The Hollywood Impact
August 26th, 2005 by mattmatical
King Sun - On the Club Tip 1989
Style - The Assassinator 1990
LA Star - Fade to Black 1990
Twin Hype - Nothin’ Could Save Ya 1991
Okay now, my cover’s about to be blown. Most producers I’d like to profile on this blog are just names printed on record sleeves and CD booklets to me. Many of them haven’t had any output in 10, 15 years. In hip-hop production, longevity seems reserved for a chosen few. Still, I kind of cherish these periods when a certain producer is on a roll, no matter how brief they may be. Take The Hollywood Impact between 1989 and 1991. According to rapper Tony Tone, who had the privilege of a Hollywood Impact-produced album (Style’s “In Tone We Trust“), The Hollywood Impact was a collective. “Hollywood, Mick Nice, Twin Hype and King Sun / T La Rock, Brian Stroh, Tariq, Shameek are all rollin’ with Tone / we’re called The Impact,” he explained on “How You Livin’?” “Identify the talent of The Hollywood Impact,” King Sun commanded us one year later on “Cold New Yorkin’,” two years after the liner notes of his “XL” album listed Style, Twin Hype, Just 2, Choice Brothers, Tiny Rock and Brian Stroh as fellow members of The Hollywood Impact. At the same time The Hollywood Impact seems to refer to a single person, at least that’s what I conclude from the writing credits that keep mentioning a certain R. Pagan, as well as from the fact that he’s often directly addressed as Hollywood by the rappers he works with.
His homebase would’ve been somewhere along the axis Bronx-New Jersey. Brian Stroh was the engineer, Centerfield Productions the company, Centerfield Studios the facility. Run by producer, arranger, composer and jazz vibraphonist Mike Mainieri, who in the ’80s gave jazz an urban edge with his fusion project Steps Ahead. The tracks on display today show The Hollywood Impact’s two (ultimately insufficiently cultivated) strong suits - crossover club potential and multi-layered, carefully arranged soundscapes. Along with its predecessor “Do it to the Crowd,” Twin Hype’s “Nothin’ Could Save Ya” is probably The Hollywood Impact’s biggest claim to fame, a dance anthem that by my calculations should move the crowd to this day. King Sun’s “On the Club Tip” might very well be the blueprint for Hollywood’s idea of hip-hop on the club tip, which Sun is keen to distinguish from (hip-) house. “Nothin’ Could Save Ya” to me is the pinnacle of Hollywood’s “club/rap fusion” (with DJ King Shameek taking center stage and also earning co-production credits.) The “Theme From SWAT” is as reliable as ever, but really it’s all in the presentation, in how Shameek, the Twins and Hollywood collectively set out to create 5 minutes of dancefloor bliss.
Style’s “The Assassinator” is good ol’ hardcore hip-hop, a barrage of machine gun funk rendered particularly interesting by the inclusion of a haunting piano, while “Fade to Black” by Lisa Ali Star flows more smoothly, but still possesses enough sharp edges to give credibility to her cautionary comments on street life. (Check her “Wondrous Dream” and “Swing to the Beat” for further Hollywood Impact goodness). As suddenly as it had appeared, as suddenly the mysterious entity named The Hollywood Impact was gone. After 1991, the discogs entry lists two 1992 “DJ Tools” EP’s and a track for Whodini on the ill-fated “Raiders of the Lost Art” project from 1994. In an interview with Platform8470, J-Zone talks about going to Jersey with Tony Tone to meet The Hollywood Impact. Maybe he’ll drop by in the comments section (yeah, right), or maybe someone among you friendly people has information regarding The Hollywood Impact that would help complete this entry.
Posted on August 26th, 2005 by mattmatical 
Thanks for posting the Twin Hype track. I, too, spent some years looking at the back of the “Do It to The Crowd” 12″ wondering who to give the credit to for its smooth and dense sound. I, too, noticed the name of R. Pagan but never researched it like you. I’ll have to dig the other tracks, too.
August 28th, 2005 at 8:04 pmI got put on to this by one of my peoples. Surprise, I did drop by. I gotta say Wood (Hollywood or Ricky) is one of the coolest, most talented and down to earth cats I ever met in this game. He was mad underrated with layered production. He was like a danceable version of the Bomb Squad, but he made hard straight up rap shit too. I’ll tell him about this, cause he needs to know that he was one of the illest and I still can’t figure out how he did half that shit til this day. Check for that Romeo Black “Chemical Warfare” “12 on Select too. That shit is rare but its that funk.
August 30th, 2005 at 3:22 amcaught the message good looking….holla
August 30th, 2005 at 10:15 pmThanks to J-Zone and Tone for dropping by.
September 2nd, 2005 at 4:54 amNot forgetting Centerfield Assignent’s “Mi Casa”, on a massive 7-track 12″ on UK rave label XL. More on the house tip, but with a funky hip hop style that carries echoes of Twin Hype’s “For Those Who Like To Groove” and “Do It To The Crowd” ; also features scratching from King Shameek on some mixes
September 14th, 2005 at 12:03 amThanks for posting that LA Star song. Not to lessen the impact of the other tracks, but I had totally forgotten about that particular one but as soon as I saw the name I instantly remembered and had to hear it. I also used to be huge Twin Hype fan. I always thought I was the only one. JK. But those definitely some good choices selectah!!!
