Founded by producer Marley Marl and the late NY hip-hop radio DJ, Mr. Magic, The Juice Crew were one of the hottest hip-hop collectives in the mid to late ’80s.
Consisting of Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, Roxanne Shante, Craig G, MC Shan, Master Ace, and Intelligent Hoodlum, the Queens, NY based Juice Crew featured some of the best MCs to ever touch a microphone.
Roxanne Shante “Roxanne’s Revenge
The song that started it all… The Marley Marl-produced single featured a 15 year old rapper by the name of Roxanne Shante responding to UTFO’s monstrous single “Roxanne Roxanne.”
MC Shan “The Bridge”
The quintessential ode to the borough of Queens, MC Shan’s “The Bridge” drew the ire of KRS-One who responded with the songs “South Bronx” and “The Bridge Is Over.”
Biz Markie “The Vapors”
Quite possibly my favorite song from Biz’s light-hearted catalog, “The Vapors” includes the classic dis from a girl, “Baby please! You work for UPS!”
Master Ace “Me & The Biz”
Ace’s impersonation of fellow Juice Crew member fooled quite a few people when this song came out.
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo “Road To The Riches”
A true hip-hop pioneer, Kool G Rap wrote the rules for Mafioso rap and gritty street rap.
Big Daddy Kane “Ain’t No Half Steppin”
Kane frequently appears on many “best emcee of all time” lists, and rightfully so. “Ain’t No Half Steppin’” is just one of Kane’s many classic singles.
Marley Marl & The Juice Crew All-Stars “The Symphony”
Easily a top contender for the greatest posse cut of all time, the Juice Crew’s A-team goes off on this record which has yet to find an equal!
BONUS: Whodini “Magic’s Wand”
Whodini weren’t members of the Juice Crew, but their song “Magic’s Wand” was about Juice Crew co-founder, Mr. Magic!
Mr. Magic In The WBLS Studios, and MC Shan Live at the Latin Quarter
I’m not sure exactly what the story behind this video is, but it looks to be the beginning of a documentary film and it opens with footage of Mr. Magic at work on NYC radio station WBLS, and continues into footage of MC Shan performing at the legendary club Latin Quarter.
BONUS: Rap Attack with Mr. Magic & Marley Marl – 1985
Here is audio from Mr. Magic & Marley Marl’s radio show, “Rap Attack.” CLASSIC HIP-HOP!
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