Respect Due: Main Source
As hip hop becomes more popular and expands on its roots, many listeners are unaware of the path the music took to get where it is today. The “Respect Due” series aims to bring knowledge to those who listen to hip hop, but may not know the history behind today’s rap hits.
What distinguishes the true hip-hop fan from the casual listener is whether the person appreciates a group like Main Source. While undoubtedly not as well known, as a Public Enemy, Boogie Down Productions or a 2 Live Crew, Main Source was a groundbreaking rap group. The trio was unique at the time: it consisted of one MC (Large Professor) and two DJs (K-Kut and Sir Scratch).
Main Source came onto the rap scene in 1991 – the bookend of rap’s “golden era” that most believe reached its nadir in 1988. Even though Main Source only released one album, Breaking Atoms, its impact on hip-hop today arguably is stronger than many forgettable groups with a much larger catalogue.
The strength of the group came from its depth, both lyrically and sonically. On the mic, Large Professor had few equals. “Extra P” is in every respect a “rapper’s rapper”: dispensing with the flamboyance of today’s rap stars, his well-crafted wordplay and smooth-as-glass delivery was a perfect combination of Big Daddy Kane, Rakim and KRS One.
The perfect foil to Large Pro’s lyrical prowess was the thick, soulful musical landscapes of the three artists. The tracks were horn-heavy and bouncy, with strong jazz influences. But the music had a strong New York “Boom Bap” streak, much of which was attributable to the east coast trend dominating rap music at the time.
One of my favorite tracks off Breaking Atoms, “Just Hanging Out” provides a perfect illustration:
Main Source did not have the raw political commentary of Chuck D or the seething anger of Ice Cube, but it was nonetheless captured the pure essence of hip-hop: hot lyrics, solid beats and amazing samples.
However, it would be wildly inaccurate to claim that the subject matter was any less dense than the music. In his lyrics, Large Professor spoke about police brutality within an accessible metaphor (“Friendly Game of Baseball”), complex relationships (“Looking At The Front Door”) and the value of an education (“Watch Roger Do His Thing”).
Within the same album, the trio demonstrated another side: pure “stylin on you” fun. Joints like “He Got So Much Soul”, “Snake Eyes” and of course “Live At The BBQ” showed Main Source could get down. Of course, “BBQ” was particularly notable for one specific guest appearance: the first appearance of the rapper Nas. For that reason alone Breaking Atoms deserves to be rated a classic.
Unfortunately, the trio never released another album together. After Atoms, the group squabled about money and royalties and eventual went their seperate ways. K-Kut and Sir Scratch did test out a new MC (Mikey D) and recorded a follow up album, F–k What You Think, which was released with little fanfare in 1994.
Each of the three went on to produce music for everyone from Big Pun to Shaquille O’Neal. This summer, Large Professor released his long awaited solo album, ironically titled Main Source.
Main Source not only provided a lasting example of what a timeless rap LP looks like, they brought a skill set that is largely absent from today’s recordings.
Main Source: Respect Due.
Tags: Main Source, Nas
