Ahh...let's see....Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Large Professor, etc. Name a producer that Marley Marl hasn't influenced. For those who aren't familiar, Marley is responsible for producing many of the legendary artists that set the tone for today's stars. Artists such as Big Daddy Kane, Eric B. & Rakim (Eric B for President), Kool G. Rap, Lords Of The Underground, the list goes on. The first time I became familiar with Marley was from his first release "Marley Marl In Control Vol. I." After hearing that, I did my research and found out that this cat was producing EVERYTHING!!Through his movement, The Juice Crew, he produced: MC Shan's "The Bridge" which started one of the most famous battles in hiphop between The Juice Crew and Boogie Down Productions. Even Roxanne Shante got involved and came back with "Have A Nice Day". Ironically, two decades later, Krs One and Marley Marl would collab on the album, "Hip Hop Lives". My favorite Marley produced classics include: The Symphony prt 1 & 2, MC Shan's "My Freedom", Lord Of The Underground "Funky Child", LL Cool J's "Around The Way Girl", Heavy D's "The Overweight Lover's In The House" and of course Big Daddy Kane's "Ain't No Half Steppin".
The production of Marley Marl spawed the era of the "super producer". Everyone had to have a Marley Marl remix on their 12" single in order for it to move units. Although there were other dope producers during that period: Hurby "Luvbug" Azor, Rick Rubin, etc...everyone had to have a Marley track in the catalouge somewhere.
Shouts out to DJ Just Dizle for mixing "The Best Of Marley Marl Vol. I. To those who wasn't aware of the movement....downloading this project will get you up to date.
