Rufus Blaq
Rufus Blaq (born: Rufus Tadaryl Moore; 1972) is a rap artist, singer, songwriter and record producer. He is most known for his songwriting for American hip-hop girl group Salt-N-Pepa as well as is his own single "Out of Sight (Yo)."
Rufus Blaq | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Rufus Tadaryl Moore |
| Also known as | Peekaboo, Mr. Blaq, Daddy Blaq, Electric Pretty, Blaq The Ripper |
| Born | August 26, 1972 Youngstown, Ohio U.S. |
| Origin | Atlanta Georgia & Brooklyn NYC |
| Genres | Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Neo-Soul |
| Occupation(s) | Rap artist, singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Instruments | Vocals, Piano |
| Years active | 1993-Present |
| Labels | Giant Records, Perspective A&M Records, Kolbalt Music |
| Associated acts | The Lox, Missy Elliott, Faith Evans, Cam’ron, KRS 1, Mad Lion; Salt n Pepa, Doug E Fresh, Kurupt, Queen Latifah, Bow Wow, Omarion |
Biography
Rufus Blaq (nee Rufus Moore) was born in Youngstown, Ohio (U.S.A.)[1] on August 26th, 1972. He is married to songstress, Elizabeth Wyce Moore aka Yummy Bingham. Moore has 3 children, Ryian Alexis Moore, Aviel Miel Jaco, and Patience Royale’ Moore.
He goes by the names: Peekaboo, Mr. Blaq, Daddy Blaq, Electric Pretty, Blaq The Ripper.
Career
Blaq got his start in music at a very young age. At the age of two he began singing harmony at church and at the age of five, he mastered the hit song, “Lean On Me” on the piano. Rufus taught himself how to play progressions. Whenever his mother would sing a note, he would take the part of tenor or soprano to harmonize with her.
He got his first taste of Hip Hop when his uncle, a local DJ, introduced him to the Cold Crush brothers and other pioneers in the rap game. It was at the very moment, he fell in love with Hip Hop.
At the age of 17, Rufus took his last $80 to purchase a one-way ticket to Atlanta to pursue his music dreams.
His first break in the business came at the Atlanta nightclub – The Phoenix. Initially, he could not get in because of his age but impressed with his persistence and passion he was finally granted entry. Rufus was given a chance to bless the mic. As fate would have it, mega producer Dallas Austin was at the club that night and he extended an invitation to come to the studio. During his visits to Austin's studio he met Hip Hop great Erick Sermon.
In 1993, Blaq also started writing for rap groups Kronic (signed to RCA Records and was the start of rapper Lil Zane) and hip-hop group Another Bad Creation (put together by, Kevin Wales). While writing for female rap group Cartoon Kaperz, Rufus was introduced to rising producer by the name of Chad Elliot. Cartoon Kaperz were signed to Eric Johnston and Michael Dobson's label, Extra Large Records, based in Atlanta. After the brief introduction, Blaq went to Bobby Brown’s studio, Boss Town Studios, to work with Chad Elliot who was working on Bobby’s artist Stylez.
Elliot and Blaq clicked musically and the two began forging a music partnership -- one that brought lyrics, skill and style to Elliot's straight up, feel-good beats. With their trademark sound, Elliot and Blaq skillfully incorporated melodic harmony with the chorus. It was during that time Rufus Moore transitioned into Rufus Blaq. He chose the name "Blaq" to pay homage to his people and the "Q" represents quality. Rufus' track "Out of Sight" was produced by Elliot and Al West and featured on the Motion Picture soundtrack Ride (soundtrack)[2]. It also peaked at 18 on Billboard's Hot 100[3]. Rufus was signed to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’ label, Perspective/A&M Records[4] at the time. During his time at Perspective, he was mentored by Jam & Lewis as well as Henley Regisford Jr. and James "Big Jim" Wright. He released his 1st debut album "Credentials" with Perspective/A&M.[5]
Since entering the music scene, Blaq has worked with a number of artists -- penning songs/raps, as well as producing & songwriting hits for Olivia, Angie Stone, Faith Evans, Destiny's Child, Bow Wow, Omarion, Marques Houston[6], Salt-n-Pepa, Queen Latifah and B2K, just to name a few.
