Stetsasonic
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Stetsasonic | |
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 Prince Paul far left
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| Background information | |
| Genre(s) | Hip Hop |
| Years active | 1981-1991 |
| Members | |
| Prince Paul Frukwan Wise Daddy-O DBC MC Delite Bobby Simmons |
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Stetsasonic was an American hip hop group formed in 1981 (see 1981 in music) in Brooklyn, New York. It is remembered as one of the first hip-hop crews to use a live band, and their positive, uplifting lyrics have made the group forerunners of alternative hip hop and jazz hip-hop.
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[edit] History
Originally, the group was known as the Stetson Brothers, after Stetson Hats, but it changed its name to Stetsasonic for its debut, On Fire (1986, 1986 in music). [1]The album received mixed reviews, though the follow-ups, In Full Gear and Blood, Sweat & No Tears were critically acclaimed. A 1988 New York Times article said that the group mirrored the rise of artistic, profound rap music: "While pop's political commentary often seems secondary to catchy melodies and commercial acceptability, rap's tough sound sharpens its commentary".[2] As a "hip hop band", dependent on instruments as well as turntables, the group was also known for live shows, though sometimes the "rap-show format prevented Stetsasonic from employing the band instrumentation and studio layering that make their records so distinctive."[3]
[edit] Breakup
The group broke up soon after the release of Blood, Sweat & No Tears.
Frukwan and Prince Paul were founding members of the Gravediggaz, while the latter also became a well-respected record producer, as did Daddy-O, who worked with Mary J. Blige, Positive K, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, among others.[4]
[edit] Discography
- On Fire
- Released: 1986
- Billboard 200 chart position: -
- R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #32
- Singles: "Just Say Stet," "Faye"
- In Full Gear
- Released: 1988
- Billboard 200 chart position: -
- R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #20
- Singles: "Sally," "Talkin' All that Jazz"
