The Sun Rises in the East
Encyclopedia
The Sun Rises in the East is the debut album
of American hip hop
rapper Jeru the Damaja
, released May 24, 1994 on PayDay Records. Production on the album was handled by legendary hip hop producer DJ Premier
. The album features fellow Gang Starr Foundation
member Afu-Ra
. An interesting sidenote, the album cover depicts the World Trade Center
on fire only one year after the 1993 bombing of the North Tower.
The Sun Rises in the East was well-received by most music critics upon its release. It is considerably significant in hip hop, as it contributed to the revival of the East Coast hip hop
scene, along with albums such as Wu-Tang Clan
's Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
(1993), Nas
's Illmatic
(1994) and Black Moon
's Enta Da Stage
(1993). The album has been considered by critics to be Jeru the Damaja's best work.
Singles
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
of American 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...
rapper Jeru the Damaja
Jeru the Damaja
Kendrick Jeru Davis, known as Jeru the Damaja is an American rapper and recording artist who has worked extensively with Guru and DJ Premier of Gang Starr, whom he has known since high school.-Biography:...
, released May 24, 1994 on PayDay Records. Production on the album was handled by legendary hip hop producer DJ Premier
DJ Premier
Christopher Edward Martin , better known by his stage name DJ Premier , is an American record producer and DJ, and was the instrumental half of the hip hop duo Gang Starr, together with emcee Guru...
. The album features fellow Gang Starr Foundation
Gang Starr Foundation
Gang Starr Foundation is a collective of east coast rappers led by the hip hop group Gang Starr. It was founded by The Vikar and established in 1993.-Current members:*Afu-Ra*Big Shug*Freddie Foxxx*Vic BlackGang Starr...
member Afu-Ra
Afu-Ra
Aaron Phillip better known by his stage names, Afu-Ra & Afu is a New York-based American underground rapper. Afu, born Aaron Phillip, is a devout student of the Martial arts, as well as Chess...
. An interesting sidenote, the album cover depicts the World Trade Center
World Trade Center
The original World Trade Center was a complex with seven buildings featuring landmark twin towers in Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States. The complex opened on April 4, 1973, and was destroyed in 2001 during the September 11 attacks. The site is currently being rebuilt with five new...
on fire only one year after the 1993 bombing of the North Tower.
The Sun Rises in the East was well-received by most music critics upon its release. It is considerably significant in hip hop, as it contributed to the revival of the East Coast hip hop
East Coast hip hop
East Coast hip hop is a regional subgenre of hip hop music that originated in New York City, USA during the 1970s. Hip hop is recognized to have originated and evolved first in the East Coast...
scene, along with albums such as 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...
's Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Enter the Wu-Tang is the debut album of American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released November 9, 1993, on Loud Records and distributed through RCA Records. Recording sessions for the album took place during 1992 to 1993 at Firehouse Studio in New York City, and it was mastered at The Hit Factory...
(1993), Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
's Illmatic
Illmatic
Illmatic is the debut album of American rapper Nas, released April 19, 1994, on Columbia Records. Following his signing to Columbia with the help of MC Serch, recording sessions for the album took place during 1992 to 1993 at Chung King Studios, D&D Recording, Battery Studios, and Unique Recording...
(1994) and Black Moon
Black Moon (band)
Black Moon is an American hip hop group, consisting of members Buckshot, 5 ft and DJ Evil Dee . The group were most notable for their debut album Enta da Stage, and their affiliation with the Boot Camp Clik.-Biography:...
's Enta Da Stage
Enta Da Stage
Enta da Stage is the debut album of American East Coast hip hop group Black Moon, released on October 19, 1993 through Nervous Records. The album was produced by DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt of Da Beatminerz...
(1993). The album has been considered by critics to be Jeru the Damaja's best work.
Reception
- The SourceThe 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...
(8/94, p. 86) - 4 mics - Slammin' - "...the music both contrasts and complements his disjointed flow and deep poetical lyricism."
- Melody MakerMelody MakerMelody Maker, published in the United Kingdom, was, according to its publisher IPC Media, the world's oldest weekly music newspaper. It was founded in 1926 as a magazine targeted at musicians; in 2000 it was merged into "long-standing rival" New Musical Express.-1950s–1960s:Originally the Melody...
(8/13/94, p. 33) - Bloody Essential - "...hypnotic and chilling as a blues party on Pluto...Another step forward for hip hop."
