Nostalgia tours don't always have to feature Ringo Starr or hair bands.
More than 20 years after "Rapper's Delight" broke through to radio, hip-hop has its own legends — and nothing befits a legend more than a comeback trek.
A healthy number of the rappers who first brought the genre to radio and video are still touring the country and releasing new music. Here's a rundown of who's doing what and why you should know.
(Tour dates are according to various booking agencies, artists' management and venues.)
Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock
Breakthrough single: "It Takes Two" (1988)
Catchphrase: "Don't cheer me, just hear me out, 'cause I got the clout — shout!"
Famous fashion accessory: Big gold chains, lots of 'em.
Forgettable moment: Cover of Edwin Starr's "War."
Most recent record: Break of Dawn (1994)
Current projects: Unknown.
Tour dates:
Run-DMC
Breakthrough single: "Walk This Way" (1986)
Catchphrase: "You be illin'."
Famous fashion accessory: Unlaced Adidas.
Forgettable moment: "Ghostbusters" from the "Ghostbusters 2" soundtrack album.
Most recent record: Crown Royal (2001)
Current projects: Promoting new album with worldwide tour; Daryl McDaniels (DMC) will release his solo album in the fall.
Tour dates:
Sir Mix-A-Lot
Breakthrough single: "Baby Got Back" (1992)
Catchphrase: "Look at that butt. It is sooo big."
Famous fashion accessory: Long fur coats.
Forgettable moment: Producing Rebecca from "The Real World — Seattle."
Most recent records: Beepers, Benzos and Booty: The Best of Sir Mix-A-Lot (2000) and Return of the Bumpasaurus (1998)
Current projects: Playing occasional shows with members of the Presidents (formerly the Presidents of the United States of America) under the name "Subset"; recording a new album.
Tour dates:
Sugar Hill Gang
Breakthrough single: "Rapper's Delight" (1979)
Catchphrase: "A hip-hop, the hi-be, to the hi-be, the hip-hip-hop, you don't stop rockin'."
Famous fashion accessory: Shiny jump suits.
Forgettable moment: "Kids' Rapper's Delight," a sing-along version of their hit, and just about everything else on their kids album (see below).
Most recent record: Jump On It! (1999)
Current projects: Unknown.
Tour dates:
2 Live Crew
Breakthrough single: "Me So Horny" (1989)
Catchphrase: "Banned in the U.S.A."
Famous fashion accessory: Thongs (see cover of As Nasty as They Wanna Be)
Forgettable moment: "Bill So Horny," a topical remake with new lyrics about Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky.
Most recent record: Private Personal Parts (2000)
Current projects: Raising hell in a town near you.
Tour dates:
Tone Loc
Breakthrough single: "Wild Thing" (1988)
Catchphrase: "I need $50 to make you holler."
Famous fashion accessory: None.
Forgettable moment: "Hit the Coast" from the "Surf Ninjas" soundtrack album.
Most recent record: Cool Hand Loc (1991)
Current projects: Recording first album in a decade, new single set for fall release; starring in new John Stamos TV show, "Thieves"; and developing the animated TV show "Dog Years."
Tour dates:
Vanilla Ice
Breakthrough single: "Ice Ice Baby" (1990)
Catchphrase: "Drop that zero and get with the hero."
Famous fashion accessory: Spray-painted jeans, neatly elevated bangs, shaved line in eyebrow.
Forgettable moment: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: The Secret of the Ooze."
Most recent record: Hard to Swallow (1998)
Current projects: Recording new album; raps about his manliness on Betty Blowtorch's "Size Queen."
Tour dates:
Young M.C.
Breakthrough single: "Bust a Move" (1989)
Catchphrase: "Standing on the wall like you was Poindexter."
Famous fashion accessory: None.
Forgettable moment: Return of the 1 Hit Wonder
Most recent record: Ain't Going Out Like That (2000)
Current projects: Raps on "Cadillac," the first single from Mest's August 14 album, Destination Unknown.
Tour dates: