Influenced by real-life experiences, as well as films like Super Fly and The Mack, rapper Suga Free helped to pioneer “pimp-hop,” a combination of sidewalk sermons and slick lyricism. • Suga Free started pimping as a teenager, when his uncle got him into the lifestyle. • He began recording demos in the mid-’80s under the name Royal Roc. He rebranded as Suga Free during a stay at Wasco State Prison. • Before making his name, he was present at SOLAR Studios to witness many of the sessions for Dr. Dre’s 1992 classic The Chronic. Suga Free even appears in the background of Dre’s iconic “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” video. • He’s worked extensively with DJ Quik, who produced his 1997 debut album, Street Gospel. • In 2000, Suga Free partnered with Compton rapper Mausberg for The Konnected Project, Vol. 1. It was released weeks before 21-year-old Mausberg was murdered in his hometown. • He’s appeared on platinum albums by Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, and Tha Eastsidaz.