The Roots of a West Coast Revolution
Released in November 1992, “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” stands as the definitive anthem of G-funk, an international sensation that placed Compton, Long Beach, and the iconic production of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg on the global map. Yet, beneath the surface of this massive hit lies a complex history of forgotten threads and early collectives. Among these is Perfection, a Long Beach group formed in 1986 and led by the Filipino pioneer DJ Glaze. Long before the genre reached its commercial zenith, Perfection was already navigating the L.A. music scene, performing at legendary venues like The Roxy and the Good Life Cafe.
The group’s history is inextricably linked to the rise of West Coast hip-hop. At its peak, the collective included about ten members, eventually bringing in Shawn Antoine Ivy, known as Domino, before he pursued his own path to success. It was during this formative era that a young Snoop Dogg collaborated with the group on the 1991 diss track “Let Em Understand Perfection.” While Snoop would go on to global superstardom, the early artistic partnership with Glaze remains a vital, if often overlooked, chapter in the evolution of the genre.
From Perfection to Foesum
As the 1990s progressed, the landscape of hip-hop became an intense arms race for technical mastery and production quality. DJ Glaze recalls that while talent was abundant, the ability to secure and master equipment like the MPC3000 was what separated the contenders from the legends. By 1994, the collective had retooled as Foesum, consisting of Glaze, MNMsta, and the late T-Dubb. In 1996, they released their seminal album Perfection, a G-funk classic that remains highly sought after by collectors today.
The group’s commitment to the original 1990s sound allowed them to cultivate a dedicated international audience, particularly in Asia and Europe. Even decades after their inception, Foesum continues to release music, including their 2025 project Two Thousand Twenty Foesum. For Glaze, the journey has been one of independence and resilience, leveraging the digital age to maintain a career long after the mainstream spotlight shifted elsewhere.
A Legacy of Independence
Reflecting on his career, DJ Glaze emphasizes the importance of being self-contained. By learning to produce, promote, and distribute their own music, Foesum avoided the pitfalls of relying solely on major labels. This independence, while challenging in the early days, ultimately provided the group with the longevity to define their own legacy. As a brown pioneer in the West Coast scene, Glaze’s story is one of musical passion, technical evolution, and an unwavering loyalty to the G-funk sound that helped define an era.