What is Baltimore Club Music?
Created in the early 1990s in Baltimore, Maryland, Baltimore Club music, or B-More as it is sometimes known, was pioneered by several Baltimore DJs and musicians, including Scottie B., Frank Ski, Big Tony and DJ Spen.
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Where It Began
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Baltimore Club music began at places like Club Fantasy, the Parados, Hammer Jacks, Odell's and Club Choices.
The Sound
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According to Todd Inoue of the Washington Post, the Baltimore Club sound is "an up-tempo hybrid of hip-hop and house with kickdrums, chants, handclaps and bizarre synth effects set to accelerated tempos."
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The Influences
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Comparable to house music, the Baltimore Club sound also contains R&B, rap, hip hop, crunk, 80s synth, techno and rock influences.
A Sample Within a Song
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Sampling tracks include George Bush stuttering through a speech and such popular television show samples as Spongebob Squarepants and Sanford and Son.
Taking Over the World...or at Least New Jersey
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Expanding north, the Baltimore Club sound reached New Jersey, developing a cult following in places like the Brick City club.
Where to Now?
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Discovering the sound through the release of the 12-inch remix of Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl," major labels are now taking notice.
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