On the Strength

On the Strength is the second and final studio album by the influential hip hop group Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, released in 1988 on Elektra Records.^[1][2] The album marked the reunion of the original lineup—Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel, the Kidd Creole, Mr. Ness, Cowboy, and Rahiem—following their disbandment in the mid-1980s due to internal conflicts and label issues.^[3][4] Recorded across multiple New York and Los Angeles studios, it spans 39 minutes and 57 seconds across 10 tracks, blending the group's signature old-school style with emerging late-1980s production techniques.^[2][1] The album's production was led by Grandmaster Flash, with additional contributions from associate producers like Guy Vaughn, and features guest vocals on select tracks, including Jesse Daniels on "Fly Girl" and John Kay of Steppenwolf on a hip hop reinterpretation of "Magic Carpet Ride."^[1] Key tracks such as "Gold," "This Is Where You Got It From," and "The Boy Is Dope" highlight Flash's innovative turntable scratching and scratching techniques, while lyrics address themes of street life, relationships, and braggadocio typical of the era's hip hop.^[3][1] Despite the group's pioneering status—best known for their 1982 breakthrough The Message—On the Strength received mixed to negative critical reception, with reviewers noting its outdated sound amid the rise of more aggressive, sample-heavy acts like Public Enemy and N.W.A.^[4][5] Commercially, it underperformed, peaking outside the top 100 on the Billboard 200 and failing to produce major hits. Though not a commercial success at the time, On the Strength has garnered retrospective appreciation as a nostalgic snapshot of hip hop's transition period, showcasing the Furious Five's enduring lyrical interplay and Flash's technical prowess before their permanent disbandment.^[4][6] The album remains available through reissues and streaming platforms, preserving the group's legacy as early innovators in the genre.^[7][8]

Background and development

Group history and split

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five formed in 1978 in the South Bronx, New York City, when DJ Joseph Saddler, known as Grandmaster Flash, assembled a crew of MCs to complement his innovative turntable techniques. The original lineup included Melle Mel (Melvin Glover), Kidd Creole (Nathaniel Glover), Cowboy (Keith Wiggins), and Scorpio (Eddie Morris), with Rahiem (Guy Todd Williams) joining in 1979 to round out the sextet. Emerging from the block party scene, the group quickly gained traction through Flash's pioneering scratching and mixing methods, which helped define early hip-hop's rhythmic foundation.^[9][10] The group's breakthrough came with their 1982 debut album The Message on Sugar Hill Records, which shifted hip-hop toward socially conscious themes by addressing urban poverty, crime, and systemic inequality. The title track, co-written by Melle Mel, became a landmark single that peaked at number 4 on the Billboard R&B chart and number 62 on the Pop chart, marking one of the genre's first major crossover successes. This album established the Furious Five as influential voices in hip-hop, blending party anthems with poignant storytelling that resonated beyond the Bronx.^[11][12] By 1983, escalating internal conflicts over royalty payments and creative direction fractured the group. Grandmaster Flash filed a $5 million lawsuit against Sugar Hill Records for unpaid royalties, particularly stemming from the success of "The Message," which deepened divisions between Flash and the MCs led by Melle Mel. The dispute led to the group's dissolution, with Flash parting ways to pursue independent projects while Melle Mel, Scorpio, and Cowboy continued as Grandmaster Melle Mel & the Furious Five, releasing tracks like "Step Off" and appearing in the 1984 film Beat Street.^[9][13] Post-split, individual members navigated varied paths amid personal and professional challenges. Flash released several solo albums, including They Said It Couldn't Be Done in 1985, The Source in 1986, and Ba-Dop-Boom-Bang in 1987, focusing on his production skills and collaborations. Melle Mel's faction produced hits such as "White Lines (Don't Do It)" and "Beat Street Breakdown," maintaining a presence in the evolving rap scene. Tragically, Cowboy battled severe crack cocaine addiction in the years following the split, ultimately dying from a drug overdose in 1989 at age 28. The original lineup announced a reunion in 1987 for a charity concert, setting the stage for their collaborative album On the Strength. In recognition of their foundational role, the group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 as the first hip-hop act enshrined.^[14][15][16]

