Saturday, January 31, 2009

The Calhouns - Made In The Dirdy South

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The Calhouns is a group from Atlanta, GA. It consists of Cool Breeze, Swift C and Big L. The three members are also known as Freddy Calhoun, Pauly Calhoun and Lucky Calhoun. Members Pauly and Lucky were known as the Sniper Unit in the late 90's. Later on they added Cool Breeze to their line up and changed the name to The Calhouns. This group also holds membership in the second generation of the Dungeon Family. Made In The Dirdy South is their debut album and it was released in 2002 on Empire Music Werks. The crew behind all the production is Organized Noize along with Swift C. The imaginative beats are crisp flowing and cutting edge. They are mostly sample free and are arranged very infectiously. The lyrics is where the album falls a little short. Although their rhymes are not ground breaking, they are still pretty jubilant. Featuring on the record is Slimm Calhoun, Big Howg Major and Decatur's own KB. Overall it was a decent effort by the group but unfortunately there was not enough lyrical substance to take this album any further.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Boosie - Youngest Of Da Camp

Boosie - Youngest Of Da Camp
Boosie also known as Lil' Boosie is a rapper from Baton Rouge, LA. He first started off as the youngest member of the Concentration Camp at the age of only 14. This is his debut album and it was released in 2000 on C-Loc Records. At the time of this album's recording, Boosie was 17 years old. The man behind the banging production is none other than Happy Perez. He provides the hard hitting southern beats and fuses them with melodic instruments. Boosie takes advantage of the beats and he certainly inflicts some damage with his raw lyrics. Featuring on the album is C-Loc and the Concentration Camp. Overall the album gained decent amounts of exposure and eventually caused Lil' Boosie to team up with Pimp C of UGK. He was quickly signed to Trill Entertainment and was paired up with fellow Baton Rouge artist, Webbie. The duo went on to release two collective albums which gave them enough notoriety to break into mainstream. Both, Boosie and Webbie are still going strong today and their contributions to the southern genre have been very noteworthy.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Zero Ward Villains

Zero Ward Villains
Zero Ward Villains is a group from New Orleans, LA. It consists of Guillotine, Nofearious, Da Slim Reaper, Big Dawg, Mr. Grinch and Jaboo. This is their self titled debut album and it was released in 1999 on Mad Dog Records. Production on this short record is done by E. The beats are pretty raw and are filled with melodic samples and hooks. Lyrics can simply be justified as hardcore. The rhyme schemes and  the southern flows are all equally dope. Overall the album sustains good material but it falls shy at only five tracks. This is the groups' only album and its definitely very sought after.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Infamous Playa Family - Focused On Ambitions Vol. II

Infamous Playa Family - Focused On Ambitions Vol. II
Lil' Byrd and the Infamous Playa Family is a group from Houston, TX. They returned with their sophomore album, Focused On Ambitions Vol. II. It was released in 2000 on Game Tite Records. Once again Mr. Lee and Tommy Franklin team up to drop some dope southern funk. They laced the beats with heavy bass lines and rhythmical instruments. Production is top notch and seems to exceed past volume one. Forcible yet deep lyrics happens to be the trademark for the group. All members spit substantially well and can manage to hold their own. Featuring artists are Scoop and T-Boy. This album was marked as the last chapter in the Focused On Ambition series. The group went on to release the La Cosa Nostra series and then departed ways with Game Tite Records.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Icey Hott - School Zone 5 M.P.H.

Icey Hott - School Zone 5 M.P.H.
Icey Hott is a multi-talented artist from the neighborhood of Hiram Clarke in Houston, TX. Over the years he has grown into a solid rapper, a genuine producer and a very skilled DJ. This is one of the many mixtapes he has released in the underground. School Zone 5 M.P.H. dropped in 2000 on Bayou City Records. Icey Hott provides all the production along with his choice style of turntableism. He excellently rips through all the mixing, cutting and chopping. Some of the beats are borrowed from other artists but most of them are original. Lyrics consists of live freestyles, unreleased cuts and tight versatile flows. Featuring on the mixtape is Pharoah of Street Military, Klondike Kat of the South Park Coalition, Big D and Mafia Genie of the Killa Klan. Icey Hott has appeared on numerous records from the south and he continues his assault on the rap game with the release of his mixtapes. He is currently working on tracks for Lil' Flea's debut solo album.

