Legacy of J. Rawls
Artists and genres J. Rawls directly influenced — one hop forward on the family tree of music.
Mos DefartistYasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, is an American rapper, singer, and actor. A prominent figure in conscious hip-hop, he is recognized for his use of wordplay and commentary on social and political issues, such as police brutality, American exceptionalism, and the status of African Americans in the United States.
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.
DoseoneartistAdam Kidd Drucker, better known by his stage name Doseone, is an American rapper, producer, poet and artist. He is a co-founder of the indie hip hop record label Anticon. He has also been a member of numerous groups including Deep Puddle Dynamics, A7pha, Greenthink, Clouddead, Themselves, Subtle, 13 & God, Go Dark, and Nevermen.
Themselvesartist
Rascoartist
Moka OnlyartistDaniel Denton, best known by his stage name Moka Only, is a Canadian rapper, singer and record producer. He has also been known as Flowtorch, and Ron Contour for specific releases in his catalog. He has released music through Legendary Entertainment, Battle Axe Records and Urbnet Records.
El Da Senseiartist
Capital STEEZartistCourtney Everald Dewar Jr., was an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York. He was a founder of the Brooklyn-based rap collective Pro Era, along with childhood friend Joey Bada$$. Capital Steez was also a co-founder of the Beast Coast movement, which consists of three main groups based in Flatbush: Pro Era, Flatbush Zombies, and The Underachievers. Capital Steez committed suicide on December 23, 2012, jumping from the roof of the Cinematic Music Group headquarters aged 19. Both Pro Era and Beast Coast went on to gain international success in the years following his death.