Stetsasonic — In Full Gear

This live band had gone pretty well with a debut worthy of the name. The sophomore, which arrived two years later, isn't at the same level: essential and generic funky production, several decent bridges, generic and weak rapping, too many functional hooks that don't support the group's hardcore delivery enough.

Westside Gunn — Hitler Wears Hermes 7 [mixtape]

Seventh chapter of the mixtape series inaugurated by Buffalo emcee Westside Gunn. The music is handled by King JVY B, Cee Gee, Daringer, The Alchemist, Sadhugold, JR Swiftz, DJ Green Lantern, Statik Selektah, M-A, Animoss, Denny LaFlare, Diamante and August Fanon. The guests are Keisha Plum, Boldy James, Conway the Machine, Benny the Butcher, Jay Worthy, Estee Nack, DJ Drama, Fat Joe and Curren$y.

Prodigal Sunn — Return of the Prodigal Sunn

Debut studio album by Virgil Lamar "Prodigal Sunn" Ruff. Production by DJ B Original, DJ Battle, Keno, RZA, Leggezin, Filf Rich Obscene Machine Corp., Mike Baiardi, Prodigal Sunn, C Natural and K Beats Kolossal. Guests are 60 Second Assassin of Sunz of Man, 12 O'Clock of Brooklyn Zu, Chi-King, CCF Division, Madame Dee, Yung Masta, J. Wells, A&R, Scotty, Aleksei.

Lou X — Dal basso

Overflowing debut of Luigi "Lou X" Martelli, rapper from Tortoreto, Abruzzo, whose name is a tribute to Malcolm X. His first studio album is produced by the Cordata label, managed by Forte Prenestino, a left-wing social center of Rome, on the proposal of the Assalti Frontali group. The project took about two years to complete, together with the producer Marco "Disastro" Fioritoni, credited as co-author. Rapper King is the only guest of the CD, in "Italia", a remix of a song from three years earlier featured in the "Rap presaglia" demo.

Stetsasonic — On Fire

The hip-hop group is formed as The Stetsasonic 3 MC's in Brooklyn in 1981, originally composed by the rappers Martin "Delite" Wright, S. "Crown Supreme" Mitchell and Glenn "Daddy-O" Bolton. Delite and Daddy O change the group name in Stetsasonic the Hip-Hop Band e decide to include various members, including the DJs Paul "Prince Paul" Huston, Leonard "Wise The Human Mix Machine" Roman, Marvin "DBC" Nemley, and the drummer Bobby "The Eye" Simmons and rapper Arnold "Frukwan" Hamilton, who take place in group for Crown Supreme. In 1985, the group sign a deal with Tommy Boy Records and after releasing the single "Just Say Stet", it releases a whole LP as Stetsasonic.

Tre-8 — Ghetto Stories

Second studio album by Walter "Tre-8" McCallon, rapper of about twenty years. Production is mainly done by the MC himself, along with Master P, Ice Mike, Mo B Dick, KLC and Carlos. Guests are Master P, Mia X, Silkk the Shocker, Mr. Serv-On, 9-Glock, Blakk Ceaser, JU-C, Lil Nic, Percy P, Tim Smooth and Prime Xample.

Grand Puba — 2000

This is one of the poorest jazz rap albums I've heard lately. What happened to Maxwell "Grand Puba" Dixon, who is supposed to be the top MC of Brand Nubian? Everything is supposed to work out on this solo record, yet nothing is really going as it should.

Steady B — Bring the Beat Back

Debut studio album by Warren Sabir "Steady B" McGlone, rapper from Philadelphia. After releasing a couple of singles between 1985 and 1986 with Pop Art Records, the label of his uncle Lawrence Goodman, father of two thirds of Da Youngsta's, he signed with Jive. In 1986 he released two singles under the pseudonym MC Boob, one for the independent label Three Way Records and one with Pop Art.

Conway — Blakk Tape [mixtape]

First mixtape published by Conway in 2018. Daringer is the main producer, flanked by Beat Butcha, Bozack Morris and V Don.

