If Your Mother Only Knew...

Rahzel: The Godfather of Noise

A former member of the musical group The Roots, Rahzel "is an American musican, beatboxer and rapper" who hails from the city where hip-hop's origins began; New York City.

While Rahzel's accomplishments contributed to a thriving hip-hop movement of the early 90's, there is one which remains as one of the most influential in the art form's history; the ability to sing (and/or rap) while beatboxing.

Rahzel - "If Your Mother Only Knew"

Video courtesy of Sean Thompson

What was originally a cover of Aaliyah's If Your Girl Only Knew, Rahzel's beatbox version of the late artist's popular hit demonstrated beatbox's creative new direction. The song was a hidden track on his album Make the Music 2000. 

Within the beatbox community, the song did more than grasp the attention of hip-hop fans; it served as the medium through which beatbox would gain a more respectable identity.

Aaliyah - If Your Girl Only Knew

Video courtesy of AaliyahVideoHD

In addition to this major contribution, Rahzel's reputation and musical resume extends beyond solo work and his affiliation with The Roots. Another song which can be found on his same solo album, Man vs. Machine is a song where Rahzel teamed up with another legendary and contemporary vocal percussionist, Kenny Muhammad.

The song, which is called "Man vs. Machine" has both Kenny Muhammad and Rahzel going up against a DJ Skribble and DJ Slinky. Here is their audio performance...

Man vs. Machine