–MBC
September 15th, 2005 at 7:49 amI know hollywood personally and he is working on one of the biggest projects ever that will send the impact to new heights.
September 20th, 2005 at 8:30 pmNot only R.Pagan AKA Hollywood(Hollywooood Swinging):) is a friend He’s Family I remember when he use to edit music in his room with his mom yelling! RICKYYYY!!! He sure tored up that SP1200 (and you think primo had skills) But true indeed he is one of the most talented brothers around and is truly underrated for his creativity in HIP-HOP,DANCE and whatever he touches (He’s just a bad motha shut yo mouth!)Check out the remake he just did of tenderlove. keep up the good work!!
September 21st, 2005 at 12:48 amWood is truley one of the most straight up brothas I have ever met. Unlike many of the people that have put up posts, I have know him for only about two years. I know people who have know him since when, and one of the things I can say is noone who I know that knows him says anything but good about him he is extremely blessed and talented. He has helped me to realize my gifts and blessings. He and I are like two people who have known each other all out lives like brothers even though it has only been a couple of years. Hollywood is still making an impact in many ways. Keep your ears open the sound is better than ever. Let’s make it like it used to be. Much love.
September 21st, 2005 at 2:14 amI’v known Hollywood, personally for many years…and I have to say , he’s one of the most genuine people you could ever meet. His gift of music is just part of what makes Hollywood special. If you ever get the chance to meet him…please do, because only then, could you would see why this man is loved by many, for more than just his music.
September 22nd, 2005 at 1:14 amDamn that is some talent right there. Good luck to Hollywood for the future.
September 22nd, 2005 at 2:12 amI’ve known The Hollywood Impact personally for about (you can say) 18 years, and I’m proud to say that I’m his daughter. I personally would like to thank mattmatical for blessing my father with this page and I highly appreciate it. I guess i was pretty young to understand the impact of his hits and how his music was touching other people around the world, but it touches me to see this site and how many people care and appreciate him. It makes me proud to say that i am going to follow in his footsteps and not only has he been my inspiration, but he’s shown me how to appreciate my blessings and has taught me that the sky is the limit. Also not only have i been a fan of his music from then being so young I definitely can say as a young adult I’ve heard some of his newest remixes comin out and I’m definitely gettin down! So get ready because The Hollywood Impact is Back! God Bless! 1
September 22nd, 2005 at 6:13 pmthis is MICK NICE from STYLE. i actually stumbled on to this page searching to see if anything was on the web dealing with my group STYLE. i just wanted to chime in about my man HOLLYWOOD. he was then and still is one of the best cats making beats. i am glad to have been part of and still be a part of THE HOLLYWOOD IMPACT. i had a front row seat at the boards and a back row seat on the couch in centerfield. i saw my brother construct the beats from metronome to what you heard coming from your speakers.there are mad stories i could tell but i will never forget all the conversations we had at the boards which simply explained is the essence of hip hop. he helped make one of my dreams come true which was to make a record and we did an album. much love.
DIZ aka MICK NICE
September 24th, 2005 at 7:02 amYOOO!! peoples I’m feeling the love,respect and essence of what is going on here, when I fisrt heard hollywoods voice on the phone back in 1989 I was a very young wide eyed (cocky) little kid who did’nt know anything about hollywood. When I picked up the phone all I heard was “yoooo” lol which became our signature greeting whenever we speak. I remember hearing a voice that sounded full, full of energy love for music, and an intense respect for what he heard on my demo tape..(and I do mean tape no cds yet)lol. It just makes me feel that this is by farthe realest cat Ive ever met, and the reason being is, after 16 years I still hear that same voice with the same intense,respect and love for music!! Hollywood’s my dude for life..wood you know what it iz!! Love 4 Life!! oh and for those who wanna know wuzzup whicha boy…log on to
www.tonezworld.com
Designed by ‘DJ MICK NICE”! yea ni**az we keeps it in the family!!! 1
September 24th, 2005 at 12:25 pmFirst of all, I want to thank God for the opportunity to be able to encounter an individual like Hollywood. He exposes to me a positive inspirational outlook towards the music industry. After conversing with Hollywood, I recognized that there will be opportunities, challenges, and rejection, but through it all there will be acceptance. Thank you, Hollywood for continuing to motivate me and being such a radical thinker. Your something else
September 28th, 2005 at 7:28 pmANY RECENT WORK SO WE CAN SEE IF THIS CAT
September 29th, 2005 at 6:03 pmSTILL GOT THIS TALENT
WOW! I DID HEAR THAT TENDER LOVE REMAKE HE JUST DID
October 2nd, 2005 at 12:05 amI BELIEVE ITS GONNA BE HUGE AND I HEARD A CRAZY HIP HOP TRACK OF HIS AND MAN THE BEAT ALONE WITH NO VOCALS WAS FIRE!!!
i also know hollywood for sometime now and i agree
October 7th, 2005 at 6:46 amwith what everyones posted. ive also had the pleasure to hear his current material and i must say
get ready
PHEARCE!!!
