Spyder-D facts for kids

Duane Hughes, known as Spyder D, is an American rapper and producer. He is famous for his work in old-school hip-hop music. Spyder D comes from New York City.

Spyder D's Music Journey

Starting in the 1980s

Spyder D released his first song, "Big Apple Rappin'," in 1980. This song was one of the very first hip-hop singles ever released. He put it out on his own record label, Newtroit Records.

Another popular song by Spyder D was "I Can't Wait (To Rock The Mike)." It came out in 1986. He also released "Buckwheat's Rap" in 1985 and "Smerphie's Dance." Parts of "Smerphie's Dance" have been used in other songs, like "How We Do" by The Game.

In 1983, Spyder D's childhood friend, Russell Simmons, became his manager. Russell Simmons helped him a lot in the music business. Spyder D produced songs for many artists. These included DJ Divine, Sparky D, and Roxanne Shante'. He also worked with record labels like Profile Records and Select Records. He even started his own label called Fly Spy Records.

Spyder D also managed Power Play Studios in Queens, New York. He worked there at different times from 1983 to 1998. From 1989 to 1992, he lived in Los Angeles. There, he worked with radio personalities Greg Mack and Curtis Harmon.

Spyder D helped create his first full album, Gangsta Wages. He worked with Greg Royal on this album. It was released through Spyder D's own Hype-Hop label. This label worked with Macola Records, which also signed groups like 2 Live Crew. Spyder D also wrote lyrics for Sparky D with Malcolm McClaren.

Working in the 1990s

In 1996, Spyder D returned to Power Play Studios. He became the full-time manager and an engineer there. He learned to use advanced recording equipment. He brought back famous clients like DJ Run from Run-DMC. Other clients included producer Larry Smith and Salt-n-Pepa. He also worked with new producers like Ron Lawrence, who worked with P Diddy.

In 1997, Spyder D moved to Toy Factory, another recording studio in Queens. He managed and engineered there for Gospel Jazz musician Mel Holder. He engineered for artists like Mic Murphy and Pharaoh Monch. He also worked on Mel Holder’s version of R. Kelly’s "I Believe I Can Fly."

In 1999, Spyder D moved to Atlanta. He worked as a freelance engineer at DARP Studios and Boss Recording. He brought some of his clients from New York with him.

Projects in the 2000s

In 2000, Spyder D released another full album called True Dat.

In 2005, Spyder D became an owner of a basketball team. It was an American Basketball Association team called the Charlotte Krunk. The team was named after a type of hip-hop music. Dr. Glenn Toby was his business partner. The team later moved to Atlanta. It joined the Continental Basketball Association. Freedom Williams became the new owner. Spyder D signed basketball player Grayson Boucher, known as "The Professor." He also brought in Kenny Anderson as the head coach.

Spyder D's Music

Albums

• Gangsta Wages (1990)
• True 'Dat (2001)

Singles

• "Big Apple Rappin' (National Rappin' Anthem)" (1980)
• "Rollerskaterrap / Spinnin' Webs & Rappin' Rhymes" (1980)
• "Smerphies Dance" (1982)
• "Placin' the Beat" (1984)
• "Rap Is Here to Stay / Buckwheat's Beat" (1985)
• "I Can't Wait (To Rock the Mike)" (1986)
• "How Ya Like Me Now / The Heart of Hollis" (1987)
• "B-Boys Don't Fall in Love" (1987)
• "Try to Bite Me Now" (1988)
• "Hooked on Your Look" (1988)
• "Gangsta Wages" (1990)
• "Yes, Yes, Y'all" (2001)

See also

• Big Apple Rappin': The Early Days of Hip-Hop Culture in New York City 1979-1982