MC Shan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
MC Shan
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MC Shan in 2021
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Shawn Moltke |
| Born | September 6, 1965 Queens, New York City, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1985–present |
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| Associated acts | Marley Marl, Biz Markie, Juice Crew, Snow, Sasha, Allure |
Shawn Moltke (born September 6, 1965), known as MC Shan, is an American rapper, singer, and music producer. He is from Queens, New York City.
MC Shan is famous for his work on the 1992 song "Informer" by Canadian singer Snow. This song became a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Shan also had his own popular song in 1986 called "The Bridge". This song was produced by Marley Marl and appeared on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
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MC Shan's Music Journey
In 1985, MC Shan signed a deal with MCA Records. He released his first song, "Feed the World," with them. He also appeared in a documentary film called Big Fun In The Big Town in 1986.
MCA Records wasn't sure how to promote hip hop music. So, Shan left the label. Soon after, he joined Cold Chillin' Records because of his connection with Marley Marl. He also became part of Marley Marl's music group, the Juice Crew.
First Albums and Big Deals
MC Shan's first album, Down by Law, came out in 1987. It was released by Warner Bros.. This made him one of the first hip hop artists to have a major record deal with Warner Bros.
He also played a big part in a famous hip-hop rivalry. This was known as the Bridge Wars. It was a musical competition between the Juice Crew and another group called Boogie Down Productions.
The "Bridge Wars" Story
The competition started because of MC Shan's 1986 song "The Bridge". This song was one of the first to use a sample from "Impeach The President". The song talked about how his group started in Queensbridge Houses. This is a public housing area in Queens. The song became like an anthem for Queens.
Another artist, KRS-One, responded with a song called "South Bronx". It was a playful musical challenge to "The Bridge". The Juice Crew then used parts of "South Bronx" in their own reply song, "Kill That Noise." This musical back-and-forth helped launch KRS-One's career.
Later, Boogie Down Productions released "The Bridge is Over". Many hip-hop fans consider this a very strong "diss track" (a song meant to challenge another artist). Years later, MC Shan made a new version of his song called "Da Bridge 2001". He said that "The Bridge was never over" and that they "left their mark."
Later Music and Other Work
Shan's second album, Born To Be Wild, was released in 1988. It showed off his "b-boy" style. Marley Marl produced this album too. His last album, Play it Again, Shan, came out in 1990. It showed a more grown-up style.
Even though he focused more on producing music for other artists, he still made new songs. He helped produce Snow's album 12 Inches of Snow, which included the hit song "Informer". In 2000, he recorded "Da Bridge 2001" for Nas's album QB's Finest. This album also featured other famous artists like Mobb Deep and Cormega.
MC Shan also had a small acting role in the movie L.A. Story with Steve Martin. He was credited as the "Rappin' Waiter." He was also a guest rapper on the Sum 41 song "Dave's Possessed Hair/It's What We're All About". This song was on their album Half Hour of Power.
MC Shan's Music
MC Shan has released several studio albums and many singles throughout his career.
Studio Albums
- Down by Law (1987)
- Born to be Wild (1988)
- Play it Again, Shan (1990)
- Bars over ... (2017)
Compilation Albums
- Battle for Rap Supremacy (1996)
- The Best Of Cold Chillin': MC Shan (2001)
- Q.B.O.G.: The Best of M.C. Shan (2012)
Singles
- "Marley Scratch" (1985)
- "Feed The World" (1985)
- ""The Bridge"/"Beat Biter"" (1986)
- "Jane, Stop This Crazy Thing" (1986)
- "Left Me Lonely"/"Kill That Noise" (1987)
- "A Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Waste" (1988)
- "I Pioneered This" (1988)
- "Juice Crew Law" / "They Used To Do It In The Park" (1988)
- "I Ran The Game" (1990)
- "It Don't Mean A Thing" (1990)
- "Time For Us To Defend Ourselves" (1991)
- "Ain't It Good To You" (1991)
- "Hip Hop Roughneck" (1993)
- "Pee-Nile Reunion" / "Don't Call It A Comeback" (1993)
- "Da Bridge 2001" (with QB's Finest) (2001)
- "Let's Bring Hip Hop Back" (2012)
- "Everybody Wanna Be A Big Star Drive A Big Car" (2013)
See also
In Spanish: MC Shan para niños