Reunion process

On December 13, 1987, the original lineup of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five reunited for a performance at a charity concert hosted by Paul Simon at Madison Square Garden in New York City to benefit homeless children as part of the inaugural Children's Health Fund concert.^[17][18] The rapturous reception from the audience prompted the group to reform and record their first album together in five years.^[19] This event marked the catalyst for their collaboration on On the Strength, released in 1988 by Elektra Records.^[20] The reunion required addressing lingering challenges from the group's 1983 split, which had been driven by internal financial disputes and a lawsuit against their former label, Sugar Hill Records.^[21] Members negotiated to resolve these issues, allowing the original six—Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel, Kidd Creole, Rahiem, Scorpio, and Cowboy—to come together.^[21] Cowboy, in particular, contributed vocals despite ongoing struggles with cocaine addiction during this period.^[15] The motivations for the reunion centered on leveraging hip-hop's surging commercial success in the late 1980s, as exemplified by the mainstream breakthroughs of acts like Run-D.M.C. and Public Enemy, while honoring their pioneering legacy from earlier works such as The Message.^[22] The project served as a follow-up to their seminal 1982 album, reuniting the full lineup for what would be their final recording together, as Cowboy passed away from a cocaine overdose in 1989.^[23]

Recording and production

Studio sessions

The recording sessions for On the Strength primarily took place in 1987 across multiple studios in the New York area, including Secret Sound Studios, Unique Recording, and Skyline Studios in New York City, as well as Waterfront Studios in nearby Hoboken, New Jersey.^[24] Additional work occurred at Oasis Studios in Los Angeles.^[24] These sessions marked the full original lineup's first studio collaboration in nearly five years, following their 1983 split.^[22] Initiated in mid-1987 after the group's reunion performance at a charity concert in Madison Square Garden, the sessions extended over several months as the members sought to revive their signature chemistry and sound from earlier albums like The Message.^[22] Grandmaster Flash contributed his foundational DJ techniques, utilizing turntables for scratching and mixing to preserve old-school hip-hop elements during an era when digital production tools were gaining prominence in the industry. Vocals were recorded by all five members, including Cowboy, though logistical adjustments were necessary given the group's dispersed activities post-split.^[24] By early 1988, the album was finalized, with mixing completed at Soundtrack Studios in New York and mastering at Masterdisk, paving the way for its April release on Elektra Records.^[24] The process reflected a deliberate effort to blend the Furious Five's raw, street-rooted style with evolving rap production standards of the late 1980s.^[22]

Production team and challenges

The album On the Strength was self-produced by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, with Grandmaster Flash overseeing the core elements including turntables, scratching, drum programming, and the use of his custom Flashformer transform DJ device.^[1] Associate producer Guy Vaughn contributed keyboards, drum programming, and co-arrangement on several tracks, such as "Fly Girl" and "Magic Carpet Ride," while also providing background vocals.^[1] Mixing was handled by Grandmaster Flash alongside Vaughn, with assistance from engineers like Kevin "Blaze" Hedge, Mark Partis, and Ross Hogarth at Oasis Studios; additional mixing support came from Larry Smith on tracks like "Gold."^[1] Elektra Records backed the project with studio access primarily in New York facilities such as Secret Sound Studios, Skyline Studios, and Unique Studios, alongside sessions at Oasis Studios in Los Angeles.^[2] The label anticipated a commercial success amid hip-hop's evolving landscape in the late 1980s, providing resources to facilitate the reunion's full lineup.^[1] Production faced challenges stemming from the group's extended hiatus since their early 1980s split, resulting in some rustiness and adjustment to modern recording workflows after years of individual pursuits.^[25] Member Keith "Cowboy" Wiggins had limited participation due to his recent release from jail; he contributed rhymes to select tracks like "Gold" and "The King" but was absent from promotional photo shoots, impacting group cohesion.^[26] A key production decision involved covering Steppenwolf's 1968 hit "Magic Carpet Ride," incorporating direct samples from the original alongside new rap verses to bridge classic rock elements with hip-hop.^[27]

