DJ Flash

DJ Flash
Background information
Birth name Lee Johnson
Also known as DJ Flash, Future Flash
Born (1957-08-21) August 21, 1957
Fresno, California, US
Origin Poplar Bluff, Missouri, US Sacramento, California, US
Genres Hip hop, funk, electro
Occupation(s) Rapper, producer, DJ, radio host
Instruments Vocals, drums, keyboards, drum machine, sampler
Years active 1979–present
Labels Rappers Rapp Records
Thump Records Inc.
Associated acts
Website www.rappersrapprecords.com www.djflash.us www.iwestmusicgroup.com

Lee Johnson (born August 21, 1957), better known as DJ Flash /djˈflɑːsh/, is an American Hip Hop Pioneer DJ, hip hop producer, record producer, archivist, and rapper mostly known for his works featuring Dr. Dre, Ice T, Snoop Dogg, Too Short, E-40, Rappin' 4-Tay, Ronnie Hudson, 2 Chainz and the West Coast's premier rap group, Rappers Rapp Group.[1]

DJ Flash originated in Los Angeles, California and has worked on a substantial roster of projects featuring recording artists including 2 Live Crew, Celly Cel, Zapp & Roger Troutman, 2 Chainz, Shy Glizzy, A$AP Rocky, Young Thug, Plies (rapper), Migos, Boosie Badazz, B-Legit, and DJ Battlecat. He has worked with record labels Capitol Records, Warner Bros. Records, Sony Music, Rappers Rapp Records, Macola Records, Rhino Records, AVI Records, and Excello Records. Currently, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rappers Rapp Records and Executive A&R / N. California Distributor for Thump Records Inc.

Early life

Lee Johnson was born on August 21, 1957, in Fresno, California. His early childhood was spent in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and he later moved to Sacramento, California, where he attended Luther Burbank High School and Taft Union High School in Taft California. He was a cotton picker, paper boy, dishwasher, busboy, fruit picker, roustabout, derrick hand, truck driver, security guard, auto body repair man, salesman, Student Body President, garbage man, DJ, radio personality, rapper, and finally a record producer.

Career

He began his music career as a mobile DJ in the late 70s and early 80s, in and around Bakersfield, California while attending Taft College in Taft, California. Also at that time he was musical director and afternoon DJ at radio station KTKR 1310 AM in Taft, California while moonlighting at radio station KGFA in Bakersfield, eventually going on to become one of the founding members of the West Coast's first original rap group, the Rappers Rapp Group. In 1981 DJ Flash was called the first white rapper ever signed to a rap record label, Rappers Rapp Disco Co. in Los Angeles.

With the Rappers Rapp Group

DJ Flash and the Rappers Rapp Group in the early 1980s

In 1981 Duffy Hooks III, the founder of Rappers Rapp Disco Co.,[2] announced over Los Angeles radio airwaves that auditions were being held for a six-member rap act. After an open mic battle at Magic Disc Records, Duffy narrowed it down to six finalists. The Rappers Rapp Group consisted of MC Fosty, Lovin' C, DJ Flash, King MC, Macker-Moe and Mr. Ice. Their first release was "Rappers Rapp Theme" b/w "Rappin' Partee Groove" in 1982.

One year later the group changed their name to Dark Star, and signed to AVI Records, a division of MCA Records, and recorded the West Coast's first rap EP, "Sexy Baby". The music for the album was done by a group of musicians from Bakersfield, called Black Diamond. The band consisted of Roy "Omar" Mateen (drummer), Radji Mateen (saxophonist), Tarus Mateen (bassist), Charles Dickerson (guitarist), Anthony Randolph(trumpeter), Richard Lee Smith (percussionist), George Graham (keyboardist), Darryl Casteel (Keyboardist).[3] The Dark Star EP was released outside the United States, overseas only.

The group disbanded shortly afterwards, with MC Fosty and Lovin' C recording the infectious 1983 street jam "Radio Activity Rapp", followed by 1984's "When Doves Cry Rapp", both produced by Rich Cason.

DJ Flash and King MC became the Future MCs and had three hits, "State of Shock Rapp", "Erotic City Rapp", and "We are the Future".

In 1985 DJ Flash and MC Fosty re-teamed for "The Beverly Hills Cop Rap," utilizing the Axel F theme from Beverly Hills Cop.

Later that year, DJ Flash reunited the group for their final Dark Star 12" release, Planet Earth, which has since become one of the rarest and most sought-after rap records of all time.[4]

King MC resurfaced in 1986 with the answer to Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done for Me Lately", with "What Have I Done For You Lately Rap." He followed that release with "Nasty Boy" in 1987.

King MC and DJ Flash were two members of Los Angeles's first rap label, Rappers Rapp Disco Record Co.

Rappers Rapp Disco Record Co.

