Draft:King Sun
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King Sun | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Todd Ramakhan Turnbow |
| Born | February 23, 1967 Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Origin | Bronx, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, songwriter |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Labels | Zakia, Profile, Cold Chillin’, Warner Bros. |
King Sun (born Todd Ramakhan Turnbow; February 23, 1967) is an American rapper known for his work during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He is recognized for incorporating the teachings of the Five-Percent Nation and Afrocentric themes into his lyrics. He released three studio albums and several singles, including "Hey Love", which reached number 69 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 1987.
Early life
[edit]King Sun was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and raised in both Paterson and the Bronx, New York. During his youth, he was exposed to the teachings of the Nation of Islam. In 1980, he became familiar with the Five-Percent Nation. He later spent time in Jamesburg Youth Prison in New Jersey, and upon release, became actively involved in the Five-Percent Nation.
In 1986, he attended a performance by Rakim in Paterson, where he participated in a freestyle session. He was subsequently discovered by Robert Hill, founder of Zakia Records, and offered a recording deal.
Career
[edit]King Sun made his recording debut in 1987 with the single "Hey Love", produced by D-Moet. The song peaked at number 69 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[1] That same year, he signed with Zakia and Profile Records.
XL (1989)
[edit]His debut album, XL, was released in 1989 through Zakia/Profile Records. The album included "Hey Love", as well as "Mythological Rapper", "On the Club Tip", and "It’s a Heat Up".[2]
Righteous but Ruthless (1990)
[edit]In 1990, King Sun released his second album, Righteous but Ruthless, on Profile Records. It featured tracks such as "Be Black", "Undercover Lover", and "Big Shots".[3] The album charted on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart, peaking at number 54.[4]
Strictly Ghetto (1994)
[edit]King Sun's third album, Strictly Ghetto, was released in 1994 under Cold Chillin'/Warner Bros. Records. It included songs that reflected the changing landscape of hip hop in the early-to-mid 1990s.
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]- XL (1989, Zakia/Profile Records)
- Righteous but Ruthless (1990, Profile Records)
- Strictly Ghetto (1994, Cold Chillin'/Warner Bros.)
Notable singles
[edit]- "Hey Love" (1987)
- "Mythological Rapper" (1987, B-side to "Hey Love")
- "On the Club Tip" (1989)
- "It’s a Heat Up" (1989)
- "Be Black" (1990)
- "Undercover Lover" (1990)
- "Big Shots" (1990)
References
[edit]- ^ "King Sun Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-08-31.
- ^ "King Sun". AllMusic. Retrieved 2025-08-31.
- ^ "Righteous but Ruthless". AllMusic. Retrieved 2025-08-31.
- ^ "King Sun Chart History (Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-08-31.