms...
also had a hit single from the soundtrack which took the number one spot called "Streiht Up Menace". After 8 years, Spice 1 released his last album with the label, Immortalized. Though it received good reviews, it was not well promoted and didn't sell as expected. According to Spice 1, he left Jive Records because they wanted him to clean up his image.
Life after Jive (2000 - 2007)
Spice's creative output has ballooned since his release from Jive. He has released more than 10 group and solo albums since.Spice 1 recently defended Ice-T
ICE-T
* Ice-T, an American rapper and actor* ICE T , a tilting model of the German InterCityExpress series of high-speed trains...
in his feud with Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
DeAndre Cortez Way , better known by his stage name Soulja Boy Tell 'Em, or simply Soulja Boy, is an American rapper, record producer, actor, entrepreneur, and internet personality....
.
Personal life
He attended Mt. Eden High SchoolMt. Eden High School
Mount Eden High School is a high school in Hayward, California, founded in 1960. It is part of the Hayward Unified School District. Mount Eden is located in South Hayward, near Union City.- Demographics :...
in Hayward
Hayward, California
Hayward is a city located in the East Bay in Alameda County, California. With a population of 144,186, Hayward is the sixth largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area and the third largest in Alameda County. Hayward was ranked as the 37th most populous municipality in California. It is included in...
.
Spice 1 was shot in the chest on the morning of December 3, 2007, while sitting in his Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle sold by the General Motors luxury brand, Cadillac. It was the division's first major entry into the popular SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to German and Japanese competitors and to Ford's...
outside his parents' home in Hayward. The shooting is believed to be motivated by robbery, rather than any sort of rivalry. He suffered a collapsed lung. He talked about the shooting 6 days after it occurred from his hospital bed.
Discography
- Let It Be KnownLet It Be KnownLet It Be Known is a seven track EP by American rapper Spice 1. It peaked at number 69 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album was produced entirely by Ant Banks.-Track listing:#"Ghetto Thang"#"Let It Be Known"#"187 Proof "...
(1991) - Spice 1Spice 1 (album)Spice 1 is debut album by American rapper Spice 1, released May 12, 1992 on Jive Records. The album was produced by Ant Banks, Blackjack, E-A-Ski & CMT and Spice 1. It peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 82 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers...
(1992) - 187 He Wrote187 He Wrote187 He Wrote is the second studio album by American rapper Spice 1, released September 28, 1993 on Jive Records. It peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 10 on the Billboard 200. The album was produced by Ant Banks, E-A-Ski & CMT, Johnny Z, MC Eiht, Mentally...
(1993) - AmeriKKKa's NightmareAmeriKKKa's NightmareAmeriKKKa's Nightmare is the third studio album by American rapper Spice 1, released November 22, 1994 on Jive Records. The album was produced by Ant Banks, Battlecat, Blackjack, DJ Slip and Spice 1. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 22 on the Billboard 200...
(1994) - 1990-Sick1990-Sick- Chart history :AlbumSingles- External links :* [ 1990-Sick] at Allmusic* at Discogs* at Tower Records* at Discogs* at Discogs...
(1995) - The Black Bossalini (1997)
- Immortalized (1999)
- The Last DanceThe Last Dance (Spice 1 album)The Last Dance is Spice 1's seventh studio album. It was released on May 16, 2000 in the U.S., and features appearances from rap artists MJG, RBL Posse, The Outlawz, Bad Azz, UGK, and C-Bo. This was also his first independent album since leaving Jive...
(2000) - Spiceberg SlimSpiceberg SlimSpiceberg Slim is the eight studio album by American rapper Spice 1. The album was released in 2002 for Hard Tyme Records, & Riviera Records and made it to #79 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop album charts and #39 on the Top Independent album charts...
(2002) - The RidahThe RidahThe RidaH is the ninth studio album of US rapper Spice 1. Keith Andrews, Travis Wilcox, and Robert Green "Spice 1" partnered up with Rajan Dave to produce it under XtraLaced Records, LLC. "Work It Tonite" track 1, a Punjabi East Indian Crossover, was produced by Manesh Judge & Noor Lodhi of Cold...
(2004) - Dyin' 2 BallDyin' 2 BallDyin' 2 Ball is Spice 1's 10th studio album. It was released on January 25, 2005 in the U.S..-Track listing:# "Dyin' 2 ball"# "It's a Shame"# "Gangster As I Wanna Be" # "She Got Hydraulics on It"# "Rude Boy"...
(2005) - The TruthThe Truth (Spice 1 album)-Track listing:# "Intro"# "No Real G'z"# "Money Thang" # "Thug Music"# "This Is Bizness"# "Keep Ballin'"# "Leave the Ridin' to Us" # "Everybody Wanna Go to Heaven"# "Get High"# "Heartbreak Hotel"...
(2005) - Hallowpoint (2010)