Flipmode Squad is an American hip hop collective formed and fronted by Busta Rhymes.

Flipmode Squad
OriginNew York City, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Years active1993–2012,[1] 2024-present [2]
Labels
MembersBusta Rhymes
Rah Digga
Past membersBaby Sham
Chauncey Black
DJ Ice Cold
DJ Scratch
J-Doe
Labba
Lord Have Mercy
Lonny Bereal
M. Dollars
Meka
Nikki Grier
N.O.R.E.
Papoose
Rampage
Reek Da Villian
Roc Marciano
Seige Monstracity
Serious
Show Money
Spliff Star

History edit

In 1993, Busta Rhymes first introduced the Flipmode Squad when he still was a part of former group Leaders of the New School, with the members being Brittle Lo and Cool Whip of the duo Cracker Jacks, Rampage the Last Boy Scout and Boy Wonder the Caped Crusader. The lineup changed up drastically with Rampage being the only remaining member of Flipmode.[1]

The first Flipmode album debuted in 1998 with The Imperial, Rampage and Rah Digga went on to record solo efforts. In the move to J Records in 2000, Lord Have Mercy left Flipmode Squad in preference of a solo career in 2000, feeling that Busta Rhymes was holding him down.[3][4] The original lineup also included Serious, who after quickly leaving would later produce for artists on No Limit Records, and later acts like Show Money and M. Dollars who were signed to the label as independent artists. Underground MC Roc Marciano would also be signed to the label for a number of years before going the independent route.

A second Flipmode Squad release, Rulership Movement, was set for release in 2003 on J Records, but because of the label change to Aftermath it was never released. It was announced that the album might be released sometime in 2009. J-MOE was in the group until he went solo. The founding member, Busta Rhymes later joined Dr. Dre's Aftermath label in 2006, and Rah Digga & Spliff Star appeared alongside Busta in the "Touch It (Remix)" video. Rah Digga left the Flipmode Squad amicably a couple of years later and directed her solo career. Spliff Star continued to collaborate in forming the Conglomerate with Busta, along with founding his own label. DJ Scratch left Flipmode/The Conglomerate in 2009 but returned in 2011 with the new movement taking form. Reek da Villian left Flipmode in 2009, but because of business reasons, he then headed to the Conglomerate, as well. Various members continued to record with each other. Busta signed with Cash Money Records in 2011, taking his business there with him. As the Conglomerate, an official mixtape was released in 2012.

On March 14, 2024, Busta Rhymes announced on Instagram that the Flipmode Squad had reformed and would be releasing another album later in the year. As of right now, Rah Digga is the only fully confirmed returning member other than Rhymes himself due to her being featured on a snippet of a song he released. [5]

Discography edit

Studio albums edit

Mixtapes edit

  • 2002: Arsenal for the Streets pt. 1
  • 2003: Arsenal for the Streets pt. 2 (The Full Court Press)
  • 2007: The Facelift pt. 1
  • 2007: The Full Course Meal
  • 2012: Catastrophic (as newly formed Conglomerate)

Singles edit

Members edit

Brittle Lo[1]
Cool Whip[1]
Meka
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Band members and studio albums

in chronological order[6]

Notes edit

a artist name: Boy Wonder the Caped Crusader

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Busta Rhymes Introduces the "Flip Mode Squad" for the 1st TIME!". YouTube. 1993. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
  2. ^ Quan, Jay. "BUSTA RHYMES ANNOUNCES FIRST FLIPMODE SQUAD ALBUM IN 26 YEARS: 'IT'S COMIN', IT'S TIME'". Rock the Bells. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
  3. ^ BallerStatus.com | Hip-Hop, R&B & Urban Lifestyle Portal
  4. ^ Cantor, Paul (August 19, 2004). "Lord Have Mercy: It Was Written". AllHipHop. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  5. ^ Quan, Jay. "BUSTA RHYMES ANNOUNCES FIRST FLIPMODE SQUAD ALBUM IN 26 YEARS: 'IT'S COMIN', IT'S TIME'". Rock the Bells. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
  6. ^ http://www.conglomeratefans.com/bioflipmode.htm[dead link]
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i The Coming (booklet). Flipmode, Elektra. 1996.

External links edit