MC Shan

MC Shan (born Shawn Moltke on September 6, 1965) is an American rapper and songwriter. He was born and raised in Queensbridge, New York, and is best known for his contributions to the early days of hip hop and for being a member of the legendary Juice Crew collective.

Shan began his music career in the 1980s, performing at block parties and talent shows in Queensbridge. In 1983, he met producer Marley Marl, who would become his longtime collaborator and mentor. Together, they created Shan’s debut single, “Feed the World,” which was released in 1985.

In 1986, Shan released his debut album, Down by Law, which featured the hit single “The Bridge.” The song became an instant classic and helped establish Queensbridge as a hip hop mecca. Shan went on to release several more albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including “Born to Be Wild” and “Play It Again, Shan.”

Shan’s music has had a lasting impact on hip hop culture, influencing generations of rappers who came after him. His signature style, which blends storytelling and vivid imagery with clever wordplay and a smooth flow, helped pave the way for the rise of gangsta rap and the East Coast-West Coast rivalry of the 1990s.

Today, Shan continues to be revered as a hip hop pioneer and an icon of the genre. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists over the years, including Snow, KRS-One, and Ice Cube. He remains a beloved figure in the hip hop community and a testament to the enduring power of rap music.