Benny the Butcher — Tana Talk 3

Debut studio album by Jeremie "Benny the Butcher" Pennick, rapper from Buffalo, New York. He's the second Griselda MC to make his debut after Westside Gunn, with "Flygod" (2016). The production is entirely performed by Daringer, three rhythms are reserved for The Alchemist. The guests are Keisha Plum, Westside Gunn, Meyhem Lauren, Royce da 5'9", Melanie Rutherford and Conway the Machine. The title refers to Montana Avenue, the street in Buffalo where Benny grew up, the third chapter of his series. The cover is a painting that portrays Machine Gun Black as a child, brother of the rapper who died in 2006.

Group Home — Livin' Proof

First, best-known and most popular studio album by Group Home, a New York duo formed by James "Lil' Dap" Heath and Jamal "Melachi the Nutcracker" Felder. Both part of the Gang Starr Foundation, both guests on Gang Starr's 1994 album "Hard to Earn", Lil Dap debuts on their previous album, "Daily Operation". The production of the disc is almost entirely created by DJ Premier, while Guru and Big Jaz have a beat each. Guests are members of the Gang Starr Foundation Guru, Big Shug, Jeru the Damaja, Absaloot, and the relatives of the two main rappers, Smiley AKA the Ghetto Child, Melachi's cousin, and Jack the Ripper, Lil Dap's younger brother.

Coolio — Gangsta's Paradise

The song "Gangsta's Paradise" is the foundation stone of three different albums released over two summers: the soundtrack of the movie "Dangerous Minds", this self-titled album by Artis Leon "Coolio" Ivey Jr. and the debut of Larry "LV" Sanders.

 

Da Youngsta's ILLY Funkstaz — I'll Make U Famous

The poor sales result of their previous effort convinces EastWest, which is currently switching from Atlantic to Elektra, to leave the young group of rappers. The boys find themselves without a label, and take refuge under the one founded over a decade earlier by their parents, Pop Art Records. This is considered Philadelphia's first hip-hop label, founded by Lawrence and Ann Goodman in the early 1980s. Da Youngsta's released their fourth studio album in four years, changing their name to ILLY Funkstaz (sometimes referred to as "Da Youngsta's ILLY Funkstaz" or "Da Youngsta's / ILLY Funkstaz"). Production is mainly done by Qu'ran and Emanuel Parks, with six and five beats respectively, Dante Barton produces a song, while Al B. Sure! and Kyle West are the authors of the final remix. Guests are Kim Branch, Mobb Deep, Mentally Gifted, and Big Tabb.

Benny the Butcher — Burden of Proof

About a month after Conway's last release and two weeks after Westside Gunn's third project of the year, Benny the Butcher is back to releasing a solo work 16 months after the last. The record immediately takes on more commercial contours, with guests such as Rick Ross, Freddie Gibbs, Lil Wayne, Big Sean, Dom Kennedy and Queen Nalja, in addition to the Griselda MCs Conway and Gunn; the production is entirely made by Hit-Boy, who during the year worked on the albums of Mick Jenkins, Lil Baby, Jay Electronica, Polo G, Nas, Big Sean, ASAP Ferg and Conway.

Big Ghost Ltd. & Conway the Machine — No One Mourns the Wicked

After the success of "Griselda Ghost", extended play signed by Hall N Nash aka Westside Gunn & Conway with the production of Big Ghost Ltd, and one of my favorite hip-hop records ever, the beatmaker comes back to collaborate again together with Conway the Machine for this tape, sometimes labeled as EP sometimes labeled as album (or mixtape). Elcamino and Flee Lord are the guests.

The Juggaknots — The Juggaknots

In 1996, Bobbito Garcia's Fondle 'Em publishes the second project in its catalog, which coincides with the first official work of the Juggaknots, a Bronx group made up of brothers Paul "Breeze Brewin'", Peridot "Queen Herawin" and Kevin "Buddy Slim" Smith.

Jungle Brothers — J. Beez Wit the Remedy

After the 1989/90 and 1991 seasons, 1993 is the third and also one of the last years of the hippie hip-hop, which died soon and was already starting to disappear completely from mainstream game.

 

Fu-Schnickens — Nervous Break Down

Brutal and catastrophic sophomore jinx for hip-hop group Fu-Schnickens, from East Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York City. The guys have never been the best MCs even at their peak and they've never sucked up to this point, bringing their own almost original style to the game.

AAVV — Wild Pitch Classics

Wild Pitch Records collection of cuts, featuring artists such as Gang Starr, Latee, The Coup, Main Source, O.C., UMC's, Lord Finesse, Chill Rob G, Ultramagnetic MC's, N-Tyce and Jamose. Production is handled by DJ Premier, The 45 King, Boots, Main Source, Buckwild, Hass, RNS, Diamond D, Godfather Don, 4th Disciple, Wu-Tang Clan and Louie Louie.

Conway the Machine — Look What I Became

This album is a face of the whole "Look What I Became, God Don't Make No Mistakes" medal. While "God Don't Make Mistakes" will be his debut album with Shady Records, "Look What I Became" anticipates it by several months, falling in autumn 2019. And it's a good, surprisingly versatile effort by Conway. The production is realized by Daringer, The Alchemist, DJ Muggs, K-Sluggah, JR Swiftz, Rick Hyde and Statik Selektah. The guests are Griselda rappers Westside Gunn and Benny the Butcher, along with Jim Jones, Dave East, Elcamino, DJ Muggs and Amber Simone.

Mad CJ Mac — True Game

First studio album by Mad CJ Mac, South Central Los Angeles hip-hop duo composed by the producer Clement "Mad" Burnette and by the rapper Bryon "CJ Mac" Ross. The production is made exclusively by the duo, Poppa LQ is the only accredited guest. The cover shows us that GZA isn't the only chess fan in rap and is almost entirely blue on a black background, with the artist's name and title being represented in white and blue. So, Crips, I guess?

Young Cellski — Mr. Predicter

Debut album by Marcel "Young Cellski" Wade aka 2Took, San Francisco rapper who writes, produces, mixes and performs the project. He also plays keyboards, along with The Enhancer. The numerous guests, all uncredited, are Mr. C, Lil Swoop, UNLV, Mac 10, San Quinn, Suga Bear, Baldhead Rick, Cougnut, Black C, Hitman, Dirt Bag, Leo J, SB and Young Ed.

Company Flow — Funcrusher EP

In 1993, rapper Jamie "El-P" Meline and producer Leonard "Mr. Len" Smythe formed the Brooklyn group Company Flow, later joined by Queens rapper Justin "Bigg Jus" Ingleton. El-P performs the greatest number of stanzas and the entire production, reserving the beat of the last tune, the only instrumental, for Mr. Len. More than a collaborative project, it's a sort of union of intentions between the three entities: the only songs in which both El-P and Bigg Jus are committed to rapping are the first two, not surprisingly the two finest tracks on the tape. The rest of the pieces are a collaboration with Kevin "BMS" Smith ("Vital Nerve"), and two solo cuts each by Meline ("Corners '94", "The Definitive") and Ingleton ("Silence", "Krazy Kings").

Miilkbone — Da Miilkrate

Thomas Wlodarczyk began his career in hip-hop in the early nineties, became an affiliate of Naughty by Nature and signed a contract with Capitol Records at the age of eighteen. Two seasons later, the Perth rapper Amboy, New Jersey's, publishes his first LP under the moniker Miilkbone. The production is mainly handled by Mufi, along with Nick Wiz, Twig, Kay Gee, Butch Whip and Steve White. Guests are local rappers Kandi Kain, Middy and Trip. 18 tracks, 4 skits, 54 minutes total.

MC Money & Gangsta Gold — Da "Hard" on Frayser

Unique project released by the rappers MC Money and Gangsta Gold, entirely produced by DJ Sound and with guests such as Lil Bay, Nigga Creep and Dirty Red.

Apollo Brown + OC — Trophies

Collaborative studio album between the producer Apollo Brown and the rapper OC, that returns to release material several years after his last album, "Oasis" (2009), the collaborative one with the other veteran DITC AG.

