Honoring Angie Stone: A Hard Knock Radio Tribute

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8d ago 59:57

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Hip-hop and R&B lost a pioneering voice with the passing of Angie Stone. Hard Knock Radio host Davey D recently convened a conversation with music historian Jay Quan and Hip-Hop museum curator and X-Clan founding member Paradise Gray to honor her legacy. This tribute delved deep into Stone’s early days as a rapper, her transition into neo-soul, and her enduring impact on Black music and culture.

Angie Stone: A Pioneer in Hip-Hop

Before she became an R&B sensation, Angie Stone was Angie B, a formidable MC and a member of the groundbreaking female rap trio Sequence. Formed in Columbia, South Carolina, Sequence made history in 1979 by becoming the first female rap group to release a record, Funk You Up, which also marked hip-hop’s first Southern representation on wax.

Jay Quan reflected on how Sequence got their break: “They snuck backstage at Township Auditorium, auditioned for Sylvia Robinson on the spot, and within weeks, ‘Funk You Up’ was pressed and on the radio.” He emphasized the importance of Sequence’s contributions, stating, “They wrote for Sugar Hill artists, including ‘8th Wonder’ by the Sugarhill Gang, and were sampled extensively, yet many don’t know their full impact.”

Paradise Gray also noted the significance of their Southern roots, saying, “Coming from the Bronx, we assumed hip-hop was a New York thing. When Sequence emerged from South Carolina, it was a game-changer.”

The Transition to Neo-Soul

As the hip-hop landscape evolved, Angie Stone seamlessly transitioned into R&B, becoming a leading figure in the neo-soul movement of the late 1990s. Her albums, including Black Diamond and Mahogany Soul, set a new standard for soul music, blending hip-hop’s raw energy with the rich vocal traditions of gospel and classic R&B.

Jay Quan explained how Stone’s songwriting was crucial to her career evolution: “She had an incredible pen game, writing for Sugar Hill, then later working with icons like D’Angelo on ‘Brown Sugar’ and ‘Voodoo.’”

Paradise Gray praised her ability to blend hip-hop and soul seamlessly: “Angie set the precedent for artists like Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill. She could rhyme with the best and sing like an angel.”

A Legacy of Influence and Recognition

Despite her influence, Stone often felt overlooked. Jay Quan shared, “She was frustrated that Salt-N-Pepa got recognized as the first mainstream female rap group when Sequence paved the way.”

Her impact extended far beyond music. Paradise Gray recalled her powerful presence on stage, particularly with Brother, a song that resonated deeply with Black men. “That song was medicine for me,” he said. “I told her that personally, and she just smiled and hugged me.”

Even in her later years, Stone continued to create and inspire. Jay Quan recounted her work with Prince: “She had a unique gift, and major artists recognized it. She worked with Prince, and he even gave her a custom guitar and piano.”

Final Reflections

Angie Stone’s passing was a tragic and sudden loss, occurring in a vehicular accident that left the music world in mourning. Yet, her contributions remain undeniable, spanning decades and genres.

As Jay Quan summed up, “It took her passing for people to truly appreciate her, but we’ve been telling her story. She deserves all the flowers.”

Her legacy lives on through the artists she inspired, the music she left behind, and the love she poured into every note. Angie Stone was more than a singer—she was a movement. And through tributes like this, her story continues to be told.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

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Honoring Angie Stone: A Hard Knock Radio Tribute

KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

published 8d ago

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