O.C. — The O-Zone Files: Rare Demos and Unreleased Tracks

In 2019, New York rapper Omar "OC" Credle" choose to drop a ton of his material fishing among unreleased tracks, demos, rare tracks, remixes, freestyle, mixtape exclusives and pearls. The production credits Buckwild, DJ Eclipse, FBoom, Kemp, Mark Pearson, John McGann, DJ Riz, DJ Ogee, Da Beatminerz, Eddie James, Showbiz, T-Ray, Ron G, Ric Nice, Soul Supreme, Apollo Brown, Moodswing9, M-Phazes, Vinyl Reanimators, Chilloutist and DJ Celory. The guests are Page the Hand Grenade, Poops, Prince Po, MC Serch, Pharoahe Monch, F.T. of Street Smartz, Red Hot Lover Tone, Nas, Chubb Rock, Ron G, Chef Raekwon, Killa Sin, KRS-One, Biggie Smalls, Show, Fat Joe, Lord Finesse, Big L, AG, Diamond D, Large Professor, Organized Konfusion, Kool Keith, Mr. Complex and Unique. 51 tracks, almost four hours of music, released under Mushine Inc.

O.C. — O-Zone Originals: 1993-1996

In the autumn 2011, OC release a compilation album where he puts together the two previous EPs ("O-Zone Originals EP" & "O-Zone Originals Part 2 EP") and adds three remixes to create this kind of collection of songs recorded between 1993 and 1996, towards the end of the golden age. Buckwild produces one third of the whole disk, other beats are reserved to John McGann, Mark Pearson, DJ Eclipse, DJ Ogee, Da Beatminerz, DJ Celory and T-Ray. MC Serch is the only guest rapper credited of the CD.

Ghostface Killah — Apollo Kids

Ghostface Killah's tenth solo studio album, just over a year after his previous solo release, a few months after his Method Man & Raekwon collaborative album "Wu-Massacre" and three years after his last true solo hip-hop album. Behind the keyboards there are Frank Dukes, Shroom, Sean C & LV, Yakub, Scram Jones, Pete Rock, Chino Maurice, Big Mizza, Anthony Acid and Jake One. The guests comes mainly from Wu-Tang Clan. Tony Starks on the mic is joined by GZA, Killah Priest, Busta Rhymes, Joell Ortiz of Slaughterhouse, Game, Black Thought of The Roots, Jim Jones, Sheek Louch of The LOX, Method Man & Redman, Raekwon, U-God and from Theodore Unit members Cappadonna, Trife Diesel, Shawn Wiggs and Sun God.

Lil' Kim — The Naked Truth

Lil Kim's fourth LP is released while the artist is in prison and is the first with a sober cover. The production is put together with beats from guys who have names I'm embarrassed to even write. The guests are Tiny, The Game, Bun B, Twista, Maino, Snoop Dogg, Jack Jones Knight, T.I. and Sha-Dash. I tried to do a track by track but it came out as nervous mess as this album. Kim wants to save on production and she's not rewarded by the final result: the music bounces and annoys all the time, while the girl spits random bars, staying in her comfort zone and creating as generic a mainstream rap album as possible.

Da Youngsta's — The Aftermath

Second studio album for Tajj "Taj Mahal" Goodman, Qu'ran "Q-Ball" Goodman and their cousin Tarik "Reek Geez" Dawson, the three kids from Philadelphia who, aided by the father of the first two Lawrence "LG the Teacher" Goodman, make up Da Youngsta's.

Grand Puba — Reel to Reel

In 1991, Grand Puba left Brand Nubian probably due to creative differences, and began his solo career debuting with a studio album the following year. Production of the record is mainly done by Grand Puba himself, with some rhythm also provided by Stimulated Dummies, Kid Capri, Latief, DJ Shabazz, and The Brand New Heavies.

Killah Priest — The 3 Day Theory

Ninth solo studio album from the most famous Wu-Tang affiliate ever, Killah Priest. The project is produced, recorded, mixed and mastered entirely by Kount Fif. RML is credited with him in production. On the mic, the emcee is joined by Cappadonna of Wu-Tang Clan, Canibus & Ras Kass of The Four Horsemen, Ill Bill & Sabac Red of Non Phixion, Copywrite, Jakki da Motamouth, Empuls, Sonsee, Steven King, iCon the Mic King, Jay-Notes, Redd Mudd, Lyrik, 2Mex, The Last Emperor and Mr. Probz.

