Remembering 39 Posse: The New Orleans Rap Group That Helped Build the Foundation for No Limit Records

#NOLAZINE - Before No Limit and Cash Money Records transformed New Orleans into a major force within the music industry, local artists were already creating an independent hip-hop movement across the city.

Among the groups helping lay that foundation was 39 Posse, a pioneering trio from New Orleans’ 3rd Ward. Consisting of Shack, DJ KLC and MC Dart, the group combined hard street lyrics, booming bass, funk samples and early bounce influences to create a sound that represented New Orleans before the national industry fully understood the city’s music.

Although 39 Posse never received the commercial recognition later earned by other Louisiana rap acts, its music and connections helped establish the foundation for one of Southern hip-hop’s most successful eras.

Who Were the Members of 39 Posse?

The three members of 39 Posse were:

• Derrick “Shack” Mushatt

• Craig “DJ KLC” Lawson

• Dartanian “MC Dart” Stovall

The group’s name reportedly came from KLC living on the 3900 block of Louisiana Avenue.

Their relationship began during the mid-1980s when they competed in local breakdancing contests. Like many members of hip-hop’s earliest generation, they entered the culture through dancing before progressing into rapping, DJing and music production.

By the end of the decade, the three young men were developing a sound that mixed influences from national hip-hop with the distinctive rhythm and attitude of New Orleans.

Recording Their First Project

39 Posse reportedly released its first EP in 1989. However, legal problems involving some of the lyrics forced the group to remove the project from stores.

The members originally planned to return to the studio and remix the disputed material. Instead, they decided to record an entirely new collection of songs.

In 1991, the group released the single “Clockin’,” backed by “Pumped in Power.” The recording helped introduce listeners to the hard drums and bass-heavy production that would later become closely associated with KLC.

39 Posse followed that release with another EP containing songs such as “Got What It Takes to Make It,” “Ask Them Hoes” and “Pass the Snake.”

A 1993 feature in OffBeat Magazine described the group’s sound as “straight-up funk.” Shack, KLC and MC Dart reportedly collaborated on both the lyrics and production. OffBeat Magazine

The Influence of “Ask Them Hoes”

One of 39 Posse’s most remembered recordings is “Ask Them Hoes.”

The song incorporated the famous “Triggerman” rhythm that became an essential component of New Orleans bounce music. Based partly on elements from the Showboys’ “Drag Rap,” the beat became one of the most reused sounds in the city’s musical history.

“Ask Them Hoes” also inspired a response record from another future New Orleans legend. Mia X released “Ask Them Suckas” as an answer to 39 Posse’s song during the early stages of her career.

Mia X eventually became the First Lady of No Limit Records and one of the most respected female rappers in Southern hip-hop. The connection demonstrates how closely linked New Orleans’ early artists were before any of them achieved widespread recognition.

The Release of 39 Automatic

In 1993, the group released 39 Automatic through Parkway Pumpin’ Records.

The project included “39 Automatic,” “Hot Spot,” “Stuntin’ Stars,” “Bitch I’m Dart,” “Ask Them Hoes,” “Pass the Snake” and a remix of “Got What It Takes to Make It.”

The album blended gangsta rap, funk and the developing bounce sound. KLC’s production featured deep bass, hard drums, blues-influenced piano melodies and rhythms designed for New Orleans clubs and neighborhood parties.

Those musical characteristics would later become important parts of his work with No Limit Records.

Although 39 Automatic did not receive major-label promotion or national distribution, it has become an important collector’s item among fans interested in the early history of Louisiana hip-hop.

Building Parkway Pumpin’ Records

39 Posse was the first group to record for Parkway Pumpin’ Records, an independent New Orleans label closely associated with KLC.

The company became home to a remarkable collection of developing talent. Artists connected to Parkway Pumpin’ included Magnolia Slim, who later became Soulja Slim, as well as early versions of Mystikal, Fiend, Mr. Serv-On and other performers who eventually became part of the No Limit family.

39 Posse also worked behind the scenes. The group produced music for local artists such as E.X.D., Lil Elt, Corey C., Silky Slim and a young Mystikal.

In 1993, 39 Posse produced E.X.D.’s project No Elevation. This showed that the members were not only trying to build their own careers—they were helping develop an entire community of New Orleans artists.

Music historian Matt Miller noted that early groups such as 39 Posse formed independent companies to release their own music and recordings by other performers. That independent approach helped create the business foundation later used by No Limit and Cash Money. 64 Parishes

KLC’s Rise With No Limit Records

The most nationally successful member of 39 Posse became DJ KLC, born Craig Lawson.

KLC developed into one of the greatest producers in Southern hip-hop history. After working with 39 Posse and Parkway Pumpin’, he joined Master P’s No Limit Records and became a leading member of the legendary production team Beats By the Pound.

Alongside Mo B. Dick, Craig B, Carlos Stephens and DJ Daryl, KLC helped create the sound that powered No Limit’s historic commercial run.

His production credits include work with Master P, Mystikal, C-Murder, Silkk The Shocker, Mia X, Soulja Slim, Snoop Dogg and numerous other artists. He later produced records for musicians outside No Limit, including the Ludacris hit “Move B***h.”

The hard drums, threatening piano melodies and heavy bass heard throughout No Limit’s classic catalog did not appear overnight. Those ideas were already developing in KLC’s music with 39 Posse.

Listening to 39 Automatic provides an early glimpse of the sound that would eventually help No Limit sell millions of albums.

The Death of Shack

Tragedy became part of the group’s history when Derrick “Shack” Mushatt was killed during the late 1990s.

Reports state that the 28-year-old rapper was shot multiple times near the intersection of Philip and Clara streets in New Orleans.

His death ended any possibility of a complete 39 Posse reunion and took away one of the voices that had helped shape the group’s identity. Shack’s contribution remains preserved through the music he created with KLC and MC Dart.

MC Dart reportedly continued recording music under the name Poison Dart, while KLC carried the group’s musical legacy into No Limit, Beats By the Pound and his later production work. Parkway Pumpin’ history

Why 39 Posse Matters to New Orleans Hip-Hop

39 Posse deserves to be remembered as more than the group KLC belonged to before joining No Limit Records.

The trio recorded music before New Orleans rap had a national platform. Its members helped operate an independent label, developed local performers and created records that combined gangsta rap with the emerging bounce sound.

Their story also connects several important chapters of the city’s musical history. Through 39 Posse and Parkway Pumpin’, there are direct connections to Mia X, Mystikal, Soulja Slim, Fiend, Mr. Serv-On and Master P’s No Limit empire.

Groups such as 39 Posse proved that New Orleans artists could produce, promote and distribute their own music. They helped build an underground market that demonstrated the city’s commercial potential.

By the time No Limit and Cash Money became national powerhouses, 39 Posse had already helped create the blueprint.

Their recording career may have been short, but their influence traveled much further. 39 Posse will always hold an important place among the pioneers who made New Orleans hip-hop history possible.