I.B.G. - We Ballin

I.B.G. - We Ballin

I.B.G., which stands for Innocent But Guilty, is a group that represents from Franklin, LA. It consists of Eddie Bo, Rocky and B-Dub. The group debuted with We Ballin in 1999 on Red Boy Records and quickly gained some notoriety for their effort. The album in its entirety is produced by the in-house producer, Choklate Chip. The beats are quite crafty and are assembled with a wide range of instruments. Some are assisted through the process of sampling, such as the notable title track "We Ballin," which heavily samples the song "Jamming" by Bob Marley & The Wailers. The track ends up being a wonderful take on the original reggae song that is completed with a southern fried twist. All three members are more than capable on the microphone. Their rhymes tend to be somewhat fast paced and are delivered precisely. Also the word play used is quite commendable. Guest appearances are made by DJ Dolby D, Papa Reu, Red Boy and the 4-5 Click. Even though this project was a respectable release by the trio and is very sought after by their fans, there are times when it becomes a little bland. The one area this album is lacking in is originality but since this record can be classified under "baller" or "bling" rap from the late nineties, it hardly matters. That being said it still should not discourage the listener because this was truly a valiant effort by the group and that is why they are still remembered as home town heroes by the small city of Franklin, Louisiana.

Deadly Verses

We Ballin' ft. Papa Rue & Red Boy

Tha Darkside - Tales From Tha Darkside

Tha Darkside - Tales From Tha Darkside

Tha Darkside is a notorious group from Baton Rouge, LA. It consists of K.E., Color Wheel, DJ Cross Fader, The Night Prince and R-Mack. Tales From Tha Darkside is their debut album and it was released in 1993 on E.K.S. Records. The record is produced by the funky Sharntii Baheth with some assistance from Ernest "The Night Prince" Smith as well as DJ Cross Fader who provides the mixing and scratching. The beats are assembled with some pure yet simple melodies. They tend to be very harmonic and really compliment the group well. Although a couple of them are sample assisted, they still somehow manage to give off a fresh vibe. The group's persona can be best described as somewhat street savvy. Their rhymes are certainly prolific and contain feelings depicted straight from harsh realities. The lyrics veer off just a tad bit on a few tracks but are pretty much legit for the most part. All members are quite capable on the mic and the two standouts being Color Wheel & K.E. Overall the album keeps itself afloat by presenting the core content in an unorthodox manner all the while displaying a unique sense of style. Although this happens to be an obscure record from the grisly swamps of Baton Rouge, it still has the ability to compete with any mainstream release from that time period. Also, rest in peace to the one and only K.E. of Tha Darkside.

Deadly Verses

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Livin' Illegal - Married To The Game

Livin' Illegal - Married To The Game

Livin' Illegal is a duo from the south side of Houston, TX. It consists of two members whom are under the aliases, G-Down and Gangsta Slim. The two met at a local high school and quickly became fond of each others rapping ability. They ended up being discovered by Anthony Johnson and Married To The Game was released in 1997 on Hollow Point Records. It is produced mainly by Bruce "Grim Reaper" Rhodes and Will-B-Fresh while Icey Hott and G-Lee help out on a couple of tracks. The production is top notch southern funk to say the least. Groovy guitar licks meshed with edgy synths and a good dose of bass are incorporated into each track. The cuts flow very smoothly and also blend effortlessly with each other. The duo take full advantage of what is laid out for them and take turns displaying their vocal arsenal. Rhymes are filled with word play and certainly come off with an aggressive nature. The tone is definitely set at rough and it helps to steer the project. The two members make sure they give it their all on the microphone and leave the studio booth with no regrets. Guest appearances are made by MC Thick, Icey Hott and K.B. Da Kidnappa of Street Military. All in all this record tends to be a prime example of where the label held the producers and the artists accountable for the final output. It exemplifies a genuine product which is delivered through hard work and determination. Although this release dwells in the depths of the underground it still deserves a listen and a honorable mention.

Deadly Verses

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