Jamal — Last Chance, No Breaks

Solo debut studio album for Jamal Phillips aka Jamal, rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From 1993 to 1995, Jamal is one of the two components of Illegal together with Mr. Malik, with whom he releases an LP and three singles, one of which in first place in the rap chart. Illegal becomes one of the most famous kid rap acts of the period, together with Kris Kross and Da Youngstaz, until its dissolution in 1995, after which the two boys continue their careers in the music industry as soloists. Jamal, an affiliate of Erick Sermon, joins the Def Squad, releasing his first LP also in 1995. The production is handled by Erick Sermon, Redman, Easy Mo Bee, Erotic D., Rockwilder, PME and Mike Dean, while guests are Redman, Erick Sermon, Keith Murray, L.O.D., Passion and George Clinton.

Benny the Butcher x DJ Green Lantern — Butcher on Steroids [mixtape]

Benny the Butcher brokes the game with one of the best hip-hop mixtape albums released in 2017. After Westside Gunn in March, and Conway in May, Rochester producer DJ Green Lantern comes to place his mix and some of his beats above Benny's bars in November. Until now, the Butcher has taken part in the last three editions of "Hitler Wears Hermes" and in the classic debuts "Reject 2" and "FLYGOD", he has made appearances only inside the Griselda house. This is the disc that launch him into the pantheon of the best spitter in the rap game.

AAVV — Friday

The soundtrack of the film of the same name encapsulates the best that West Coast hip-hop has to offer in the mid-nineties. Performers are Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Scarface, Threat, Cypress Hill, Mack 10, Funkdoobiest, Tha Alkaholiks, EA-Ski and the 2 Live Crew, as well as Isley Brothers, Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, Rick James, Rose Royce and Roger Troutman, who provide the soul and rnb tracks to complete the work. Production is handled by Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Sam Sneed, N.O. Joe, DJ Pooh, Rashad Coes, DJ Muggs, Ronald Isley, Angela Winbush, DJ Ralph M, E-Swift, E-A-Ski & CMT, 2 Live Crew and Roger Troutman.

Ultramagnetic MC's — The Four Horsemen

With the release of their third album, Ultramagnetic MCs stop having importance in the hip-hop circuit. For some reason, it's better than their disappointing sophomore jinx, but it's still a long way from debut.

Mad Skillz — From Where???

Debut album by Shaquan "Mad Skillz" Lewis aka Skillz, rapper from Richmond, Virginia. He was born in Detroit, and also grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The production is signed by Shawn J. Period, Diallo, EZ Elpee, Buckwild, The Beatnuts, Nick Wiz, DJ Clark Kent, Jay Dee and Large Professor. Guests are Kalonji the Immortal, Large Pro, Q-Tip aka The Abstract, Khim Davis, Dr. Mindbenda, Javon the Medieval, Lil Roc and Lonnie B. The stellar cast behind the keyboards grants the boy very solid support and the rapper proves to be a good lyricist and a good performer with a tight and fast hardcore style — in "The Nod Factor" I noted how his voice is similar to that of Big L, but it's something everyone seems to have noticed, so I let it go — offering a fun and compact project.

DaFunkShun — The Album

Duo formed by brothers Robert "Rob G" Gray and Jason "J Sweets" Gray, rappers from Vallejo, California. Later, the two were part of the group Handful of Hoolligans together with Buddah Mack and Don P. The boys worked alongside some of the Bay Area's greatest artists, including Potna Deuce, Cool-E, N2DEEP, Baby Beesh aka Baby Bash, Jay Tee, Cougnut, Don Cisco, Kaveo, Mac Shawn, Taydatay, JT the Bigg Figga, E-40, San Quinn, Rappin' 4-Tay and Black Nate. Childhood friends of Luniz, the duo chose their name in homage to the group Con Funk Shun, their neighbors to whom they also pay tribute in their first single "You Ain't Neva Lied", sampling one of their songs, "By Your Side".

Mic Geronimo — The Natural

Debut album by Michael "Mic Geronimo" McDermon, rapper from Flushing, Queens. In the early nineties, Irv Gotti aka DJ Irv meets Mic Geronimo at a Queens high school talent show, and convinces him to record a song with him, "Shit's Real".

