Grand Puba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Grand Puba
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Grand Puba performing, 2014.
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | William Brewster Dixon III |
| Also known as | Grand Puba Maxwell Grand P |
| Born | March 4, 1966 New Rochelle, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 1985–present |
| Labels | |
Maxwell Dixon (born March 4, 1966), known as Grand Puba, is an American rapper and music producer. He is famous for being a member of the hip hop group Brand Nubian. Grand Puba was also part of another group called Masters of Ceremony. He was born in New Rochelle, New York.
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Grand Puba's Early Life
Grand Puba was born on March 4, 1966, in New Rochelle, New York. In the late 1970s, he became very interested in hip hop music. He bought cassette tapes of popular artists like The Cold Crush Brothers and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.
Puba went to the Remington Boys Club in New Rochelle. There, a DJ named Grand Mixer DXT would send out cassette tapes. Puba used these tapes to learn how to rap and write his own rhymes. His cousin, Dr. Who, would rap with him, banging on tables to make beats. Puba was also a breakdancer. He started making his own beats on cassettes in New Rochelle. As he became more known, he began DJing at clubs. His first rap group was called the "Tray-Bag MC's".
Grand Puba's Music Career
Grand Puba, then known as Grand Puba Maxwell, started his music career in 1985. He was part of a group called Masters of Ceremony. Their album Dynamite (1988) was liked by critics. However, it did not sell many copies, so the group broke up.
Puba then joined Brand Nubian as their main rapper. They signed with Elektra Records. Their first album, One for All (1990), was a mix of reggae-influenced hip hop and new jack swing. After this album, Puba left the group to start a solo career.
Solo Albums and Collaborations
In 1992, Grand Puba released his first solo album, Reel to Reel. He worked with DJ Stud Doogie and DJ Alamo on this album. That same year, music producer Sean "Puffy" Combs asked Grand Puba to work with a new R&B singer, Mary J. Blige. Puba helped write the song "What's the 411". This song was a big hit, reaching number one on the R&B charts in 1993. It was the first time Blige used rap in her music.
Puba released his second solo album, 2000, in 1995. Around 1997, he rejoined Brand Nubian. They recorded songs for movie soundtracks and released the album Foundation in 1998. Puba later said in an interview that he "never did go" from the group, meaning he always felt connected to them.
In 1999, Grand Puba and Sadat X performed on a song called "Once Again". After Brand Nubian's 2004 album Fire in the Hole, Grand Puba appeared on tracks with other artists. These included Beanie Sigel, Missy Elliott, and Ugly Duckling.
He released his third solo album, Understand This, in 2001. In 2009, Grand Puba released his fourth solo album, Retroactive. This album featured production from famous artists like Q-Tip and Large Professor. Puba also appeared on a song called "Fresh" with many other well-known rappers. His fifth album, Black from the Future, came out in 2016.
Grand Puba's Personal Life
Grand Puba has a son named Sonny Dixon. Sonny is also a rapper and goes by the name "Stunna Gang".
Grand Puba's Music Albums
Solo Albums
- Reel to Reel (1992)
- 2000 (1995)
- Understand This (2001)
- Retroactive (2009)
- Black from the Future (2016)
- The Brooklyn Premiere (2024) with Grandmaster Melle Mel and Cappadonna.
Albums with Masters of Ceremony
- Dynamite (1988)
Albums with Brand Nubian
- One for All (1990)
- Foundation (1998)
- Fire in the Hole (2004)
- Time's Runnin' Out (2007)
- Vamp Bikers with Grandmaster Melle Mel, Grand Master Caz and Grand Wizard Theodore. Directed by Eric Spade Rivas.
See also
In Spanish: Grand Puba para niños
