Tha Liks' J Ro Spearheads Roger Troutman Tribute Album
By Mark Allwood, BETi Music News
The music world mourned when influential artist Roger Troutman was killed in a bizarre murder/suicide at the hands of his brother and Zapp bandmate Larry in April of 1999, but arguably no one felt the loss more than hip-hop.
Known for his use of the vocoder (also known as the talk box), Troutman's music was among the most heavily sampled in hip-hop, providing the blueprint for such hits as EPMD's "You Gots to Chill" and Tupac Shakur's "California Love," as well as tracks by Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Janet Jackson, DJ Quik and the Notorious B.I.G., among others.
Troutman's other hits include "Computer Love," "I Wanna Be Your Man," "More Bounce to the Ounce" and "So Ruff So Tuff." In what has been two years in the making, Tha Liks member J Ro is finally putting the finishing touches on a forthcoming Troutman tribute album.
"Troutman's musical influence totally changed the sound of West Coast hip-hop," said J Ro in a statement. "Every rapper and producer I know felt a loss from his sudden death, so it was no problem getting MCs, especially from the West Coast and Midwest, to contribute to this album."
The project, entitled Still More Bounce, is slated to be released on April 16 via J Ro and his partner Harlan "Wolf" Morgan's record label, Wolfpac Records. The LP's lead single will be Chico DeBarge and Shae Fiol's remake of "I Wanna Be Your Man," while J Ro and Kurupt's rendition of "Party Started" will be serviced to clubs.
Other artists on the album include rap veterans Ice T and Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, Tha Liks' Tash, Rass Kass, Tray D, Mac Mall, Defari and B Real of Cypress Hill, among others.
"Roger's music is a part of the backbone of hip-hop, along with James Brown and George Clinton, so I didn't have to think twice about being part of this tribute album," said veteran rapper Ice T in a statement.
Troutman, a native of Ohio, first rose to prominence with Zapp, the funk band he formed with his brothers in the 1980's. He also recorded under a number of monikers and managed a successful solo career.
The following is the tentative track listing for Still More Bounce, according to Billboard:
"Party Started" - J Ro and Kurupt
"I Wanna Be Your Man" - Chico DeBarge featuring Shae Fiol
"Throw It Up" - Snoop Dogg, Tray D and 4-Tay
"Let Me C' Ya" - Lil' Beau and Salim
"Still More Bounce" - Rass Kass, Kam, Tash, B-Real and Spice 1
"Bad Days" - Defari, Phil Da Agony and Merciless Stylz
"Slow & Easy" - Mirror and Tasha Scott
"Sweat" - J Ro
"Crushed Grapes" - J Wells, Merciless Stylz and K Boogs
"Just For You" - Merciless Stylz and G Blac
"Get On Down - Ice T, Xzibit, Kurupt and Mac Mall
"Brokenhearted" - Myeasha Meks and Wally Ali