What up yall?
Does anyone know if that’s the same DJ King Shameek that’s DJing for Miss Nana? If so, I didn’t know he was Old School like that. I also have the last Naughty By Nature album that he did production on. I think it was the hottest track on the album.
Pete Pee
November 15th, 2005 at 1:16 pmAs a singer working with Wood whether it was with Desafio or solo no one, and I mean, no one has ever brought the best out of me. He thought me to give the best and when I thought I had done the best it still can be done better because that’s what he belived. So I quickly learned to trust his musical instincs and talents and boy did he get the best out of me. He will always be my first and only choice to produce my vocals. I was born with a talent but he thought me that a beautiful voice doesn’t just come from the mouth it comes from the heart. Thanks for believing in me because I defenitely believe in you.
November 26th, 2005 at 1:55 amWood you inspire me for real, you know I mean it when
January 14th, 2006 at 5:39 amI say your one of the hottest producer around. I still check with you to this day, to see what ya got cookin under those hot ass tracks. Not just so I can get my weight up but also because I love the music.
Hollywood is still one of my best dudes and thanks for the history!!!!Shameek is still that dude too!!! Brick City stand up!!!Holla at your boy in the ATL!!!!
May 31st, 2006 at 7:08 pmHey Thanks For the Memories.
I can Remember R. Pagan (Hollywood) at his home on MT Prospect Avenue., NWK NJ running into his house and his dog rocky parking to keep us in his house. Yeah I thought that if I heard Everybody (Madonna) or Freeze AEIOU playing any more I would hate him for it but such is life that I miss that sound and the youth of that time. Hollywood expressed a real intrest in music and continues it through today. I am glad that he’s back and I will continue to look for his sounds in the near future. You Kaos or Chaos to all of you out in the brick just listen to the sounds of the Hollywood Impact and you will realize the ingenuity and originality that comes from those reels of steel. God Bless
Love Orlando AKA Chaos
July 8th, 2006 at 11:23 pmHey Thanks For the Memories.
I can Remember R. Pagan (Hollywood) at his home on MT Prospect Avenue., NWK NJ running into his house and his dog rocky parking to keep us in his house. Yeah I thought that if I heard Everybody (Madonna) or Freeze AEIOU playing any more I would hate him for it but such is life that I miss that sound and the youth of that time. Hollywood expressed a real intrest in music and continues it through today. I am glad that he’s back and I will continue to look for his sounds in the near future. You Kaos or Chaos to all of you out in the brick just listen to the sounds of the Hollywood Impact and you will realize the ingenuity and originality that comes from those reels of steel. God Bless
Love Orlando AKA Chaos
July 8th, 2006 at 11:23 pm- Hollywood seems to have always played the background. I remember trying to figure out which voice was his on “The Counterfeit Incident” (”They don’t even look like twins!”) and wondering if he was the dude rocking the leather trench in the video for “On the Club Tip”.
Hollywood’s production is top notch and defined early 90s Hip Hop perfectly. I used to play back songs like “Twin Hype” and “Pray for Death” just to catch as many elements as possible and analyze the structures. After a while, I couldn’t tell the difference between beats by Hollywood or King Shameek. When King Sun dropped “Righteous But Ruthless” I thought Hollywood produced the whole thing until I read the liner notes. Songs like “Cold New Yorkin’” and “Universal Flag” have Hollywood’s signature sound, but were done by King Shameek. It’s Paul C and Large Professor all over again (in regards to style and technique).
I checked Tone’s new site and see that he’s taken a much more modern approach to Hip Hop. That’s cool, but I’m stuck on “In Tone We Trust”. I heard Twin Hype was coming back out, but haven’t seen anything yet.
Hollywood, you made some classic material and I hope to hear some more of your signature sound. If you still got that leather trench coat, rock it on an album cover or in a video just for old time’s sake.
February 23rd, 2007 at 6:49 amI had the pleasure of working with the Hollywood Impact when I was the A&R Director at Centerfield Productions. Knowing Ricardo Pagan was an honor, he is great human being as well as an uber-talented writer, producer, & mixer. He wrote the Latin Hip Hop classic, “Sincerely Yours” by Sweet Sensation with Ted Curier and produced some great hip hop songs in Mike Mainieri’s studio. Got to give him props for his great work for MS. Good man, Hollywood.
Hope everybody else is alive and well…Tone,Mick,Twins,B.Stroh,Glamorous,Shameek,T La Rock,LA Star,King Sun,my friend,Romeo Black,Nefatini,DJ Cheese,Jai the boss,Choice Bros. & all who I knew at Centerfield…that was one hell of a ride.
Mike
March 1st, 2008 at 7:17 am