The Rappers Rapp Disco Record Co.,[5] also known as Rappers Rapp Records,[6] was based in Hollywood, California, founded in 1981 by New York transplant Duffy Hooks III. The label's first releases were "The Gigolo Groove" and "The Gigolo Rapp" by Disco Daddy and Captain Rapp.

Duffy discovered the Rappers Rapp Group, which consisted of five of LA's top rappers and DJ Flash from Taft California. Later The Real Richie Rich joined the group for a short time. Their first release was "Rappers Rapp Theme" in 1982.

One year later, Rich Cason published Year 2001 Boogie on Rappers Rapp. With this record the style changed from the typical old-school rap to an electronic wave sound with vocoders and rap. Cason had a major influence on the following releases, "Magic Mike Theme", "Killer Groove", and "Radio Activity Rapp," which was adapted by Royalcash´s "Radioactivity".

In 1986 the rapper K-Rock G and Cool "Cito" Bee, known as the Brothers Supreme, released the West Coast classic "We Can´t be Held Back"'on the Rappers Rapp label.

1992: West Coast Rap - The First Dynasty

West Coast Rap-The First Dynasty is a four-volume chronicle of the birth and rise of West Coast rap. It was produced and compiled by West Coast Rap pioneer, archivist DJ Flash of the Rappers Rapp group. The compilation was released in 1992 on Rhino Records. It was met with critical acclaim and the extensive liner notes were the first accurate documentation of the true roots of West Coast rap.

2014: Ronnie Hudson presents Westcoastin' - EP

Ronnie Hudson's new album, Westcoastin'.,[7] shot to #2 on Amazon's hot new releases and #3 on Amazon's best-seller charts overnight.[8] The album features Snoop Dogg, Too Short, E-40, Zapp Troutman, Rappin' 4-Tay, Celly Cel, Wyclef Jean, Suga Free, and DJ Battlecat. It was produced by West Coast rap pioneers Lee “DJ Flash” Johnson and Larry “Captain Rapp” Glenn, with additional production by The Real Richie Rich and DJ Battlecat.[9]

Ronnie Hudson first blazed the West Coast hip hop trail with his classic 1982 hit, "West Coast Poplock." "This was later recorded By Dr. Dre and 2Pac as "California Love". Both quickly became undisputed West Coast anthems.

Ronnie’s work has been featured in films, including The Social Network, Iron Man II, and South Central, as well as countless TV shows and video games, including Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.[10] While at Stax Records, Ronnie recorded and toured with Isaac Hayes on his Grammy-winning soundtrack for the movie Shaft.

DJ Flash Productions

DJ Flash West Coast hip hop producer in the early 1993

In 1992, DJ Flash produced the four-volume set West Coast Rap-The First Dynasty for Rhino Records, followed by The Classic Collection, a compilation of Ice-T's early hits.

After the success of these five albums, DJ Flash launched his own label, Hitman Music, in 1994, a joint venture with Triple XXX/Sony Music. Hitman's first release, Concrete Roots by Dr. Dre, sold over 250,000 copies during its first week. Debuting at #6 on the Billboard Rap Charts, and at #24 on the Billboard Top 100, Concrete Roots remained on the Top 100 for eight consecutive weeks.

Other DJ Flash productions include Ice-T's Cold As Ever (Hitman/Blue Dolphin); The Original 2 Live Crew, which featured early recordings by the 2 Live Crew; and the 2014 debut album by Ronnie Hudson, Westcoastin', featuring Snoop Dogg, Too Short, E-40, Rappin' 4-Tay, Wyclef Jean, Celly Cel, Zapp Troutman, B-Legit, Suga Free, DJ Battlecat, Funkmaster Ozone and The Real Richie Rich.

In 2016, DJ Flash launched Trap Game Records. The labels first release - The Best Of Shy Glizzy,[11] and Shy Glizzy - Greatest Hits vol 1 & 2 met with both critical and commercial success and features todays most prominent Rap Artists 2 Chainz, Young Thug, A$AP Rocky, Lil Mouse, Boosie Badazz, Gucci Mane, Plies (rapper), Gudda Gudda, Zaytoven, Peewee Longway, and Ty Dolla $ign

