American Gangster – B.E.T network
If you can put up with the ‘Happy Period‘ ads then watch this..
Not to be confused with the, ready please mr music, show, these guys are a group of convicted bank robbers from the San Francisco/Bay Area suburb of Vallejo, California. The infamous Zodiac killer was active here during the 1960’s.
The area is well known among hip-hop fans as the home to many rappers, including E-40, Mac Mall, Young Lay and the thizz master, Mac Dre.
Mac Dre, was one of the pioneers of the hyphy movement and is generally considered the creator of Thizz music. He’s punched out choones with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Warren G, Richie Rich, Keak da Sneak, Daz Dillinger and Too $hort.
His lyrics were largely based on his neighborhood known by locals as “The Crest”, short for Country Club Crest, a particularly rough area on the Northside of Vallejo. His music under the record label Young Black Brotha gained popularity throughout the Bay Area in the early 1990s.
His first single was titled :
“2 Hard 4 the Fuckin’ Radio” which since ’89, I’ve requested a play on 3AW with Bruce & Phil nightly, but to no anchovie.
After recording his first three albums between 1989 and 1991, Mac Dre was charged with conspiracy to commit bank robbery. His record label, Romp Productions, and his many references to “Romper Room” in his songs, coincided with an armed robbery gang, suspiciously calling themselves the “Romper Room Gang.”
Police believe the gang were responsible for over 40 bank, credit union and pizza parlor hold ups during the early 90’s.
It was alleged Mac Dre was a member of this gang which also included Bay Rapper J Diggs and Coolio Da-unda-dogg.
After police gave Mac’s mate, informer, a free scenic ride around the bay. He wore a wire, set them up and dropped as many dimes as a dog could.
Consequently, Mac Dre was sentenced to five years prison in 1992. While incarcerated he recorded his song “Punk Police” over the telephone as a taunt towards the police who framed him and put him behind bars.
In the end Mac Dre gets robbed of his life and the many nights he should have been dropping thizz and knocking boots.
American Gangster is a documentary television series, which airs on the Black Entertainment Television network. The Romper Room Gang episode was co-produced by DJ Vlad.
LINKS
Davey D on the Romper Room Gang
Interview with J-Diggs and Coolio Da’Unda’Dogg
word!