Sunday, November 30, 2008

Oak Cliff Assassin - 1992: Murder Or Muzik?


Oak Cliff Assassin is a rapper and producer from the notorious neighborhood of Oak Cliff in Dallas, TX. He got his name from a song he recorded called "Oak Cliff Assassin" back in the late 80's when he was a member of the group known as the Eliminators. In 1989 he started his first company with DJ Dark Fader known as Lock Down Productions. Then in the early nineties, O.C.A. teamed up with Henry Peeples to form their own label known as Lock Down Records. This album was released in 2000 on Lock Down Records and is produced by DJ Dark Fader. The beats are pretty much synthetic while the samples have been put to good use. Lyrically O.C.A. is really aggressive and remorseless. His tone is dark and he keeps the rhymes roguish. This album contains early recordings from the 90's. All of them are unreleased along with 4 bonus cuts, 2 of which are chopped & screwed.

10,000+ Hits

I would like to say thanks to everyone that visits this page and also to all my affiliates and friends like JB, Godfather, Sho, Kyozai, MFHustla, MadMan, rhhino, Gizzle and anyone I forgot. Today, the counter has clocked over 10,000 hits. I know its not much compared to others but its still something in my book. I personally didn't think it was going to go past 5000 hits. So, once again I appreciate everyone and keep checking back here for more dope, straight from the south.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Z-Ro - For My Thugz

Z-Ro is a rapper from Houston, TX. He represents the neighborhood of Ridgemont in Missouri City. This greatest hits compilation was released in 2004 by KMJ Records. Z-Ro is known for his ferocious fast paced flow along with his deep monotone singing voice. Featuring on the album is Pharoah of Street Military, Klondike Kat, Black Mike, Lil' Keke, Daz, Trae, Dougie D, Cl' Che' and Thug Dirt. Although this album does not contain some of his early work, it is still a good thirteen track compilation that includes some his well known material. A chopped and screwed version of this album was also released by Beltway 8 Records.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

UGK - Ridin' Dirty

UGK stands for Underground Kingz. It was a rap duo from Port Arthur, TX. The original group first started in the late 80's and was called Mission Impossible. It consisted of Pimp C and his friend Mitchell Queen, who is also known as Big Smokin' Mitch. One of the tracks that the duo recorded was called Underground Kingz. Then came the addition of two more members, Bun B and Jalon Jackson. The name of the group then changed to the Four Black Ministers. They recorded a track called '93 Mac on Dangerous Music Incorporated (DMI). Mitchell Queen and Jalon Jackson were both athletes and could not devote the time or the attention the group needed. They left the group and now there were only two members left. The name changed again. This time Pimp C and Bun B selected the name Underground Kingz. Pimp C was the voice of the group. He had a very distinct tone along with his southern dialect. He was also very well known for his production skills. He provided some of the most notorious beats ever to be produced in southern rap history. While Bun B is still hailed as one of the coldest rappers in the game. His intelligent flow and unbelievable ability to rhyme is unmatched, even today. Ridin' Dirty was their third studio album and was released in 1996 on Jive Records. Production was done by Pimp C and N.O. Joe. The beats are just spectacular. Solid samples have been used and that southern twang is evidently present. Lyrics don't fall short either. Both members have the ability to fluently deliver a point across. Pimp's style is unique because of is southern tone and relaxed dialect. While on the other hand Bun is just ferocious on the mic. His rhyme pattern is so difficult to predict due to the tremendous amount of word play he uses and at very rapid rate. Featuring on the album is 3-2, Big Smokin' Mitch, Smoke D, N.O. Joe, Ronnie Spencer, Kristi Floyd and Reginald Hackett. This masterpiece of an album is considered as a timeless classic in the southern region and has also earned the group a gold plaque. They group is also credited for coining the terms "Trill" and "Ridin' Dirty," both of which are being used so freely by almost every other rapper. Sadly, Pimp C passed away in 2008 and Bun B issued a statement saying one more UGK album will be released in the year 2009. Rest in peace Pimp C. Also the picture used on the album cover for Ridin' Dirty was taken right outside DJ Screw's house in Houston, TX.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

