The Female MC Class of '88: Who's Who?

We're bringing '88 back! Just when you thought Black History Month ended with the Civil Rights Era...



How many female emcees can you recognize? Cheat sheet below.

Twenty years ago, pioneering female emcees sat down for this historic photo shoot captured by legendary music photographer, Janette Beckman. Beckman recently released a book of her hip-hop photography The Breaks: Stylin’ and Profilin’ 1982–1990, which includes over 100 photos from hip-hops golden era.

Can you guess who's who?

(Answer key: Monie Love, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shante, Ms. Melodie, Sweet Tee, Yvette Money, Sparky Dee, Finese, Synquis and hip-hop predecessor Millie Jackson)

Saturday Soul: L'Trimm, "Cars That Go Boom"

From The Cocoa Lounge



Holy Cabbage Patch Kids! We're in a fun, 80's mood, which means today's Saturday Soul may just come with its own can of Aqua Net.

Hence, the video for 80s duo, L'Trimm's, one and only claim to fame: "Cars That Go Boom." The group, comprised of emcees Lady Tigra and Bunny, were a wicked combination of JJ Fad and Cyndi Lauper who quickly jumped onto the Top 40 Charts and landed in oblivion.

We hope--somewhere--they've managed to find happiness with the ones they especially like:

Which ones?
You know the ones with the cars that go...
I hear you...
Hit it!

Saturday Soul: Klymaxx, "The Men All Pause"

Shoulder pads. Asymmetrical hair cuts. The infamous drum solo. What ever happened to those days? And what ever happened to Klymaxx? Relive the magic of 80s R&B with this fabulous all-girl band.



Besides rising to the level of legendary clubbanging status,
The Men All Pause contains one of the greatest lines ever recorded onto wax: "Somebody slap me! Cause I know I'm lookin' good..." Wait for it.

The Black Model Museum [#003]: The Beauty Dynasty

From The Cocoa Lounge

Three generations of fashion industry giants.

In one historic snapshot, circa 2001, Vanity Fair Photographer Annie Leibovitz captured over 30 years of black beauty from all around the globe. To us, it was one of the most relevant images published in the magazine in years.

(Models pictured. Front Row (l to r) : Gail O'neal, Karen Alexander, Shakara Ledard, Clara Benjamin Naomi Campbell, Iman, Second Row: (l to r) Kadra, Kara Young, Cynthia Bailey, Tyra Banks, Liya Kebede, Beverly Johnson Third Row: (standing) (l to r:) Oluchi, Katoucha, Adia, Noemie Lenoir

Saturday Soul: The Clark Sisters '82

From The Cocoa Lounge

Performing Is My Living in Vain in the Bay Area circa 1982, here are the amazing Clark Sisters in their youth. 25 years later, their voices are still Pure Gold.

WARNING: This is Gospel Music. Clicking on this link will take you directly to church! Hallelujah!