Spyder-D facts for kids

Duane Hughes, known by his stage name Spyder D, is a rapper and music producer from New York City. He is famous for his early work in hip-hop.

Spyder D's Music Journey

Starting in the 1980s

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

Another popular song was "I Can't Wait (To Rock The Mike)" from 1986. It was his version of a hit song by Nu Shooz. Spyder D also released "Buckwheat's Rap" and "Smerphie's Dance." Parts of "Smerphie's Dance" have even 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 is a very important person in hip-hop history. Spyder D produced songs for many artists, including Sparky D and Roxanne Shante'. He also worked with big record labels like Profile Records and Select Records.

From 1983 to 1998, Spyder D also managed Power Play Studios in Queens. This is where many famous artists recorded their music. He lived in Los Angeles for a few years, working with radio personalities like Greg Mack.

Spyder D helped create his first full album, Gangsta Wages. He worked with producer Greg Royal on this album. It was released through Spyder D's own Hype-Hop label.

Working in the 1990s

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

In 1997, Spyder D moved to another studio called Toy Factory in Queens. He worked as a manager and engineer there too. He engineered songs for artists like Mic Murphy and Pharaoh Monch. He also worked on a saxophone song by Mel Holder.

In 1999, Spyder D moved to Atlanta. He worked as a freelance engineer at studios like Dallas Austin's DARP Studios. He brought some of his New York clients with him, including Derrick Stanfield-Kivoi.

The 2000s and Beyond

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

In 2005, Spyder D became the owner of a professional basketball team! It was an American Basketball Association team called the Charlotte Krunk. The team was named after a type of hip-hop music. His business partner was Dr. Glenn Toby.

Later, the team moved to Atlanta and joined a different league. Spyder D signed famous streetball player Grayson Boucher, also known as "The Professor." He also brought in former NBA player Kenny Anderson to be the head coach.

Spyder D's Music Releases

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)

Learn More

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