Building a Foundation: DISCO

Disco heavily influenced the hip-hop culture. Here's a nice collage of disco songs from MixMasterMax, YouTube.

Building a Foundation: Curtis Mayfield

This musician/writer helped in creating a magical land where you could hear delectable instrumentals, smooth delivery, airtight beats and a lyrical message... and as time passed, this land he helped create has evolved into what we now know as the land of true hip-hop soul. Thank you Curtis Mayfield. May you rest in peace, and may your music never rest.

Building a Foundation: James Brown

"The Big Payback." If James Brown's arrival on the scene wasn't an indicator of where music was headed, I don't know what was. This is not only the Godfather of Soul, he is the Father of Hip-Hop. May his music forever rock our eardrums and keep him alive.

Building a Foundation: Roy Ayers

Roy Ayers' sexy, jazzy sound deeply influenced hip-hop soul. His beats could easily be sampled (and MANY were) and used as the backdrop of our culture. And no matter where you are when you hear this song, it will take you straight to the borough of Brooklyn. Kick back & listen...