D.E.A. - Screwed For Life

D.E.A. stands for Dead End Alliance. It was a group from the neighborhood of Dead End on the south side of Houston, TX. The members are DJ Screw, Kay-K and brothers Fat Pat and Hawk. This album was released in 1998 on Dead End Records. Production was done by DJ Screw, Koldjak, D-Red of the Botany Boys, Slash, Grim and Swift. The beats are flawless and have hints of G-Funk in them. They are also very smooth and relaxing for the most part. The lyrics range from dope street rhymes to laid back flows. Featuring on the album are members of the Screwed Up Click like Lil' Keke, Big Pokey, Mike D, E.S.G., 3-2, Big Moe and C-Note of the Botany Boys. This is a very laid back record which has the ability to ride itself out. Also this album is dedicated in the loving memory of Mr. Fat Pat. Though this was the group's only album, a chopped & screwed version was also released. D.E.A. and the S.U.C. eventually fell apart after the deaths of Fat Pat, DJ Screw, Hawk and Big Moe. Rest in peace to all the fallen soldiers of the legendary Screwed Up Click.

Monday, November 24, 2008

918 - Reincarnated

918 - Reincarnated
918 is a rap duo from Tulsa, OK. The two rappers are Nine Eightee and C.T.S.E. Loc. This is their second album and was released in 2001 on Smugglin' Records. This album is dedicated and also named in the memory of C.T.S.E. He passed away in 1997 after releasing their debut album. Rest in peace Loc. Production on this record was done by Mr. Lee, E-Loc and Mike Mosley. The beats are pretty good and quite fresh. Lyrics are also diverse and can carry the album well. Featuring artists are UGK, E-40, B-Legit, Devin The Dude, C-Bo, Ronnie Spencer, Billy Cook, Ace Deuce, KB, A-G-2-A-Ke, Lethal, Critical and Six-2. Although this record contains really good material ranging from the beats to the lyrics and even the appearances, it still happens to be very under rated. 918 is also the area code for eastern Oklahoma.

Deadly Verses

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Young Bloodz - Against Da Grain

Young Bloodz is a rap duo from Atlanta, GA. It consists of J-Bo and Sean Paul. This is their debut album and was released in 1999 on LaFace Records. Production was handled by the legendary team known as Organized Noize. Beats are well crafted and are very unorthodox. They are derived from live instruments like pizzicato strings and electric guitars. Lyrically the album is just shy of impressive. Both members have decent verbal skills and they compliment each other well. Featuring on the album is Lil' Wayne, Bone Crusher, Leroo Wilyams and Backbone. This group would always find themselves in the shadows of Outkast and Goodie Mob. Although this album is a little on the club savvy side, it still deserves to be mentioned.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Sho - The Return

Sho - The Return
Sho is a rapper from Houston, TX. He gained some notoriety when he first released Trouble Man back in 1993. After a 5 year hiatus, The Return was released in 1998 on Sho-Nuf-Jammin' Records. The album was produced by Mista Luv, Goldfinger and Pimp C of UGK. They provided dope southern beats with heavy samples and solid bass. Sho again, delivered his ferocious flow with great timing and good subject. Featuring on the album is Pimp C of UGK, Choice, D-Shot, Big Steve, Legal Substanz, J-Real and Kite. Sho followed up with a great album but its also his last release to date.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Botany Boys - Thought Of Many Ways

Botany Boys - Thought Of Many Ways
Botany Boys is a group from Cloverland, a neighborhood located on the southside of Houston, TX. The group first started in 1996 when they released their debut LP, Smokin 'N Leanin. The members are C-Note, D-Red, Will Lean, Head, D-E-Z, Pap Pap and the Botany B.G.'s which consists of Lil' 3rd and B.G. Gator. Their sophomore record, Thought Of Many Ways is a 2-Disc album which was released in 1997 on Big Shot Records. D-Red is the man behind all the production and he did an excellent job on this one. The Beats are hard hitting and are filled with woozy and whiny synths. Each member has a distinct flow and their lyrics vary on both discs. Disc 1 is more laid back with smooth flows while Disc 2 is more gangsta and contains that southern harsh reality. Features are courtesy of Bun B of UGK, D of Trinity Garden Cartel, Big Moe, Lil' Keke, Ronnie Spencer, Quanell X, Angie, Vic, and the legendary DJ Screw. The group released their final ablum "Botany Forever" in 2000 and eventually broke up. Members D-E-Z and Head got incarcerated and another member lost his life. Rest in peace B.G. Gator. Members C-Note, Will Lean and D-Red pursued a solo route. This group was also part of the Screwed Up Click (S.U.C.). Thought Of Many Ways will always remain a H-Town classic. The Botany Boys held their ground and put the neighborhood of Cloverland on the map.

