(Note to all labels and artists, if you have product that you would like me to review just holla at me on the email, thanks!)
KMD "Black Bastards"
Finally, KMD's "Black Bastards" has been released as a whole album. I been waitin for this for 6 years now. But its finally here! The album is just on some classic shit. KMD is Zev Love X and Subroc (RIP) if you didn't know and they definitely do there thing on this album. They handle all the production together and they do there thing. Its the sound true heads have been looking for. Zev and Sub just kill it on the mic too. Cuts like "Get U Now" is just some ill street shit and "Smokin That Shit" is an ill possee cut featuring Kurious Jorge, Lord Sear, and Earthquake. Then of course the title track is blazin, just some ill shit. The stand out cut on the album is of course the original single, "What A Nigga Know?". This album is a true classic and should be copped instantly!
Reviewed by: The Pro
J-Zone "A Bottle Of Whup Ass The EP"
Back once again is J-Zone with his second joint "A Bottle Of Whup Ass" fresh for 2000. This shit is hot with all the joints produced by J-Zone. There's a total of 15 tracks on here with about 9 or 10 actual songs. The illest cut on this joint is "No Consequences" featuring Huggy Bear. J-Zone comes with one of the funniest lines I heard this year sayin: "Roll thru the ghetto pumpin Ice Ice Baby think I give a fuck its better then the shit I heard lately". This EP is just some ill shit and the skits are just hella funny. J-Zone's partners come tight with Huggy Bear making 3 appearances and Al-Shid making 3 appearances as well. This is just some ill shit that yall need to check out! For more info check out: ZoneSite
Reviewed by: DJF
Slum Village "Fantastic Vol. 2"
Slum Village is here with there new album on a new label. Even though "Fantastic Vol. 2" has been floating around for a minute, it looks to have some new cuts added to it with a whole gang of guests. A lot of songs are on the topic of love and just having a good time with hip hop. Which is cool, cause there is way too much negativity coming thru right now. Production is handled by super producer Jay-Dee who is also a member of the group. And the whole gang of guests include Q-Tip, D'Angelo, Busta Rhymes, Kurupt, and Pete Rock. The rhymes are tight and there flows are perfect over the beats. The illest cuts on this piece include "I Don't Know", "Untitled/Fantastic", "Fall in Love", and "Players". This album will be dropin in June and will be perfect for the summer, this shit is gonna blow. So prepare for this joint when it drops!
Reviewed by: The Pro
The Blackbook Sessions
Here's a crew/label compilation from Galapago 4 called "The Blackbook Sessions". The artists on the album include Anacron, Offwhyte, Pacifics, Yoda, Sillis, Serf 400, and Pugsley Atoms. The album is 7 tracks deep and comes off very tight. Its a tight showcase of some the artists that are representin Galapagos 4. Some of the highlights of the album include "Be Where? (Beware!)" by Anacron. I definitely see this joint gettin mad love on the radio and mixtapes. Other dope cuts are "Rush Hour" by Pugsley Atoms and "Easy Speak" by Offwhyte. This album is hella solid and yall need to check it out. For more info check out Galapagos4
Reviewed by: DJF
Offwhyte "Squints by Offwhyte"
Here the newest release from Chicago's Galapagos 4 label. This is a solo joint by Offwhyte who definitely holds it down. Offwhyte's style is just some ill hip hop type shit. No gangsta shit and no bullshit, just hip hop straight up and down. I like his flows and the beats fit him perfect. Producers for the album include Offwhyte, Open I, Anacron, Kato, and Whitelightning. Stand out cuts include "Reallocated Resoures", "Juicy Pulp" feat. Pugsley Atoms Alaska, and "North to Broadway". Definitely cop this joint. Check for his material at: Galapagos4
Unknown Entity "Chapters I & II"
Here is a 3 man crew (Rokon, Dizzy Order, & DJ Tenshun) from San Deigo called Unknown Entity. Their debute release "Chapters I & II" is 10 tracks deep and hella fresh. Production is handled by the crew themselves and there lyrics are dope. What I dig about the group is they come at you with many tight styles. This album definitely wont have your bored thats for sure, cause they are very agressive on the mic. Some of the stand out cuts include "Bad Trip", "Alternative 3", and "Twisted Logic" (Remix). I suggest for yall to check them out cause this crew is going to go somewhere in 2000. Check out there website at: Unknown-Entity
Reviewed by: DJF
Missin Linx "Exhibit A"
Here is the lond awaited debute of Missin Linx who is made up by Al' Tariq (Fashion of The Beatnuts), Problemz, and Black Attack. The EP is only 6 tracks deep but they are all bangers. Production is handled by Necro, Adam 12, DJ Emz, The Alchemist, and VIC. What Missin Linx brings to the table that many artists dont is the underground sound and mainstream sound together. They come with lyrical heat on every joint as well. Stand out cuts are "What It Is" and "Family Ties" feat. Freddie Foxxx. The EP also includes last year's underground hit M.I.A. This is a tight lil EP and it will be interesting to see what an full album will sound like from them. Don't sleep on this joint!
