Legacy of DJ Jazzy Jeff
Artists and genres DJ Jazzy Jeff directly influenced — one hop forward on the family tree of music.
Meek MillartistRobert Rihmeek Williams, known professionally as Meek Mill, is an American rapper. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he embarked on his career as a battle rapper, and later formed the short-lived rap group the Bloodhoundz. He signed with T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records as a solo act in 2008, but parted ways with the label in 2011 without any releases. He then signed with Rick Ross's Maybach Music Group (MMG) later that year, and rose to further recognition following his appearances on the label's Self Made Vol. 1 (2011) compilation album; his song "Tupac Back" served as the album's lead single, while its follow-up, "Ima Boss", became his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Asheruartist
Gabriel C. Benn, better known as Asheru, is an American rapper, educator, and youth activist. He performed the opening and closing themes for the TV series The Boondocks.
Eric RobersonartistEric Roberson is an American singer, songwriter, former rapper and music producer. He is sometimes referred to simply as Erro, the name which he later used as part of his label Blue Erro Soul. His first single, "The Moon", was released through Warner Bros. Records in 1994 and he recorded an album for that label which remains unreleased.
Jill Scottartist
Eminemartist
The Rootsartist
Raheem DeVaughnartistRaheem DeVaughn is an American singer-songwriter. He signed with Jive Records to release his debut album, The Love Experience (2005), which entered the Billboard 200, while his second album, Love Behind the Melody (2008), peaked at number five on the chart and yielded critical acclaim. The latter's first two singles, "Woman" and "Customer", both entered the Billboard Hot 100; the former was nominated for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. His third album, The Love & War MasterPeace (2010), saw continued praise and peaked within the Billboard 200's top ten, serving as his final release with Jive.
Darius Ruckerartist
Talib KweliartistTalib Kweli Greene is an American rapper. He is one half of the hip-hop duo Black Star, which he formed in 1997 with fellow Brooklyn rapper Mos Def. Their 1998 single, "Definition", entered the Billboard Hot 100 and preceded their eponymous debut album (1998), which entered the Billboard 200. The duo then began pursuing solo careers, although one further Black Star album — No Fear of Time (2022) — was released thereafter.
FloetryartistFloetry is an British music duo formed in 1997 by singer Marsha Ambrosius and spoken-word poet Natalie Stewart. They are known for their diverse musical and performance style referred to as "poetic delivery with musical intent".
RhymefestartistChe Armond Smith, known professionally as Rhymefest, is an American rapper and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. He is best known for his work with fellow Chicago rapper Kanye West, having co-written West's "Jesus Walks" in 2004 and "New Slaves" in 2013. He also co-wrote "Glory", for Common and John Legend in 2014, which received a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Big Daddy Kaneartist
Method ManartistClifford Smith Jr., known professionally as Method Man, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. He is a member of the East Coast hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, and is half of the hip-hop duo Method Man & Redman. His debut solo album, Tical (1994), peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 and spawned the single "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By", which won Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards. The song also peaked within the top five of the Billboard Hot 100; he and Blige later starred in Power Book II: Ghost, a spin-off of Power.
New Kids on the Blockartist
Paula Abdulartist
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us BackartistIt Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back is the second studio album by American hip hop group Public Enemy, released on June 28, 1988, by Def Jam Recordings and Columbia Records. It was recorded from 1987 to 1988 in sessions at Chung King Studios, Greene St. Recording, and Sabella Studios in New York.