On this date in 1971, Craig Jamieson Mack was born in Brentwood, Lengthy Island—one in all New York’s rising Hip Hop hotbeds on the time. Although he left us far too quickly, his contributions to the tradition, particularly in the course of the golden age of East Coast rap, stay simple.
Because the very first artist to launch an album on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Unhealthy Boy Data, Craig Mack helped set the tone for what would change into some of the influential labels in hip-hop historical past. His 1994 debut album Venture: Funk da World featured the smash hit “Flava In Ya Ear,” produced by Straightforward Mo Bee, which marked a significant second for East Coast hip-hop throughout a time when the West Coast was dominating the airwaves.
“Flava In Ya Ear” was greater than a single—it was a cultural reset. The enduring remix that includes LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, Rampage, Puff Daddy, and the introduction of The Infamous B.I.G. helped push Unhealthy Boy into the nationwide highlight. Mack’s voice, cadence, and power added a uncooked, distinctive layer to the sonic id of Nineteen Nineties New York rap.
Earlier than his mainstream rise, Mack—then performing as MC EZ—dropped underground joints like “Simply Rhymin’” and “Get Retarded” within the late ’80s. He additionally had early ties to EPMD and DJ Scratch, contributing behind the scenes and absorbing recreation earlier than stepping totally into the highlight.
Craig Mack handed away on March 12, 2018, from coronary heart failure at simply 47 years outdated. However on what would have been his 53rd birthday, followers and hip-hop historians alike proceed to honor his legacy and the lasting impression of his music.
Comfortable Heavenly Birthday to Craig Mack—a pioneer whose “flava” won’t ever fade.