Composition

Musical style

On the Strength embodies old-school hip-hop aesthetics, characterized by breakbeats and prominent scratching performed by Grandmaster Flash, as showcased on tracks like "Yo Baby," where his turntable techniques drive the rhythm.^[21][28] The album employs minimal sampling relative to late-1980s contemporaries, favoring straightforward drum programming and live instrumentation to evoke the raw energy of 1970s and 1980s Bronx party scenes.^[1] With a runtime of approximately 40 minutes across 10 tracks, it prioritizes tight, energetic flows over elaborate production layers.^[1][7] The sound integrates funk and rock influences, most notably in the cover of Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride," which features electric guitar riffs by Rocket Ritchotte and guest vocals from John Kay, creating an extended jam that blends rap verses with rock choruses.^[28][1] Instrumentation centers on turntables for scratching and mixing, drum machines for foundational beats, and keyboards played by Guy Vaughn on selections like "Fly Girl," alongside call-and-response group vocals that enhance the communal, live-performance vibe.^[1] This approach deliberately avoids heavy synthesizer use, preserving an authentic, analog-rooted hip-hop texture reminiscent of the genre's formative years.^[28] In contrast to the politically charged intensity of Public Enemy or the pop-infused accessibility of LL Cool J during the era, On the Strength leans toward lighthearted, party-focused tracks such as the opener "Gold," emphasizing boastful rhymes and danceable grooves over confrontational messaging.^[28]

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of On the Strength center on themes of unity among the group's members, the realities of street life, and a profound sense of hip-hop pride, serving as a reflective capstone to Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's pioneering career. Tracks boast about the group's enduring legacy in the genre, emphasizing their foundational role through rhythmic, celebratory verses that highlight resilience and innovation in rap. Similarly, selections address materialism within the rap industry and urban hardships intertwined with the pursuit of authenticity in hip-hop culture.^[29] The songwriting style shifts toward boastful, energetic rhymes delivered primarily by Melle Mel and Rahiem, who trade verses filled with confident declarations of skill and endurance, while Cowboy's lines often underscore themes of collective unity and group camaraderie. This approach marks a departure from the overt social commentary of earlier works like The Message, opting instead for a lighter tone infused with fun, party-oriented energy and introspective nods to personal and cultural growth.^[29] Vocal delivery enhances these motifs through layered group harmonies that evoke solidarity, spontaneous ad-libs adding playful flair, and narrative storytelling that draws listeners into vivid scenarios, blending elements of romance and perseverance.^[2] Distinctive lyrical elements weave in references to the Furious Five's storied history, from Bronx block parties to global influence, reinforcing hip-hop's roots and longevity.

Release and promotion

Commercial release

On the Strength was released on March 18, 1988, by Elektra Records under catalog number 60769-1.^[2] The album was made available in vinyl LP, cassette, and CD formats.^[30] The initial U.S. pressing featured 10 tracks and was distributed through Elektra's established network.^[30] In 2005, the album received a CD reissue from Collectors' Choice Music under catalog CCM-585-2, which included the standard 10 tracks and omitted the bonus track "Back in the Old Days of Hip-Hop" present on the original UK edition.^[31]

Singles and marketing

The lead single from On the Strength was "Gold", released in early 1988 as a 12-inch vinyl single on Elektra Records (catalog number 0-66777). The release featured the track's extended version on the A-side alongside an acapella dub version, while the B-side included an edit of the LP version, an acapella version, and an instrumental, highlighting remixes tailored for club and radio play.^[32] Another single, "Magic Carpet Ride", served as a promotional release, reinterpreting the Steppenwolf rock classic with hip-hop elements to broaden crossover appeal. Issued as a 7-inch promo vinyl in 1988 (Elektra), it paired the track with "On the Strength," emphasizing the group's fusion of old-school rap and rock influences.^[33] Marketing for On the Strength, released on March 18, 1988, centered on the group's highly anticipated reunion following a December 1987 charity concert at Madison Square Garden hosted by Paul Simon, framing them as pioneers reclaiming their legacy in hip-hop. Promotional strategies leveraged this narrative through radio airplay and print advertising in hip-hop publications, though efforts were constrained by a relatively modest budget amid competition from high-profile releases that year.^[21]