in 1997, Rufus had success with Salt-n-Pepa's single "Gitty Up"[7] & "R U Ready" as a songwriter and featured artist. Both singles achieved Billboard status. Rufus achieved his first #1 Billboard Hot 100 single in 1999 with Destiny Child's "Jumpin Jumpin". He co-wrote the hit song with Chad Elliot and Beyonce[8]. Blaq has also worked with Tichina Arnold, singer and actor of Martin, Everybody Hates Chris and Happily Divorced. Additionally, he worked on Faith Evans' new album featuring the Notorious BIG called “The King and I". Faith Evans was also a featured artist on Blaq's single "Show Me."[9]
In 2002, Blaq opened a studio with mentors, Prince Charles Alexander & Dawana Kyles. Their studio was located on the 6th floor in a partnership with the infamous Quad Recording Studio, managed by Dave “Roz” Rosner. The production company, Ark Angel Music[10], groomed many greats including, Makeba Riddick, Brandon Howard, and Omar Grant (Rocnation).
Blaq has also had production, writing and artist credits on Lifetime Channel's bio-pic Whitney, and the motion picture and soundtrack of Total Frat Movie[11], which he worked on with his business partner Myke Groov. Together they have a production company called Project Mojotz.
In 2010, he released a mixtape “Electric Pretty” on Bandcamp.com, which was mixed and mastered by Chris "Tek" O'Ryan on his label Tezenmusic. His follow-up mixtape “Blaq The Ripper” was released in 2015 on datpiff.com. Many of the tracks were produced by his notable friends (Easy Mo Bee, Andreao “Fanatik” Heard, Michael Angelo, Chad Elliott, Al West) as well as features many artists (Mc Lyte, Talib Kweli, Omarion, Young Rome) that he has worked with. This mixtape was also mixed and mastered by Chris "Tek" O'Ryan on his label Tezenmusic.
Despite his many successes, Blaq never lost his sight and passion for his own debut. After many long years working on his debut, Blaq is making a return to the music scene but this time as a solo artist. He worked with super producer Co-p/Hidden Vanilla and Grammy Award winning engineer, Chris "TEK" O'Ryan, who has worked with mega artists Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez. The two met in 2003, while Blaq was working on the You Got Served soundtrack. The two remained in contact and always planned to work together.
What makes Blaq stand out as an artist is his skillful ability to sing and rap, but most impressively his ability to be a master storyteller. His tales of the male urban experience are universal, yet painfully close to home. His new project is raw and talks about real issues like divorce, hard financial times and the fact that he never gave up hope on pursuing his passion, his first love --music.
Blaq's music has also been featured on World of Dance U-Jam, the first format under the World of Dance Fitness umbrella, brings the talented choreography of World of Dance dancers and turns it into an addictive dance fitness format that will make you move, sweat, and smile.
He is working on new music from Salt-n-Pepa and his new single “Flame On” Feat Mad Lion & KRS 1.
