Throughout his career, Lakim Shabazz from New Jersey maintained close ties to DJ Mark "the 45 King"; born Larry Welsh as a Five Percenter, he rose during the mid- to late '80s as part of the Flavor Unit that the 45 King assembled, a circle whose members also included Queen Latifah and Apache. Shabazz appeared on the 45 King's notorious 900 Number EP, the Tuff City project that raised the standing of every participant, above all the 45 King. After signing directly to Tuff City, Shabazz issued two LPs produced by the 45 King—1988's Pure Righteousness and 1990's Lost Tribe of Shabazz—each packed with Afrocentric and politically conscious rhymes rooted in Five Percent Nation doctrine. The earlier album contained "Black Is Back," one of the late '80s' most enduring underground rap classics. After developing production skills of his own, Shabazz has handled beats for several of his own tracks and has also contributed to Diamond D. & the Psychotic Neurotics' Stunts, Blunts, and Hip Hop.
Black Is BackPure Righteousness · 1988Pure Righteousness3:08
The Lost Tribe of ShabazzEThe Lost Tribe Of Shabazz · 1990The Lost Tribe Of Shabazz5:50
Style Is FreeThe Ol' Skool Flava Of...Lakim Shabazz: Rare & Unreleased Old School Hip Hop '89-'90 · 1989The Ol' Skool Flava Of...Lakim Shabazz: Rare & Unreleased Old School Hip Hop '89-'902:58