- Band Members: Dr. Who, Grand Puba, DJ Shabazz
- Genre: Hip-Hop
- Influenced by: Positive K, Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rud
- Similar Artists: Big Daddy Kane, Heavy D & the Boyz, Jungle Brothers, Original Concept, Sweet Tee, MC Shan, K-9 Posse, Three Times Dope, Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rud, 3rd Bass, Biz Markie, Marley Marl, Word of Mouth, DJ Cheese
A short-lived, golden age rap group in the ‘80s, the Masters of Ceremony made no considerable impact on hip-hop outside of their NYC suburban locale, except that the group first put on display the mike techniques of Brand Nubian member Grand Puba. Formed in New Rochelle, NY, the Masters trio -- rappers Grand Puba Maxwell and Dr. Who plus DJ Shabazz -- was the first act signed to imprint Strong City, co-founded by Afrika Bambaataa associate and DJ Jazzy Jay in 1985. The Masters of Ceremony's debut single, "Crime," arrived that same year, followed in 1986 by the more successful 12"s "Sexy" and "Cracked Out," both produced by Jazzy Jay. With the bulk of the production handled by Grand Puba, their Dynamite (1988) LP was a commercial disappointment, though it was regarded highly among N.Y. hip-hop collectors at the time. A few more 12"s, including the album title cut and "Master Move," were released before the group eventually disbanded that same year. In 2005, Jazzy Jay had Dynamite remastered, and he reissued the LP via Traffic Entertainment. ~ Cyril Cordor, All Music Guide
The BoomBox
Black Voices
Getty Images
For the latest news and updates on a multitude of music stars check out Black Music Notes.