Hip-hop slang for an overly energetic, almost buffoonish rapper. Originated in the early 1990'
s with such mainstream hip-pop acts as Kid 'N Play, Salt N Pepa, and Bill Bev Devoe. This "New
Jack Era" lasted for a few years, but was quickly supplanted by the rise of West Coast-styled "
gangsta" rap, as exemplified by NWA (and, more recently, Westside Connection). In an earlier era, "new
jack" also referred to any novice on the microphone, usu. with a distinct lack of lyrical talent.