Paris (rapper)
Encyclopedia
Oscar Jackson, Jr. better known by his stage name
Paris is an American
rapper from San Francisco
, California
, known for his highly charged political and socially conscious lyrics. Influenced by the Black Panthers, he was once a member of the Nation of Islam
, but now is agnostic.
" and album of the same name, after earning a bachelor's degree
in economics
from UC Davis
. Originally released on Tommy Boy Records
, his first single was banned by MTV
. Since then his stance on political issues and social commentary have both aided and hindered his quest to bring his music and messages to the masses.
When his second album, Sleeping with the Enemy
, was ready for release in 1992, Paris was dropped from now-defunct Tommy Boy Records (since rechristened Tommy Boy Entertainment in 2002) and distributor Warner Bros. Records, owned by Time Warner, when the parent company discovered its incendiary content, which included fantasy revenge killings of then-President Bush and racist police officers. Also problematic was the album's insert, which featured the artist waiting behind a tree, holding a Tec 9, as the president was waving to the crowd. Paris eventually released the LP himself on his newly formed Scarface Records. Also in 1992, Paris contributed to industrial music
band Consolidated
's 1992 album Play More Music with the track "Guerrillas in the Mist."
Paris signed a major artist and distribution deal with Priority Records for himself and Scarface Records in 1993 and released his third LP, Guerrilla Funk
, and several then up-and-coming groups, most notably the Conscious Daughters
. Paris and Priority formally severed their business relationship due to creative differences in 1995, and in 1997, Paris signed a one-off deal with now-defunct Whirling Records (distributed by Rykodisc) for the release of his 4th LP, Unleashed
, which was released in small numbers with little promotion. The album contained some very explicitly violent and racially charged verses, and while less overtly political as earlier efforts, the lyrics explicitly describe racial violence when confronted with the same.
The album was also released in Europe with a different track list, featuring songs from 1994, 1996 and 1998, some of which were more in the style of his earlier releases. Becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the music industry, Paris retired from recording and worked as a stockbroker, cementing his personal wealth allowing him to independently finance the next stage of his musical endeavors.
's Hatchet Warrior
album and returned with the album, Sonic Jihad
. The album continued his tradition of controversial cover art
, evoking images of the September 11, 2001 attacks
, it depicts a plane flying toward the White House
. The content is equally radical and speaks on many topics, including the war on terror
, the war in Iraq, police brutality
, black-on-black violence, conditions in inner-city communities, the Illuminati
, and state sponsored terrorism. Other politically-minded hip hop
artists were featured on the album, including Kam
, dead prez
, and Public Enemy. Sonic Jihad was the catalyst for the creation or Paris' new label and Web site, Guerrilla Funk Recordings, a home for projects and material of such notable acts as dead prez
and Public Enemy.
In 2006, Paris completed a project with Public Enemy, Rebirth of a Nation
, the title both a reference to the 1915 film The Birth of a Nation
, controversial for its glorification of the Ku Klux Klan
and its racist portrayal of African Americans, and PE's 1988 classic It Takes a Nation of Millions...
. Although Chuck D
was the primary vocal performer, Paris penned and produced the bulk of the album, which also featured N.W.A's MC Ren
, Immortal Technique
, Kam
, dead prez
, and The Conscious Daughters.
In 2006 Paris also released Paris presents Hard Truth Soldiers, Vol. 1, the first in a Paris-produced compilation series that touched on subjects ranging from war and police brutality to black-on-black crime and domestic violence. It showcased contributions from Public Enemy, The Coup, dead prez, Paris, T-K.A.S.H., Kam, The Conscious Daughters, Mystic, MC Ren, Sun Rise Above
, and The S.T.O.P. Movement (Mobb Deep, Tray Deee, Soopafly, KRS-One, Defari, Daz, J-Ro, RBX, Bad Azz, WC, Dilated Peoples, Mac Minister, The Alchemist, Mack 10, Evidence, Defari, Everlast, and B-Real), among others.
Also in 2006, Paris introduced the world to former Coup-member T-K.A.S.H. and his debut offering, Turf War Syndrome, handling production duties as well.
His anti-war anthem "What Would You Do?" on his Sonic Jihad album accuses the US government of perpetrating the September 11th 2001 attacks, saying, "Ain't no terror threat, unless approval rating's slumpin'. So I'ma say it for the record we the ones that planned it, ain't no other country took a part or had they hand in it". It is also featured on the Peace Not War, Vol. 2 compilation album.
In 2007, Paris released the follow-up companion piece to Rebirth of a Nation, the Public Enemy collaboration Remix of a Nation, and began laying the framework for the film division of Guerrilla Funk Recordings.
