Source From http://www.blackamericaweb.com
Twenty-five years after he originated it during rap’s heyday, hip-hop pioneer Doug E. Fresh’s seminal dance, now dubbed the Dougie by a new-school group called Cali Swag District, is back on the scene. While young folks like Jaden Smith and homeboy Justin Bieber might not know it – although we figure Smith’s daddy may have filled him in – the Dougie is just a re-appropriation of Fresh’s signature moves.
Can you imagine how cool you have to be to get people who weren’t even alive when you were first hot to pay you tribute over two decades later? Well, to imagine that, you’d have to be Doug E. Fresh.
Here’s more on our latest In-Studio Jam.
BORN: Douglas E. Davis in Christ Church, Barbados.
BIG BREAK: Developing his ”human beatbox” skills while growing up in New York City, then forming the Get Fresh Crew with Slick Rick, Barry Bee and Chill Will.
RESUME: In his two decades-plus career, Fresh has performed with everyone from Prince to 2pac to Beenie Man, Diddy and Grover Washington Jr., among many others. Fresh has earned his title of the world’s greatest entertainer with his high-energy live show and his still “fresh” beatboxing talent.
BACK STORY: With the Get Fresh Crew and MC Ricky D (later to become the celebrated Slick Rick), Fresh created hip-hop’s first double hit single with “The Show” and “La Di Da Di.” The double-sided disc, recorded for Reality/Danya Records out of New York City, became a huge hit at the time and remains a hip-hop classic of the genre’s “golden” age.
FUN FACT: Like the late Isaac Hayes, Tom Cruise and other celebrities, Doug E. Fresh has been associated with the Church of Scientology.
LATEST WORK: Touring all over the world and promoting the Dougie. He also recently opened Doug E.’s, a chicken and waffles restaurant in Harlem.