Discography
Studio Albums & Singles
| Year | Song Title | Album Name | Label | Chart Position |
| 1997 | "Out Of Sight (Yo)" | Single | Perspective Records | #18 Billboard Hot 100 |
| 1998 | "Artifacts of Life (Featuring The Lox) | Credentials | Perspective Records | |
| "Come Alive Y'all" | ||||
| True Ballerz | ||||
| Ambush Crew | ||||
| Magic | ||||
| "Make It Hot" | ||||
| The True Gas Up (Interlude) | ||||
| Come Go With Me | ||||
| Hong Kong Booty (Interlude) | ||||
| "Give It To Me Daddy" | ||||
| Real MC's | ||||
| My Life | ||||
| Get To Steppin' (Interlude) | ||||
| Niggaz Like Me | ||||
| If I Was A Killer | ||||
| Credentials | ||||
| 2016 | "2 Da Head" | Total Frat Movie Soundtrack | New Heat Music | |
| "I Wont Remember Tomorrow" | ||||
| "Going Till I'm Gone" | ||||
| "Party of The Year" | ||||
| "Lets Go" | ||||
| "Frat Star" | ||||
| "Not Asking For Much" | ||||
| "Don't Stop Here ( Caps In The Sky)" |
Mix Tapes
2015: BLAQ THE RIPPER
1.Blaq The Ripper Intro (produced by TEK)
2.Crucifix (produced by Don Kody)
3.Lyrical Murder (produced by Chuckie Madness)
4.My Weight feat. B. Mos & Sydney Arcane (produced by Al West)
5.Slaughterhouse
6.The Verdict (produced by Tony Galvin)
7.You Not Me feat. Blok (produced by DNyce3 of League of Stars)
8.The Light feat. Ollie Baba & 100 Proof (produced by Anthony Bell)
9.Jamaica Interlude feat. Kimani
10.Quiet Storm feat. Murda Kase
11.Burn feat. Tomi Jones
12.Too Sexy feat. King Ralph, Don Kody, Man-Child & Juice Brown (produced by Don Kody)
13.Gimme The Keys feat. MC Lyte
14.Gettin Money feat. Chyna Tahjere (produced by Don Kody)
15.Don't Let Me Lose You feat. Jay Calloway (produced by Andreao Fanatic Heard)
16.Maserati Music feat. Omarion, Rome & Boo Young (produced by MichaelAngelo)
17.Turbulence feat. PG (produced by Easy Mo Bee)
18.Live It Up feat. J. Fury & Sydney Arcane
19.Winning (produced by Chuckie Madness)
20.Pressure (produced by Arkitech)
21.Silly feat. Talib Kweli
22.Trufus
23.30 Something
2011: ELECTRIC PRETTY
1.INTRO
2.GET MY MONEY
3.ELECTRIC PRETTY
4.GET READY
5.IT'S MY TURN
6.DUCK INTO A SWAN
7.SPILL YA DRINK
8.ECLECTIC LIFE
9.MY COMPANIONSHIP
10.BUILD EM
11.GRACIAS
12.INSPIRE YOU
13.6FT PRETTY
Featured Artist
| Year | Song | Artist | Album | Label |
| 2007 | “Beautiful Poison” Feat. Rufus Blaq | Herb Middleton | Big Herb’s Bodega | NuVybe Records |
| 2005 | "I Wasn't Ready" (featuring Rufus Blaq) | Marques Houstson | Naked | Ultimate Universal |
| 2004 | "Crazy Girl" (featuring Rufus Blaq) | Young Rome | Food For Thought | T.U.G entertainment/Universal Records |
| 2004 | "Freaky" (feat. Guerilla Black And Rufus Blaq) | Young Rome | Food For Thought | T.U.G entertainment/Universal Records |
| 2003 | "Smellz Like a Party" (featuring Rufus Blaq) | O'Ryan | You Got Served Soundtrack | Epic Records |
| 1998 | "Dance for Me" (featuring Rufus Blaq) | Kevin Ford | How Stella Got Her Groove Back Soundtrack | Flyte Tyme |
| 1998 | "Don't Worry (My Shorty)" | Rufus Blaq & Spinderella | The Players Club Soundtrack | PolyGram |
| 2002 | "Whoop His Ass" | Boot Camp Clik | The Chosen Few | Duck Down Music |
| 2017 | "Ten Wife Commandments" | Faith Evans & The Notorious B.I.G. | The King & I | Rhino |
| 1998 | "Outta Sight" | Rufus Blaq | Ride (Music from the Dimension Motion Picture) | Tommy Boy |
| 1998 | “Whatcha Gonna Do” (feat. Rufus Blaq & Femme Fatale) | Monifah | Mo’hogany | Motown Universal |
| 1998 | “Why You Not Trusting Me” (feat. Rufus Blaq) | Public Announcement | All Work No Play | A&M Records |
| 1998 | “Get this Money” (Feat. Rufus Blaq, Chico Delvec, And Larceny) | Junior M.A.F.I.A | The Best of JUNIOR M.A.F.I.A. | Famous Records |
