Spyder D (Duane Hughes) was a classic "old school" rapper and producer from New York City who combined elements of jazz and funk in his live instrumental backing tracks. "Big Apple Rappin'" was perhaps his most famous 12", released on his own Newtroit Records in 1981. Another notable release was "I Can't Wait (To Rock The Mike)", released in 1986 as single—a version of the Nu Shooz hit "I Can't Wait".

Other Spyder D releases include "Buckwheat's Rap" (Profile, 1985), and the house party hit "Smerphie's Dance", now an often-sampled cult classic (not to be confused with another early 80's song called "The Smurf", performed by Tyrone Brunson). Spyder D's brand of music was characterized by a laid back attitude, humor, and skills on the microphone. He released a full length album in 2000 entitled True Dat, which didn't earn the acclaim of his early work.

In 2005, he was the owner of an ABA franchise, the Charlotte Krunk (named after a type of hip hop music).

See also

• Big Apple Rappin': The Early Days of Hip-Hop Culture in New York City 1979-1982