Deadly Verses



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Monday, November 17, 2008

Mr. Mike - Wicked Wayz

Mr. Mike - Wicked Wayz
Mr. Mike is a prolific rapper from Houston, TX. He is also one half of the group known as South Circle. This his debut solo album and it was released in 1996 on Suave House Records. Production was provided by the one and only T-Mixx. The beats are very funk influenced and contain some solid bass lines and minor sampling. Lyrically, Mike has a great flow. He is quite deep and rich with word play. Guest appearances are made by Ice Cube, 8-Ball & MJG, Nola, E-A-Ski, O.C., Christion and Nina Creque. A dope record altogether, even though there are some fillers on here. Mr. Mike went on to release albums through out the 1990's and the early 2000's. Since then he has quietly retired from the rap game.

Deadly Verses




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Saturday, November 15, 2008

Dat Boy Grace - Rollin & Groovin

Dat Boy Grace - Rollin & Groovin
Dat Boy Grace is a rapper from Houston, TX. He is also the brother of L.O.S. They are both considered original members of the Screwed Up Click and have been featured on numerous Screw Tapes. This album was released in 2006 on REL Records. Production was done by Thug Dirt and it really shines. Grace is known and viewed by many as a very strong lyricist. His tongue twisting delivery and fast paced rhymes schemes are all present here. Featuring on the album is Trae, 3-2, Den-Den and Boss Shan-D. Although he is currently incarcerated in Talladega, AL for a felony gun charge. He is scheduled to be released within the next year. Grace has also recently released his new album called the Gray Tape Soldier and has acquired a new alias, Macc Grace

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Tela - Piece Of Mind

Tela - Piece Of Mind
Tela is a rapper from Memphis, TN. He is known for his smooth delivery and clever word play. This is his wonderful debut album and it was released in 1996 on Suave House Records. Production was managed by T-Mixx, Jazze Pha, Slice Tee and Insane Wayne. The beats are nothing short of spectacular. The tempo swings and mixing are all done to perfection. This helps give the record a solid foundation and also that distinct southern twang. Featuring on the album are label mates 8-Ball & MJG along with Mr. Mike, Crime Boss, Nola, Low Key and Baby Dre. Many will agree that this album is considered to be in the classic category. Tela would soon leave Suave House Records over financial disputes and would make himself a home at Rap-A-Lot Records.

Deadly Verses




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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Street Military - Next Episode

Street Military - Next Episode
Street Military is possibly one of the hardest group to have ever emerged out of Houston's underground rap scene. The five members, Pharoah, Icey Hott, Lil' Flea, K.B. Da Kidnappa, and Nutt released their fourth album in 1995 on Beatbox Records. As usual it contained the skillful production of Icey Hott. The dope sampling, solid amounts of hard drums and great use of keyboard is all present here along with original, lyrical flows that contain heartfelt yet ruthless realism. Featuring on the album is Klondike Kat and Ron Lee. Street Military was the sound of the streets so it shied away from mainstream radio play and that could be the very reason for the group's limited success. Then came the death of one of the members and the incarceration of another. Rest in peace Nutt and Free Pharoah were the words being shouted. Street Military released their final studio group effort called "Steel Gangstaz" in 2002. Rest of the surviving members are praying on the release of Pharoah, who is currently in the process of appealing his case to the state. Street Military is waiting to be resurrected in the distant horizon.