Reviewed by: The Pro
Andre Nickatina "The Daiquiri Factory"
Back once again is one of Oakland's illest MC's Andre Nickatina with his new album "the Daiquiri Factory" on Fillmoe Coleman/Million Dollar Dream Records. The album has 17 tracks and hits you hard with some hella tight street shit. What seprates Andre from many others is this cat got lyrics. He just aint a gangsta rapper, this cat is an ill MC. Production is handled by Nick Peace, Million Dollar Dream, Pimp Tap Movement, Laird, Rodney Lane, and Lolo Swift. Some of the tightest cuts on this album are "Bakin Soda In Minnesota", "Daigriri Factory", and "King Nicky's Crown" feat. Lolo Swift. Yall need to check out this album! To order this album check out: Million Dollar Dream
Reviewed by: DJF
Rah Digga "Dirty Harrriet"
Here is the debute album by the first lady of the Flipmode Squad better known as Rah Digga. First off I'm really dont listen to many female MC's in the past few years cause there really aint anything tight out besides the underground female MC's. But Rah Digga is hella tight, I love her whole style. She spits nothing but hot shit and she writes her own rhymes as she always says. "Dirty Harriet" is 18 tracks deep and has nothing but hottness like how "Tight" hit everyone last year. Production is handled by Mr. Walt, Pete Rock, Shok, DJ Premier, Busta Rhymes, Nottz, Rockwilder, Dave Atkinson, Dor-D, and Ill-X. Some of the guests on this album are Eve, Sonja Blade, Busta Rhymes, Outsidaz, Carl Thomas, and Flipmode Squad. After hearing this album all I can say is Flipmode is back!
Reviewed by: The Pro
Big Pun "Yeeeah Baby"
As we all know, Big Pun died earlier this year and it was definitely another terrible lost for everyone. Pun just finished up the album a few weeks before his death and now his sophmore album is finaly here. This joint is 16 cuts and its definitely another banger. Big Pun had best of both worlds in Hip Hop, he got respect by the mainstream cats and mad props from the underground as well. And this is exactly how this album is. Pun hits us off with the radio joints like "Its So Hard" and then hits us off with the street joints like "Off With His Head" and "Lether Face". One of the illest cuts on here is "Laughing At You" produced by Ogee and features Tony Sunshine. This album is tight should not be slept on!
Reviewed by: DJF
The A-Team "Who Framed The A-Team?"
Here is the all new re:released version of "Who Framed The A-Team?" by West Coast duo The A-Team. The A-Team is Aceyalone and Abstract Rude and they make up a tight team. The album is 10 tracks deep and packed with tightness. "Who Framed The A-Team" is just one of the illest cuts I heard in a longtime. The other cut that really got me checkin for them is "Like That Like This", just some hot shit. The album is definitely an underground classic and features 2 of illest MC's of the L.A. underground scene. Another track to on here to check for is "O.G. Crew" feat. Volume 10, DK Toon, Mikah 9, P.E.A.C.E, Djinji Brown, and Ganjah K. Definitely cop this album when it hits your store!
