Released in 1984, Jam On It by Newcleus remains one of the most influential songs in the early days of hip-hop and electro-funk. The track combined catchy beats, futuristic synthesizers, and playful, memorable lyrics to become an anthem for the burgeoning breakdancing culture and the hip-hop scene at large. Even decades later, Jam On It endures as a classic, reflecting the creative spirit and innovation of the 1980s.
This article explores why Jam On It became such an iconic and influential song, examining its creation, impact on hip-hop culture, and its enduring legacy in both music and pop culture.
The Origins of Newcleus
Before Jam On It came into existence, Newcleus was already forming its identity in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, during the early 1980s. Newcleus was born out of a collective of friends who were passionate about music, technology, and the emerging culture of hip-hop. The group’s founding members included Ben “Cozmo D” Cenac, Monique “Nique D” Angevin, Bob “Chilly B” Crafton, and Yvette “Lady E” Cook. Their early sound was a blend of funk, disco, and electronic music, drawing inspiration from artists like Kraftwerk, Afrika Bambaataa, and The Fatback Band.
At the time, hip-hop was still an underground phenomenon, and Newcleus saw it as an opportunity to experiment with both the burgeoning genre and the latest music technology. What set the group apart was their unique combination of electro-funk and hip-hop, which would lay the foundation for their most successful and groundbreaking track: Jam On It.
The name “Newcleus” itself reflected the group’s aim to be the “nucleus” of the evolving music scene—a combination of creativity, technology, and innovation. In the early days, the group’s members focused on learning how to use the latest drum machines, synthesizers, and samplers to create a futuristic sound that would appeal to both hip-hop and electronic music fans.
The Creation of Jam On It
The song Jam On It was a collaboration between the members of Newcleus, but its creation can largely be attributed to the musical vision of Cozmo D. The song, which was released as the second single from Newcleus’s debut album Jam On Revenge, was an amalgamation of several elements that defined the early sound of hip-hop and electro-funk.
The Sound and Technology
The music of Jam On It was created using some of the earliest drum machines and synthesizers available at the time. The Roland TR-808 drum machine was a key component of the track’s production, providing its punchy basslines and crisp snares. The TR-808 was beloved for its ability to produce deep bass sounds and synthetic percussion, making it an essential tool for producers in the early days of hip-hop and electronic music. In Jam On It, the 808 gave the song a distinct, electronic funk sound that helped set it apart from the more organic beats of contemporary hip-hop tracks.
In addition to the TR-808, the song was produced using various synthesizers, including the Roland Juno-106 and the ARP Odyssey. These synthesizers gave the track its futuristic, spacey feel, which would later become synonymous with the electro-funk genre. The production techniques employed on Jam On It were revolutionary for their time, as Cozmo D and the rest of the group were among the first to use these machines to create music that blended funk rhythms with electronic sounds, laying the groundwork for the future of hip-hop production.
The Vocals and Lyrics
Lyrically, Jam On It combined classic hip-hop themes with a playful, almost cartoonish delivery. The lyrics were filled with braggadocio, humor, and sci-fi references that were indicative of the group’s desire to entertain while also pushing the boundaries of the genre. The hook, with its catchy, “Jam on it!” chant, became iconic in its own right. The vocal delivery, particularly from Chilly B, was filled with confidence and energy, perfectly matching the song’s upbeat tempo.
In addition to Chilly B’s primary rap vocals, the song also featured a robotic, higher-pitched vocal effect in parts of the chorus. This was created using a combination of pitch-shifting effects and vocal modulation, which added to the song’s futuristic, electro vibe. The combination of Chilly B’s deep voice with the altered robotic vocals gave the song a distinctive sound that made it stand out from other tracks of the time.
The lyrics were not only a declaration of the group’s musical prowess but also a celebration of hip-hop and electronic culture. One of the most memorable lines from the song, “Jam on it, jam on it, jam on it!” became a rallying cry for the hip-hop community, particularly in relation to the emerging breakdancing culture.
The Release and Reception
When Jam On It was released in 1984, it was positioned as an anthem for the hip-hop and electro-funk scenes. The song quickly gained popularity in both the underground and mainstream music scenes. It reached #56 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart, a significant achievement for an independent electro-funk release at the time. Its infectious melody, unique sound, and bold lyrics made it an instant favorite among fans of both hip-hop and electronic music.
