Biographie
The Fu-Schnickens were an American hip-hop trio. Similar to Das EFX for their cartoonish lyrics and near-constant allusions to pop culture staples, the Fu-Schnickens' popularity was brief but significant in hip hop history. Their best known track is 1993's "What's Up Doc? (Can We Rock)," featuring basketball star Shaquille O'Neal, which was a Top 40 hit.
Career
The Fu-Schnickens comprised Chip Fu (Roderick Roachford), Moc Fu (Joe Jones), and Poc Fu (Lennox Maturine). "Fu" stood for "For Unity" and "Schnicken" was a made-up word which apparently meant "coalition". The three friends from East Flatbush, Brooklyn first gained attention after performing at a rap event at Howard University, after which they were signed by Jive Records. The group's dancehall-inflected single, "Ring the Alarm," hit the top ten on Billboard magazine's Hot Rap Tracks chart in 1991, sparking anticipation for the group's debut album. F.U. Don't Take It Personal (1992). With the hit singles, "La Schmoove" (featuring Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest) and "True Fu-Schnick", the album reached the Rap/R&B Top 20 and was certified gold by the RIAA.
In 1993, the Fu-Schnickens began work on their second album. They recorded a fast-paced song called "What's Up Doc?" which featured a sample of Bugs Bunny saying his famous catchphrase. But they could not get sample clearance from Warner Bros. so they shelved Bugs Bunny's appearance on the song. Meanwhile, the then-rookie NBA star Shaquille O'Neal was a media sensation. In many interviews, he talked about his love of hip-hop music and stated that the Fu-Schnickens were his favorite rap group. This prompted the group to contact O'Neal for a collaboration. O'Neal recorded a verse that was added on to the already-recorded "What's Up Doc?" with the group and O'Neal saying "What's up, doc?" to replace the Bugs Bunny sample. Although, the group had not yet completed work on their album, the song was quickly released as a single to capitalize on O'Neal's popularity. The single was a Top 40 hit in the summer of 1993, briefly propelling the group into the mainstream. The group's second album, Nervous Breakdown, did not arrive until 1994, by which time the rap landscape had dramatically changed, and there was no longer an audience for their unique style.
The Fu took part in a huge performance on the finale of The Arsenio Hall Show, alongside the likes of KRS-One, the Wu-Tang Clan, Naughty By Nature, MC Lyte, Guru, Mad Lion, Yo-Yo, Das EFX, CL Smooth & A Tribe Called Quest.
The Fu-Schnickens are also notable for their many references to martial arts films and Asian culture. This predates the influence of the Wu-Tang Clan who eventually helped make such references popular in hip-hop music.
Post-Career
Chip Fu recorded a track produced by Oh No of Stones Throw Records in 2005, and he makes an appearance on the 2005 debut album by Ali Shaheed Muhammad. In February 2007, Chip Fu was one of those requested by Nas to appear on the '90s remix to "Where Are They Now?", a track where Nas laments the absence of the skilled rappers he had enjoyed in the early days of hip-hop. The remixes brought together almost all the rappers Nas mentioned, allowing them to prove their skills were still intact in 2007 and make a renewed impression on hip-hop fans. Chip Fu delivered a fast, playful verse with audible relish. In 2007, Chip fu also released an instant underground classic called "Love Mi Sensi" based on the collie buds "Come Around Track". He also goes by the new name Jungle Rock Jr. Math, Chip Fu's first solo album, is due for release in 2008 through his own production company, Blaq Ink Entertainment; it will feature production by Oh No, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Da Beatminerz, The Are, Black Milk, and others. Chip-Fu has made a reggae infused appearance on Pete Rock's album NY's Finest on the track "Ready fi War" along with Rene from Zhane. In 2008, Chip Fu also appeared on the song "Gunshot" from Nicolay and Kay's Time:Line.
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