His rhyming ability
[above3]
Credit: Chris McKay/Getty Images
Phife Dawg’s rhyming ability set him apart from a lot of MC’s back in the days, and is considered one of the pioneers of transitioning rap from the 80’s sound into the nitty and grittier 90’s sound everyone came to hear. He was also labeled as having a “self-deprecating swagger.” His rhymes and sound helped the “macho posturing” hip hop culture in the golden era. Being that the group was known for infusing jazz into their production, it set up a unique way of them to discuss political and social issues on top of being dope Mc’s. Phife carried different nicknames with him throughout his career, including “The Funky Diabetic,” “The Five Footer” and more.
[ad2]
