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RTB Rewind: D-Nice Drops 'Call Me D-Nice'

RTB Rewind: D-Nice Drops 'Call Me D-Nice'

Published Mon, July 24, 2023 at 5:50 PM EDT

The TR 808 Is Comin'

In the earliest iteration of Boogie Down Productions, D-Nice was the Human Beat Box, referred to as the Human TR-808 (a reference to Roland's popular drum machine). His beatboxing was first heard on "The P Is Free" which was the b-side of BDP's legendary "South Bronx" single.

In 1987, BDP provided Kool DJ Red Alert with a promo for his radio show on New York's 98.7 Kiss FM titled "The T.R. 808 Is Coming." The promo gave New Yorkers a taste of D-Nice as an MC, while "D Nice Rocks The House" from Man & His Music (a 1988 compilation dedicated to the late Scott la Rock) provided a further sample of D-Nice's skillset as an MC.

The lyrics from "D-Nice Rocks The House" would be repurposed for the "Call Me D-Nice," the lead single from his 1990 Jive Records debut album of the same name. D-Nice's participation in 1989's "Self Destruction" credited to the Stop The Violence Movement also contributed greatly to the anticipation of more D-Nice material.

quotes
Scott La Rock actually gave me the 'TR 808 Is Coming' promo for my radio show.

- Red Alert to Rock The Bells

Call Me D-Nice

"Call Me D-Nice" was a strong lead single and video debut for D-Nice. With its interpolation of "Buzzsaw" by the Turtles, the mid-tempo banger was a great introduction of D-Nice the MC. Its video, which was a favorite on the newly created Yo! MTV Raps and other rap video shows, was popular and well received, further solidifying BDP as a powerful crew, even in the wake of Scott la Rock's death.

"Crumbs On The Table" was the second single from Call Me D-Nice. D's delivery was a lot more confident on "Crumbs..." than any of his previous songs. The video also featured D-Nice scratching, letting those not in the know that he had mastered a few of Hip-Hop's disciplines. "Glory," the third and final single from Call Me D-Nice, was inspired by the movie of the same title ad chronicled the plight of Black soldiers during the Civil War.

"It's Over," "It's All About Me," and "And You Don't Stop" round out a solid debut from an artist who would eventually become a respected photographer, and one of the world's most popular DJs.

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