Deadly Verses
Freestyle


Thursday, January 22, 2009

Ras & Slaughter - Trinity Garden Reloaded

Lil' Rascal & Ice Water Slaughter are rappers from the northside of Houston, TX. Both of them have been around since the mid 90's and have released numerous records independently. This collaboration album was done in 2006 on BCD Music Group. Production was handled by Curtiss Bradford, Uncle Boudreaux and Big Money Dave. The beats are heavily laced with solid sample work. The producers also easily provide some southern funk for the trunk. The lyrics come directly out of harsh territory. Lil' Rascal is known for his distinct tone and strong word play while Ice Water is known for his rapid delivery and unmerciful content. Join and fuse these different styles together and the end result is a killer combination of back to back verses. Overall the album that does not disappoint and it focuses on the content rather than the rotational radio play. Also the record is dedicated to D, the leader of the legendary Trinity Garden Cartel, who is currently serving a 25 year prison sentence.

Deadly Verses
Touchdown


Tuesday, January 20, 2009

World Wide Riders - Make Em' Believe


World Wide Riders - Make Em' Believe
World Wide Riders is a group from Galveston Island, TX. The trio consists of Mista Hog, Jak Da Rippa and Sniper Rich. This is their debut album and it was released in 1999 on Salty Water Records. Production on this album is done by Icey Hott of Street Military, Klondike Kat of the South Park Coalition, Pancho V and Chocstilli. Beats are hard hitting and are strictly southern gangsta funk. Their flows are hardcore and fast paced. The lyrics are precisely rooted to each beat and are mixed very properly. Featuring on the record is PSK-13, South Park Mexican, Klondike Kat, Lifestyl, K.B. Da Kidnappa and Icey Hott of Street Military. Although this album was a strong effort by the group, it did not gain much attention due to its hard and unyielding nature.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Infamous Playa Family - Focused On Ambitions Vol. 1

Infamous Playa Family - Focused On Ambitions Vol. 1
Infamous Playa Family, also known as IPF, is a group from Houston, TX. It consists of Lil' Byrd, Tay-Day, Bino, B-Dub, Drew, Kickdou and Yung Hilton. This is their debut album and it was released in 1999 on Game Tite Records. The dope production is done by Lil' Byrd, Mr. Lee and Tommy Franklin. Beats are a constant display of straight Texas funk. They inflict thumping bass lines along with some head bopping samples. Lyrics are refreshing and complex. All members grace the mic extremely well and their flows are somewhat rapid. Featuring on the record is T-Boy, Klas' One and Droopy. Since the release of this album, IPF has gained large amounts of success with their original sound. The group is still going strong today and has collaborated with many known names from the south. Also, member Lil' Byrd has released a couple of solo records.

Deadly Verses
Never Feel Such Pain


Album Notes
* This is the re-issue, the original was released in 1998 with a different cover.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Sess 4-5 - Nuthin But Fire

Sess 4-5 - Nuthin But Fire
Sess 4-5 is a rapper from New Orleans, LA. He first started off as a member of the group S.A.C. Mafia. He is also the founder of the independent record label known as Nuthin But Fire. This is his debut solo album and it was released in 2004 on Fat Boy Entertainment. Production was done by Sess and Frank D. The beats are dope and manage to hit hard. As always, that N.O. sound is pleasantly present. Lyrics are as the album title suggests, nothing but fire. Sess comes hard with his flow. He maintains the content with street cuts as well as some club bangers. Featuring artists are Dumo of S.A.C. Mafia, L.O.G., Soulja Slim, Lil' Ya of U.N.L.V., 5th Ward Weebie, Da Renegades, Mickey Da Kid, Girbaud, Yung Nut, Mr. Marcelo, Partners-N-Crime, Y.G.'z and Ms. Tee. The notable cast of guests makes this a very good debut album and one that is solid all throughout. Sess 4-5 plans to release his sophomore record called, "The Louisiana Purchase" in the upcoming months.

