A Guide to The 45 King
A Guide to The 45 King
Known for “Ladies First” and other signature tracks, we pay tribute to the 45 King.
The beat-making veteran Mark Howard James, ubiquitously known as the 45 King, recently passed away at 62 on October 19, 2023, just days following his October 16 birthday. The cause remains undisclosed. A Bronx native, he cut his teeth on hip-hop production as the genre resonated through New York City’s quintet of boroughs from the mid-1980s.
James had an innovative approach to production that was deeply attuned to the emergent sampling culture in hip-hop. He incorporated sounds from overlooked 45 rpm singles into his mixes—a practice that came to define his unique style. His 1987 track, “The 900 Number,” marked a critical moment in his career. Not only did the track feature in his 1988 album, Master of the Game, but it also gained substantial traction, inspiring reworkings by artists like DJ Kool, Public Enemy, Breakestra, and Ced Gee.
The Flavor Unit, James’ New York-based hip-hop collective, was a breeding ground for developing talents such as Apache, Lakim Shabazz, and Chill Rob G, anchored by Queen Latifah. Propelled by the acclaim garnered from “The 900 Number,” James was enlisted to helm the production of Latifah’s debut album, All Hail the Queen, in 1989. Beyond the late ‘80s, extending into the mid-‘90s, his production expertise graced works by an eclectic array of artists—from Gang Starr and Salt-N-Pepa to Eric B. & Rakim and even pop figures like Madonna and C&C Music Factory. Concurrently, he also kept his solo output flowing, notably with his self-released records, including The Lost Breakbeats and Straight Out da Crate series.
By 1998, James tapped into the zeitgeist once again by generating the beat for Jay-Z’s colossal hit “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),” a piece that ingeniously incorporated a loop from the Broadway musical Annie. This was not his final foray into the high-profile spotlight. Two years later, in 2000, his beat-crafting talents would shine yet again when he produced the unforgettable beat for Eminem’s “Stan,” utilizing a sample from singer Dido.
Indeed, the 45 King left an indomitable mark on the hip-hop genre, influencing multiple generations through his ingenious sampling and production skills. We will honor him by introducing a guide through ten beats.
“The 900 Number” by The 45 King
In a space overflowing with complexity, The 45 King’s “The 900 Number” executes brilliance through minimalism. Utilizing a brief saxophone loop (which was later reworked by DJ Kool) and a boisterous beat, the song amplifies its central idea: less is frequently more. Within the backdrop of late-‘80s hip-hop culture, marked by the struggle for identity and respect, this track inaugurated a blueprint for beat-based DJ creativity. It’s a sonic mantra, claiming attention without demanding it, proof that simplicity need not abandon sophistication.
“Black Is Back” by Lakim Shabazz
Subverting the expected, Lakim Shabazz’s “Black Is Back” resurfaces pride and empowerment in its rallying cry. At a time when hip-hop was forging its political teeth, this 1989 track seized an opportunity to proclaim racial pride in stark opposition to oppressive forces. Neither an anthem nor a ballad, it carves its niche by urging an internal revolution. Laced with a scintillating beat, it animates with just the movement of the feet and a transformation of the spirit.
“Ladies First” by Queen Latifah & Monie Love
Before empowerment became a trending hashtag, Queen Latifah and Monie Love ignited the flame with “Ladies First.” The two emcees use diction like a paintbrush, vividly illustrating the many dimensions of womanhood. Released at the tail end of the ‘80s, the track contributed a defiant voice against the male-dominated narratives of the time. It combines elements of feminist discourse with unapologetically strong vocals, constituting a hymn for gender equality in music.
“Gusto” by Gang Starr
Gang Starr’s “Gusto” is a compelling track that showcases the Guru’s lyricism and commitment to authentic hip-hop. The song is a celebration of self-confidence, as evidenced by the recurring hook, “I’ve got gusto.” Guru's verses are laden with clever wordplay and a sense of self-assuredness, while the 45 King’s production provides a classic boom-bap backdrop that complements the lyrics perfectly.
”Do fa Self” by Apache
It may be easy to neglect Apache’s “Do fa Self,” but such oversight risks missing its subversive brilliance. Apache neither sugarcoats nor glamorizes; he speaks bluntly, with an energy that’s both raw and unmediated. Amidst commercialism and social pressure, the song fights for individual agency. This gem is a reality check, spotlighting the power and the burden of personal responsibility.
“Name Callin’” by Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah critiques the rap industry, targeting those who prioritize image over substance. The track is a relentless verbal assault aimed at artists who rely on ghostwriters and who sell sex rather than skill. Latifah’s lyrical acumen is on full display as she dismantles her targets with biting wit and unapologetic candor. The song’s lyrics are a masterclass in the art of the diss track. The verses are filled with clever wordplay and cutting remarks, such as “You couldn’t see me if you looked at my life like Mary/Your style is cheesy, how you gon’ beef? You dairy!” Here, Latifah employs a double entendre, using “dairy” to imply both cheesiness and cowardice. While the song is a direct attack on specific artists, it’s a broader commentary on the state of the rap industry. Latifah’s message is clear: authenticity and skill should be the defining characteristics of an artist, not their ability to sell an image.
“Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” by JAY-Z
On “Hard Knock Life,” JAY-Z lays bare the grim realities of street life, but what sets it apart is the interplay between melancholy and hope. Borrowing from the Broadway musical “Annie,” this track disrupts the quintessential rags-to-riches storyline by maintaining a focus on community rather than individual triumph. JAY-Z offers a narrative and a socio-political critique, making it a multifaceted listening experience. Through its delicate balance of optimism and realism, the song reaches across socio-economic lines to touch audiences from all walks of life.
“How I Get Down” by Rakim
In “How I Get Down,” Rakim serves not just flow but philosophy. Unlike other tracks that might drown in the cacophony of street noise, this song rises like a phoenix through its articulate lyricism. With a complex and layered approach, it touches on themes of mortality, artistic integrity, and life in urban America. The beat, replete with jazz influences, complements Rakim’s delivery, making it an intellectual stimulant in a sea of hollow tunes.
“Stan” by Eminem & Dido
Beneath the veneer of commercial success, “Stan” operates on multiple cognitive levels, magnifying the perils of fandom and obsession. Eminem, aided by Dido’s haunting vocals, explores the relationship between artist and fan, critiquing the pitfalls of idol worship. This early 2000s mega-hit remains ever pertinent, warning of the toxicity that arises when admiration transforms into fixation. Each lyric exudes desperation, cautioning us against mistaking the art for the artist.
“Blood in the Streets” by Ghostface Killah featuring AZ
The hard-hitting “Blood on the Streets” is a gritty narrative into a world of violence, crime, and survival. Ghostface Killah’s verse is a vivid tableau of chaos and conflict, describing a scene where he’s going “postal,” taking out enemies with calculated precision. The imagery is raw and unsettling, painting a picture of a lawless environment where even the police are corrupt. AZ’s break sets the stage for the intensity that follows. Both artists employ their verses as a form of storytelling that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of street life.