Discography

Main article: DJ Flash discography

Albums
Singles
  • 1981: Rappers Rapp Group - Rappin Partee Groove
  • 1981: Rappers Rapp Group - Rappers Rapp Theme
  • 1982: Rappers Rapp Group (Darkstar) - Sexy Baby
  • 1982: DJ Flash - I Have A Dream
  • 1982: Ronnie Hudson - West Coast Poplock
  • 1983: MC Fosty & Lovin' C - Radio Activity Rapp
  • 1983: Captain Rapp - Bad Times (I Can't Stand It)
  • 1983: Ice-T - The Coldest Rap
  • 1983: Rich Cason & The Galactic Orchestra - Year 2001 Boogie
  • 1983: Rich Cason & The Magic Mike Crew - Magic Mikes Theme
  • 1984: The Future M.C.'s - Erotic City Rapp
  • 1984: The Future MC's - State Of Shock Rapp
  • 1984: MC Fosty, Lovin' C & Capt. Rapp - When Doves Cry Rapp Pt 1 & 2
  • 1984: Rich Cason & Formula V - Killer Groove
  • 1984: The Future M.C.'s – We Are The Future
  • 1984: The Future M.C.'s - Beverly Hills Cop Rapp (Movie Theme)
  • 1984: The Future MC's - Take Me With You Rapp
  • 1984: Dark Star - Planet Earth
  • 1984: Dark Star - Earth Rock
  • 1985: Starr Crew - Oaktree Rapp
  • 1985: Madamoselle "Boogie Girl" Lace - A Fly Girl
  • 1986: King MC - What have I Done For You Lately Rap
  • 1986: King MC - Nasty Boy Rap
  • 1992: Egyptian Lover - Egypt's Revenge
  • 1993: Ice-T – Ice-A-Mix
  • 1993: Ice-T - Ice-O-Tek
  • 1996: Geetas - Point Seen Money Gone
  • 1996: Geetas - Gang Related
  • 1996: Too Short & Pimp C - Playa Playa ("All About It, Playa Hatin' Hoes")
  • 2014: Ronnie Hudson - West Coast Poplock (Official Remix)
  • 2014: Ronnie Hudson - West Coast Poplock 2020
  • 2014: Ronnie Hudson - California Love 2020

Compilation albums
  • 1985: Various – KDAY AM Stereo 1580
  • 1991: Various - Lowrider Soundtrack Volume 2
  • 1992: Various - South Central (Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
  • 1992: Various – West Coast Rap-The First Dynasty, Vol. 1
  • 1992: Various – West Coast Rap-The First Dynasty, Vol. 2
  • 1992: Various – West Coast Rap-The First Dynasty, Vol. 3
  • 1992: Various – West Coast Rap - The Renegades
  • 1992: Various – Flashback! New Wave Classics
  • 1993: Various - Compton's Greatest Rap Volume 1
  • 1993: Ice-T The Classic Collection (Ice-T)
  • 1994: Dr. DreConcrete Roots Anthology
  • 1994: Various - Old School Volume 5
  • 1995: Various - Eazy-E & Posse
  • 1996: Various - Street Jams : Back 2 The Old Skool Part Three
  • 1996: Various - Ice-T & Posse 2
  • 1996: Various - Back'n The Days Electric Jam
  • 1997: Various - West Coast Posse 1
  • 1997: Various - West Coast Posse 2
  • 1997: Various - Dr. Dre & Posse
  • 1997: Various - The Best Of Old School Funk Vol. 02
  • 1998: Various - Funky Break Essentials 2
  • 1998: Various - Dr. Dre & Posse II
  • 1999: Various - Elektro Hip Hop Party Vol. 3
  • 2001: Various - Hip Hop Most Wanted
  • 2001: Various - Niggas With Attitude Chapter 2
  • 2002: Various - Old School Funkin' Hip Hop 2
  • 2002: Various - Hip Hop Most Wanted - Chapter 2
  • 2002: Various - Dr. Dre 2002
  • 2004: Various - Dr. Dre 2004
  • 2004: Various - Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: Official Soundtrack
  • 2004: Various - Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: Official Soundtrack Box Set
  • 2005: Various - The 2Pac Collection
  • 2006: Peanut Butter Wolf – Cover Me Badd
  • 2006: DJ Riz - Live From Brooklyn, Volume 2 (A Side)
  • 2008: Various - Old School Jams 8
  • 2008: Various - Gold Digging - As Sampled By 2Pac
  • 2008: DJ Git Hyper - DJ Git Hyper Presents Music From Raymann Is Laat!

See also

References

  1. Rappers Rapp Group history angelfire.com 25-05-2014 Retrieved 25-05-2014
  2. Rappers Rapp Group Westcoastpioneers.com 25-05-2014 Retrieved 25-05-2014
  3. Central California Hip Hop sites.google.com 04-05-2015 Retrieved 04-05-2015
  4. Popsike Rare Records Auction Results popsike.com Retrieved 03-17-2015
  5. The Rappers Rapp Disco Record Co. westcoastpioneers.com 25-05-2014 Retrieved 25-05-2014
  6. Official website rappersrapprecords.com 04-11-2015 Retrieved 04-11-2015
  7. Ronnie Hudson "Westcoastin" amazon.com 08-19-2016 Retrieved 08-19-2016
  8. Ronnie Hudson songs, albums, pictures amazon.com Retrieved 26-05-2014
  9. West Coastin' EP by Ronnie Hudson itunes.com Retrieved 26-05-2014
  10. GTA San Andreas soundtrack list allmusic.com 26-05-2014 Retrieved 26-05-2014
  11. Best Of Shy Glizzy amazon.com 08-19-2016 Retrieved 08-19-2016
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 12/4/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.