Marrero Rapper MC Thick Brought Grit and Storytelling In The 1990's to New Orleans Rap

In a city like New Orleans, where bounce music reigned supreme during the early '90s, one rapper from nearby Marrero, Louisiana carved out a space that was entirely his own. That artist was MC Thick, a robust and lyrically gifted rapper who dared to diverge from the regional norm. Through vivid storytelling, unfiltered commentary, and a distinctive voice, he gave Marrero its anthem and the rap world a raw glimpse into life beyond the city’s glitzy club scene.

"Marrero (What The F* They Be Yellin)" — A Street-Level Classic**

In 1991, MC Thick made waves with the underground hit “Marrero (What The F* They Be Yellin)”** — a gritty, unapologetic track that spotlighted life on the streets of his hometown. Released through the small but influential Alliv Records, the track immediately resonated with locals, selling over 3,000 copies independently. Its regional success and authenticity caught the attention of Atlantic Records, which re-released the single and helped launch Thick’s debut album, The Show Ain’t Over Till The Fat Man Swings, in 1993 under their Big Beat subsidiary.

A Style All His Own

What set MC Thick apart was his refusal to conform to the booming bounce trend dominating New Orleans. Instead, he embraced lyrical storytelling and gave listeners a street-level narrative that named names, exposed harsh truths, and painted pictures of daily life — from drug dealers to law enforcement. His verses were raw, visual, and bold — earning him credibility not only on the streets but also within the broader hip-hop community.

Crossing Genres and State Lines

In 1996, MC Thick dropped his second and final album, Now Whatcha Think, further showcasing his evolution as an artist. It featured collaborations with George Clinton, a legend in funk music, and a guest verse from Texas rap icon Bun B. These collabs reflected his crossover potential and showed that his appeal extended far beyond Louisiana.

His work with George Clinton was particularly notable, as Clinton rarely lent his influence casually. Their joint effort placed MC Thick in a select group of regional rappers whose artistic value transcended the local scene, blending funk and Southern rap in a way that was both unexpected and innovative.

A Life Cut Short, A Legacy That Lives On

Tragically, MC Thick’s life and career were cut short in 1996, just as his momentum was building. Though his name may not be as widely known as other New Orleans rap icons, his influence remains embedded in the DNA of Louisiana hip-hop.

He proved that there was more than one sound coming out of New Orleans—and that lyrical integrity, storytelling, and artistic bravery could stand tall in a city dominated by dance floors and bounce beats.

Today, MC Thick is remembered not only as a pioneer of Marrero rap but as an artist who stayed true to his roots, brought raw reality to the mic, and left behind a legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of Southern storytellers.