Twin Cities hip hop

Minneapolis hip hop is hip hop or rap music that originates from the Minneapolis metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Minnesota.

Hip hop culture in the Twin Cities can be traced as far back as 1981. Similar to the development of hip hop in the South Bronx, Twin Cities rap started as humble parties with a DJ and an emcee.[1]. A DJ named Travitron was considered the "godfather" of hip hop in the Twin Cities, and began hosting Hip Hop Shop on 89.9 KMOJ, the first radio station to play Hip Hop in the Twin Cities.Freddy Fresh used to mix on Travitron's Hip Hop Shop 89.9FM KMOJ on Sunday afternoons in the mid 1980's.

DJ Madskills aka DJ Cyrus, along with Paris Tylor, revived the Twin Cities Hip Hop culture in the mid 90's golden era. From 1996- 1997 they cut, scratched, and mixed live on FM 89.9 KMOJ's Friday and Saturday Night mixshows. Their show, the Tylor Express, introduced Hip Hop to new generation at prime time. The Taylor Express provided local artists the opportunity call in or visit the radio station and rap live on air, with a live DJ (Madskills) cutting for them in the background. It was the beginning of Minnesota's Rap Battle sub-culture, as several local Hip Hop crews where inspired to participate in the Tylor Express, hoping to be make a name for their selves. Celebrity rappers like Brother Ali evolved from the foundation laid down in the 90's golden era, whereas Hip Hop had remained dormant in Twin Cities since Travitron's Hop Hop Shop stopped airing ten years prior.

Street DJ's included Bill Blass from AVLN, Cuttin Cal from IRM. Shows took place at house parties on the North Side of Minneapolis, and Club Hip Hop on Selby Avenue in Saint Paul. Other artists and DJs include Disco T, Polaris aka tha North $tar, Verb X, Brother Jules, Derrick Delite Stevens aka Skat Kat, and Truth Maze.

Graffiti and b-boy crews existed in the city. However the first verifiable rap record to be released in Minnesota was Twin City rap a 12" single on TwinTown Records released in 1985. It was produced and performed by David TC Ellis and released by the Twin City Rappers.

The Jukebox and Sugarfree team made notable contributions. Having grown up in North Minneapolis, they began participating in talent shows and freestyle battles in 1983. Sugarfree is featured on Sue Anne's "Rock Steady" Blue Velvet Album (Blue Velvet, Rock Steady, Sue Anne (1986)).

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