Doug E. Fresh

Doug E. Fresh (born Doug E. Davis in 1966) is an African-American rapper, record producer, beatboxer, and one of the most popular performers of the old school hip hop era. One of the earliest beatboxers (and still seen as one of the best), Fresh is able to imitate drum machines and various special effects with often startling accuracy. Fresh's early records are out of print, and have never been released on compact disc; originals can command high prices.

Related Topics:
African-American - Rapper - Record producer - Beatboxer - Old school hip hop - Drum machine - Special effect - Compact disc

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He was born in Barbados, but came to America with his family when he was young.

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His recording debut was 1983's single "Pass the Budda," also featuring Spoonie Gee and DJ Spivey. Fresh's breakthrough though, was 1984's "Beat Street" behind the Treacherous Three; his performance was utterly unique. That same year saw Fresh's debut as a solo artist with the singles "Just Having Fun" and "Original Human Beatbox".

Related Topics:
Spoonie Gee - DJ Spivey - Treacherous Three

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Fresh became a major rap star in 1985. His single "The Show/La Di Da Di," is still seen as a classic. The "Get Fresh Crew" was featured: rappers Barry Bee, Chill Will, and MC Ricky D, who would later achieve fame as Slick Rick.

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In 1987, Fresh's first full-length record was issued. Called Oh, My God!, the record included a few more classics ("Play This Only at Night" and "All the Way to Heaven") and was notable for incorporating elements of reggae and gospel music. The next year saw another longplayer, The World's Greatest Entertainer, which appeared on Billboard magazine's charts due in part to a popular single, "Keep Risin' to the Top". Slick Rick, however, had gone solo, and his debut, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, was a greater success.

Related Topics:
Reggae - Gospel music - Billboard magazine's

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Fresh didn't record until 1992, (Doin' What I Gotta Do, issued by MC Hammer's "Bust It" records.) Rap had changed appreciably in the interim, and Fresh seemed a little lost. The record performed rather poorly.

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In 1995 Slick Rick and Fresh reunited for a record entitled Play which found Fresh back on his feet. Play received positive reviews; Bret Love writes that the record is "a welcome flashback to the days when guns, drugs, sex and violence were not the genre's primary lyrical focus."http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:qdjb7i7og72r

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Recently, Fresh has appeared on VH1's I Love the 80s.

Related Topics:
VH1 - I Love the 80s

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