999,847: Shawn Brown — Rappin' Duke

A decade after its birth in the nightclubs and block parties of the Boogie Down Bronx in the mid-1970‘s, rap was in crisis. Pushed into an ever darker and confrontational direction by groups such as Run DMC and Grandmaster Flash, the genre was losing sight of the goofy, party time vibe that is its essence. Rap was in need of a strong leader. Otherwise, it was in danger of succumbing to the funky nihilism of gangsta rap.

Luckily, at this critical juncture in its history, an exceptional artist appeared, intent on guiding rap back to a brighter, better place. Shawn Brown’s extraordinary hit “Rappin’ Duke” asked listeners to imagine that the late actor John Wayne was not only a rapper, but also possibly Ronald Reagan. With it’s childishly minimalist beat, infectious nonsense chorus, and timely lyrical nod to Chaka Khan’s “I Feel for You”, “Rappin’ Duke” captured the mood of a nation as few songs have before or since.

This single sent shockwaves through the rap community, and its influence was lasting. Without “Rappin’ Duke” and its distinct blend of rap and cowboy imagery, there would have been no “Wild Wild West” by Kool Moe Dee. There would have been no “Duke is Back” by Shawn Brown. There would have been no “Rappin’ Duke is Dancin’” by Shawn Brown. And there would have been no “It’s Me, Gary Cooper (Bitch)” by Rappin’ Gary Cooper.

Imagine a world without Rappin’ Gary Cooper!

So, next time you put on your chaps and cow vest and hit the club, or have a new set of 24 inch spinners put on your horse, think of Shawn Brown, and the difference one visionary artist can make.