Paris inked a distribution deal with Fontana/Universal for Guerrilla Funk (with movies through Vivendi) in late 2008, and released his newest album, Acid Reflex, featuring Chuck D. and George Clinton.
In 2009, Paris released Paris Presents: Hard Truth Soldiers, Vol. 2, the sophomore project from T-K.A.S.H., Brains All Over The Streets, and the latest offering from The Conscious Daughters
, The Nutcracker Suite.
Paris not only writes and produces songs, but also publishes information about how to help the black community grow. One example of this is an article about how to manage your personal money. He explains about how you can build a better future for yourself and your children by handling your money more consciously in 5 steps and a final re-investment step.
He has recently appeared as himself in music documentary Sounds Like a Revolution
.
In 2011, Paris performed at the Gathering of the Juggalos
and appeared on Insane Clown Posse
's Featuring Freshness
. He also performed saturday the 30th of july in Amsterdam on the Amsterdam Hiphopfestival.
Stage name
A stage name, also called a showbiz name or screen name, is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers such as actors, wrestlers, comedians, and musicians.-Motivation to use a stage name:...
Paris is an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rapper from San Francisco
San Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, known for his highly charged political and socially conscious lyrics. Influenced by the Black Panthers, he was once a member of the Nation of Islam
Nation of Islam
The Nation of Islam is a mainly African-American new religious movement founded in Detroit, Michigan by Wallace D. Fard Muhammad in July 1930 to improve the spiritual, mental, social, and economic condition of African-Americans in the United States of America. The movement teaches black pride and...
, but now is agnostic.
1990s
He was catapulted onto the national scene in 1990 with his hit single "The Devil Made Me Do ItThe Devil Made Me Do It
The Devil Made Me Do It was the 1990 debut album of militant Black nationalist rapper Paris. MTV banned the title track. The 13-track vinyl record version of The Devil Made Me Do It was released in Spring 1988 on Tommy Boy Records. Paris toured the USA and Europe that year to promote the record...
" and album of the same name, after earning a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
from UC Davis
University of California, Davis
The University of California, Davis is a public teaching and research university established in 1905 and located in Davis, California, USA. Spanning over , the campus is the largest within the University of California system and third largest by enrollment...
. Originally released on Tommy Boy Records
Tommy Boy Records
Tommy Boy Entertainment is an independent record label started in 1981 by Tom Silverman.-History:...
, his first single was banned by MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
. Since then his stance on political issues and social commentary have both aided and hindered his quest to bring his music and messages to the masses.
When his second album, Sleeping with the Enemy
Sleeping with the Enemy (Paris album)
Sleeping With the Enemy is the second album of U.S. militant political rapper Paris. Released in 1992, it stimulated much controversy with the songs "Bush Killa" and "Coffee, Donuts & Death,"...
, was ready for release in 1992, Paris was dropped from now-defunct Tommy Boy Records (since rechristened Tommy Boy Entertainment in 2002) and distributor Warner Bros. Records, owned by Time Warner, when the parent company discovered its incendiary content, which included fantasy revenge killings of then-President Bush and racist police officers. Also problematic was the album's insert, which featured the artist waiting behind a tree, holding a Tec 9, as the president was waving to the crowd. Paris eventually released the LP himself on his newly formed Scarface Records. Also in 1992, Paris contributed to industrial music
Industrial music
Industrial music is a style of experimental music that draws on transgressive and provocative themes. The term was coined in the mid-1970s with the founding of Industrial Records by the band Throbbing Gristle, and the creation of the slogan "industrial music for industrial people". In general, the...
band Consolidated
Consolidated (band)
Consolidated was an American radical activist recording and performing group, formed in 1988 and best known in the early 1990s as an alternative dance/industrial music band. They were distinguished by left-leaning political activism and politically radical lyrics, as well as their innovative sonic...
's 1992 album Play More Music with the track "Guerrillas in the Mist."
Paris signed a major artist and distribution deal with Priority Records for himself and Scarface Records in 1993 and released his third LP, Guerrilla Funk
Guerrilla Funk
Guerrilla Funk is the third album of rapper Paris. It was released in 1994.It has been re-released in a limited release subtitled The Deluxe Edition; it was digitally enhanced, reworked, and contains alternate versions.- Track listing :# "Prelude"...
, and several then up-and-coming groups, most notably the Conscious Daughters
The Conscious Daughters
The Conscious Daughters is a female rap duo, consisting of members Special One and CMG, out of Northern California's Bay Area. The duo signed in 1993 to rapper/activist Paris's record label Scarface Records after passing him a demo tape at a club...