Beyond its chart success, Jam On It became a significant part of hip-hop’s early history. The track was widely played at block parties, roller rinks, and clubs, where it quickly became a staple of breakdancing competitions. The song’s energetic beat, catchy chorus, and robotic vocal effects made it an ideal soundtrack for the athletic, acrobatic dance style that was taking the world by storm.
The success of Jam On It helped solidify Newcleus’s reputation as one of the pioneers of electro-funk and hip-hop fusion. The track captured the imagination of fans, and its cultural significance only grew over time. While it wasn’t as commercially successful as some of its contemporaries, Jam On It became a defining song of its era, influencing countless artists and genres in the years that followed.
The Cultural Impact of Jam On It
Jam On It is more than just a song—it is a cultural touchstone that reflects the spirit of the 1980s. The track’s fusion of electro-funk and hip-hop set the stage for the development of new musical subgenres and trends. Several key aspects of Jam On It’s impact stand out.
1. Breakdancing Culture
In the early 1980s, breakdancing (also known as b-boying) was rapidly gaining popularity as part of the hip-hop movement. Breakdancers required music with a fast tempo and strong, syncopated beats to match the intricate footwork and spins of their dance style. Jam On It’s infectious beat and dynamic rhythm made it a natural fit for breakdancing battles, and the song became an anthem in the breakdancing community.
2. Electro-Funk’s Influence on Hip-Hop
Jam On It was an important track in the rise of electro-funk, a subgenre of funk that combined electronic production techniques with the funky rhythms of traditional funk music. While artists like Afrika Bambaataa and Kraftwerk had already begun experimenting with electronic sounds, Jam On It was one of the first songs to fully embrace the genre-blending possibilities of hip-hop and electro. The track’s influence can be seen in later works by artists like The Beastie Boys, Daft Punk, and DJ Kool Herc, who all incorporated elements of electro-funk into their music.
3. The Rise of Independent Hip-Hop
Newcleus was part of a wave of hip-hop artists in the 1980s who worked outside of the mainstream music industry system. The independent release of Jam On It and the success it achieved through word-of-mouth and grassroots support showed that hip-hop had the potential to thrive outside of major label control. This helped pave the way for other independent artists to find success in the hip-hop world, laying the groundwork for the genre’s explosion into the mainstream later in the decade.
The Enduring Legacy of Jam On It
Decades after its release, Jam On It continues to resonate with audiences around the world. The song’s influence can be heard in numerous genres, from hip-hop to electronic music. Its legacy lives on in several ways:
1. Influence on Modern Hip-Hop and Electronic Music
Jam On It’s fusion of hip-hop and electronic music helped shape the sound of the late 1980s and 1990s. Artists like Daft Punk, Beastie Boys, and Chemical Brothers all drew inspiration from the electro-funk sound pioneered by Newcleus. The track’s heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines was a precursor to the electronic dance music (EDM) revolution that would later dominate the 2000s.
2. Continued Popularity in Hip-Hop Culture
The song remains a beloved part of hip-hop’s history, frequently played at hip-hop events, festivals, and parties. Its legacy lives on through the continued reverence for breakdancing and the culture of the early hip-hop scene.
3. Cultural References and Sampling
The song’s impact extends to pop culture, where it has been referenced in films, TV shows, and commercials. Jam On It is often sampled and has appeared in music videos and commercials, ensuring that it remains a part of the cultural fabric.
Conclusion
Jam On It is a defining track of the 1980s, and its influence continues to echo throughout music today. The song’s unique fusion of electro-funk and hip-hop, its futuristic production, and its playful, braggadocious lyrics helped set it apart from other songs of its time. Its success in the breakdancing and hip-hop communities solidified its place as one of the most important songs in early hip-hop history, while its continued cultural relevance shows that it will forever be a beloved classic.
Newcleus’s Jam On It serves as a testament to the creativity, innovation, and spirit of collaboration that defined the early days of hip-hop and electronic music. Its legacy is one of timeless appeal, bridging genres and generations, and ensuring its place as one of the greatest tracks in music history.
