Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Let's talk about Harlem World Crew/Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Dr Jekyll's real name is Andre Harrell, someone you might be familiar with. He started Uptown Records which was home to Heavy D, Guy, Father MC, Jodeci, Mary J. Blige and a bunch of other New Jack Swing artists. He gave Puffy his big break and eventually went to become CEO of Motown Records. They used to rap on stage in suits and ties (this is 1980 we're talking about).
Let's Rock (Harlem World Crew): http://www.zshare.net/audio/2004048188515ef0/

Rapper's Convention (Harlem World Crew) feat. Son of Sam, Charlie Rock, and MC Lady Smiley:

http://www.zshare.net/audio/200405300cb68a35/

"I've got money in the bank, a four room crib

Believe in equal rights and women's lib"

Mr Hyde went by the name Lonnie Love when he signed to Profile and put out the single Young Ladies in 1980/1981

Young Ladies: http://www.zshare.net/audio/2004026795655c9a/

Dr Jekyll joined up with Hyde over at Profile and they put out a few hit singles, including the fantastic Genius Rap (with the Genius of Love break), AmPm, Fast Life, and Gettin' Money, the latter 3 which were all produced by Kurtis Blow. Gettin' Money is one of my favorite "let's talk about how rich we are" songs (next to I Got it Made) because of the boastful yet innocent demeanor they approach the song with, like when they talk about buying washing machines and stereos.

Genius Rap: http://www.zshare.net/audio/20040387dacbc890/
AmPm: http://www.zshare.net/audio/20040279a1202684/
Fast Life: http://www.zshare.net/audio/20040322bbc91d4d/
Getting Money: http://www.zshare.net/audio/20040451e42ffc91/

They released an LP in 1985 called Champagne of Rap which had Yellow Panties and Transformation, but was pretty bad overall.

If you love disco/dance inspired beats and fun, boisterous raps, then this is for you. Here is a link to a part of a book about Bad Boy records where Russell Simmons says that when Andre Harrell was a rap promoter, he would put Jekyll and Hyde on the bill above Run DMC and LL Cool J (page 11).

http://books.google.com/books?id=opj0vm0q3lMC&pg=PA11&lpg=PA11&dq=russell+simmons+%2B+jekyll+and+hyde&source=web&ots=nsNvb3fV4l&sig=uikiIkMHaSwUtKy5cywWKb68JCY&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPA12,M1

--admiral