Amir Ali Said

Amir Obè is a rapper, songwriter, and producer from Detroit, Michigan who has evolved in every phase of his career.  In 2009, he started making music under the name Phreshy Duzit.  During this time, he bounced between Brooklyn and Detroit,…

Roberto Roena is a Puerto Rican salsa musician who has enjoyed an illustrious career since the 1950s.   He started as a dancer, alongside his brothers, on a television program in Puerto Rico called "La Taberna India."  When Roena was 16…

The Universals were a funk/soul band from Daytona Beach, Florida who recorded in the early '70s.  The group was comprised of Lindsey Morris (Vocals, Keyboard, & Arranger), Alex Morgan (Vocals & Guitar), Ralph Williams (Vocals,…

Foxy Brown was just 16 years old when she was discovered in 1994.  She won a local talent show in Brooklyn and the infamous production duo, Trackmasters, were in attendance.  Impressed by her talent, Trackmasters invited Brown to record a…

Sam Baker was a soul singer from Jackson, Mississippi that enjoyed a moderately successful career in the '60s.  The majority of his music was released on Sound Stage 7, a lesser-known record label based in Nashville, Tennessee.  The label…

Kool G Rap's ability to tell intricate stories has always been impressive to me.  Ever since I heard him on "The Symphony," and especially on "Road to the Riches," Kool G Rap has been a staple in my understanding of what it means to be an…

Syreeta was a singer-songwriter whose career spanned three decades at Motown.  In 1965, Syreeta started at the label as a receptionist.  One year later, she became the secretary for William "Mickey" Stevenson (the head of Motown's A&R…

Lil Kim’s debut album, Hard Core has held up over time.  Her debut was as strong in ’96 as it is today. While “Big Momma Thang” and “Crush On You” are often (and deservedly) referred to as album standouts, I think “Queen Bitch” is the real…

George Benson is one of the most well-known guitarist and vocalist of all-time.  Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Benson's musical prowess began at the age of seven.  He played the ukulele at a neighboring drug store, and one…

Since the inception of ASAP Mob, A$AP Twelvyy has always held his own.  The first time I heard Twelvyy was on A$AP Rocky's song, "Trilla" (2011), which also featured A$AP Nast.  From there, Twelvyy's impact within and outside of ASAP Mob…