DJ Steve Fournier Papers

Collection

Identifier: 2013-008

Staff Only

This collection contains documents, photographs, publications, and memorabilia relating to Steve Fournier and his work as a DJ, Rap Pool of America founder, and hip hop promoter in Houston in the 1980s and 1990s. The collection is divided into five series: Rap Performer Contracts, Rap Pool of America Documents, Photographs, Memorabilia, and Publications. Of particular note is the Rap Performer Contracts series which contains performance contracts for several prominent rappers, including Eazy-E, Sir Mix-A-Lot, N.W.A., Public Enemy, and Ice-T.

Dates

1986-1994

Creator

Fournier, Steve (Person)

Conditions Governing Access:

Open for research

Conditions Governing Use:

Special Collections owns the physical items in our collections, but copyright normally belongs to the creator of the materials or their heirs. The researcher has full responsibility for determining copyright status, obtaining permission to publish from copyright holders, and abiding by current copyright laws when publishing or displaying copies of Special Collections material in print or electronic form. For more information, consult the appropriate librarian. Reproduction decisions will be made by Special Collections staff on a case-by-case basis.

Extent

1.00 linear feet

Additional Description

Biographical Information:

Steve Fournier moved to Houston as an adolescent in the late 1960s. Fournier began DJing professionally in the late 1970s, quickly becoming a fixture in the Houston night club scene. He DJed at several prominent Houston clubs, including Struts Disco, the Boneshaker, and the Rhinestone Wrangler. An avid rap music fan, Fournier was a driving force behind its increasing presence in the clubs, slipping more and more hip hop into his mixes and hosting live rap contests. Fournier also founded the Rap Pool of America in 1985, which became the largest rap record pool in the country. It began with 30 DJs who paid him a monthly fee in return for the latest hip hop albums, and eventually grew to over 200 members. The Rap Pool of America ended in 1998, but Fournier continued working in the rap industry as a consultant to record companies and major labels until about 2002. Although he is now working in a field completely outside the music industry, Fournier still has a strong interest in hip hop and stays involved through occasional consulting and by speaking at music seminars and conferences.

Sources:

Faniel, Maco L. "Hip-Hop in Houston: The Origin and the Legacy." The History Press. 2013.