Before David Banner put Mississippi on his back and on the hip hop map, he and his partner in rhyme Kamikaze did it with thiz classik southern LP. IMO, this is one of the most underrated and slept on albumz of all time. The 1999 album features guest appearances from Pimp C and Noreaga. This album was groundbreaking because Crooked Lettaz was one of the few Southern “conscience” rappers. They spit thought provoking lines, instead of your gangsta, dope, pimp tales, typical southern rap subject matter. One uv KD’z most influential albumz.
One of my favorites-Willie Hutch “I Can Sho’ Give You Love”
One of the most talented musicians I have ever heard. The Dallas, Texas native is responsible for many soul hits. He wrote several songs for the popular soul group the Fifth Dimension and penned the hit song “I’ll Be There” for the Jackson 5. Also, Willie co-arranged the vocals on the Jackson 5 songs “Got To Be There” and “Never Can Say Goodbye.” Hutch produced Smokey Robinson’s first album without the Miracles. He recorded a slew of his own albums on the Motown label which include “The Mark of the Beast,” “Concert in Blues,” “Color Her Sunshine,” and “Havin’ a House Party.” Willie wrote the song “Keep the Fire Burning” for Gwen McCrae. He collaborated with legendary Motown producer/songwriter Berry Gordy on “What Have We Got to Lose,” which was a duet between Arethra Franklin and the Four Tops; the song/production “Hello Detroit” for Sammy Davis, Jr., and the soundtrack album for the immensely enjoyable martial arts action picture “The Last Dragon,” which features Hutch’s rousing song “The Glow.” Willie also worked as either a producer and/or songwriter for such artists as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and Junior Walker. Perhaps, Hutch was best known for composing the scores for the excellent cult favorites “The Mack” and “Foxy Brown.” (more…)
The fact that they did a video and are successfully pushing this 3 year old record from him should show just how hot Gucci is right now. And the fact that Big Cat is still trying to eat off dude proves just how terrible that contract must have been. Note to rappers: get a good lawyer!
Possibly the most gangster song in my ipod at any given time, Young Bleed dropped this classic joint back in 1998. Despite the fact that this was released along with a sea of other No Limit albums, it stood out easily. The beats plodding pizzacato strings match Bleed’s vintage delivery perfect. Country Rap Tunes for real.
Thiz iz vintage Memphiz shyt. It remindz me of my younger dayz visiting Memphis, TN, and hearing all tha dope azz underground shyt they had pumpin in tha late 90′z Thiz iz just that shyt we do n tha South n tha summer, “ridin ’round tha hood wit tha homiez gettin’ smoked out.” The way DJ paul & Juicy J freaked them samplez, and put their signature drumz and bassline in there iz so cold. Thiz iz real Country Rap Shyt. My favorite Three Six Mafia song of all-time.
I can’t believe I’ve never heard this before. Eightball in his prime. It’s hard to not feel incredibly nostalgic listening to him rap like this and mention T-Mixx. Ahh those were the days…
Ask around Atlanta and you’ll find Big Gee is your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper. He was a member of the original Boyz N Da Hood - the one with Sean Paul, Trick Daddy, Big Duke & T.I. Although this album never got much burn in the press, it has been embraced by the few who have heard it. Mechanicsville, U.S.A. is also the first album Block put out through Block Entertainment (pre-bad boy deal). Jazze Pha and Midnight Black handle the majority of the production with a notable contribution from DJ Herb (Once Upon A Time) and “We Ready” beatsmith Da Master. (more…)
Come oooooooooon. OK, so maybe this isn’t exactly VINTAGE but in all honesty I have a soft spot for early P$C music. I think it just caught me at the right time when I was younger just getting in the game. It does jam though. The song in the player is produced by Khao. Definitely an interesting listen to hear how far he’s come from bare-boned samples to now.
Bubba Sparxxx, Sean Paul of the YoungBloodZ, Pastor Troy, Rich Boy and Gee Rock from Dungeon Family 2nd Generation/Da Organization with Polow Da Don handling the production. That’s the sales pitch Interscope received from Polow himself some years ago after the brilliant idea came during a wild night at the Pink Pony. (more…)
Originally recorded for the Hustle & Flow soundtrack before the Memphis rappers demanded that their city have a bigger presence on it. It’s produced by Tony Galvin/Black Mob and has to be one of the hardest beats I’ve ever heard. Even Pimp C would be jealous of the organ and horn work on this one. I’ll have more up by Tony Galvin in the next couple days. Dude has put in WORK!
Here’s another dope underground Atlanta album that I grew up listening to. Cooly C handled the majority of the production with some help from some very dope session players. All the music here sounds fresh and vibrant yet street at the same time. Draw The Line comes from the era where bullshit music couldn’t get a pass just because it was “street.” Simply because all the music at the time was street and there was some real QUALITY in it. (more…)
When it’s all said and done this song will probably end up as the one I listened to more than any other. This shit has been on repeat since I was 15. Classic verses from all 3 accompanied by a vintage T-Mixx beat. What more could you ask for?!
The hottest urban clothing designer out decides to jump into the music business and fails?! No way! lol. The FUBU sponsored 54th Platoon were not good at all. Their rap skills were suspect but their beats were top notch. Evidenced by this gem courtesy of Jazze Pha. Again…where the fuck is this Jazze Pha?! I mean really, this beat has everything I’ve ever loved about Country Rap Tunes. A slick wah wah guitar to match the grooving bass line and beautiful poetry of Eightball.
Here’s another dope album that I grew up listening to. I don’t have a lot of info on it except that the bulk of the production was handled by Cooley C of Ghetto Mafia/Kilo fame. The obvious stand-outs are the single “Can’t Stop No Player”, “Get That Bitch” and “Play On.” (more…)
Off the soundtrack for the movie 2 Fast 2 Furious comes this slept on Country Rap Tune. “Hands In the Air” pairs Premro with Da Backwudz producer Milwaukee Black. This song has what 8Ball has been missing for the past couple of years - stellar production. (more…)
