Jim Crow (group)

Jim Crow
OriginAtlanta, Georgia, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Years active1997–2005
Labels
Past membersPolow da Don
Cutty Cartel (deceased)
Mr. Mo

Jim Crow was a hip hop trio from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 1997 and composed of rappers Polow da Don, Cutty Cartel, and Mr. Mo.[1][2][3]

The group signed with Epic Records in 1999. Their debut studio album, Crow's Nest (1999), peaked at number 99 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[4] Its lead single, "That Drama (Baby's Mama)" (featuring Too Short), peaked at number 25 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.[5][4] English-American rapper Slick Rick guest appeared on the group's second album, Right Quick (2001), which was the trio's final release before disbanding in 2005.[6]

Critical reception

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Vibe called the debut "exceptional," writing that the group "come off lovely in the lyrics department, rocking rushed conversational flows and tight rhymes that are often filled with satire."[7] The Atlanta Constitution deemed it "a debut outstanding in its near sample-free production and well-rounded in its storytelling."[8] The Republican concluded that "there's a synchronicity to the rapid rhymes of Mr. Mo, Cartel and Polow, a solid flow that adds depth to tracks like the tough-talkin' 'Bandits', and the dope 'n' drink groove-fest 'Low, Low'."[5]

Billboard thought that "the group's controversial name is a tip-off to its secret weapon—they're serious jokesters ... Not for the light-hearted, Crow's Nest is an amalgam of bluesy beats and tragic parables."[9] The Cincinnati Post awarded the debut an A+, and determined that "Mr. Mo, Cartel and Polow display dizzying rhyme excursions draped over inventively thumping beats packed with soulful hooks ... The group comfortably alternates among raw hard-core, party anthems, comical tracks and thought-provoking fare."[10]

Discography

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Albums

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  • Crow's Nest (1999)
  • Right Quick (2001)

Singles

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References

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  1. ^ "Jim Crow aims to nourish minds with its rap". The Jersey Journal. July 17, 1999. p. 8.
  2. ^ Findlay, Prentiss (20 June 2002). "JIM CROW". The Post and Courier. p. F15.
  3. ^ "T.I., Jazze Pha, David Banner & More Mourn Cutty Cartel's Death". HipHopDX. September 1, 2019.
  4. ^ a b "Jim Crow". Billboard.
  5. ^ a b O'Hare, Kevin (August 15, 1999). "Jim Crow, 'Crow 's Nest'". The Republican. p. E1.
  6. ^ Baraka, Rhonda (Jun 30, 2001). "DOIN' IT RIGHT QUICK". Billboard. Vol. 113, no. 26. p. 22.
  7. ^ Braxton, Charlie R. (Jun 1999). "Revolutions". Vibe. 7 (5): 189.
  8. ^ Murray, Sonia (23 Sep 1999). "RAP". The Atlanta Constitution. p. D5.
  9. ^ King, Aliya S. (Jun 26, 1999). "Early warning system". Billboard. Vol. 111, no. 26. pp. W18–W20.
  10. ^ Wilson, Ken (September 30, 1999). "Crow shows Atlanta is new rap mecca". The Cincinnati Post. Perspective Extra. p. 20.