Juicy J — The Hustle Continues

Fifth solo album for Juicy J. Released by his newborn Trippy Music label and eOne, the album is entirely produced by the rapper himself, while guests include Wiz Khalifa, Lil Baby, 2 Chainz, ASAP Rocky, Conway, Logic, Megan thee Stallion, Ty Dolla Sign, Jay Rock and Project Pat.

DJ Sound Presents Frayser Click — Volume 11: Broken Halo

Frayser Click, hip-hop collective from Memphis, files a heavy document in the mid-nineties. On a deeply obscure production of DJ Sound, which puts a fresh, skeletal drum and wraps it in esoteric cultic loops of pure evil that seem to go on and on until they subjugate the listener, the guys of the crew and their friends rapping gangsta and horrorcore arguments for seventy minutes. Gangsta Gold, MC Money, Nigga Creep and Dirty Red stand out, DJ Sound confirms himself as one of the best producers of the period. A must for Memphis scene stans. 8/10.

Xzibit — At the Speed of Life

Debut album by Alvin "Xzibit" Joiner, affiliated with the Likwit Crew. The production is handled by E-Swift, Thayod Ausar, Craig Sherrad, DJ Muggs, Saafir, Diamond D e DJ Pen One. The guests are King Tee, Hurricane Gee, J-Ro, Catashtraphe, Ras Kass and Saafir.

Big Hill — Management [bootleg]

Eldridge Hill Jr. is the brother of Chris "AK" and Derrick "Kingpin Skinny Pimp" Hill, all Memphis rappers. The boy made his debut with his own cassette in 1994 made by Gimisum Productions, using Big Hill as a moniker.

 

Al Kapone — Da Resurrection

Fourth album in three years for Al Kapone, Alkatraz Productions handles the beats, mixing is handled by Brian Smith, Jason Latshaw and Neal Jones, and there are several live instrumentalists, such as Brian Smith on bass, Bobby "G", J- Dogge, E-Rokk and Dr. Jay on keyboards, Diz, Lil Pat, E-Rokk and Dr. Jay on drums.

Main One — Birth of the Ghetto Child

Unique studio album published by Ruben "Main One" Rivera, rapper from The Bronx, New York. The production is created by Madman Scheme, Domingo, Ski Beatz, Buckwild, Donald D., Silver D and Tic. The MC boasts guests like Fat Joe, Joe Fatal, Kurious, Prince Power, Big Jam, Red Hot Lover Tone and A.J.

 

Crucifix — Da Clouds in Me [mixtape]

Crucifix's tape debut may not go down as one of the most memorable in the super-crowded Memphis scene of the mid-90s, nonetheless, the tape has its moments. DJ Big TIm and Dirty D realize a raw production that accompanies the rap of the interpreter in a concrete way for these forty minutes, for a total of nine songs that you can also find under different titles. These are cleaned up: "For You Hoes" is "Bitch Suck My Dick", "Loading Up The 9 Gloc" becomes "Nine Glock" and the sensationally bleak "Late Nite as I Cruise" is "Late Nights". Also, "Blow A Shotgun Thru My Nose" becomes "From Clouds in Me", "You'z a Bitch Ass Nigga" is "You's a Bitch Nigga" and "Dis a Robbery" changes to "This Is a Robbery". The tape is worth it if you can find it somewhere, but don't expect the hidden gem of the year, because this is something else. 6.5/10.

AAVV — New Jersey Drive Vol. 2

Second soundtrack of the film of the same name, released two weeks after the previous one. I don't know what exactly happened, it almost seems like Tommy Boy decided to put together and release discarded songs from the original soundtrack.

AAVV — New Jersey Drive Vol. 1

Soundtrack of the film of the same name, the title suggests that it could be built around the best rappers in New Jersey, instead, there's a little bit of everything. The performers come mainly from New Jersey (Queen Latifah, Redman, Lords of the Underground, Total) from New York (Ill Al Skratch, The Notorious BIG, Keith Murray, Heavy D) and from the West Coast (Young Lay, Mac Mall, Ray Luv, MC Eiht, Coolio). Also participating are Black Panta, Poets of Darkness, Sabelle, UndaCova, OutKast, Maze and Smooth.