Monday, November 10, 2008

The Last Mr. Bigg - The Mask Is Off

The Last Mr. Bigg - The Mask Is Off
Mr. Bigg also known as Diamond Eye Bigg is a rapper from Mobile, AL. This album is the sequel to his very first album "Only If U Knew." The Mask Is Off was released in 2003 on Warlock Records. Production was handled by DJ Herb and he did the record justice. Dope southern beats were provided once again and Mr. Bigg's melodic and original flow accommodates them really well. Appearances are courtesy of Baby J, Lil' Flip, Paul Wall and Chamillionaire. As with the first album, this one did not generate much mainstream status. Since then Mr. Bigg has released a couple mixtapes and has done features for Three 6 Mafia and Project Pat. Some say he is working on an all new solo album, though a release date is yet to be determined.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

K-Roc - Tha Rockla

K-Roc - Tha Rockla
K-Roc is rapper from Dallas, TX. He is also part of the Stoney Crooks along with Mr. Pookie and Mr. Lucci. This was his debut album and it was released in 1998 on Iconic Recordings. Just like all the other Iconic releases, production was done by Kevin A. Once again he provided nothing but killer beats. K-Roc's flow is very laid back and smooth. He keeps it real and certainly entertains with his southern dialect. Featuring on the record is Mr. Pookie with his very first appearance. This is a dope album that contains good material and is also one of the first ones released by the Stoney Crook Click.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Ace Deuce - Breakin' Boyz Off

Ace Deuce - Breakin' Boyz Off
Ace Deuce is rapper from Houston, TX. He has been putting it down since the early 90's. This is a compilation album and was released in 1999 on Backwoodz Records. This album contains released as well as some unreleased material along. Various artists are invited by Ace to put together this underground compilation. Production on this record was handled by Ace Deuce, Icey Hott of Street Military, Money Black, Mike B., Dope-E of the South Park Coalition and D-Red of the Botany Boys. The beats are certainly in the Texas funk category and contain some very nice rhythmical patterns. Lyrics are raw, mainly because of the cast presenting them are the likes of.Bun B of UGK, Trinity Garden Cartel, Botany Boys, K.B. Da Kidnappa & Icey Hott of Street Military, Lil' Keke, South Park Mexican, Fatal, Kid Frost and Money Black. Overall, this is a very decent compilation with an all-star lineup of producers and performers and it does not disappoint.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Big Mike - Still Serious

Big Mike - Still Serious
Big Mike is a rapper from New Orleans, LA. Still Serious is a follow up for his wonderful debut album, Something Serious. It picks up right where the first one left off. This album was released in 1997 on Rap-A-Lot Records. Production on this record was done by Mike Dean, Mike B. and N.O. Joe. Smooth yet hard hitting beats are provided for Big Mike once again and he really takes advantage of them. His vicious flow along with his southern accent compliments the beats very well. Appearances on the album are by Mystikal, III, Lester Tone, Cece Ward, Shatasha and Ebony. Big Mike would go on to release one more album for Rap-A-Lot and then would find another home. There are some standout tracks on this record that will always hold a place in southern rap history.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Facemob - The Other Side Of The Law

Facemob - The Other Side Of The Law
Facemob is a group that was created by the legendary Scarface of the Geto Boys. It was formed around the talents of five different rappers from five different cities and states. He recruited Devin The Dude who although would later relocate and represent Houston but is originally from St. Petersburg, Florida. He then went to St. Paul, Minnesota and picked up DMG. After that he got 350, the female emcee from Cleveland, Ohio. Next stop was Chicago, Illinois where he met Chi-Ray. Finally they were back to Houston, Texas and got one last member who is also a childhood friend of Scarface known as Smit-D. The group was formed and now it was time to hit the recording studios. This is their debut album and was released in 1996 on Rap-A-Lot Records. Production was done by Scarface along with Mike Dean and N.O. Joe. They team up to provide the dope, funk laced beats. The lyrics are hard but at times they lack foundation. All five members have their own style and they flow according to that. At times their chemistry seems on point and then there are moments where it suffers. Featuring on the record is Scarface. The group went on to release one more album and then broke up. The break up was mostly because of lack of success for the group and members focusing on their solo careers. This record is also known for starting Scarface's career as a full fledged producer.

Deadly Verses




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