Reviewed by: The Pro
Common "Like Water For Chocolate"
Back with his forth album is Common with "Like Water For Chocolate" on MCA Records. Its been 3 years since his last release but thats fine, what many dont know is Common had to deal with getting signed to a new label and also finding a new production team. The label move was definitely a great move. As far as production though, yeah I'm feeling the production by Jay Dee of Slum Village and ?uestLove of The Roots but No I.D. is missed. But you have to come with a different sound with each album and "Like Water For Chocolate" is definitely a dope album and will stay in your rotation for a long time. Common still comes correct with his deep lyrics about life and its the reason why Common and The Roots sound belong together. Its just good music and Jay Dee definitely brings the heat as well.
Some of the joints on here that I'm really feelin are "The Questions" feat. Mos Def, "Nag Champa", and "Thelonius". The banger of the album is of course "The 6th Sense" that was produced by DJ Premier. "Like Water For Chocolate" will definitely be one of the illest albums to be released this year. So check it it out if you haven't already!
Reviewed by: DJF
Grimm Real "Demise Of The Clone"
With so much overload of musical downfalls that just seem to keep goin' in a downward spiral; it's exciting when something of this calibur comes along. Grimm Real comes out of LI with some realistic darts. This album reminds me of Everlast's lastest release. Only because of the feelin' he brings, not to mention the live instruments and originality..it's pure hip-hop though.
Constantly through out the album Grimm questions that heads know his style. Which kind of goes along with the title of the album "Demise of The Clone." I've deciphered it as meaning the elimination of those that have copied the general style. This album has an array of explosive joints.
There aren't any weak spots in it, but the album definetly had some spotlight moments. Joints like "Infected" and "Flatline" deliver a great one-two punch. "Infected" has somewhat of a metal instrumental to it with the heavy guitars. While "Flatline" is a more layed back cut with some light string sounds bein'strum by Grimm's lyrics. In the second half "Why Try" spins up a web and leads a display for the following gems.
Straight up with this album you gotta sit back with your smoke of choice and really listen to the lyrics. Lately, metaphores seem to be the big thing wit Eminem, but the realness in this is like, damn! It's like my boy DJF said,"If you want some jiggy shit, you got the wrong MC." Yo, there is absolutely no sampling on his cd which is like takin' a breath of fresh air..live drums,bass,guitar,etc... Grimm brings us an arrange of different types of music. It's pure hip hop; definetly peep it and other Dedrep merchandise to come Check for it at Repstyle Ent. Peace & Enjoy!
Reviewd by: Ill-Starred
Encore "Self Preservation"
Here is the debute album by West Coast MC named Encore. But dont get is twisted, Encore has been payin his dues over the past few years by making appearances with Peanut Butter Wolf, Rasco, and Dan The Automater & Prince Paul's project "Handsome Boy Modelling School" just to name a few. "Self Preservation" is one of the tightest solo debutes I ever heard. The album features production by The Architect who does every track except for "Its Going Down" which was done by Joe Chavez. The album also features some guests that include Dave Dub, Grand The Visitor, Kedar, Turban, Pep Love, and The Bishop. Some of the stand out cuts include "Esoteric", ".084", and "Its Going Down". The album is definitley a nice piece to add to your collection, dont sleep!
Reviewed by: The Pro
Sunspot Jonz "Child Ov The Storm"
"Child Ov The Storm" is the first solo album from Sunspot Jonz aka BFAP of Mystik Journeymen. This album here is another Living Legend crew classic. Sunspot is not only a dope MC but an ill producer as well, just check Mystik Journeymen for more examples. Sunspot rhymes about many issues from the state of Hip Hop to just life it self, this album is a good example of what Hip Hop artists are lacking these days with all the wackness out there making bullshit records. If it wasn't for the Living Legends crew, there wouldn't be too much shit to check for. Big up to Sunspot and Living Legends for pumpin out hot material every year!
Reviewed by: DJF
Mykill Miers "Its Been A Long Time Coming"
Here is the debute album by underground veteren Mykill Miers. A lot of yall might say who is Mykill Miers, but he's been doin his thing for over 5 years in the L.A. underground scene. He was part of the Western HemisFear crew which included Ras Kass, Vooodu, and Meen Green. And he made a dope appearance on the "Next Chapter" compilation that was released on Immortal Records in 1995.