| 1998 | “What Are We Gonna Do” Remix (feat. Rufus Blaq) | Ronnie Henson | Ronnie Henson | Motown/Universal |
| 1998 | “Strawberries” Mark Kinchen Remix (feat. Rufus Blaq) | Smooth | Reality | Perspective A&M Records |
Production and Songwriting Credits
| Year | Song | Artist | Producer / Songwriter | Album | Label | Chart Position |
| 2017 | "Ten Wife Commandments" | Faith Evans | Songwriter | The King & I | Rhino | |
| "My B" | Songwriter | |||||
| 2014 | "Forever" | Faith Evans | Producer / Songwriter | Incomparable | BMG | |
| 2007 | "Can't Get Tired of Me" | Bow Wow & Omarion | Producer / Songwriter | Face Off | Columbia | |
| "Number Ones" | Producer / Songwriter | |||||
| "Hoodstars" | Producer / Songwriter | |||||
| "Bachelor Pad" | Producer / Songwriter | |||||
| "Face-Off" | Producer / Songwriter | |||||
| "Lights, Camera, Action" | Producer / Songwriter | |||||
| "Kimberly" | Marques Houston | Producer / Songwriter | Veteran | Universal Motown | ||
| 2006 | "What Are We Doing" | Omarion | Producer / Songwriter | 21 | Epic | |
| 2005 | "Pissed Off" | Angie Stone | Songwriter | Mahogany Soul | J Records | |
| "Marriage" | Marques Houston | Songwriter / Co-Producer | Naked | Ultimate Universal | ||
| "Cheat" | Songwriter / Co-Producer | |||||
| "All Because of You" | Songwriter | |||||
| 2004 | "Lovers' Ghetto" | Angie Stone | Producer / Songwriter | Stone Love | J Records | |
| "Down 4 U, Part 2" | Jhené featuring Lil' Fizz | Songwriter | My Name Is Jhene | Epic Records | ||
| "In My Car" | Young Rome | Songwriter | Food For Thought | Universal Records | ||
| "Beauty" | N2U | Songwriter | Issues | Virgin | ||
| "After Party" | Young Rome Featuring Omarion | Songwriter | After Party | Universal Records | ||
| 2003 | "Good Luck" | Marques Houston | Producer | MH | Interscope | |
| "Smellz Like a Party" | O'Ryan featuring Rufus Blaq | Songwriter | You Got Served Soundtrack | Epic Records | ||
| "Take It to the Floor" | B2K | Songwriter | You Got Served Soundtrack | Epic Records | ||
| 2001 | "Whoop-T-Woo" | Olivia | Producer | Olivia | J Records | |
| "Snowflakes" | Angie Stone | Producer / Songwriter | Mohagany Soul | J Records | ||
| "Mad Issues" | Producer / Songwriter | |||||
| "If It Wasn't" | Producer / Songwriter | |||||
| 1999 | "Jumpin, Jumpin" | Destiny's Child | Songwriter | The Writing's On The Wall | Columbia | #1 Billboard Hot 100[12] |
| 1997 | "R U Ready" | Salt-N-Pepa | Songwriter | Brand New | London Records | #61 on Billboard Radio[13] |
| "Gitty Up" (single) | Songwriter | #31 on Billboard Hot 100[14] |
References
- REISS, RANDY (1 June 1998). "RUFUS BLAQ'S CREDENTIALS TOUCHES ALL RAP'S BASES". MTV.com.
- Wallace, Riley (7 June 2020). "20 Near-Classic Rap Songs You Forgot Existed". Hip Hop DX.
- "Rufus Blaq Chart History". Billboard.com.
- "Major, Emerging Acts on Release Schedule". Billboard Magazine. 10 January 1998.
- "Credential Featured Release on Perspective Records". Beat Source.
- Carter, Brooke (31 December 2016). "What Happened to Marques Houston – News & Updates". Gazette Review.
- "Salt N Pepa Gitty Up". Discogs.com. 1998.
- Taraborrelli, J. Randy (27 October 2015). "Becoming Beyonce: The Untold Story". Google Books.
- "Show Me". iHeart Radio.
- "Ark Angel Music Discography". Discog.com.
- "Total Frat Movie Soundtracks". IMDB.com. 2016.
- "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard.com. 28 April 2000.
- "Billboard Radio Chart". Billboard.com. 24 October 1997.
- "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard.com. 10 April 1998.