The Mercedes Ladies

The Evolution of Female Pioneers in Hip-Hop: Celebrating DJ Flame and The Mercedes Ladies

Hip-hop has always been a revolutionary force in music, culture, and social movements, and women have played a pivotal role in shaping this genre from its inception. Among the trailblazers who have carved out a space for women in hip-hop are the Mercedes Ladies, a legendary all-female DJ and MC crew that emerged from the vibrant streets of New York in the late 1970s. Their story is not just about music; it's about empowerment, resilience, and breaking barriers.

The Mercedes Ladies were formed as a social crew before evolving into a formidable hip-hop group. They were pioneers, carrying their own crates of records and setting up their equipment, often in the face of skepticism and challenges from a male-dominated scene. The original members included DJ Baby, RD Smiley, and MCs Zina Z, Eva Def, and Sheri Sher. They were joined by DJ La Spank, who later became known as DJ Flame.

DJ Flame, a name synonymous with innovation and skill, has continued to make waves in the industry. Not only has she been recognized with awards, but she has also been a producer and host of a top-rated urban Gospel show, showcasing her versatility and commitment to her craft.

DJ La Spank, whose real name is Gail Hall, is a figure of monumental importance in the history of hip-hop. As one of the original DJs for the Mercedes Ladies, the first all-female rap group, she helped pave the way for women in a genre that was, and often still is, dominated by men. Her contributions to hip-hop are significant not only because of her pioneering role but also because of her talent and dedication to the craft of DJing.

The Mercedes Ladies, formed in the late 1970s, were trailblazers who challenged the status quo by stepping into the spotlight in a male-dominated scene. They were known for carrying their own equipment and records, setting up for shows, and delivering performances that stood toe-to-toe with their male counterparts. DJ La Spank, as a part of this group, showcased her skills on the turntables, contributing to the group's success and influence.

In 2014, the Mercedes Ladies were inducted into the Hip Hop Hall of Fame, a testament to their impact on the culture and recognition of their place in hip-hop history. DJ La Spank, also known as DJ Flame, has been involved with the New York hip-hop community since its early days, working with other legendary artists such as Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, The Cold Crush Brothers, and DJ Kool Herc.

Despite her significant role, information about DJ La Spank's early life and the specifics of her music career are scarce. This lack of documentation highlights a broader issue within the music industry and society at large—the underrepresentation and undervaluing of women's contributions, particularly in hip-hop. However, the legacy of DJ La Spank and the Mercedes Ladies lives on, inspiring new generations of female artists to pursue their dreams in the music industry.

DJ La Spank's impact extends beyond her musical achievements. She represents the spirit of hip-hop itself—innovative, resilient, and defiant. Her story is a reminder that hip-hop is not just a genre of music but a cultural movement that has provided a voice for the marginalized and a platform for self-expression. As we continue to celebrate the evolution of hip-hop, it is crucial to remember and honor pioneers like DJ La Spank, who have helped shape the genre into what it is today..

The impact of the Mercedes Ladies and DJ Flame extends beyond their musical contributions. They have inspired countless other women to pursue their passions in hip-hop and have paved the way for future generations. Their legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation in the arts.

As we look back on the history of hip-hop, it's crucial to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of female artists like the Mercedes Ladies and DJ Flame. They remind us that hip-hop is not just a genre of music; it's a movement that gives voice to the voiceless and power to the powerless. It's a culture that thrives on diversity and inclusivity, and thanks to these pioneering women, it will continue to evolve and inspire for years to come.

For those interested in delving deeper into the history and contributions of DJ La Spank and the Mercedes Ladies, their stories are an essential chapter in the narrative of hip-hop and a beacon for aspiring artists everywhere

For more information on the Mercedes Ladies and DJ Flame, their history, and their lasting influence on hip-hop culture, you can explore their stories and achievements in greater detail. Their journey is not just a chapter in hip-hop history; it's a beacon for aspiring artists everywhere.

Sources:

Instagram

Mercedes Ladies Old School Hip Hop (Complete Documentary) – The Founding Mothers of Hip Hop

Mercedes Ladies Paperback – January 1, 2008
by Sherri Sher (Author)

Mercedes Ladies Biography | OldSchoolHipHop.Com

Mercedes Ladies – School Of Breaking

The Mercedes Ladies Were The First All-female Rap Group | DailyRapFacts

'Busta Rhymes' Says Puerto Ricans & Blacks Created Hip Hop

Busta Rhymes is one of the most influential and respected rappers in the history of hip hop. He has been in the game for over three decades, and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry. But what many people may not know is that Busta Rhymes also has a strong connection to Puerto Rico, and he credits the island and its people for being one of the main sources of inspiration and innovation for hip hop culture.

In a recent interview with Complex, Busta Rhymes explained how he grew up in a predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, and how he was exposed to the rich musical heritage of the Boricuas. He said that he learned a lot from listening to salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and other genres that originated or were influenced by Puerto Rico. He also said that he admired the Puerto Rican pride and identity that his neighbors displayed, and how they always supported each other.

