On May 2, 1989 – the very same day that The Cure were on top of the world – a Brooklyn MC named The Jaz (a.k.a. Jaz-O) released his debut album, Word to the Jaz.
More notable than the music itself, however, is the fact that multiple tracks, including the goofy, Fresh Prince-esque hit single “Hawaiian Sophie,” feature a young hype man credited as Jay-Zee, better known as Jay-Z.
While it may not be Hova’s coolest moment, a hit is a hit, and we all gotta start somewhere. Do yourself a favor and watch the video below.
Ryan is a writer, editor and vinyl collector currently based in Los Angeles. He started Mini Music Critic in 2017.