Newcleus

Newcleus is a band that came in on the first wave of electronic hip-hop in the early 1980s.

Related Topics:
Hip-hop - 1980s

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A precursor to the group, known as Jam-On Productions, formed in 1977 in Brooklyn, New York, which included teenagers Ben "Cozmo D" Cenac and his cousins Monique and Pete Angevin. The group's popularity grew as it played block parties in Brooklyn. By 1979, the primary group's members were Cozmo D, Yvette "Lady E" Cook (who would later marry Cozmo D), Monique Angevin, Bob "Chilly B" Crafton (who would later marry Monique).

Related Topics:
1977 - Brooklyn - New York - Block parties - 1979

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Newcleus recorded "Jam-On's Revenge," a block party favorite which featured vocals that were sped up to resemble Alvin and the Chipmunks. The track impressed record producer Joe Webb, and it became the group's first single in 1983 on Mayhew Records. It was re-released later that year on Sunnyview Records as "Jam On Revenge (The Wikki-Wikki Song)", and it made the Top 40 on the R&B charts.

Related Topics:
Alvin and the Chipmunks - Record producer - Joe Webb - 1983 - Mayhew Records - Sunnyview Records - R&B

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Their follow-up single "Jam On It" has become their most famous single, ushering in a new sound altogether for hip hop: from the conga rock of the old school to a more programmed sound. This song was ahead of its time in production techniques and general atmosphere.

Related Topics:
Conga - Old school

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In early 2004, journalist Xeni Jardin declared that "Jam On It" is "the theme song to Wikipedia" due to "the little chipmunk-funk voices" that go 'wikiwikiwiki'. Along with UTFO, the band released a song called Shut Up and Wiki.

Related Topics:
2004 - Wikipedia - Wiki - UTFO

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