In the mid-1980s, though hip hop was still primarily an East Coast phenomenon, it was quickly spreading to other locales like the musically rich bottom of the map, New Orleans. In 1984 Mannie Fresh, Mia X, DJ Wop and New York-transplant Denny D formed New Orleans' first rap crew, New York Incorporated. Two years later, The Ninja Crew (ninjas were hugely popular then) released the first N.O. rap recording "We Destroy" on Miami's 4-Sight label. In 1989, Fresh released D Rules the Nation with another local legend, Gregory D.
Not long after, the New Orleans rapper Warren Mayes emerged out of a growing scene that included Tim Smooth and 39 Posse. He was the first rapper in his city to release work through a major label when "Get It Girl" was distributed by Atlantic in 1991. He'd already released Doin Them Right in 1986 but the single "Get It Girl" would enter the New Orleans Rap pantheon. Old school New Orleanian hip hop fans still fondly recall the flashy, Camaro driving local legend who used to wow the crowds (appropriately, given his sartorial sensibility) at Club Adidas.
"Get It Girl" would go on to be adapted by the local brass band Rebirth, who share a close relationship with the New Orleans rap scene. The brass band and local rappers often share a similar cheerful antagonism as conveyed in chants like "If you ain't gonna roll get the fuck on out the way."
A couple of years later, Warren was tragically shot and killed. It's almost impossible to find anything about this New Orleans legend in any media but I don't believe the murder was ever solved, as seems to be the case with nearly all rappers who meet tragic ends. The Bounce tune "Keep On Kickin It" (with Mannie Fresh production) was included posthumously on the Pimp Daddy (R.I.P.) album/tribute Pimpin Ain't EZ.
If you're a Warren Mayes fan, make yourself heard!
Not long after, the New Orleans rapper Warren Mayes emerged out of a growing scene that included Tim Smooth and 39 Posse. He was the first rapper in his city to release work through a major label when "Get It Girl" was distributed by Atlantic in 1991. He'd already released Doin Them Right in 1986 but the single "Get It Girl" would enter the New Orleans Rap pantheon. Old school New Orleanian hip hop fans still fondly recall the flashy, Camaro driving local legend who used to wow the crowds (appropriately, given his sartorial sensibility) at Club Adidas.
"Get It Girl" would go on to be adapted by the local brass band Rebirth, who share a close relationship with the New Orleans rap scene. The brass band and local rappers often share a similar cheerful antagonism as conveyed in chants like "If you ain't gonna roll get the fuck on out the way."
A couple of years later, Warren was tragically shot and killed. It's almost impossible to find anything about this New Orleans legend in any media but I don't believe the murder was ever solved, as seems to be the case with nearly all rappers who meet tragic ends. The Bounce tune "Keep On Kickin It" (with Mannie Fresh production) was included posthumously on the Pimp Daddy (R.I.P.) album/tribute Pimpin Ain't EZ.
If you're a Warren Mayes fan, make yourself heard!