Deadly Verses
Gansta Sh!t ft. Soulja Slim & Mr. Marcelo

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Rally Boys - Rally World Vol. 1

Rally Boys - Rally World Vol. 1
Rally Boys is a group from the vicious streets of Dallas, TX. It consists of Kottonmouth, Jizno and Big Ben. This is their debut album and it was released in 1999 on Rally Entertainment. Production was done by Mannie Fresh, Happy Perez, J.P. and Corey Dixon. The beats are smooth and can easily be associated with that southern fried twang. All three members are talented lyricist. Their lyrics mostly resemble the down south hustle and are on point. Featuring on the album is Too $hort, B-Legit, Lil' Keke, C-Loc, Young Bleed, Lay-Lo, Big Tymers, Lil' Wayne, Richie Rich, Mac Shawn and Roger Troutman. Although it is a wonderful record on account of the dope beats, quality southern lyrics and the special appearances of the featuring artists, it still did not generate any prominent success.

Deadly Verses



Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Criminal Elament - Undaground Railroad

Criminal Elament - Undaground Railroad
Criminal Elament was a group from the northside of Houston, TX. Members June Bugg, Lil' 5th, Ice Water Slaughter, Ice Picc, Folk and DJ Free returned with their second album. Undaground Railroad was released in 1996 on Dead Game Records. Production was handled by DJ Free, Blo-1 and Knee-Hi-Music. The beats are an impressive display of that southern funk. Samples, bass lines, keyboards and synths are all used equally and effectively. Lyrics are undeniably gangsta and they can range from fast paced flows to smooth laid back joints. Featuring artists are Young Gangstas, Trigga, Red Dog, B-Down, Tiger, Blackdocious, Cleveland Raspberry, Timothy Lewis and Darlene Hagan. Criminal Elament, along with the Trinity Garden Cartel paved the way for many artists emerging from the northside of Houston. Even though this was the last album they released as a group, their distinct underground sound refuses to be forgotten.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Southern Intellect

Southern Intellect also known as S.I., is a group from Houston, TX. The four members are Don, Turtle, Ragland and Shadow Black. Later on the group added more members like J-O and his brother, Tunes. This is their self titled and self produced debut album. It was released in 2004 on Dirty Communication. Production is handled by Shadow Black and Turtle. The beats are a casual blend of rhythm and soul. This unbelievable task is not only hard to do but it is done with perfection on this record. Their original lyrics are solid as well. They contain constant word play and are very harmonic. Features are courtesy of Devin The Dude, Hawk of the Screwed Up Click and Danjah Ray. The album maintained its composure and garnered some much needed attention. This record also challenges the musical limits of Hip-Hop in an attempt to appeal to a wider and much more diverse fan base.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Al-D - Home Of The Free

Al-D - Home Of The Free
Al-D is a rapper from Houston, TX. He is regarded as one of the original members of the Screwed Up Click. This is his debut album and it was released in 1996 on Jam Down Records. Production is done by DJ Screw, Big G and Lil' Goddi. The beats are hard hitting and symbolize G-Funk in every aspect. The heavy synths mixed with funky bass lines is the foundation for every track. Al-D's flow is very charismatic and his intelligent lyrics contain some harsh reality. Featuring on the album is DJ Screw, Ronnie Spencer, Dren and Lil' Mel. This record also contains 4 cuts that are mixed by the great DJ Screw. All in all its a dope album by the Lion of the Screwed Up Click and one that should certainly be a part of every collection.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Black Menace - Ghetoasnigga