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon its 1988 release, On the Strength received mixed reviews from critics, who often praised elements of the group's classic chemistry while lamenting the album's failure to engage with hip-hop's evolving landscape. Robert Christgau of The Village Voice awarded it a C+ grade, appreciating the "fluid five-man rat-a-tat-tat" vocal interplay as a pleasure reminiscent of an earlier, more innocent era in rap, but criticizing its flat and uninspired attempts to incorporate contemporary elements like samples and "bu-oy" ad-libs, as well as the limited impact of Melle Mel's return and Rahiem's pimp-themed jokes.^[34] Some outlets highlighted more positive aspects, particularly the nostalgic appeal of the production and Grandmaster Flash's technical prowess. In Trouser Press, the album was described as "distinctly superior" in parts, starting strong with the streetwise "Gold" and featuring a moving gospel-tinged tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. in "King," alongside Flash's standout turntable work on the diversionary "Yo Baby," though intervening tracks devolved into routine bragging.^[28] Overall, the reception was tempered, with the project viewed as a relic amid hip-hop's shift toward the golden age innovations of artists like Run-D.M.C. and Public Enemy. In retrospective assessments, On the Strength has been reevaluated as a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful reunion effort to recapture the group's past relevance amid the genre's rapid changes. A 2009 RapReviews analysis noted that while it initially garnered poor reviews, the album has since cultivated a cult following for its old-school fidelity.^[4] Critics have frequently accused it of overlooking the 1980s hip-hop evolution, with its dated production—rooted in early Sugar Hill-era aesthetics—failing to adapt to the harder-edged, socially conscious sounds dominating the late decade.^[34] Later appreciations have spotlighted contributions from Keith Cowboy, whose verses carry added emotional weight in hindsight, given his death from complications related to crack cocaine addiction the following year.

Commercial performance and impact

On the Strength, released in 1988 on Elektra Records, achieved limited commercial success, peaking at number 189 on the Billboard 200 chart for one week in May 1988.^[35] The album did not enter the top 100 of the Billboard 200 or achieve significant positions on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, reflecting the competitive hip-hop landscape of the late 1980s dominated by acts like Public Enemy and N.W.A. It received no RIAA certification, with sales remaining low amid shifting genre trends toward gangsta rap.^[36] Singles from the album, such as "Gold," reached modest peaks on specialized rap charts but failed to generate broader mainstream traction. The project's underwhelming market performance contributed to the original Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five disbanding permanently shortly after its release.^[21] Despite its commercial shortcomings, On the Strength holds historical significance as the final studio album by the original lineup of the pioneering hip-hop group, marking the end of their collaborative era.^[21] It was the last recording featuring Keith "Cowboy" Wiggins, who passed away on September 8, 1989, from complications related to crack cocaine addiction, adding a layer of poignancy to the work.^[3] The album underscores the challenges of reunions in hip-hop during the genre's evolution, influencing later narratives around group dynamics and longevity in the culture. While often noted as a footnote in hip-hop histories, it bolsters the Furious Five's legacy as innovators, evidenced by their 2007 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as the first hip-hop act honored.^[37]

Credits

Track listing

All tracks are produced by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.^[30] The original vinyl LP release contains 10 tracks, while the initial CD edition includes an additional bonus track. Later reissues, such as the 2005 edition, follow the 10-track format.^[38][30] Associate producer: Guy Vaughn^[1] CD bonus track

Personnel

The album On the Strength was primarily self-produced by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, with associate production by Guy Vaughn on select tracks.^[30][1] The core personnel consisted of the group's longstanding members in their primary roles:

• Grandmaster Flash (Joseph Saddler) – DJ, producer, turntables, drum programming
• Melle Mel (Melvin Glover) – vocals, producer
• Kidd Creole (Nathaniel Glover) – vocals
• Cowboy (Keith Wiggins) – vocals
• Scorpio (Eddie Morris) – vocals
• Rahiem (Guy Todd Williams) – vocals^[40]

Additional contributors included Guy Vaughn on keyboards, drum programming, and background vocals. Guest performers: Jesse Daniels (vocals on "Fly Girl"), John Kay (vocals on "Magic Carpet Ride"); additional musicians: Rocket Ritchotte (guitar on "Magic Carpet Ride"), Michael Wilk (keyboards, drum programming on "Magic Carpet Ride"). Various background vocalists also participated. Engineering duties were handled by group-associated insiders, including Kevin "Blaze" Hedge (mixing), Mark Partis (mixing), Ross Hogarth (Oasis Studios), Michael Frondelli (Secret Sound), John Revitte (Skyline), Tim "Magoo" Williams (Unique), and Chris Rich (Waterfront).^[1] Cowboy was absent from the album artwork due to illness, though all members are credited despite varying levels of involvement during recording.^[20]