Sun Risers — Real Off the Block EP

In 1995, the hip-hop crew Sun Risers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, releases a debut EP composed of four tracks plus two remixes, for a total of two CDs. This version is the four-track cassette. The group is formed by three guys, I guess, and the production is credited to Sunrisers (except for "Represent", realized by Sulaiman), Rick Young, and Vincent Moore.

The B.U.M.S. (Brothas Unda Madness) — Lyfe 'n' Tyme

First, only and last album by The BUMS, acronym for Brothas Unda Madness, duo from Oakland, Bay Area, formed by D'Angelo "D'Wyze" Smith and Evol "Evocalist" Alexander. The name is assigned to them by King Tech, while D'Wyze makes up the meaning behind the acronym. Production is handled by Joe Quixx, Fredwreck Nassar, Baka Boyz and King Tech. Andro and King Tech take care of the mixing, while the singer Mystic is the only guest of the project.

Junior M.A.F.I.A. — Conspiracy

Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace attempts to lift his childhood friends out of poverty by taking them into the music industry, hoping they will follow his success. The supergroup of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, Junior M.A.F.I.A., is born, acronym for "Junior Masters At Finding Intelligent Attitudes", a sort of union of intentions between adolescent boys, the oldest is the same Notorious BIG, who's just over twenty years old. It's made up of the groups The 6s (James "Lil' Cease" Lloyd, Chico and Nino Brown; rappers Bugsy and Capone aren't included in the Junior MAFIA) and The Snakes (Antoine "Larceny" Spain and Rashaun "Trife" Spain), and by solo artists Terrence "Klepto" Harding, Cheek Del Vec, and Kimberly "Lil' Kim" Jones aka The Big Momma, the only female artist of the group and who has the role of "lieutenant" in function of the "godfather" Biggie Smalls.

Ultramagnetic MC's — Funk Your Head Up

Four years after the debut, Ultramagnetic MC's led by Kool Keith are back to release a studio album: while "Critical Beatdown" would have been one of the best albums in 1992 as well, its sequel wouldn't have been good even in 1988.

Diamond D — The Diam Piece 2

DITC artist Diamond D's sixth solo album is a sequel to his previous record, released five years earlier. Unlike the first chapter, the artist decides to release an album producer dedicating himself almost exclusively to the rhythms and leaving the rapping to the guests, spitting a few bars every now and then in the middle of Boot Camp Clik, Organized Konfusion, EPMD, Mobb Deep, Slum Village, DITC, Wu-Tang Clan, LOX and Black Star. 36 guests collaborate on the effort, including Buckshot, Steele, Rock, Pharoahe Monch, Snoop Dogg, Erick Sermon, Havoc, Elzhi, OC, Fat Joe, Fred the Godson, Raekwon, David Banner, Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz, Styles P, Xzibit, Raheem DeVaughn, Tony Touch, Termanology, Talib Kweli, A-F-R-O and Twista.

Griselda — WWCD

About five years after struggling into the underground every day spitting raw bars in everyone's face and bringing out a series of acts among the best of the period in hip-hop, especially in the East Coast gangsta/mafia and hardcore undergrowth, in 2017 the Griselda trio signs a contract with Eminem's Shady Records.

Celph TItled & Buckwild — Nineteen Ninety More

For this sequel of "Nineteen Ninety Now", Buckwild brings out five more tracks on which to unleash Celph Titled (all pretty good, gloomy/deep dark mood, with a nice tribute to Big L and "Put It On" in "Buck's Four Course Meal"), and he borrow three from "Presents...". So, he places for us over 40 instrumentals, practically all of them work and they are excellent beats with some high notes ("Interlude 1" and "Interlude 5": the latter is a gem, light, relaxing, flawless jazzy boom bap. [Among] his finest) and excellent jazzy instrumentals accompanied from the classic Christmas bells by Buckwild, his trademark ("Interlude 2"; "Interlude 3" winks at J Dilla; "Bonus Beat 1", "2" & "4"). On what appears to be an extended play of Buckwild & Celph Titled album praised by fans and critics, the guests are Laws, Outerspace, Cella Dwellas, Lord Digga, Rise, Sadat X, Grand Puba, AG, OC, Diamond D and Kwest tha Madd Lad. The material is similar to the previous effort and lacks of very strong tracks, ultimately falling below the previous year's album. Recommended for fans. 7/10.