- NMENMEThe New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
(6/18/94, p. 34) - Very Good - "Jeru is more original than most...there are delights aplenty here."
Track listing
| # | Title | Length | Songwriters | Producer(s) | Performer (s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Intro (Life)" | 0:50 | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier, Jeru the Damaja | *Interlude* |
| 2 | "D. Original" | 3:36 | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier, Jeru the Damaja | Jeru The Damaja |
| 3 | "Brooklyn Took It" | 3:24 | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier, Jeru the Damaja | Jeru The Damaja |
| 4 | "Perverted Monks in tha House (Skit)" | 1:15 | K.J. Davis, C. Martin, A. Phillip, W. Garfield, C. Clay | DJ Premier, Jeru the Damaja | *Interlude* |
| 5 | "Mental Stamina" | 2:21 | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier, Jeru the Damaja | Afu-Ra Afu-Ra Aaron Phillip better known by his stage names, Afu-Ra & Afu is a New York-based American underground rapper. Afu, born Aaron Phillip, is a devout student of the Martial arts, as well as Chess... , Jeru the Damaja |
| 6 | "Da Bitchez" | 3:52 | *Uncredited* | DJ Premier, Jeru the Damaja | Jeru the Damaja |
| 7 | "You Can't Stop the Prophet" | 3:53 | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier, Jeru the Damaja | Jeru the Damaja |
| 8 | "Perverted Monks in tha House (Theme)" | 1:02 | *Uncredited* | DJ Premier, Jeru the Damaja | *Interlude* |
| 9 | "Ain't the Devil Happy" | 3:45 | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier, Jeru the Damaja | Jeru the Damaja |
| 10 | "My Mind Spray" | 3:45 | K.J. Davis, C. Martin, B. James | DJ Premier, Jeru the Damaja | Jeru the Damaja |
| 11 | "Come Clean Come Clean (Jeru the Damaja song) Come Clean is a 1993 song by Jeru the Damaja from his classic 1994 debut album The Sun Rises in the East. The song appeared in many compilation albums.-Chart performance:-Personnel:*Design - Peace Pype*Engineer - Eddie Sancho... " |
4:57 | K.J. Davis, C. Martin, C. Parker, F. Scruggs, K. Jones, T. Taylor | DJ Premier, Jeru the Damaja | Jeru the Damaja |
| 12 | "Jungle Music" | 3:51 | *Uncredited* | DJ Premier, Jeru the Damaja | Jeru the Damaja |
| 13 | "Statik" | 3:07 | K.J. Davis, C. Martin | DJ Premier, Jeru the Damaja | Jeru the Damaja |
Sample credits
- "Intro (Life)"
- "Cerecka" by Miroslav VitousMiroslav VitoušMiroslav Ladislav Vitouš , is a Czech jazz bassist.-Biography:Born in Prague, he began the violin at age six, and started playing the piano at age ten, and bass at fourteen. As a young man in Europe, Vitouš was a competitive swimmer. One of his early music groups was the Junior Trio with his...
- Samples from the anime movie Fist of the North StarFist of the North Staris a Japanese manga series written by Buronson and drawn by Tetsuo Hara that was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1983 to 1988, spanning 245 chapters, which were initially collected in a 27-volume tankōbon edition by Shueisha...
. Also the film's opening speech of the English-language version is recited.
- "Cerecka" by Miroslav Vitous
- "D. Original"
- "Give It to You" by UppUppUpp was a British rock-jazz fusion band, active in the 1970s. The group was originally going to be called 3 UPP, and consisted of Stephen Amazing , David Bunce , Andy Clark and Jim Copley...
(drum kit) - "I'm the Man" by Gang StarrGang StarrGang Starr was an influential East Coast hip hop duo that consisted of the late MC Guru and DJ/producer DJ Premier. Their style combined elements of New York jazz and hip hop.-Background:...
(vocals by Guru) - "We Wrote the Songs" by Marley MarlMarley MarlMarlon Williams , better known as Marley Marl, is an American DJ and record producer, who is considered one of the most important and influential hip-hop producers in the history of hip hop.-Biography:...
, Biz MarkieBiz MarkieMarcel 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...
, and Heavy D
- "Give It to You" by Upp
- "Brooklyn Took It"
- "The Bridge Is OverThe Bridge Is Over"The Bridge Is Over" is a 1987 song by Boogie Down Productions from their debut album Criminal Minded, performed by rapper KRS-One and produced by DJ Scott LaRock and KRS-One.-History:...
