Olas un Bekons

Digital Cratediggin' With OuB [Day 15]

Added 2020-12-05 11:21:31 +0000 UTC

Hello everyone!

Today I am back with another batch of digital random albums/singles that were randomly selected. Well, if there's more than 1 entry (let's say 3 Pete Rock releases), then the subsequent releases are not random, but added to the first one. But I hope you get what I'm thinking.

Today we got many solid releases. East coast mostly (sorry for those who into G raps). Please note that despite so many East coast releases, I will try to nominate only one. So what are today's nominations?

1) There are so many good releases that will make your head nod. Firstly, do you remember Raheem from Houston, TX? Born in Trenton, NJ, he moved to Houston as a kid and was a part of the original (somewhat different) Geto Boys lineup and made his contribution to their official debut record. When he was just 15, he left the group to pursue his solo career. When he dropped 'The Vigilante' he was just 17 years old but the album helped to set Houston on the rap-map. There even was a small piece of article on Los Angeles Times about how Raheem represents and (as many Southern rap pioneers) fights with those stereotypes that 'Texas rap ain't about nothin'. Vigilante might not be heralded among the best rap albums of all time and it is somewhat misinterpreted by those who see the label and have heard about his affiliation with the Geto Boys. Therefore, many think this one is gangsta rap album. Actually it's a well executed hardcore rap album more lyrically related to the likes of late 80's East Coast rap. Considerate part of the album is vocally attacking the rival 'sucker MC's' (such as the Shotgun track).

In 1992 he dropped another LP on Rap-A-Lot, this time adding more gangster rap elements. 'The Invincible' is more similar to what other rap projects of Texas were releasing. Both albums are a solid part of the early days of Southern hip-hop.

Interestingly, he dropped one 12'' in 1989 between both albums, looking more into social issues. It was called 'Self Preservation'. It's one of the rarest Raheem tracks because of not having been included in the albums. Sampling game is also top level. You don't get your typical rap samples of the time, but something that gives it militant rap feeling that's evident when you listen to Paris and Public Enemy. Samples used are 'Whole Lotta Love' (backward intro) by Led Zeppelin ('69), 'Purple Haze' by the Jimi Hendrix Experience ('67), 'Let's Go Crazy' by Prince & the Revolution ('84) and Malcolm X speech (pre-'65). So I guess you get what I'm talking about. I found this 12'' accidentally in a great condition, and gave it a spin few weeks ago. DOPE!

2) Have you ever heard of KAY LC? The chances are solid that you haven't. Ulmar 'Passenier' Robert is one of pioneers of Dutch rap. He released one album Hard 2 Handle in 1991 with the most notable track being 'Leavin' which was released separately as a single in 1992 (incl. dope sample of Gladys Knight and the Pips hit). So I don't know much about the artist and his later work after. However, great to know that he teamed with producer DCREAL67 and released an album in 2013. Snippets are dope.

Thanks to discogs I also gathered that he released one single called 'Geef Me Dat Ding' under the name Keeyel. If his earliest and 2010's works are known to nod the heads of many golden age and boom bap rap followers. The 2001 track would give you that cringe feeling you usually try to avoid in your daily life... But what the heck, here you go, I found it on youtube.

3) With our East coast nomination I wanted to go with Pete Rock basement demos, and I know how dope it is to read 'Pete Rock' and 'demo' in one sentence, but I will go with one track that was tirelessly bumped on Red Alert's 98.7 KISS FM back in '87. Produced by one of those underrated producers Charley Casanova, this one has that dope mid 80's sound that will make you turn up your volume. Well, it was played much on radio, but King Doe-V never released an album or other subsequent singles. Maybe because the track despite dope lyrics and delivery was kinda outdated for the time. Most of hip-hop heads had known that new Eric B & Rakim sound for a year by now and maybe that's what failed Doe-V to secure more sustainable record deal. Fresh Records (TRIVIA ALERT: KURTIS MANTRONIK was one of its co-founders) despite signing many notable artists such as EPMD, Nice & Smooth, Just-Ice, and T La Rock, went defunct in 1992.

P.S. Another out-dated sounding but retrospectively dope NYC track is featured on todays selection aswell. It's called The Classical II - New Generation / (She's A) Freak Dog (1987 Rooftop Records / Jive). Sounds even older than King Doe-V. For the sake of nostalgia, it's good to go.

As for King Doe-V, this was his only release under this name until Chopped Herring released a 7'' inch having 2 of his previously unreleased records - Knuckle Up and Heavy. As for the man himself, it does not mean he abandoned the rap game completely as he dropped his alter ego. He went by the 'Truck Turner' name (gotta be the inspiration of 1974 blaxploitation movie) and released several singles in late 90's and early 2000's. In 2002 he dropped an album. His most notable record of the time was Symphony 2000 featuring rap legends such as KRS-One, Big Pun, Kool G Rap, and produced by Marley Marl. Interestingly, this wasn't the only superstar remake by Marley Marl's The Symphony originally performed by Juice Crew All-stars in late 80's. The other, and perhaps more popular one, is EPMD's version with Method Man, Redman and Lady Luck. Artist groups on both are all-star level but I consider EPMD had more exposure because it made it into their 1999 LP.

Last but not least about the Truck - the other side of the his Symphony 2000 version record was 'Who Am I' produced by DJ Premier himself. Twelver is dope and much recommended if you into late 90's East coast rap.

++++

Well, these were the 3 mentions of what I saw the most outstanding and in the need of reminiscing in this collection of digital cratediggz content. There are also many les honorables that need to be at least called out -

First we have East coast golden age hip-hop household names such as ATCQ and Pete Rock, Raekwon, Busta Rhymes, and Cella Dwellas. Secondly, there are lesser known underground raps (from late 90's to more contemporary timeframe) that keep and kept it real - be sure to check out Da Ranjahz (I love their stuff, and am planning to spin vinyl singles I got - one of them has Raekwon on feats), Grimm Teachaz, Scienz Of Life, Royal Family (not the one you know from Wu-Fam), Concrete Click (Lyrical Terrorism is mid-90's underground masterpiece. Last month it got another reissue/remaster version), Malik Turner, Tribeca, and Pete Rock produced instros from the dope InI album.

From the East Coast there's some heavy tunage from Stetsasonic (12'' Suzy vinyl) and it's frontman Daddy-O who has remained active and not s long ago dropped his new album 'G.O.A.T. Antidote'. You should check it out!

Staying on more old school NYC tip, here are some more vinyl flavas from the UTFO debut album, and Dismasters' Afrocentric 1989 single. Latter is known as one of first entries of triplet flow rap which is pretty much frequent in todays rap music. Talking bout UTFO, they are worth their own entry and a story to tell.. But staying with basics, the UTFO started all the Roxanne craze which later launched many careers.

Midwest Underground rap fans can find additional releases of Freddie Gibbs' and J Dilla (R.I.P.) remixes inside the batch.

Last but not least is that Cameo - She's Strange 12''. I posted the album as a part of digital c-diggin' few weeks ago. This time it was time for the single. If you would ask me what's my favourite old school electro funk track of that time, I would give you this one or at least put it in my top3. That extended intro is dope. Many other fans tend to agree.

And that's all for now. Preview tracks are below as always.

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