Black Menace - Ghetoasnigga
Black Menace is a group from New Orleans, LA. They started off as a trio that consisted of Threat, J-Dawg and DJ Jaz. Later on they were reduced to a duo when Jaz left the group. This is their debut album and it was released in 1992 on Hollygrove Records. The record is excellently produced by DJ Jaz. The beats are well crafted and hold some dope samples. Lyrics are courtesy of J-Dawg and Threat. They managed to spit gangsta rhymes all through out. This is Black Menace at their raw and uncut beginning. The album also contains hints of some early N.O. bounce. This record was quickly noticed and eventually caused the group to sign with Big Boy Records. Overall its a very nice tape release considering its age and a very important one for the group as well.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

C-Loc - Concentration Camp

C-Loc - Concentration Camp
C-Loc is a rapper from Baton Rouge, LA. He is also the proud founder of C-Loc Records, a company he started in 1994 to unite the local rappers in the area. He released his debut album "Whatever" in 1995 on his own label. Then he formed the group called Concentration Camp. The original members were C-Loc, Young Bleed, Max Minelli, J-Von and Happy Perez. Later on the group would add more members like Boo and Lil' Boosie. This is their debut album and it was released in 1997 on C-Loc Records. Production is superbly done by the great Happy Perez. The deep bass lines mixed with genuine samples are one of a kind and they really carry the album well. Lyrics are raw and hardcore. Each member has their own distinct style and they showcase it with ease on just about every track. Featuring on the album is Lay-Lo, G-Dog, Queen, 2XL, Full Pack, Lee Tyme, Dolla, D-Click, Leah Man, Fired, Joker P and DJ Chill. This album also contains the infamous Young Bleed track that got him signed to the label. The song "A Fool" is the original version of the song "How Ya Do Dat" that was later released by Master P. Overall the whole album can hold its own and is very ahead of its time. Even 12 years later, this gem of a record still shines from all angles. Concentration Camp would go on to release a series of albums through out the late 90's and the early 2000's.

Kingpin Skinny Pimp - Pimpin And Hustlin

Kingpin Skinny Pimp - Pimpin And Hustlin
Kingpin Skinny Pimp is a rapper from Memphis, TN. He first started in the early 90's releasing mix-tapes with the legendary DJ Squeeky. After that he joined forces with DJ Paul & Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia. He went on to release his debut album, "King Of Da Playaz Ball" in 1996. Pimpin And Hustlin is his ninth record and it was released in 2002 on Rap Hustlaz. Production was managed by Sliscee Tee and DJ Squeeky. The beats are dope as hell and stick with the southern sound that M-Town is known for. Once again, Skinny returns with his smooth and rapid flow. His fast paced delivery along with the tongue twisting lyrics are all present here. Featuring artist are Eightball, Lil' Wayne, Indo G, Dre Day, Jewel Sanchez and L.I. Overall its a banging record with great production and vocals. Although its not his best album, it is certainly in the top three.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

The Underground Committee - The Prophecy

The Underground Committee - The Prophecy
The Underground Committee also known as UGC, is a group from San Antonio, TX. The group consists of J-Roc, Apollo, Southern "SK" Kumphert and Big Rob. This is their debut album and it was released in 2000 on Last Hour Records. The album's dope production is done by Apollo and the beats are heavily influenced by G-Funk. Each cut on here is filled with dark synths, deep bass and some fine keyboarding. Lyrics are undeniably gangsta and stay that way from intro to outro. Featuring artists on the album are The Entity, PMG, The DHC Troopers, Big Daddy Ghetto and Drops. Every track on this record is sick and is an example of hardcore gangsta rap at its finest from SA Town. This album is considered a rarity and is very sought after by fans.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Balistic - Ballin Out Of Control

Balisic - Ballin Out Of Control
Balistic is a duo from Mo' City in Houston, TX. The two members are Big Redd and Beast. This is their debut album and it was released in 2003 on Coast To Coast Records. Production was handled by Billy Cook. The beats are up tempo and can be simplified as southern hip-hop. Lyrics are straight and they lean towards the "ballin" lifestyle. Featuring artists are A-3, Showtyme, Dre-P, Billy Cook, Nick, Lyrical Queen, Lil' Ran, D-Swift, Mario and Hit Mann. This album is more club savvy than it is underground. The notable club anthems makes this record a decent effort by the group.

