For decades hip-hop has been based on various essential components. The MC (or lyricist) delivers the bars, while the producer laces words with a bombastic soundtrack. But one underrated element has always been present—the hype man. Robin Hood had Little John, Barack has Joe, and these rappers had these hype men to back them up.
1. Flavor Flav
Long before his reality days on VH1, Flavor Flav was the animated, clock-medallion wearing right hand to Chuck D and the political rap ensemble, Public Enemy. In addition to the supporting cast, Flav dropped his own conscious hit “911 Is a Joke”.
2. Spliff Star
Loyal sidekick to Busta Rhymes, Spliff provided comic relief in some of many Rhymes’ larger-than-life music videos, including “Touch It” and the Harlem Nights inspired “Pass the Courvoisier PT.1.”
3. Fonzworth Bentley
Years before his hosting gig on BET and reality show From G’s to Gents, Fonzworth served as hype assistant to ATLiens OutKast and Diddy. A fashion icon in his own right, Bentley’s solo hit “Everybody” came in the rise of Southern hip-hop.
4. Fatman Scoop
DJ extraordinaire Fatman adds zeal to any record he laces. From Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control”, to Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That”, Scoop provides the dose of hell yeah to every party.
5. Memphis Bleek
The first artist signed to Roc-A-Fella, Memphis remained one of Jay’s most loyal subjects. He even dropped his own album with the 2000’s hit “Is That Your Chick”.
6. Puff Daddy
Sean Combs’ career excelled as the first producer-turned-hype man to the late, great Notorious B.I.G. His days of dancing all up in the videos paid off as the hip-hop mogul keeps club goers diddy-bopping.
7. Safaree Samuels
Safaree held then-girlfriend Nicki Minaj down for 10+ years before their professional and personal separation. Whether we admit it or not, the man had a hand in her expedient success.
8. Joe C
Many may forget Kid Rock was the original Machine Gun Kelly when he erupted on the white rapper scene. And it was his friend Joe C who held him down through it all. Sadly, Rock’s partner-in-rhyme passed in 2000.
9. Tony Yayo
A hype man who initiated his own dance, Tony Yayo was an affiliate of 50 Cent’s G-Unit. He rode with Curtis long before Get Rich or Die Tryin’, and remained loyal even during a stint behind bars.
10. Crunchy Black
Three 6 Mafia’s past comes with many iterations, but their prime included sidekick Crunchy Black. Much like Flav, Crunchy supported front men Juicy J and DJ Paul as they ascended from Memphis’ underground to Oscar gold.
11. Swizz Beatz
The man behind Ruff Ryders’ signature sound maneuvered to industry heavyweight, elevating classics for major artists. His hype is felt the moment one presses play. Don’t believe me? Peep Jay’s “On to the Next One,” T.I.’s “Bring Em Out” or DMX’s “Party Up (In Here)”.
Believe the hype and support the legacies of these background men. Who are some hype men we missed?
