Real talk, if it wasn’t for Luke there would be no “Put it Your Mouth”, Nelly’s “Tip Drill” video would’ve never seen light of day, and the Ying Yang Twins wouldn’t be able to whisper sh-t in anybody’s ear. Luke is the godfather of Southern Hip-Hop, one of the pioneers who pushed the envelope when it came to censorship in Hip-Hop music, and is also the one of the first rap artists to have their own label deal however, when the awards are handed out and the honorees are mentioned; his name is always conveniently forgotten. But Uncle Luke, just like every Black uncle that ever existed since the beginning of time, has some stories to tell. His new book, My Life and Freaky Times, tells his story. The good, the bad, and the freaky.
“A lot of people got nervous when they heard about me writing a book. I was getting calls from people saying ‘hey man you putting me in your book?’ I had to tell them and I’m still telling people, I didn’t write this book to tear anybody down. A few people’s stories are in there but I don’t mention a lot of names. It’s not that kind of book. I’ve met and hung out with a lot of sports stars, singers, rappers… everybody comes to Miami. Everybody comes to my parties. I got a lot of stories to tell about my life, the things I saw and the things I experienced.”
As the front man for 2 Live Crew Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell has seen and done it all. More than just one of the pioneers of the Miami Bass sound. With their third album, Nasty As They Wanna Be, Luke and the 2 Live Crew took on the US Supreme Court for in a battle over their freedom of expression. The landmark decision in 2 Live Crew’s favor solidified Luke’s place in music history.
“I never get any credit. When they do these specials or have these shows, these Hip-Hop honors or whatever, they never mention Luke or 2 Live Crew. I’m surprised that nobody, especially those who really follow Hip-Hop hasn’t said anything. That’s why I wrote the book, to educate people about this industry and talk about some of the moves I was making,” said Luke. “I’ve done a lot in this industry and for Hip-Hop and I think people should know about it.”
Some of the moves Luke made in his 20 years in the game include being one of the first to blend Hip-Hop and sex and having the first Black owned and run Hip-Hop label which brought the first platinum selling R&B group H-Town. Luke’s eye for talent also brought the likes of Trick Daddy and Pitbull to the mainstream.
“I was the first rapper with my own label. Everybody has one now but I was the first to do that. I don’t plan on getting that involved in music no time soon. Music doesn’t excite me anymore. You turn on the radio and you hear the same five songs the whole day. That’s what happens when you let major corporations own radio stations. At one point we had laws that didn’t allow stations to be owned by corporations. Back then DJs would take a chance and get behind an artist. Independent and unsigned artists had a better chance then. Now, thanks to Colin Powell’s son changing the laws and letting these companies take over stations, if you’re not signed to one of the big three (Sony/BMG, Waner Music Group, Universal) then you’re not getting played.”
You can call the man many names; Uncle Luke, Captain Nasty, Mr. DooDoo Brown but, when it’s all over and his number is called up Luke wants to be remembered for more than just the women and the parties. He’s an artist, a businessman, and a pioneer. It’s only right to want to be recognized.
“I probably won’t get my due until I’m dead but I want people to recognize me for the person I am and what I fought for. For what I brought to the game and how I had the vision to take rap to another level by introducing it to sexuality,” said Luke. “I brought the business to the music. That’s why so many of these new guys can do what they’re doing today. Like 50 Cent, I think he’s a good artist and I respect the moves he’s making but I don’t know him, never spoke to him. His people talked to my people when this Weinberger guy was trying to sue him but we never spoke. I wasn’t a part of that. I wouldn’t be. I been in the game so long I honestly get flattered when dudes say some of my old raps. Sh-t, Jay-Z made a whole career of it. And the only reason I can say that is because he’s a friend of mine.”
Streetz Spotz
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List of Hot PLacez to be...... Miami, FL
After putting in work all over the Miami underground for the better part of the past ten years, Rick Ross is blowin up for the ’06. One song can start a movement in these days of “Laffy Taffy” and “Still Tippin.” “Hustlin” is that song. Holding things down for the city of Miami on Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam, welcome 2006’s Trapper of the Year.
While the Dirty Dirty has been exploding all over the Southeast map, from Atlanta to Houston and beyond, the city that arguably started it all hasn’t been getting a lot of shine. Miami legend Luke Skywalker ushered in Southern rap as far back as ’83, but few outside of fellow Slip-N-Sliders Trick Daddy and Trina have made major national waves in recent years.
“It’s a blessin for the city. That shit make me feel the best, just knowin the hood need it. Shout out to Pitbull and Trick Daddy and Pretty Ricky and everybody else doin they thing, but the hood needed something really powerful and explosive comin from the street, representin the other side of the bridge. And that’s what we doin. M-I-yayo.”
Rick Ross has his certified stamp on three current Dirty South bangers: his own trapper anthem “Hustlin”, DJ Khaled’s “Holla at Me”, and Dre’s “Chevy Ridin High”. Ross is, for the moment, the face of his city, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. “The ultimate goal for Rick Ross is to bring the light to the city of Miami. Let’s just take over the game.”
Done. With a strong buzz brewing for the Miami kingpin, Def Jam appears to have caught new wind in their sales. Following on the footsteps of Young Jeezy’s platinum Let’s Get It, Ross’ summer debut should keep things moving in the house of Jay. “Oh you already know man. It’s real big, you know, Jay-Z cosign you and he let the world know, you closed the deal with Def Jam, being on the grind over a decade, got all the street cred, you know what I’m sayin. Everybody know you goin hard, you know, we just settin up that classic debut album, Port of Miami, I’m blessed to be in this position, takin advantage of everything that’s poppin off.”
It’s been a minute since you could turn on MTV or BET and catch a sun-drenched Miami video by a native artist nonstop. Both the videos for “Hustlin” and “Chevy Ridin High” are all beaches and babes, but that’s only part of Ross’ real Miami. Both songs are more slowed down than sped up, more street than straight party music.
Now, as Rick Ross rides into the national spotlight on the strength of New York’s historic label, fellow Floridians Dre, DJ Khaled, and Pitbull continue their rises alongside. 2006 could end up being the year of Miami. Platinum success from Port can only focus eyes further on Ross’ M-I-yayo. Likewise, Ross should further raise the profile of his home Slip-N-Slide Records. It’s just everyday hustlin’.
