Old school rappers: Where are they now?

Old school Hip Hop Stars: Where are they now?

Rap music has come a long way since its beginnings. What ever happened to the old-school rappers that started it all?

Long before today’s rap stars were also highly successful business entrepreneurs and making headlines for outrageous Twitter rants, there was a long list of pioneers that paved the way, launching a multi-million-dollar industry and introducing a new style of music and fashion to the world. Here’s a look at what your favorite old-school MCs are up to today.
DJ Kool Herc

Then: The Jamaican born DJ is often known as the father of hip-hop. Kool Herc was known for mixing it up on the ones and twos in the early 1970s and playing two break beats together while dropping rhymes to dancers. Kool Herc was also an early influence on Afrika Bambaataa and another hip-hop legend called Kool Herc a hero.

Now: The hip-hop legend appeared as himself in a dance movie in the early 1980s, but he later fell on hard times. Now, there are reports that he is gravely ill. Get the latest news on his health.

Kid ‘n Play

Then: The real-life hip-hop comedy duo of Christopher "Kid" Reid and Christopher "Play" Martin starred in four films together, most notably these party flicks. Though originally called something else, teen-friendly Kid ‘n Play dropped several albums with positive lyrics.

Now: Kid continued acting with roles on a 1990s sitcom about reunited twins, while Play found God through his music. In 2009, the duo performed their signature dance move at an awards show.

Sir Mix-a-Lot

Then: Sir Mix-a-Lot’s debut album made the MC a superstar with a song about large derrieres. The infamous opening lines turned it into one of the most recognizable and popular rap songs of all time. Find out why MTV briefly banned the music video.

Now: He starred on a short-lived TV series. A native of a Northwest city, he narrated a 2009 documentary about its music scene. There are rumors of a comeback. 

Run-D.M.C.

Then: The legendary rap crew from Queens is credited with helping to shape hip-hop culture and was the first group in the genre to achieve this honor. Their video for “King of Rock” was the first rap video to appear on MTV. The rap group also made its mark in fashion.

Now: The trio is now a duo after the tragic 2002 death of Jam-Master Jay. In 2009, Run-D.M.C. became the second hip-hop group to receive an honor dedicated to the most influential musicians. Find out which member is now an ordained minister. 

Beastie Boys

Then: The Brooklyn-born Beastie Boys actually started with another musical style but gained commercial success after switching to hip-hop with the release of their debut album. A raucous-party-themed rap became a staple on MTV.

Now: Their hair may be a lighter shade of gray now, but it hasn’t stopped the hip-hop luminaries from performing and releasing new albums. Their eighth studio album dropped last year after it was announced that one of them has cancer. 

Public Enemy

Then: This 1980s rap group formed around issues like race relations, media criticism and politics. A groundbreaking and best-selling album explored tensions between whites and blacks and includes one of the most influential songs in hip-hop. Public Enemy helped define a musical style.

Now: The group is currently touring this country to promote social justice. Chuck D has become a speaker and activist on issues such as race and politics. One colorful member took another route, appearing on several reality shows, including one dating show satire.  

Kurtis Blow

Then: This pioneering rapper boasts the first certified gold record hip-hop song, from his 1980 debut album, and was the first of his genre to be signed by a major label. Blow’s 1985 hit, “If I Ruled the World,” was covered by another artist.

Now: Blow, who became known for a national anti-drug and alcohol campaign, had his squeaky-clean image tarnished recently when he was arrested. Founder of a Gospel church, he became an ordained minister in 2009.

 Salt-n-Pepa

Then: The 1980s Queens-based hip-hop group solidified itself as the best-selling all-female rap act with sexually charged hits like “Push It” and “Let’s Talk About Sex”. They also made their mark fashion-wise.

Now: Salt quit the group in 2002, officially disbanding the rap trio. Pepa appeared on a reality series about past-their-prime stars and then her own show. The group reformed for yet another reality show, this time following their return to the recording studio. They launch a national tour this year. 

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five

Then: Composed of one DJ and five rappers, this group formed in the late 1970s and is credited for being the pioneer of hip-hop cutting and mixing. With influential hits like this classic ditty about the struggles of living in the ghetto, they became the first rap group to receive top rock honors.

Now: Grandmaster Flash released his autobiography in 2007. That same year, under a new name, he released his first solo album. 

 Ice Cube

Then: Before breaking out into a solo career, Ice Cube was a member of NWA, which was known for aggressive lyrics and considered to be one of the earlier acts of this genre of rap. His lyrics were widely criticized. He jump-started his acting career with roles in a film about growing up in the hood and a classic comedy.

Now: He released his comeback album in 2006 and another dropped in 2010. Get tour dates. Ice Cube continues to act and a TBS show premiered last year based on his 2005 movie of the same name.

KRS-One

Then: The MC was called by several stage names. KRS-One was known for shirking conventional rap themes of cars, jewelry and women for songs about political movements. He started his own record company.

Now: He formed an anti-violence movement. KRS-One was embroiled in a controversy over his comments about a terrorist attack. But, he bounced back. He also was awarded in 2008 for his work. Get tour dates.

Dr. Dre

Then: This veteran rapper and record producer is a legend in the business, having overseen the successful careers of several rappers. He’s credited with developing a synthesizer-based style of rap music.

Now: Dr. Dre said he’ll release his final album this year. His vocals can be heard on one of his protégé’s new singles. Look for the entrepreneur’s brand of headphones and laptop. 

 Ice-T

Then: Ice-T entered the rap world after leaving the armed forces and released his debut genre-defining album in 1987. It was the first to carry a controversial warning. One track was widely condemned.

Now: Leaving music behind, Ice-T is now best known for his role as an NYPD detective on a long-running cop drama. He appeared in a 2009 documentary about hair produced by a comedian. Find out why he was arrested last year. 

LL Cool J

Then: Hunkycrooner LL Cool J is known for his romantic ballads, such as “I Need Love”, as well as classic hip-hop songs like “Mama Said Knock You Out”. He kick-started his acting career early on with a role in a 1985 rap movie based on the early days of a record label.

Now: After 14 records, LL now focuses on his acting career. He played another rap legend’s love interest in a 2006 romantic comedy and has a starring role on a spin-off of a popular police drama series