" 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...
(vocals by KRS-OneKRS-OneLawrence Krisna Parker , better known by his stage names KRS-One , and Teacha, is an American rapper...
) - "Yes, You May (Remix)" By Lord Finesse featuring Big L (vocals by Big LBig LBig L may refer to:* Lamont Coleman , better know by Big L, American hip-hop artist.Or a number of British radio stations:*Big L 1395, a British radio station.*Radio Luxembourg's English-language progammes ....
)
- "The Bridge Is Over
- "Perverted Monks In Tha House (Skit)"
- "Epilogue" by Miroslav VitousMiroslav VitoušMiroslav Ladislav Vitouš , is a Czech jazz bassist.-Biography:Born in Prague, he began the violin at age six, and started playing the piano at age ten, and bass at fourteen. As a young man in Europe, Vitouš was a competitive swimmer. One of his early music groups was the Junior Trio with his...
- "Epilogue" by Miroslav Vitous
- "Mental Stamina"
- "Sesitize" by Roy AyersRoy AyersRoy Ayers is an American funk, soul, and jazz composer and vibraphone player. Ayers began his career as a post-bop jazz artist, releasing several albums with Atlantic Records, before his tenure at Polydor Records beginning in the 1970s, during which he helped pioneer jazz-funk .- Biography :Ayers...
- "Billie Jean" by Michael JacksonMichael JacksonMichael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
(drum kit)
- "Sesitize" by Roy Ayers
- "Da Bitchez"
- "All Night Long" by Mary Jane GirlsMary Jane GirlsThe Mary Jane Girls were an American R&B, soul, funk and disco group in the 1980s. They were protégées of singer Rick James. They are known for their hit songs "All Night Long", "Candyman" and "In My House".-Formation:...
(drum kit) - "Whispering Pines" by the CrusadersThe CrusadersThe Crusaders are an American music group popular in the early 1970s known for their amalgamated jazz, pop and soul sound. Since 1961, more than forty albums have been credited to the group , 19 of which were recorded under the name "The Jazz Crusaders" .-History:In 1960, following the demise of a...
- "Lyin'-Ass Bitch" by FishboneFishboneFishbone is a U.S. alternative rock band formed in 1979 in Los Angeles, California, which plays a fusion of ska, punk rock, funk, hard rock and soul. Critics have noted of the band: "Fishbone was one of the most distinctive and eclectic alternative rock bands of the late '80s...
- "A Bitch iz a Bitch" by N.W.A
- "Little Mouse" by Jack Morgan
- "Top Billin' by Audio TwoAudio TwoAudio Two were the Brooklyn, New York hip hop duo of emcee Kirk "Milk Dee" Robinson and DJ Nat "Gizmo" Robinson, most famous for its first hit, the classic "Top Billin'." The members of the duo are also the older brothers of female hip-hop star MC Lyte.-History:The duo’s debut single, "Make it...
- "All Night Long" by Mary Jane Girls
- "You Can't Stop the Prophet"
- "Yes, I'm Singing" by Lee OskarLee OskarLee Oskar is a Danish harmonica player, notable for his contributions to the sound of the rock-funk fusion group War, which he formed with Eric Burdon, his solo work, and as a harmonica manufacturer...
- "Chain Reaction" by the CrusadersThe CrusadersThe Crusaders are an American music group popular in the early 1970s known for their amalgamated jazz, pop and soul sound. Since 1961, more than forty albums have been credited to the group , 19 of which were recorded under the name "The Jazz Crusaders" .-History:In 1960, following the demise of a...
- "Ode to Billy Joe" by Lou DonaldsonLou DonaldsonLou Donaldson is a jazz alto saxophonist. He was born in Badin, North Carolina. He is best known for his soulful, bluesy approach to playing the alto saxophone, although in his formative years he was, as many were of the bebop era, heavily influenced by Charlie Parker.His first recordings were...
- "Django" by Modern Jazz QuartetModern Jazz QuartetThe Modern Jazz Quartet was established in 1952 by Milt Jackson , John Lewis , Percy Heath , and Kenny Clarke . Connie Kay replaced Clarke in 1955...
(only the Pete Rock remix) - "The Show" by Doug E. FreshDoug E. FreshDouglas E. Davis , better known by the stage name Doug E. Fresh, is an American rapper, record producer, and beat boxer, also known as the Human Beat Box...