Agallah & Sadat X — The Gods Have Arrived

Collaborative record for Angel Louis Aguilar and Derek Murphy. Agallah (Purple City) & Sadat X (Brand Nubian) arrive almost silently, without too much noise, without wanting to disturb. For Agallah it's the fifth project of the year, Brand Nubian's MC hasn't dropped a record for two years, but their collaborative release remains mostly ignored by audiences and critics.

The Holocaust / Warcloud — Back at Pro's Lab

In 2015, Thrice Great Records, a subsidiary of Chambermusik Records, released this collection of unreleased tracks recorded by Warcloud between 2001 and 2006 on CD. The symbolic cove shows the author under the two main pseudonyms featuring Pro the Leader, who is just behind him, with the title superimposed. In 2023, Black Stone of Mecca re-released the project with a renewed cover that actually shows the two inside Pro the Leader's laboratory, placing the title at the top and the names of the authors paired above the title as if it were a collaborative effort of the duo, it would be the second after the seminal "Pro's Laboratory" (2003).

Sadat X — Wild Cowboys

After releasing three LPs with his Brand Nubian group through Elektra, Derek "Sadat X" Murphy signs with Loud and releases his solo debut. Although he's able to hold a disk on his own, he decides to call several friends to support him and shows up solo for only a third of the time.

Mathematics — Love Hell or Right (Da Come Up)

Ronald "Allah Mathematics" Bean, bka Mathematics, grew up in Southside, Queens, New York. Passionate about hip-hop, approached to art by his brother, he began in 1987 during the block parties and park jams of the neighborhood, under the name of Supreme Cut Master. The following year he already became a full-time DJ for the rapper Victor C, performing in the locals, clubs and high schools of the city. A few years later, around 1990, Supreme Cut Master met GZA, who was preparing to build a career in the Cold Chillin Records label. In this way, the DJ became part of the label's tour, the Cold Chillin Blizzard Tour together with Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Marley Marl and Biz Markie.

415 — Nu Niggaz on tha Blokkk

Their debut studio album is a success in the Bay area, convincing Priority Records to sign with the group in 1990 and reissue their debut in 1991. Soon after, always in the year 1990, Richie Rich is arrested for cocaine possession and the deal with Priority fell through temporarily. Then, the other members of 415 re-sign with the same label, according to Richie Rich behind his back, while the lead emcee of the group remains in prison. While Richie Rich is in prison, 415 records their second LP without him.

One Gud Cide — Look What the Streets Made

Debut by One Gud Cide, duo from Fort Worth, Texas, consisting of rappers Tommy "Twisted Black" Burns and Evil Seed (credited as guest in few songs). The production is made by Ernie G and Black aka Twisted Black.

Killah Priest — Elizabeth (Introduction to the Psychic)

Eighth solo studio album by Brooklyn rapper Killah Priest. No guests. Production is handled entirely by DJ Woool, as was the case with the previously released five months earlier album "The Exorcist".

415 — 41Fivin

Group formed in Oakland, California, by rappers Richie Rich and D-Loc, and producers J.E.D. and DJ Daryl. The group takes its name from area code 415, which served Oaktown at the time. Richie Rich & D-Loc, who knows how many tapes they'll have bought from the trunk of Too $hort's car before going out with this album composed by the rhythms of J.E.D.

The Professional — Lonely Souls Cry Deep Inside Silently

In 2006 The Professional aka Pro the Leader released this album independently. Skarekrow produced most of the record, The Professional signed four beats. Credited guests are Warcloud and Vulgar.

PM Dawn — The Bliss Album...? (Vibrations of Love and Anger and the Ponderance of Life and Existence)

Two years after their debut, pop rnb group PM Dawn returns with a new album. It's hard to believe, but these guys manage to do worse than on the previous record. During this hour of listening divided into fifteen soft songs, nothing goes as it should. Nothing.

AAVV — Down South Hustlers: Bouncin' and Swingin'

Compilation of artists that sounds like a great showcase for No Limit Records rappers, there's plenty of room for many performers: 26 songs (1 skit), 116 minutes.