. Paris and Priority formally severed their business relationship due to creative differences in 1995, and in 1997, Paris signed a one-off deal with now-defunct Whirling Records (distributed by Rykodisc) for the release of his 4th LP, Unleashed
Unleashed (Paris album)
Unleashed is the fourth album of militant Black nationalist rapper Paris. It was released in 1998.- Track listing :# "Mob on" # "Blast First"# "Record Label Murder"# "Fair Weather Friends"# "Everyday Livin'"...
, which was released in small numbers with little promotion. The album contained some very explicitly violent and racially charged verses, and while less overtly political as earlier efforts, the lyrics explicitly describe racial violence when confronted with the same.
The album was also released in Europe with a different track list, featuring songs from 1994, 1996 and 1998, some of which were more in the style of his earlier releases. Becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the music industry, Paris retired from recording and worked as a stockbroker, cementing his personal wealth allowing him to independently finance the next stage of his musical endeavors.
2000s
In 2003, Paris appeared on Anybody KillaAnybody Killa
James Lowery, also known as Anybody Killa, or ABK, is a Native American rapper from Detroit, Michigan whose stage persona is that of a Native American warrior. He is signed to Psychopathic Records.-Biography:...
's Hatchet Warrior
Hatchet Warrior
Hatchet Warrior is the debut studio album by Anybody Killa. Released in 2003, it is the rapper's first release on Psychopathic Records. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart, #42 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and #98 on the Billboard 200...
album and returned with the album, Sonic Jihad
Sonic Jihad (Paris album)
Sonic Jihad is the fifth studio album by rapper Paris, released in 2003, recorded, mixed and mastered at Data Stream Studio in San Francisco.- Track listing :# "Ave Bushani"# "Field Nigga Boogie"# "Sheep to the Slaughter"...
. The album continued his tradition of controversial cover art
History of controversial album art
The following is a list of notable albums with controversial album art, especially where that controversy resulted in the album being banned, censored or sold in packaging other than the original one...
, evoking images of the September 11, 2001 attacks
September 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
, it depicts a plane flying toward the White House
White House
The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., the house was designed by Irish-born James Hoban, and built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone in the Neoclassical...
. The content is equally radical and speaks on many topics, including the war on terror
War on Terrorism
The War on Terror is a term commonly applied to an international military campaign led by the United States and the United Kingdom with the support of other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation as well as non-NATO countries...
, the war in Iraq, police brutality
Police brutality
Police brutality is the intentional use of excessive force, usually physical, but potentially also in the form of verbal attacks and psychological intimidation, by a police officer....
, black-on-black violence, conditions in inner-city communities, the Illuminati
Illuminati
The Illuminati is a name given to several groups, both real and fictitious. Historically the name refers to the Bavarian Illuminati, an Enlightenment-era secret society founded on May 1, 1776...
, and state sponsored terrorism. Other politically-minded hip hop
Political hip hop
Political hip hop is a sub-genre of hip hop music that developed in the 1980s. Inspired by 1970s political preachers such as The Last Poets and Gil Scott-Heron, Public Enemy were the first political hip hop group...
artists were featured on the album, including Kam
Kam (rapper)
Kam is an American political emcee known primarily among hip hop fans and music critics during the 1990s. Born in Los Angeles, he is considered an esteemed West Coast underground rapper. He is known for his Nation of Islam-influenced lyrics and membership, and affiliation with his cousin, fellow...
, dead prez
Dead Prez
Dead Prez stylized as dead prez is a hip hop duo from the United States, composed of stic.man and M-1, formed in 1996 in New York City, New York. They are known for their confrontational style, combined with socialist lyrics focused on both militant social justice and Pan-Africanism...
, and Public Enemy. Sonic Jihad was the catalyst for the creation or Paris' new label and Web site, Guerrilla Funk Recordings, a home for projects and material of such notable acts as dead prez
Dead Prez
Dead Prez stylized as dead prez is a hip hop duo from the United States, composed of stic.man and M-1, formed in 1996 in New York City, New York. They are known for their confrontational style, combined with socialist lyrics focused on both militant social justice and Pan-Africanism...
and Public Enemy.
In 2006, Paris completed a project with Public Enemy, Rebirth of a Nation
Rebirth of a Nation
Rebirth of a Nation is the tenth studio album by American hip hop group Public Enemy and Paris, released on March 7, 2006. The album was Mixed and mastered at Data Stream Studio in San Francisco, Ca.-Album information:...
