Jay-Z (sorta) had his first hit 30 years ago today.

We all gotta start somewhere.

On May 2, 1989 – the very same day that The Cure were on top of the world – a Brooklyn MC named The Jaz (a.k.a. Jaz-O) released his debut album, Word to the Jaz.

More notable than the music itself, however, is the fact that multiple tracks, including the goofy, Fresh Prince-esque hit single “Hawaiian Sophie,” feature a young hype man credited as Jay-Zee, better known as Jay-Z.

While it may not be Hova’s coolest moment, a hit is a hit, and we all gotta start somewhere. Do yourself a favor and watch the video below.