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From about the age of 14-23,
I was obsessed with what is now referred to as "Old School" rap. Growing up
in Queens, New York City, hip-hop culture was very prevalent. I was always
more of a "lyrical" person than a "musical" person and the
competitiveness of lyrical rap "battles" drew me right in..
In our human forms, we are
all ever-changing.
As a child, I enjoyed collecting baseball cards and watching
such classic films as Superman and Star Wars. Hip-hop was the only form of
music I enjoyed. As an adult, I simply collect
memories, watch sunsets, enjoy virtually all film genres, and listen to
everything from rap to country to
toddler tunes!
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The Hip-Hop Career of
Young Andrew Greenstein aka "Mr. Greenie"
Below are links to rap recordings with which I was involved
between the ages of 14 and 23. Audio quality varies depending on
equipment utilized and skill-level varies depending on what phase
in my rap "career" any particular recording was made. A
promotional flyer for a NYC club concert featuring my first
'group' "Triple Trouble" can be seen by clicking
here
[front side] and
here [reverse side].
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"One Style" -
This recording was made in 1996 at EM-One Recording
Studios near Trenton, NJ, is my personal favorite. Unlike
previous recordings which had, admittedly, been watered down and
commercialized, "One Style" displays more of the STYLE of rap I
typically used whenever I was away from the stage and studio [i.e.
this is closer to how I rapped while among friends, competing in battles, etc;] Song-wise, I feel it is also
"tighter," cleaner, and better-organized than its
predecessors. Note:
The group recording this song was no longer "TRIPLE TROUBLE." At this
point, we were called "CONFLICT OF INTEREST." Music & mix were by
William Schwartz and Eric Washington. Lyrics & vocals by Andrew
Greenstein. Backup vocals by Eric [and his brother]. Studio engineer
was Bill Whypp..and I believe Tod Cagan still played some role..but
cannot recall! All members co-produced.
Click here to hear it!
"Freestyle" - After a long recording session in the mid 1990s, we
winded down by doing some traditional [somewhat] "freestyle" rhyming
to a human beatbox. The beat box, I believe, was done by Eric
Washington and the lyrics/vocals were Andrew Greenstein.
Click here
to hear it!
"18 To Party, 21 To Drink - Version 2" -
Recorded sometime around 1994, this song attempts to mix the feel
of a then-popular fad known as "hip-house" [a form of dance music] with the style
and lyrical quality of hip-hop [non-commercial rap]. There are MANY
subtle references throughout the song -- both in lyrical and
"sampling" format -- to hip-house songs that were popular
during the early
1990s (to name a few: "Groove Is In The Heart," Wiggle It," and
"Looking At The Front Door"). This was a "TRIPLE TROUBLE" recording
involving Andrew Greenstein [lyrics, vocals, co-production], William
Schwartz [co-production], Tod Cagan [music & co-production], and Eric
Washington [scratches, samples, co-production].
Click here to hear it!
"18 To Party, 21 To Drink - Version 1" -
Recorded in the VERY early 1990s, the only things about this song
that are similar in any way to "version 2" would be: The title and the
"hook"-- The feel, mode, music, stories & rhymes..are all very
different from Version 1-- making it an entirely different song.
Admittedly, this one is markedly inferior to the one above -- in EVERY
respect.
Click here to hear it!
"That Ol' New York Rap" - Recorded
around 1994, this lyrical onslaught is great to listen to for a
while..but, admittedly, begins to feel like a little bit too much ranting and
raving.. The song is probably also at least one
verse too long. Taken in sections, it's a good listen.. Taken as a
whole, however, it can be a bit "too much." For this recording, a great drum
track w/ samples/cuts, etc; was laid down by Eric Washington and
William Schwartz. Tod Cagan made some contributions as well...Lyrics
& vocals by Andrew Greenstein [with backup from Eric and William] and
all members co-produced.
Click here to hear it!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE RAP RECORDINGS >
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ME! - at age 16..posing for
a [rap]
group photo shoot...
Never judge a book by its cover! As many of these recordings will
evidence, I was a very authentic and very skilled rapper! My passion
for the music remains genuine although I definitely prefer hip-hop
from the 80s over the present-day genre. Now in my 30s,
rhyming is still a favorite pasttime--even if not always done in the
form of rap music (i.e. original nursery rhymes for toddlers,
creative storytelling, etc;)... |
I retired successfully at
the age of 28 after working more than 125 hours per week
for 6 1/2 years. I've visited more than 30 countries, overcome
handicaps, and delivered award-winning speeches.
I am available
on a case-by-case basis for professional consulting and
motivational speaking. Click here to
read about my professional consulting services... |
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