, the title both a reference to the 1915 film The Birth of a Nation
The Birth of a Nation
The Birth of a Nation is a 1915 American silent film directed by D. W. Griffith and based on the novel and play The Clansman, both by Thomas Dixon, Jr. Griffith also co-wrote the screenplay , and co-produced the film . It was released on February 8, 1915...
, controversial for its glorification of the Ku Klux Klan
Ku Klux Klan
Ku Klux Klan, often abbreviated KKK and informally known as the Klan, is the name of three distinct past and present far-right organizations in the United States, which have advocated extremist reactionary currents such as white supremacy, white nationalism, and anti-immigration, historically...
and its racist portrayal of African Americans, and PE's 1988 classic It Takes a Nation of Millions...
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back is the second studio album by American hip hop group Public Enemy, released April 14, 1988, on Def Jam Recordings. Recording sessions for the album took place at Chung King Studios, Greene Street Recording, and Sabella Studios in New York City...
. Although Chuck D
Chuck D
Carlton Douglas Ridenhour , better known by his stage name, Chuck D, is an American rapper, author, and producer. He helped create politically and socially conscious rap music in the mid-1980s as the leader of the rap group Public Enemy.- Early life :Ridenhour was born in Queens, New York...
was the primary vocal performer, Paris penned and produced the bulk of the album, which also featured N.W.A's MC Ren
MC Ren
Lorenzo Jerald Patterson , better known by his stage name MC Ren, is a rapper who formed part of the group N.W.A. His moniker is derived from his first name .-Early life:...
, Immortal Technique
Immortal Technique
Felipe Andres Coronel , better known by the stage name Immortal Technique, is an American rapper of Afro-Peruvian descent as well as an urban activist. He was born in Lima, Peru and raised in Harlem, New York. Most of his lyrics focus on controversial issues in global politics...
, Kam
Kam (rapper)
Kam is an American political emcee known primarily among hip hop fans and music critics during the 1990s. Born in Los Angeles, he is considered an esteemed West Coast underground rapper. He is known for his Nation of Islam-influenced lyrics and membership, and affiliation with his cousin, fellow...
, dead prez
Dead Prez
Dead Prez stylized as dead prez is a hip hop duo from the United States, composed of stic.man and M-1, formed in 1996 in New York City, New York. They are known for their confrontational style, combined with socialist lyrics focused on both militant social justice and Pan-Africanism...
, and The Conscious Daughters.
In 2006 Paris also released Paris presents Hard Truth Soldiers, Vol. 1, the first in a Paris-produced compilation series that touched on subjects ranging from war and police brutality to black-on-black crime and domestic violence. It showcased contributions from Public Enemy, The Coup, dead prez, Paris, T-K.A.S.H., Kam, The Conscious Daughters, Mystic, MC Ren, Sun Rise Above
Sun Rise Above
Sun Rise Above, also known as Sun R. A., is a hip-hop artist, notable for his leftist political views and corresponding lyrics. Sun Rise Above calls his form of music hiphopraganda...
, and The S.T.O.P. Movement (Mobb Deep, Tray Deee, Soopafly, KRS-One, Defari, Daz, J-Ro, RBX, Bad Azz, WC, Dilated Peoples, Mac Minister, The Alchemist, Mack 10, Evidence, Defari, Everlast, and B-Real), among others.
Also in 2006, Paris introduced the world to former Coup-member T-K.A.S.H. and his debut offering, Turf War Syndrome, handling production duties as well.
His anti-war anthem "What Would You Do?" on his Sonic Jihad album accuses the US government of perpetrating the September 11th 2001 attacks, saying, "Ain't no terror threat, unless approval rating's slumpin'. So I'ma say it for the record we the ones that planned it, ain't no other country took a part or had they hand in it". It is also featured on the Peace Not War, Vol. 2 compilation album.
In 2007, Paris released the follow-up companion piece to Rebirth of a Nation, the Public Enemy collaboration Remix of a Nation, and began laying the framework for the film division of Guerrilla Funk Recordings.
Paris inked a distribution deal with Fontana/Universal for Guerrilla Funk (with movies through Vivendi) in late 2008, and released his newest album, Acid Reflex, featuring Chuck D. and George Clinton.
In 2009, Paris released Paris Presents: Hard Truth Soldiers, Vol. 2, the sophomore project from T-K.A.S.H., Brains All Over The Streets, and the latest offering from The Conscious Daughters
The Conscious Daughters
The Conscious Daughters is a female rap duo, consisting of members Special One and CMG, out of Northern California's Bay Area. The duo signed in 1993 to rapper/activist Paris's record label Scarface Records after passing him a demo tape at a club...
, The Nutcracker Suite.
