Amir Ali Said

France Gall is a French yé-yé singer from Paris, France.  Yé-yé was a style of music that originated in Southern Europe during the early '60s.  The inspiration for the genre was British and American rock 'n' roll.  In 1963, when France Gall…

Freeway is a rapper from North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He's a member of State Property, and he was on Roc-A-Fella records in the early 2000s.  In 2003, Freeway released his debut album, Philadelphia Freeway.  "What We Do" Ft. Jay-Z and…

Camilo Sesto is a singer and songwriter from Alcoy, Spain who started recording in the mid '60s.  In 1965, Sesto started recording with his band Los Dayson.  One year later, he started recording with another band called Los Bostines. …

Gloria Barnes is a singer from Harlem, New York who recorded in the late '60s and the early '70s.  In 1966, under the name Towanda Barnes, she released her debut single, "Oh Darling"/"If I'm Guilty."  In 1971, she changed her name to Gloria…

When it comes to women in hip hop from the 1980s, I've primarily listened to MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Roxanne Shante.  When I discovered Nikki D, I couldn't believe I wasn't listening to her sooner. Nikki D is a rapper from Los Angeles,…

Marie Rottrová is a singer and TV personality from the Czech Republic.   Technically, she was born (1941) and raised in Ostrava, Moravia.   In 1939, during WWII, The Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia was established by Nazi Germany. …

Masta Ace is a rapper from Brooklyn, New York who started rhyming in the late '80s.  Ace was a member of The Juice Crew All-Stars, a hip hop crew formed by producer Marley Marl that featured Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, and Roxanne Shante. …

Taeko Ohnuki is a singer and songwriter from Suginami, Tokyo, Japan.  In 1973, she formed Sugar Babe, a band featuring Japanese musicians Tatsuro Yamashita and Kunio Muramatsu.   After struggling to find success at home, the group broke up…

William DeVaughn is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Washington, D.C.  Early in his career, he wrote a song called "A Cadillac Don't Come Easy." In 1972, he rewrote it, and "Be Thankful For What You Got" was born.  In 1974, he…

Cormega is a rapper from Queensbridge, Queens who has enjoyed a successful independent career.  He befriended Nas and their rapport led to a friendship both in and out of music.  In 1996, Cormega joined the short-lived rap group, The Firm,…