Ep 7. Kurupt

UnSung is a docuseries that aims at giving deserving unsung heroes their moment in the spotlight and recognizing the priceless impacts that their contributions have made in the world of music. Season 12, episode 7, is dedicated to a West Coast hip hop legend, Kurupt.

Kurupt, whose real name is Ricardo Emmanuel Brown, was born on November 23rd, 1972, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The world of hip hop first witnessed his talent in 1992 when he made his debut with the group The Youngsters. This group later changed its name to Tha Dogg Pound, and Kurupt became a key member of the gangsta rap movement that emerged from Los Angeles during the early 1990s.

The episode unpacks Kurupt's early days before he made a name for himself in the music industry. Here, he delves into his early influences, including his father, who was a member of the early disco and R&B band, L.T.D. Kurupt also speaks about his family, time spent with his grandfather down south, and how his diverse upbringing shaped his music.

The episode takes a deeper dive into Kurupt's music journey, starting with his first mainstream hit single 'Ain't No Fun (If the Homies Can't Have None)' in 1993. This collaboration with Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg became a global hit and marked the beginning of Kurupt's rise to fame. He went on to release his debut solo album, 'Kuruption!', which was well received by critics and fans alike.

The show outlines Kurupt's role in shaping the sound of West Coast hip hop and the competitive nature of the music industry at the time. They discuss how Kurupt's controversial feud with Death Row Records' CEO Suge Knight impacted his career and personal struggle with addiction. Kurupt speaks about his road to recovery and how his faith helped turn his life around.

Throughout the episode, the viewers also get to hear from Kurupt's friends and collaborators, including Daz Dillinger, Xzibit, Butch Cassidy, and Battlecat, who shed light on Kurupt's role in shaping their music careers. They speak about the evolution of Kurupt's sound over the years, his dedication to his craft and the impact he has made in reviving the West Coast hip hop scene in recent years.

The episode concludes with a discussion on how Kurupt has continued to inspire the younger generation of hip hop artists through his work with TDE, the label behind Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q. The show showcases how Kurupt has stood the test of time and continues to play a significant role in the hip hop scene.

Overall, the episode is an informative and engaging tribute to an unsung hero of the West Coast hip hop scene. It highlights the struggles and triumphs of Kurupt's life, his significant contributions to the world of music, and his impact on the music industry.