Toronto media outlet, Breaking Wreckords Radio unexpectedly got in the middle of beef between rap legends Masta Ace and MC Shan.

The Juice Crew, a seminal hip-hop collective birthed by the visionary producer Marley Marl during the mid-1980s, hailed from Queensbridge, New York, birthing some of the era’s most influential and cherished hip-hop gems. Its roster boasted luminaries like Roxanne Shante, MC Shan, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, Biz Markie, Masta Ace, and Craig G.

Their debut single “It’s A Demo” dropped in 1986 courtesy of Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, followed by timeless tracks like MC Shan’s “Kill That Noise” and Big Daddy Kane’s “Have a Nice Day”. In 1988, they unleashed the groundbreaking posse cut “The Symphony”. Even after their zenith, the Juice Crew’s imprint on hip-hop persisted, cementing their place in its annals.

ORIGIN OF THE GROUP NAME

The crew’s moniker was inspired by the pseudonym of radio DJ Mr. Magic, known as “Sir Juice”. Their meteoric rise commenced with “The Symphony”, showcasing the collective prowess of Roxanne Shante, MC Shan, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, Biz Markie, Masta Ace, Craig G, and Tragedy Khadafi. This genesis traced back to Mr. Magic’s tenure as the DJ on “Afrika Bambaataa’s Hip-Hop”, the first all-hip-hop radio show, under Cold Chillin’ Records.

Marley Marl’s impact on hip hop was monumental, especially his innovations in sampling technology, which shaped production techniques. His influence extended to radio, hosting “The Marley Marl Show” on WBLS 107.5 FM, amplifying hip hop’s reach.

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Other luminaries of the era, like DJ Flash and his Furious Five, catapulted rap into the mainstream with “Rapper’s Delight” in 1979, igniting interest in rap, breakdancing, and graffiti art across America.

Though the Juice Crew disbanded around 1989, its members soared to individual stardom. Big Daddy Kane, hailed as an icon, collaborated with giants like Jay-Z and Tupac Shakur. Roxanne Shante blazed trails as one of hip hop’s earliest female stars, transitioning into acting alongside Dr. Dre and Ice Cube.

Kool G Rap’s rapid-fire delivery and intricate wordplay left an indelible mark, influencing artists like J Cole and Kendrick Lamar. MC Trouble, albeit brief, became Motown’s first female rapper before her untimely passing at 21.

Masta Ace, an integral Juice Crew member, carved a legendary career, collaborating with icons like Eminem and KRS-One. His storytelling prowess revolutionized East Coast rap, inspiring generations and ensuring his relevance through ongoing collaborations and new releases.