Monday, January 5, 2009

TRU - True


TRU - True
TRU stands for The Real Untouchables. The original group was started in the early 90's in Richmond, CA. The members were Master P, C-Murder, Big Ed, Cali G, Fonzo, King George, Sonya C, Silkk The Shocker, Milk Man, Daniel Fry and Markest Bank. The group released two underground albums with that lineup. Later on, the crew moved to New Orleans, LA and was reduced to a trio. Brothers Master P, C-Murder and Silkk The Shocker released their first nationwide album. True was released in 1995 on No Limit Records. Production is done by the infamous Beats By The Pound. Beats are heavily laced with G-Funk style synths and carry deep bass lines. Lyrics stay gangsta and the flows have good rhyme schemes. Featuring on the album is C-Bo, E-A-Ski, Mr. Serv-On, Mia-X, Carmen Traylor and CMT. With the release of this album, TRU became one of the most popular acts on No Limit. This record managed to sell over 500,000 copies without any radio play or promotion.

Tha Murda Weapon - Thank You

Tha Murda Weapon - Thank You
Tha Murda Weapon, also known as T.M.W., is a group from Dallas, TX. The members are Jay Mac and Shorty Da Man. They debuted with the album "A Rare Breed" in 1994. Thank You is their second album and it was released in 1998 on Shorty Records. Production was fabulously done by Shorty Da Man. The beats are simply synthetic and are oozing with melodies. The lyrics are very poetic and are filled with constant word play. Featuring on this record is Big Al of Nemesis. This is a true follow up for the first album and almost all seventeen tracks standout here. This album deeply contains raw content and that is the exact reason why it is so slept on. Overall a very dope record that maintains its' fine production and blends it with powerful yet heartfelt lyrics.

Deadly Verses
Gospel Of A Dying Breed

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Mobb Figgaz - Wise Guyz On Tha Rise

Mobb Figgaz - Wise Guyz On Tha Rise
Mobb Figgaz is a group from the southside of Houston, TX. The four members are Lil' C, E-Clay, Q.B. and Agg. This is their debut album and it was released in 1999 on Jam Down Records. Production is done by Swift, Prowler, Lee Johnson and Sean Jemison. The beats are very smooth and are laced with that deep fried southern funk. Also the samples and hooks are used with perfect precision. The lyrics don't fall short either. All four members are cold with the pen and pad. Their lyrics mostly reflect the rich mob lifestyle and are straight to the point. Featuring on the record are label mates Lil' Keke, Phaz and Archie Lee. Although the group gained some notoriety with this album, they fell apart shortly after its release. One of the group members got locked up and member Lil' C decided towards a solo route.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

G-Low - The Last Man Standing

G-Low - The Last Man Standing
G-Low is a rapper from the neighborhood of South Park in Houston, TX. He has been rapping since the age of 13. He was also part of a upcoming group but they separated over financial terms. This is his debut album and it was released in 2000 on Worldbound Entertainment. Production was skillfully done by the great Mike B while he is assisted by the likes of Rakesh "Roc" Jacob and Bruce "Eightball" Lattin. The beats are dope and very melodic. G-Low's flow is fast paced and he can catch the beats with ease. Featuring on the album is Legal Substanz, Z-Ro, Trae, GT, Rapsta, Kano, Hawk, South Park Mexican, Lil' O, Ace Deuce, Ms. Kitty, Kiotti, Choc Stilli, Ghetto Mob, Mr. O, Ms. Kitty, Pancho V, Semo Stylz, Showtyme Spanky D, Sweet P, Warren B and Wicked Crickett. A solid record overall that maintains its' commendable content all throughout. It also includes two bonus tracks, one of which is chopped & screwed.

Deadly Verses
Doin' It On the Weekend ft. Hawk, Kano & Rapsta