Now Mykill Miers is back in the year 2000 with his long awaited solo album on Blackberry/Ill Boogie Records. "Its Been A Long Time Coming" is 17 tracks deep and has an overall dope feel to it. A nice amount of guest appearances by Iriscience (Dilated Peoples), AG (DITC), Ghetto Dwellas, Born Allah, E-Rule, Freddie Foxxx, Planet Asia, Dikshen, and Diverse. Production is handled by M-Boogie, Amed, Diverse, Vooodu, and Styles of Beyond's dj and producer Cheapshot. Stand out cuts are "Wanna Be An MC?", "Doin My Thang", and "Bigga Brother". Definitly check for this album!
Reviewed by: DJF
"Show Respect Here: The Wreckgear Compilation"
"Show Respect Here" is a compilation that is brought to you by Illasophic Records and produced entirly by Jizzm High Definition. What is dope about all of this, is Jizzm is known as an ill MC has never been known as a producer till now cause he's only be producing for about 6 months now. This compilation has an all-star cast including Ahmad, Mykill Miers, PEACE, EMC, Subtitle, Matts Forever, Spontaneous, Anamosity, Basik MC, C-4, Osirus, Mr. Brady, Pigeon John, LMNO, Otherwize, Dr. Oop Capone, Blak Forest, Napalm, Mystik Journeymen, Awol One, Lowd, Onomatapea, St. Mark 9:23, A-Team, and Jizzm himself drop a few rhymes.
As far as the beats go, there tight! They all have a nice underground feel to them and each MC flow over them just right. Some of the cuts to check for are "Why Should I Lie?" by Ahmad and Jizzm, "Stream of Consciousness" by LMNO, and the illest cut of all is "Checklist" by Mystik Journeymen. This compilation is definitly one of the best ones I heard recently and it should be making a lot of noise within the next few months. Don't sleep when it drops!
Reviewed by: DJF
Jeru The Damaja "Hereoz 4 Hire"
After a 4 year hiatus, Jeru returns with his long awaited 3rd album "Heroz 4 Hire" on Knowsavage Productions. The album is 14 tracks deep and features a new female MC named MizMarvel on a few cuts. Another interesting thing about this album is Jeru handles all the production, and he does his thing. DJ Premier is definitely missed from the project but Jeru keeps it movin with his ill lyrics that should please many. Some of the tightest cuts are "Seinfeld", "Billie Jean" feat. MizMarvel and Lil Dap of Group Home, and "99.9 Pacent". With good distribution, this album has a chance to create alot buzz in the underground/independent market and it iwll give Jeru the chance to take control of Hip Hop all over again. Definitley cop this!
Reviewed by: DJF
Three Hundred Sixty Degrees "Fugative Bluz" Single
Here's a group thats called 360 that includes an MC named P.G. and DJ/Producer DJ Smal out of Indianapolis, IN on Gate 7 Records. There 3 song single comes thru hella tight with the opening cut "Fugative Bluz" which is an ill story telling type joint over a nice smooth beat. The 2nd cut "Day Turns Night" is dope thats on some B-Boy meets the Street type shit. And the final cut "Ill Cipher" is another hella tight story telling joint! After hearing these 3 cuts, I'm really looking forward to hearing there full length "These Are The Days" that should be making massive noise in 2000. Keep your ears open for this crew!
Reviewed by: DJF
Dead Prez "Lets Get Free"
Dead Prez is a duo made up by Stic. and M1 who definitley do there thing by bringin back Politics in Hip Hop which is needed to teach the youth. A lot of people and critics are dissin Dead Prez but all there doin is trying to get the word out to everyone that there is a lot of bullshit happening with the government, police, and schools. We haven't heard lyrics this strong since the days of Public Enemy, PRT, Boogie Down Productions, and Brand Nubian. Production on this album is handled by Dead Prez, Lord Jamar of Brand Nubian, Hedrush, and Kanye West. The stand out cuts are "They Schools", "Hip Hop", and "The Pistol". This album is one of the best albums I heard in a long time, check it out yall!