Busta Rhymes also acknowledged the role that Puerto Ricans played in the creation and evolution of hip hop, alongside African Americans. He said that Puerto Ricans were instrumental in developing the elements of DJing, graffiti, breakdancing, and MCing, and that they contributed to the diversity and creativity of the culture. He mentioned some of the legendary Puerto Rican figures in hip hop, such as DJ Disco Wiz, Grandmaster Flash, Crazy Legs, Prince Whipper Whip, Tony Touch, Fat Joe, Big Pun, and many others.

Busta Rhymes said that he considers himself an honorary Puerto Rican, and that he has a lot of love and respect for the island and its people. He said that he hopes to visit Puerto Rico soon, and that he wants to collaborate with some of the local artists there. He also said that he wants to use his platform to raise awareness and support for the issues that Puerto Rico faces, such as the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the economic crisis, and the colonial status.

Busta Rhymes said that he believes that Puerto Ricans and African Americans have a lot in common, and that they should unite and celebrate their shared history and culture. He said that hip hop is a powerful tool for social change and empowerment, and that it belongs to everyone who loves it and contributes to it. He said that he is proud to be part of a culture that was created by Puerto Ricans and African Americans, and that he will always honor their legacy.

Busta Rhymes said that Puerto Ricans and Blacks created Hip Hop. This brought some others in the Black community to attack him claiming that he was "erasing" Black people from the genre. This is far from the truth. We cannot deny that Puerto Ricans were heavily involved in the creation of Hip Hop. What Busta Rhymes said is correct in regard to Puerto Ricans and African Americans in The Bronx.  Those of us who grew up in the Bronx can attest to this fact including the pioneers of Hip Hop.  This does not take away from African Americans.  However, some Black Supremacists were dismayed at his comment claiming Puerto Ricans had nothing to do with Hip Hop. Tariq Nasheed is the bandleader of this rebellion which is based on ignorance of Hip Hop and an attempt to push a false narrative. 

Puerto Ricans are mixed with Africans and it is safe to say that most African Americans are also mixed and not purely "black" due to slavery and the horrors of it and other factors.  In fact, Puerto Ricans are part of the Black/African diaspora. So no Black person should feel erased or disrespected.  Puerto Ricans and Blacks have always been ONE force fighting against oppression and racism.  This will never change. Before Hip Hop, Puerto Ricans on the island since the time of colonization engaged in "battle rhymes" to acoustic drumbeats (African/Taino) and guitars called "Controversias" or "controversies" in English.  They "dissed" each other using these African-Taino beats and guitars as background repetitive music.  It was all in good fun though.

In my old neighborhood in Belmont, there was the Rocksteady Crew. They were a group of Hip Hop break dancers, artists, and rappers who were Puerto Rican and contributed to Hip Hop in its early days. They were even involved in "Westside Story" type altercations with the local Italians who often frowned upon the presence of Puerto Rican in the neighborhood. 

At times, there were fights on the streets with dozens of youths, both Italian and Puerto Ricans beating each other up into a pulp in the area of Crotona Avenue, 182nd and 183 Street. Most lived at 692, where my family lived at the time. 

We cannot ignore the many pioneers who help create Hip Hop who were Puerto Rican. I am sure some younger Hip Hop fans probably never heard of them.  DJ Charlie Chase, Tracy 168 whose graffiti has been documented on subway cars, Errol Eduardo Bedward known as "Pumpkin" who produce jams and beats in the 1970s, The Rocksteady Crew, The Mean Machine, The Real Roxanne, Shabba-Doo is known for his break dancing, Ruby Dee, Dj Disco Wiz, and many others. Hip Hop was not just created by African Americans. In reality, no one owns it. It belongs to all people. This is why it has branched out throughout the whole world. The genre is heard and has been adapted around the world to different languages, beats, and cultures. 

What do you think? Post your comment below on Disqus.  Be sure to follow the rules so your comment can go through.  

Sources:

https://puertoricoarte.com/busta-rhymes-credits-blacks-puerto-ricans-with-being-hip-hop-originators/

https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/video-busta-rhymes-rants-black-puerto-rican-people-created-hip-hop.1495142/

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=546423929747960

https://www.jstor.org/stable/852787

Book: "From Bomba to Hip-Hop: Puerto Rican Culture and Latino Identity"by Professor Juan Flores who taught Black and Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College and sociology at the CUNY Graduate Center.  