& Slick RickSlick RickRichard Walters , better known by his stage name Slick Rick is a Grammy-nominated English-American rapper...
(vocals by Slick Rick) - "The Shit Is Real (Remix)" by Fat JoeFat JoeJoseph 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....
- "Yes, I'm Singing" by Lee Oskar
- "Ain't the Devil Happy"
- "Tearz" by Wu-Tang ClanWu-Tang ClanThe 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...
(vocals by RZARZARobert 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...
) - "Our Road" by Lee OskarLee OskarLee Oskar is a Danish harmonica player, notable for his contributions to the sound of the rock-funk fusion group War, which he formed with Eric Burdon, his solo work, and as a harmonica manufacturer...
- "What Am I Smoking?" by Redd FoxxRedd FoxxJohn Elroy Sanford , better known by his stage name Redd Foxx, was an American comedian and actor, best known for his starring role on the sitcom Sanford and Son.-Early life:...
- "Tearz" by Wu-Tang Clan
- "My Mind Spray"
- "Nautilus" by Bob JamesBob James (musician)Robert McElhiney James is a jazz keyboardist, arranger and producer.-Biography:During the 1970s, Bob James played a major role in establishing the smooth jazz genre. "Angela", the instrumental theme from the sitcom Taxi, is probably Bob James' most well-known work to date...
- "Come Clean" by Jeru the Damaja
- "Nautilus" by Bob James
- "Come Clean"
- "Kool Is Back" by Funk Inc.
- "Infinity" by Shelly ManneShelly ManneShelly Manne , born Sheldon Manne in New York City, was an American jazz drummer. Most frequently associated with West Coast jazz, he was known for his versatility and also played in a number of other styles, including Dixieland, swing, bebop, avant-garde jazz and fusion, as well as contributing...
- "Throw Ya Gunz" by Onyx (Vocals by SonseeSonseeTyrone Taylor who was previously known as both Suavé and Sonny Seeza, is an American hardcore rapper from Brooklyn, New York and an original member of the Hardcore rap group Onyx. He is arguably the least well-known member of the group, in comparison to Sticky Fingaz and Fredro Starr, who have...
)
- "Jungle Music"
- "Ike's Mood I/You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'" by Isaac HayesIsaac HayesIsaac Lee Hayes, Jr. was an American songwriter, musician, singer and actor. Hayes was one of the creative influences behind the southern soul music label Stax Records, where he served both as an in-house songwriter and as a record producer, teaming with his partner David Porter during the...
- "Dialogue" by Ahmad JamalAhmad JamalAhmad Jamal is an innovative and influential American jazz pianist, composer, and educator. According to Stanley Crouch, Jamal is second in importance in the development of jazz after 1945 only to Charlie Parker...
- "Straight out the Jungle" by Jungle BrothersJungle BrothersThe Jungle Brothers are an American hip hop group that pioneered the fusion of jazz and hip-hop and also became the first hip-hop group to use a house-music producer. The group began performing in the mid-1980s and released its first album, Straight Out the Jungle, in July 1988...
(Vocals by Mike G)
- "Ike's Mood I/You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'" by Isaac Hayes
- "Statik"
- "You'll Like it, Too" by FunkadelicFunkadelicFunkadelic was an American band most prominent during the 1970s. The band and its sister act Parliament, both led by George Clinton, began the funk music culture of that decade.-History:...
(drum kit)
- "You'll Like it, Too" by Funkadelic
Singles
| Single information |
|---|
"Come Clean"
|
| "D. Original"
|
| "You Can't Stop The Prophet"
|
Chart history
Album| Year | Album | Chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums | ||
| 1994 | The Sun Rises In The East | 36 | 5 |
Singles
| Year | Song | Chart positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks | Hot Rap Singles | Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales | ||
| 1993 | Come Clean | 88 | 53 | 10 | 6 |
| 1994 | D. Original | - | 74 | 22 | 6 |
| You Can't Stop the Prophet | - | - | 45 | 19 |
External links
- The Sun Rises in the East at DiscogsDiscogsDiscogs, short for discographies, is a website and database of information about audio recordings, including commercial releases, promotional releases, and bootleg or off-label releases. The Discogs servers, currently hosted under the domain name discogs.com, are owned by Zink Media, Inc., and are...
- Retrospect for Hip-Hop: A Golden Age on Record?