The Evolution of Doug E. Fresh
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He’s known as a Hip-Hop pioneer who popularized beatboxing and made timeless hits as the leader of the Get Fresh Crew, but Doug E. Fresh has done so much more. As we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop in 2023, the World’s Greatest Entertainer conceptualized a block party-style summer celebration tour with other genre legends called “Masters of the Mic: Hip Hop 50 Tour.”
This year, Doug E. Fresh — born name Douglas Davis — also raised awareness for Hip Hop Public Health, an organization he founded with Dr. Olajide Williams that teaches health literacy to underserved communities. No wonder he made our The Root 100 list.
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Born Douglas Davis, Fresh was born on Sept. 17, 1966 in Barbados.
Raised in Harlem
Shortly after he was born, Fresh moved to Harlem and was raised by his mother and grandfather. This is where his love of Hip-:op blossomed: Fresh grew up as a huge fan of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and The Cold Crush Brothers. Fresh was also a big fan of poetry — especially that of the legendary Langston Hughes.
Origins of the stage name
Fresh went through a myriad of names before he landed on Doug E. Fresh. He went by Christian D, Dougie D, Law-D and Dougie Doug, among others.
Get Fresh Crew
Fresh was originally a solo artist who signed to Enjoy Records, and later Vintertainment Records. Fresh would eventually join DJ Barry Bee, DJ Chill Will, and MC Ricky D (Slick Rick) to create the Get Fresh Crew.
“Oh, My God!”
Fresh (with the help of the Get Fresh Crew) released his debut album, “Oh, My God!,” in July 1986. While the album did not become a huge success, the group had songs that went on to become popular singles.
“The Show”
The most popular track from “Oh, My God!” was “The Show,” an upbeat song that showcased the crew’s energy and unique sound. The production samples the melody used in the theme song of “Inspector Gadget,” a popular 1980s TV show. The single peaked at four on the Billboard Hot 100.
“The World’s Greatest Entertainer”
In May 1988, Doug E. Fresh released his sophomore album, “The World’s Greatest Entertainer.” While not an instant hit, the album became one of Fresh’s most popular and beloved projects to date.
“Keep Risin’ To the Top”
“Keep Risin’ To the Top” was the most popular song on Doug E. Fresh’s sophomore album. Similar to “The Show,” the single peaked at four on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Doin’ What I Gotta Do”
“Doin’ What I Gotta Do” is the last studio album Doug E. Fresh worked on with the Get Fresh Crew. While it’s not nearly as beloved as his previous two albums, it’s a solid piece of work in his discography and features the hit “Bustin Out (On Funk),” which samples the 1979 Rick James song of the same name.
“Play”
“Play” is the first studio album Doug E. Fresh released without the help of the Get Fresh Crew. Released in September 1996, the album includes some solid jams, including “Freaks,” “Hands in the Air,” “I-ight (Alright)” and “Where’s da Party At?”
Doug E. Fresh teaches Wolf Blitzer how to Dougie at the 2010 Soul Train Awards
Did you know that the “Teach Me How to Dougie” dance was partly taken from Fresh’s dance moves during the mid-1980s? Due to the popularity of the dance, Fresh came back to the forefront in 2010 and even helped teach CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer how to do the dougie at the 2010 Soul Train Awards. It was pretty cringe to watch.
The Church of Scientology
Doug E. Fresh is also a member of the Church of Scientology. The above picture was taken while he was performing at the Scientology Celebrity Center’s Anniversary Gala in 2004.
2019 American Beatbox Championships
Doug E. Fresh is probably the most famous beatboxer of all time. So it only made sense that he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 American Beatbox Championships.
“Masters of the Mic: Hip Hop 50 Tour”
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Doug E. Fresh helped organize the “Masters of the Mic: Hip Hop 50 Tour,” along with rap legends Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, KRS-One and Slick Rick.
Hip Hop Public Health
Doug E. Fresh teamed up with Dr. Olajide Williams to create Hip Hop Public Health, an organization that teaches health literacy to underserved communities. Their work as a part of the organization was recognized at the 2023 The Root 100 event.
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