Angie Stone: The Pioneer Who Shaped Hip-Hop Soul
Back in 1981, Angie B, fresh off a hit song, found herself backstage at Disco Fever in the Bronx with none other than the first female rapper, the rising star MC Sha-Rock. The duo were making waves in the growing Hip-Hop scene, and Disco Fever was the place to be as the genre was taking over the city.
Amidst the blighted urban setting of Disco Fever, where poverty and crime were rampant, a memorable incident unfolded for Angie and Sha-Rock. After posing for a picture, chaos erupted with the sound of a gun being fired. Angie quickly shielded Sha-Rock with her body, ensuring their safety amidst the mayhem.
Hailing from the deep South and rooted in the Black church, Angie Stone had set out to make her mark in the music world. As part of The Sequence, one of Hip-Hop's first all-female rap groups, Stone, alongside Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook and Gwendolyn “Blondy” Chisolm, broke barriers when they signed with Sylvia Robinson’s Sugar Hill Records in the late '70s.
Their hit track "Funk You Up" became a game-changer, being one of the earliest rap songs and the first female rap group hit. The trio's impact on Hip-Hop culture was undeniable, blending Southern-fried funk with R&B and rap’s bold energy.
Following the breakup of The Sequence, Angie Stone embarked on a new musical journey, infusing her rap roots into the realm of R&B and Neo-Soul. Collaborations with D’Angelo and other artists helped shape the Neo-Soul Movement, connecting Hip-Hop and soul in a raw and organic way.
Despite her evolution as a soul singer, Angie Stone maintained her ties to Hip-Hop through collaborations with artists like Snoop Dogg, Musiq Soulchild, and Talib Kweli, bridging the gap between genres seamlessly.
The legacy of Angie Stone in Hip-Hop cannot be understated. As a trailblazer in rap and a key figure in shaping the modern sound of Hip-Hop-infused R&B, her influence reverberates through generations of artists who followed in her footsteps.
Angie Stone’s untimely passing has shed light on the struggles faced by artists in the industry, with financial concerns and royalties being a recurring issue. Despite these challenges, Angie Stone's unwavering spirit and dedication to her craft epitomize the essence of Hip-Hop.
As we remember Angie Stone, let's honor her legacy and the indelible mark she left on the world of music. Rest in power, Angie Stone, your impact will never be forgotten. 🎤🔥 #AngieStone #HipHopPioneer