Lordz of Brooklyn — All in the Family

First studio album of Lordz of Brooklyn aka LOB aka The Lordz, crossover hip-hop / rock group composed of mostly Irish American and Italian American descent from Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. The original line-up consisted of brothers Adam "Ad Money" & Michael "MC Kaves" McLeer, Scotty Edge, Dino "Dino Bottz" Cerillo, and Paulie "Paulie 2Times" Nugent. They evolved from an earlier rap / graffiti crew called Verrazano Boyz and their passion for art stands out both on the cover and in the content of their songs. Formed in 1992, the group signs with American Recordings, the label of Rick Rubin, and Ventrue Entertainment, publishing the LP in 1995.

Jayo Felony — Take a Ride

Debut album by James "Jayo Felony" Savage, rapper born in Portsmouth, Virginia, based in San Diego, California. The production is mainly handled by Jam Master Jay and Randy Allen, along with Prodagee Productions, Marlin Wiggins, Nate Motlety, Anthony Pearyer, and Jayo Felony himself.

Crimeapple — Jaguar on Palisade EP

Album number six for Crimeapple, first in 2020. Cheap cover that should be analyzed, there are many elements, but I don't think I have the time or motivation to do it.

Street Poets — Street Poets

Very little is known about Street Poets and their only album, released in 1995. The minimal cover adds little, with the group name in graffiti style and a figure in the center. Discogs gives the album as "Untitled", while the album is eponymous, as stated by the Street Poets themselves.

The Cenubites — The Cenubites EP

As a joke, Bobbito Garcia founded Fondle 'Em, which soon became one of the most important labels for the underground hip-hop circuit of the New York scene.

San Quinn — Live n Direct

Second studio album realized by Quincy Brooks aka San Quinn, rapper born in Oakland who grows up since childhood in San Francisco. Guests are JT the Bigga Figga, Mac Mall, Willie D, D-Moe, Playa P Dog, Seff Tha Gaffla, Chuy Gomez e B Double O. The 17-years-old MC is a member of Get Low Playaz and the record is distributed by Get Low Recordz. The production is entirely entrusted to JT the Bigga Figga, who also takes care of most of the live instrumentation, helped, among others, by G-Man Stan, who creates the beat for "A Tight Lacin'".

C-Bo — Tales From the Crypt

C-Bo is easily at its finest on its second studio album, released two years after the debut and a year after its previous effort, an EP. Production is handled by Mobboss Production, Mike Mosley & Sam Bostic, along with DJ Daryl, also helped by D-Wiz, Troy-B, and Rodney. Guests are Marvaless, Snap, Tuna Bug and Mississippi.

Jeru the Damaja — The Sun Rises in the East

Kendrick Davis has been passionate about hip-hop since childhood, grows up in East New York, Brooklyn, and meets DJ Premier and Guru, soon becoming an affiliate of the Gang Starr Foundation. Davis initially performed with the monikers D. Original and Dirty Rotten Scoundrel, also proposed during the listening, finally moving on to the definitive Jeru the Damaja, with which he made his debut in the Gang Starr album of '92. His first effort is entirely produced by DJ Premier, while Afu-Ra, another member of the collective, is the only guest.

Lil E — Playa 4 Life

Eric "LIl E" Gates debut tape, produced entirely by Blackout. Published by independent, it features several Playa Posse guests, including Lil Slim, Terror and Peanut, as well as Wako, II Black, Stout Pimp and Blackout.

Big Pun — Endangered Species

In 2001 is released this compilation album of Big Pun. The production is realized by Irv Gotti, The Hitmen (Younglord, Rashad Smith, EZ Elpee, Sean Cane), Trackmasters, Dr. Dre, Tru Stylze, Knobody, The Beatnuts, Swizz Beatz, Buckwild, The Alchemist, Ski Beatz, V.I.C, Mike Heron, Showbiz, K-Cut, DJ Clue? and Duro. The guests are Ashanti, Joe, Cuban Link, Beatnuts, Noreaga, Cam'Ron, Jadakiss, Styles P, Nature, Tony Sunshine, Nas, Raekwon, Sheek Louch, Brandy, Ricky Martin, Armageddon, B-Real and Kool G Rap.