On this day in hip hop history, we celebrate the birth of a man who, unashamedly, loved ass more than most. Six Mix-a-Lot. While some may only know him for his timeless crossover mega-hit “Baby Got Back,” it would be an ignorant omission of a successful crossover pop rapper’s career to label him a one-hit wonder. His numerous Grammy nominations and platinum albums may be overshadowed by his penchant for big booties (which earned him a double-platinum No. 1 single and a Grammy), but they exist nonetheless, proving that Sir Mix-a-Lot deserves his place in hip-hop history.
When you think of Seattle in the late 80s, an ever-growing and evolving hip-hop scene is the last thing that comes to mind. The overcast grunge capital was much more intrigued by the birth of a new sound in hip-hop that suited their local climate. These days Pearl Jam, nirvanaAnd Alice in Chains ruled the Pacific Northwest, and there was virtually no way for rappers to gain support. This was Sir Mix-a-Lot’s world.
Without any infrastructure or support system to guide his development, Sir Mix-a-Lot was forced to build his brand from scratch. With his partner Evil Neshe founded his own record label, Nastymix Recordsin 1983. In 1988, Mix-a-Lot released his first hit single, “Posse on Broadway,” which peaked at number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Nastymix a distribution deal with Def Jam. What followed was his platinum debut LP Schwass. A year later he released his second album on Nastymix, 1989’s Seminar, and finally secured a record deal with Def American Recordings.
After three years of studying the game under Rick RubinSir Mix-a-Lot releases his masterpiece album Mack, dad. While it may not have been able to keep up with the hardcore gangsta sound that was slowly taking hold in the industry, this album was a huge success, peaking at number 9 on the Billboard 200. The album’s hit single, “Baby Got Back,” peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and appeared on charts around the world.
Followed Mack Daddy and “Baby Got Back”, Mix-a-Lot’s career began to lose some momentum. His fourth LP Chief Boots Knocka reached only number 69 on the Billboard 200 chart, despite a Grammy nomination in 1994. His next two albums met the same decline in popularity.
Sir Mix-a-Lot’s career is a DIY fairytale. Coming from an area of the country where rap music is not widely accepted, he has risen against all odds to become a household name. His name may never come up in the discussion of “best rapper of all time,” but Sir Mix-a-Lot’s career will never fade from hip-hop history. From everyone here at The sourceHappy birthday, Sir Mix-a-Lot. I wish you many more years of big-butt success.
