Lord Finesse is one of the most underappreciated figures from hip-hop’s golden era. While his production work is well-known, racking up credits with Big L, Notorious B.I.G., and Brand Nubian, another side to his artistry has gotten lost in the shuffle. Before he was one of the more sought-after producers of his era, Lord Finesse had a stint in Ice-T’s Rhyme Syndicate Management as a vocalist. His debut album as a vocalist, Funky Technician, was released in 1990, but recognition for his talents wouldn’t come until a year later. 1991 is when Lord Finesse released Return of the Funky Man. The 16-track album was released by Giant Records and introduced the world to the artist’s gritty perspective and imaginative storytelling.
For this Golden Age Thursday, we look back at the promotional run for Lord Finesse’s classic LP. The future legend appeared as a young hopeful on Yo! MTV Raps in 1991 for an interview and quick freestyle. The clip is legendary for a few reasons. The show cuts to a Big Daddy Kane music video right before the interview starts. When we return to the air, the camera pans over to see Big L sitting beside the DJ Booth. After learning more about Lord Finesse, he lays down a head-spinning freestyle showcasing his immense rapper talents. Lord Finesse’s beats can be found on some of the most iconic albums of the golden era. Hearing the voice behind those sinister drums adds an eerie layer of artistry to an already otherworldly talent.
