Grand Puba - The Beginning of the End
Way back in 1985, when rap music was just learning how to walk, an emcee by the name of Grand Puba joined a group called "Masters of Ceremony". They put together a debut album in 1988 titled "Dynamite". That cut was really dope to me and I remember pushing it to my DJ buddies. It also was hot in my playlist during those days.
Shortly thereafter, that group disbanded and Puba ended up becoming a part of Brand Nubian, along with Sadat X and Lord Jamar. All hip hop heads know of the signifigance of this group, with legendary hits right off the bat with "All For One" and "Slow Down", to name a few. They were, and still are, favorites to many of us.
That is why it is somewhat sad to hear that Puba is starting his final lap in music. The single released to launch this retirement package is a joint titled "It Ain't No Big Deal", and it features Stunna Gang who happens to be Puba's son. The song starts off with a nice guitar and drum loop with a nice melody. Then, the 50's-inspired vocal sample drops and off Puba goes, flowing effortlessly, like he has for decades, over the track. Puba has always been one of my favorites and tracks like this is exactly why I still rank him high on my emcee list.
I am sad to see he is about to drop the mic for the final time but, the journey to that end, 3-albums, will be something we will admire from start to finish.
The only place to hear this song is on my radio show, The Coast to Coast Hip Hop Show on blackcultureradio.com on Sundays at 6pm EST/3pm PST. or, at https://therealgrandpuba.com/
Peace til next time!