Book: New York Ricans from the Hip Hop Zone First Edition by R. Rivera (Author)

The actual contributions Puerto Ricans gave to hip hop! @JoeyCrackTS was right! (youtube.com)

HIP HOP IS FROM THE BRONX: A Documentary of NYC's Street Culture #thebronx #hiphophistory (youtube.com)

(1) HIP HOP IS FROM THE BRONX: A Documentary of NYC's Street Culture #thebronx #hiphophistory - YouTube

https://www.chelseanewsny.com/news/the-story-of-puerto-rican-hiphop-LWNP1420030415304159985

https://macaulay.cuny.edu/seminars/henken08/articles/h/i/p/Hip-Hop%E2%80%99s_African-American_New_York_Origins_%26_its_West_Indian_and_Puerto_Rican_influences_f647.html

http://websites.umich.edu/~ac213/student_projects06/student_projects/lhh/images/puertoricans.html

https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/a-history-of-puerto-ricans-in-hip-hop

https://puertoricoarte.com/busta-rhymes-credits-blacks-puerto-ricans-with-being-hip-hop-originators/

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=325854284971608

https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/video-busta-rhymes-rants-black-puerto-rican-people-created-hip-hop.1495142/

Fresh Dressed - CNN Special

CNN just aired a special program entitled "Fresh Dressed." The show highlighted the role fashion among minorities. It began showcasing the history of The Bronx and other New York areas which were plagued with youth gangs.

These youth gangs composed of Blacks and Puerto Ricans were in response to the troubles of the day. The Bronx was labeled as the "arson capital of the world" due to greedy landlords who hired people to burn down their tenements in order to profit from insurance.  The Bronx was a mess of burnt crumbling buildings.  Some of the buildings which were not destroyed only had one or two families still living in them.

As with any society, clothes became a form to identify to others one's personality or if they belonged to a specific gang or neighborhood. Eventually commercialization would take hold and begin to profit from the desires of young minorities looking to be "different."  Today, young minorities are slaves to this type of marketing. They spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on sneaks and clothing which they will use briefly and then replace with newer clothes.  It is a cycle that keeps minorities in poverty.  The show demonstrated how minorities are still kept in slavery by rich people luring them with sneakers and clothes that keeps them poor.

Many youth people in The Bronx and urban areas of New York City are unemployed and waste the little money they have on these articles of clothing. In their need to impress others, they depress their financial status.

I found that the documentary "Fresh Dressed" was well made.  Hopefully, young minorities will wake up and pay more attention to fixing their neighborhoods and saving for the future instead of spending for the present. 

Happy 40th Hip Hop

I said a hip hop, Hippie to the hippie,

The hip, hip a hop, and you don't stop, a rock it

To the bang bang boogie, say, up jump the boogie,

To the rhythm of the boogie, the beat.

With these words from the song "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill gang a new genre in music began that would capture generations to come.  "Hip Hop" would be born.  Hip Hop is believed to have been born in a housing project in the Bronx on 1520 Sedgwick Avenue on August 11, 1973.

Here, a resident who goes by the name "DJ Kill Herc" used the building's community center to host parties.  During one party he scratched records and began to "rap" or rhyme over the beat as African American and Puerto Rican party-goers break danced.  Other words used for "rap" are "emceeing" and "spitting."  

This new music would capture the interest of the Black and Puerto Rican youth of the Bronx and would spread like wildfire throughout the city and eventually the globe.  From there, other rappers adopted the style and began to add to the new genre.  The genre began by using melodies and samples of disco music set in repetition while one rhymed to the beat.  Consecutive rhyming would later be called, "flow."  Rapper "Rakim" is often given credit for developing this term and using it in his music.      

As the genre developed, newer styles were incorporated such as, “The Chant,” “The Syncopated Bounce,”“Straight Forward,” “The Rubik’s Cube,”“2-5-Flow,”“sung rhythmic style,” “percussion-effusive style,” and “speech-effusive style.”  Each rapper of the past and today use one or more of these styles in his or her music.  Hip Hop would eventually be divided into two "schools", the Old and New.  The Old School Hip Hop uses basic rhyming with words that have less syllables while the New School uses more complex rhyming and more syllables with a faster tempo.


From the Sugarhill Gang, Rakim, Afrika Bambaataa, Run DMC, MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice, the
Bestie Boys, to Notorious BIG, 2pac, NAS, Eminem 50-cent and Jay Z; Hip Hop has grown into a huge cultural force that is global.  Rapper "Eminem's" success has shown that the genre is not exclusive to African Americans and Latinos, but also non-Hispanic Whites.

The genre has often been criticized for its dramatic transformation from a simple way of using words with music for fun, to the glorification of violence, misogyny, hedonism and sexual perversion.  Some attribute this to record labels attempting to profit from using this glorification to sell the music.  Nevertheless, the music has also been used to spread the Gospel.  Both Protestant and Catholic Christians are using the genre to promote the Gospel and Christian values.

Today the genre celebrates 40 years and is believed to be losing its popularity due to artists who are not as attractive as those in the past as well as the commercialization of the music.  Originally, the music was used for fun and then became a platform to voice the problems of those growing up in the "hood" or urban areas.  Today it is used to make profits by artists using gimmicks to entertain audiences.  

Source:

http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/investigation/birthplace-of-hip-hop/