Gangsta Pat — Deadly Verses

Gangsta Pat releases his best record in career, proving to be in great shape. The Memphis rapper's fourth studio album is entirely written, produced and mixed by himself, who also plays keyboards, bass and guitar. The Villain and Psycho are the only guests on the disc. His production is modern, blending the best elements of the West Coast, taking relaxed sounds with mobb vibes and g-funk synths, and combining them with scarce drums typical of the Southern scene, and performing lyrics inspired by the Memphis scene with a fast, engaging and effective rap style that demonstrates its skills. The laid-back beats, often conditioned by downtempo drums and haunting dark samples, bring out Gangsta Pat's simple, violent and horrorcore lyrics: he dominates the tracks and in the first quarter of an hour seems relentless, then provides the following pieces with a hardcore style, but more relaxed and light-hearted. Released by Power and Triad, it's a solid CD, consisting of ten songs and about three quarters of an hour of listening, recommended to fans of Memphis rap. 7.5/10.

PM Dawn — Of the Heart, of the Soul and of the Cross: The Utopian Experience

Debut album of the PM Dawn group, made up of three guys from New Jersey, Attrel Cordes (Prince Be), Jarrett Cordes (DJ Minutemix) and Gregory Carr (Doc. G). It's registered in London and published by Gee Street Records.

The Professional — Plethora of Lyrics

The Professional aka Pro the Leader debuts with this effort in 2001. In 2023 Black Stone of Mecca and Know the Names Music Group revived and re-released it. Even Deeskee's modern remastering in Los Angeles fails to clean up the original record's raw sound. Entirely produced by Pro the Leader, the tape features Warcloud as the main guest alongside Bootface, future member of American Poets 2099 with The Professional, and Sobretti.

B.G.'z — True Story

Debut album by B.G.'z, an acronym for Baby Gangstaz, New Orleans hip-hop duo composed of Christopher "Lil Doogie" Dorsey aka B.G., 14 years old, and Dwayne "Baby D" Carter aka Lil Wayne, 12 years old.

O.C. — O-Zone Originals Part 2 EP

In 2011, New York rapper OC releases a third effort of the "O-Zone Originals" series. MC Serch is the unique guest of the tape, while the set of beats is made by Buckwild, DJ Ogee and Da Beatminerz. The extended play is composed by eight tracks recorded in 1994-1996 period and previously unreleased, the tape is distributed by No Sleep Recordings in vinyl format and in a limited edition.

O.C. — O-Zone Extras EP

In mid-spring 2011, DITC rapper OC publishes a new EP that follows his inaugural chapter of "O-Zone" series. It's distributed in format vinyl in limited edition to less then 100 copies, featuring tracks recorded in the period of early nineties (1991-1995) and previously unreleased. The guests are Page the Hand Grenade and Prince Po of Organized Konfusion, the latter is uncredited. The production is provided by Kemp, DJ Ogee, Organized Konfusion and Buckwild.

Lil' Kim — La Bella Mafia

Shortly after the release of his second LP, Lil' Kim leaves the group Junior MAFIA and stops collaborating with Puff Daddy, starting work on his new album with a different production team. The beats are made by Shaft, Big Hill, Havoc, Jay "Waxx" Garfield, Full Force, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, Lil' Kim, Scott Storch, Fantom of the Beat, Sha Money XL, EZ Elpee, Thorobreads, DJ Bless, Ron Browz and Kanye West. The guests are Havoc, Governor, Shalene Thomas, Full Force, Lil' Shanice, Swizz Beatz, Mashonda, Mr. Cheeks, Missy Elliott, Twista, 50 Cent, Styles P, Reeks, Bunky S.A., Vee and Saint from The Advakids.

O.C. — O-Zone Originals EP

In 2010, Brooklyn rapper OC release this EP composed by tracks recorded in 1993 and previously unreleased. The work is distributed in vinyl format by New York hip-hop label No Sleep Recordings. The rhythms are handled by Buckwild, DJ Eclipse, John McGan and Mark Pearson.

Rough House Survivers — Straight from the Soul

DJ Swinn, Dread One, Kev and Roberto form the Rough House Survivers, a forgotten group from New York City. Unlike almost every other group in the Big Apple, this one should be remembered: fantastic relaxed jazzy production, done by a Tony Dofat clearly inspired by Pete Rock, quiet and smooth rapping, flowing, clean, clearly inspired by CL Smooth.