Reviewed by: The Pro
Greenhouse Effect "The Up To Speed" EP
Greenhouse Effect is a three man crew that included BluePrint, Inkwel, and Manifest out of Columbus, Ohio. This 14 cut, 9 track Ep "The Up To Speed" comes thru nicely. Production is handled by Blueprint who is just hella tight. As far as lyrics go, everyone does there thing...I'm feelin them. What I dig bout the album is its all Hip Hop no bullshit like a lot of heads are doin right now. Just some tight beats and ill lyrics that this game needs to get back to. Stand out cuts include "Supply & Demand", "True Dat!!", and "The Innercity". The EP is definitly tight and I would recomend this album to anyone who is lookin for some true Hip Hop music! Peep there website: Weightless Recordings
Reviewed by: DJF
Illogic "Unforeseen Shadowns"
Here's an album by an MC called Illogic out of the Weightless Recordings camp. Illogic, who is an MC from Columbus who definitly represents his city right, along with labelmate Blueprint on the beats. Both come 100% fresh and its just ill to be able to hear some down to earth Hip Hop that is hard to find in 2000! Some stand out cuts include "What it Takes", "Hate In A Puddle", and one of the illest bangers I heard this year "Favorite Things" feat. Blueprint. Another ill thing about this album is the 4 interludes which feature a different MC layin down a verse over the smooth Introduction beat, the MC's include Lioness, BlackSmif, Dose One, and Blueprint. Overall, the album is tight and its another hot piece to check for from Weightless Recordings
Reviewed by: DJF
Tack-Fu "Chained Reaction"
"Chained Reaction" is a compilation type album that is produced by Tack-Fu who is definitly making a lot of noise over the past few years. The album is split up in two, the first side features MC's rhyming over Tack-Fu's beats and the second side is a nice set of beats brought to you by Tack-Fu with a whole gang of dj's coming thru. The cast of artists that came out to bless this piece include Joe Juggla, Angle, Don Juan, Automatic, Braille, Felix, and Pan-Eye-BetaReign. The DJ's that come thru include Nate Unique, Earl-E, Quisp, and Richie "12 Inch" Heller. The illest cuts on here would have to be "Throw Your Middle Finger" and "Matter of Time". My final thoughts on this album is positive and it should be checked out by the masses. For more info please check out his website at: Tack-Fu's Site
Reviewed by: DJF
Criminal Nation "Resurrection"
Criminal Nation is a 4 man crew coming out of Tacoma, Washington on Ocean Records. "Resurrection" is 13 tracks deep featuring production by Mass Productions, Eugenius, and Luno. This album has a west coast type feel to it that comes out tight. The MC's of the group come thru tight and are spitting out some ill type street tales. Stand out cuts to me are "Under Pressure", "A Thin Line", and the tightest cut "Thats Fa Sho". This album is another banger and yall should check it out. For more info check out: Ocean Records
Reviewed by: DJF
Fat Lip "Whats up Fat Lip?"
Ex-member of The Pharcyde, Fat Lip returns with his first single in over 5 years. "Whats Up Fat Lip?" is a hella funny cut where Fat Lip just disses the shit out of himself which is truely a classic. The other cut on the single is "Goldmine" that is more of a joint for the clubs that should get some spin. And then there's a tight lil instrumental by producer Edy Crahp called "Edy's Groove" which is hot to death. Other producers to help on this single are J Swift and Mike Floss. Definitley check for this and look out for the upcoming album "Revenge of the Nerds"!
Reviewed by: DJF
DITC "DITC"
The past few years we been getting teased with singles by a crew called DITC (which includes Fat Joe, Diamond, Big L (RIP), O.C., Show, Buckwild, Lord Finesse, and A.G.), now in the year 2000 we finally get the full length from them on Tommy Boy Records. The album is 15 tracks deep and features most of the singles that have been released independently and some new cuts and remixes as well. The best part of the album, is the late Big L is featured on most of the tracks and finally gets the spotlight that he should of got on his first album. SOme of the illest cuts on the album are "Da Enemy", "Thick", and "Foundation". Definitley check this album out!
Reviewed by: The Pro
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