"Well I came here for something funky to happen. Is this Christmas because everyone is rappin'." ~ Kwamé

During the late 1980s and the early 1990s, the landscape of Hip Hop was broad, bright and full of creativity. One of the most influential Hip Hop artists to come out of this period was Kwamé and A New Beginning. This group brought a fresh new style to Hip Hop music and created a movement among its fans.

Kwamé blended elements of funk, jazz and rock into his music. He was one of few rap artists that had produced, arranged, written and performed his own music. Hits like, "The Rhythm," "Ownlee Ewe" and "Oneovdabigboiz" were songs that inspired many Hip Hop artists and producers known today.

In 2016, Hip Hop is in need of a resurgence of true musical artists like Kwamé and A New Beginning. Groundbreaking groups like Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan and Digable Planets are reuniting to remind us of the roots of our genre. These groups are coming together to fill this nostalgic void. Shouldn't Kwamé and A New Beginning be included that group? I think so and I think you do too.

Please sign this petition so that we can see the "Prince Rogers Nelson" of Hip Hop grace the stage and tantalize our ears with wonderful music once more.

Kwamé tells his True Hip-Hop Story about the making of "The Rhythm" directed by D-Nice.

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About Kwamé (courtesy of Wikipedia)

In 1989, aged 16, Kwamé released his debut album, Kwamé the Boy Genius featuring a New Beginning, which he also produced with the aid of Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor. The 'A New Beginning' of the title refers to his backing band, which was unusual amongst emcees of the time. The album spawned the singles "The Man We All Know and Love" and "The Rhythm." The accompanying music videos featured a polka-dot motif in the costumes and production design. This was to become Kwamé's trademark and a hip hop fashion trend, as fans of his began wearing polka-dotted clothing.

In 1990, Kwamé released his second album A Day in the Life: a Pokadelick Adventure, a concept album about a day in the life of a high school student. The album spawned the hit singles "Oneovdabigboiz" and "Ownlee Eue."

In 1992, aged 18, he released his third album, Nastee.[citation needed] This album marked a departure for him, discarding the polka-dots and writing more sexually charged lyrics, in contrast to his previously playful, intellectual persona. The title track was a minor hit but the album quickly fell from the charts. His fourth album, 1994's Incognito failed to chart.

In 2000, Kwamé reemerged as a music producer, sometimes working under the name K-1 Million. He has produced for many artists, such as LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, Keyshia Cole, Missy Elliott, and Christina Aguilera. In 2004, he had a major success as the co-producer (with Eminem) of Lloyd Banks' smash hit song "On Fire." In 2005, he had more success with co-writing and co-producing Tweet's single "Turn da Lights Off and Will Smith's single "Switch". As a producer, Kwamé has sold over 30 million records.

In 2012, Kwamé teamed up with Vin Diesel to help score his web series The Ropes. He also formed the boutique label Make Noise, with signees including Beyond Belief, and released an instrumental album, Break Beat Diaries.

Kwamé has also written scores and original music for film and TV, including Drumline, Step Up 1 & 2, Stomp the Yard, Freedom Writers, The Comebacks, Coach Carter, and Fantastic Four and recently produced Vivian Green's fifth album "Vivid". He has also joined the hip hop group the Alumni, alongside Chubb Rock, Dana Dane, Special Ed, and Monie Love.