Biography
Original Flavor emerged in the early nineties as one of rap’s adolescent collectives under the direction of MC and producer Ski. Their 1992 debut, This Is How It Is, arrived with little fanfare despite Ski’s collaboration with New York’s renowned DJ Clark Kent, and the project quickly faded from view. Preparing the follow-up, Ski, still honing his production skills, brought in additional rappers such as T-Strong, Chubby Chub, and a teenage Brooklyn native already acquainted with the scene, Jay-Z. Prior to joining, Jay-Z had recorded “Hawaiian Sophie” alongside fellow Brooklyn artist Big Jaz, a pairing frequently billed simply as Jaz and Jay-Z. The crew functioned as an early proving ground for Jay-Z, launching him toward subsequent opportunities. In 1994 the group issued its second album, Beyond Flavor, which met with limited interest overall. Its opening track, “Can I Get Open,” nevertheless showcased Jay-Z delivering sharp verses in a pre-Jayhova style that relied on a smoother, less aggressive cadence. His technical command clearly outstripped that of his bandmates, and he soon embarked on a solo path. Jay Peso later appeared as a guest on Big Daddy Kane’s celebrated posse cut “Show & Prove” and issued independent singles such as “In My Lifetime.” Around this period Jay-Z embraced the moniker Jigga while cultivating a Tony Montana-inspired image. Even after Original Flavor dissolved, he maintained ties with Ski, integrating the producer into the Roc-A-Fella roster. Ski contributed four beats to the 1996 debut Reasonable Doubt and two more to 1997’s In My Lifetime, Volume One.
Albums