Paris not only writes and produces songs, but also publishes information about how to help the black community grow. One example of this is an article about how to manage your personal money. He explains about how you can build a better future for yourself and your children by handling your money more consciously in 5 steps and a final re-investment step.
He has recently appeared as himself in music documentary Sounds Like a Revolution
Sounds Like a Revolution
Sounds Like a Revolution is a feature documentary about recent protest music in America.Directed by Canadian directors Summer Love and Jane Michener, the film was released in June 2010 and had its world premiere at NXNE festival and its theatrical premiere at The Royal Theatre in Toronto,...
.
In 2011, Paris performed at the Gathering of the Juggalos
Gathering of the Juggalos
The Gathering of the Juggalos is an annual festival put on by Psychopathic Records, featuring performances by the entire label as well as numerous well-known musical groups and underground artists. It was founded by Robert Bruce, Insane Clown Posse , and their label in 2000...
and appeared on Insane Clown Posse
Insane Clown Posse
Insane Clown Posse is an American hip hop duo from Detroit, Michigan. The group is composed of Joseph Bruce and Joseph Utsler, who perform under the respective personas of the "wicked clowns" Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope. Insane Clown Posse performs a style of hardcore hip hop known as horrorcore...
's Featuring Freshness
Featuring Freshness
Featuring Freshness is the ninth compilation album by American hip hop group Insane Clown Posse. It was released on November 1, 2011. The album compiles many of the group's collaborations with other rappers. Though the majority of the material on this set is previously released, three new tracks...
. He also performed saturday the 30th of july in Amsterdam on the Amsterdam Hiphopfestival.
Albums
- 1989: The Devil Made Me Do ItThe Devil Made Me Do ItThe Devil Made Me Do It was the 1990 debut album of militant Black nationalist rapper Paris. MTV banned the title track. The 13-track vinyl record version of The Devil Made Me Do It was released in Spring 1988 on Tommy Boy Records. Paris toured the USA and Europe that year to promote the record...
- 1992: Sleeping with the EnemySleeping with the Enemy (Paris album)Sleeping With the Enemy is the second album of U.S. militant political rapper Paris. Released in 1992, it stimulated much controversy with the songs "Bush Killa" and "Coffee, Donuts & Death,"...
- 1994: Guerrilla FunkGuerrilla FunkGuerrilla Funk is the third album of rapper Paris. It was released in 1994.It has been re-released in a limited release subtitled The Deluxe Edition; it was digitally enhanced, reworked, and contains alternate versions.- Track listing :# "Prelude"...
- 1998: UnleashedUnleashed (Paris album)Unleashed is the fourth album of militant Black nationalist rapper Paris. It was released in 1998.- Track listing :# "Mob on" # "Blast First"# "Record Label Murder"# "Fair Weather Friends"# "Everyday Livin'"...
- 2003: Sonic JihadSonic Jihad (Paris album)Sonic Jihad is the fifth studio album by rapper Paris, released in 2003, recorded, mixed and mastered at Data Stream Studio in San Francisco.- Track listing :# "Ave Bushani"# "Field Nigga Boogie"# "Sheep to the Slaughter"...
- 2006: Rebirth of a NationRebirth of a NationRebirth of a Nation is the tenth studio album by American hip hop group Public Enemy and Paris, released on March 7, 2006. The album was Mixed and mastered at Data Stream Studio in San Francisco, Ca.-Album information:...
with Public Enemy - 2006: Paris Presents: Hard Truth Soldiers Vol. 1
- 2008: Acid ReflexAcid ReflexAcid Reflex is the sixth studio album by rapper Paris. Recorded and mixed at Data Stream Studio in San Francisco, Ca. It included the single "Don't Stop the Movement" which also had a video to further promote the album.The song "The Violence of the Lambs" samples Ganksta N-I-P's song "Psycho" from...
- 2009: Paris Presents: Hard Truth Soldiers Vol. 2
Videos/Singles
- The Devil Made Me Do It
- The Days of Old
- Outta My Life
- Don't Stop the Movement - Acid Reflex
- Guerrilla Funk
- Break the Grip of Shame
- Assata's Song
- One Time fo' Ya Mind
Singles Chart Positions
| Year | Song | Chart positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. R&B Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,... |
U.S. Rap Hot Rap Tracks Rap Songs is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States. It lists the 25 most popular hip-hop/rap songs, calculated weekly by airplay on rhythmic and urban radio stations and sales in hip hop-focused or exclusive markets. From 1989 through 2001, it was based on how much the single... |
|||
| 1990 | The Devil Made Me Do It | 20 | The Devil Made Me Do It | |
| 1994 | Guerrilla Funk | 90 | 23 | Guerrilla Funk |