Posse cut
A posse cut is a popular form of song in hip hop music that involves successive verses by four or more rappers.[1]
Tracks described as posse cuts by Rolling Stone include A Tribe Called Quest's "Scenario",[2] "Tha Shit" by The D.O.C.,[3] "Doin' Our Own Dang" by Jungle Brothers,[4] "Monster" and "So Appalled" by Kanye West, and "Set It Off" by Snoop Dogg.[5] Tracks described by AllMusic as posse cuts include "Wu-Gambinos" by Raekwon,[6] "1, 2, 3" by Naughty by Nature,[7] and "Head Banger" by EPMD.[8]
History
[edit]Many classic early hip hop tracks, such as Afrika Bambaataa & the Soul Sonic Force's "Zulu Nation Throwdown", took the form of a posse cut. The posse cut became established in the eighties as a way for rappers to give exposure to their friends, or their posse. However, towards the end of the eighties and the start of the nineties, the posse cut began to be used as an "All-Stars" device to bring together rappers who had respect for each other's skills on the microphone, or a way to unite various well-known and respected artists to deliver an important message.
Notable examples
[edit]1980s–90s
[edit]| Track | Artists | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| "The Symphony" | Marley Marl, Masta Ace, Craig G, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane | Allmusic describes it as "one of the best posse cuts in hip-hop history",[9] and "classic".[10] |
| "Scenario" | A Tribe Called Quest, Leaders of the New School | Rolling Stone describes "Scenario" as "the ultimate posse cut",[2] and in Allmusic's review of "Scenario" they say, "not only did Tribe make history on The Low End Theory by putting together one of the best hip-hop albums of all time, they also opened up a hole in the sky for the emergence of the ever-unique and talented genius of Busta Rhymes".[11] |
| "The Anthem" | Sway & King Tech, RZA, Eminem, Tech N9ne, Xzibit, Pharoahe Monch, and others | A 1999 posse cut featuring various artists. Described as a "classic posse cut".[1] |
2000s–20s
[edit]See also
[edit]- Cypher, a form of freestyle rap with multiple rappers
References
[edit]- 1 2 Edwards, Paul, 2009, How to Rap: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC, Chicago Review Press, p. 221.
- 1 2 Blashill, Pat (June 24, 2003). "Hits, Rarities & Remixes". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023.
- ↑ Archived October 11, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ Archived August 30, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ [dead link]
- ↑ Huey, Steve. "( Only Built 4 Cuban Linx > Overview )". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ↑ Swihart, Stanton (1991-09-03). "( Naughty by Nature > Overview )". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ↑ Swihart, Stanton (1992-07-28). "( Business Never Personal > Overview )". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ↑ Witt, Chris (1988-11-19). "( In Control, Vol. 1 > Overview )". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ↑ Swihart, Stanton. "( SlaughtaHouse > Overview )". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ↑ Butler, Blake. "allmusic". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ↑ "50. The Game "One Blood (Remix)" (2006) — The Best Rap Remixes Since 2000". Complex Networks. 2013-07-24. Retrieved 2014-03-26.
- ↑ "50. The Game "One Blood (Remix)" (2006) — The Best Rap Remixes Since 2000". Complex Networks. 2013-07-24. Retrieved 2014-03-26.
- ↑ Rollingstone
- ↑ "G.O.O.D. MUSIC, FEAT. KANYE WEST, BIG SEAN, PUSHA T, AND 2 CHAINZ - "MERCY" - Kanye - 41 | SPIN". Archived from the original on 2015-06-27.
- ↑ ""You Keep Filming!": The Oral History of Odd Future's Chaotic, Joyous "Oldie" Video". www.theringer.com. 2022-03-18. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
- ↑ "A$AP Rocky's "1Train" Was the Definitive New Age Posse Cut". HNHH. 14 October 2019.
- ↑ "DJ KaySlay Releases Posse Cut 'Rolling 110 Deep' Featuring 110 Rappers". Hip Hop N More. June 25, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ↑ "DJ Kay Slay Honored With Hour-Long 200-Rapper Posse Cut 'Rolling 200 Deep'". Complex. November 5, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
- ↑ "On 'Chromakopia,' Tyler, the Creator Has to Deal with the Truth". Rolling Stone. 30 October 2024.