Kyle Lee - Kings Of Texas Vol.2

Kyle Lee - Kings Of Texas Vol.2

Kyle Lee is a rapper from the southside of San Antonio, TX. Kings Of  Texas are a series of mixtapes that are presented by 3rd Degree Entertainment. Volume 2 was released in 2007 and it was mixed by DJ Luis. The production credits are not worth noting on account of this being a mixtape and all the beats are borrowed from different artists/producers. Lyrically the tape fares well but not much can be said due to the tracks being short and having only one verse from the primary artist. This is a two disc set with a plethora of rappers featuring from all over Texas. All in all its a contemporary mix and one that carries a good amount of content especially catered for the fans of "Swang & Bang." That very sound that emerged from the streets of Houston and spread like wild fire throughout the great state of Texas.

Sat N Smooth - The Awakening

Sat N Smooth - The Awakening

Sat N Smooth is a group that represents from the northside of Houston, TX. The group consists of Brad-D and D-Bone. The two were discovered by Doug King of NewStyle Records and were quickly signed to the label. After impressing the executive producer Mark Lerch, the group was given a green light for a full length record. The Awakening is their debut album and it was released in 1993 on NewStyle Records and Flashpoint International, while it was distributed through Priority Records. The production is done by the impeccable DJ Storm also known as "Tha Funky Aztec." One might remember DJ Storm for remixing the track "Eyez Open" by Bam of the legendary Killa Klan. The beats are a classic example of southern funk. They are laced with heavy drums, scintillating horns, deep bass lines and not to mention some very fine keyboarding. All of this is presented through the signature style of DJ Storm which mainly consists of a deadly hook that is looped and superbly sampled. The lyrics is where this record really excels. Both Brad-D and D-Bone are more than capable on the microphone. Their rhymes are filled with brilliant word play and are the cornerstone for this project. Their chemistry together is unmatched and they seem to feed off of each other very easily. Guest features are made by C-Major of the Gang Society, The Mad Man, Lonnie.B.Rankin and Alisha who basically provides the backup vocals. Even though the group had quite a few singles, the tracks pretty much failed to crack any kind of meaningful rotation. Some said it was their harsh subject matter that was directed towards society while others believed that the group was ahead of its time. Whatever the reason maybe, it is quite plain to see that this gem of an album deserves a spot in any collection.

Deadly Verses

Same Thang ft. C-Major (Storm's Remix)

Deadly Video

Pimpsta - Texas Wada

Pimpsta - Texas Wada

Pimpsta is a rapper and producer who represents from the southside of Dallas, TX. He has been in the music industry since the early nineties and even established his own label called Skrilla Records. After the success of his debut record, "Dickies & House-Shoes" which spawned the local hit song by the same name, Pimpsta returned with the follow up Texas Wada in 1996 on Rrush Records. The production in its entirety is done by Luther Mitchell who provides all the southern fried tracks. The melodies easily carry that Texas funk and are quite groovy to say the least. Pimpsta is known in the deep south for his laid back persona as well as his signature funky style of delivery. The rhymes are straight forward but are filled with charm and energy. His style is pretty unique and its tailor made to fit perfectly for the beats provided. Although he's not a serious lyrical threat, he does manage to keep the listener entertained with catchy hooks and choice word play. Backup vocals are courtesy of Peaches, Kim Mitchell, Ro70, Jennifer White and Jenny Williams. Pimpsta is one of those artists that never get the recognition or attention they deserve. Throughout his long career, he cranked out local hits on just about every album he put out but somehow always went under the radar outside of Texas. For Pimpsta, the Dallas and Fort Worth area has been nothing short of rewarding and for those that were lucky enough to witness his form of artistry will have no problem vouching for him.

Deadly Verses

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Poetic Vandals - Tha Quickest Tongues Down South

Poetic Vandals - Tha Quickest Tongues Down South

Poetic Vandals is a group that hails from the malicious streets of San Antonio, TX. The group is known to be well over sixteen members deep since some members of The Underground Committee are also affiliated. The Vandals consists of J-Roc, Hollow Point, Nightmare, Teflon, Qwik, R-1, Twink, BDG, Lil' J, Drops, Huggz, Apollo, SK and the female emcee known as Lil Tiff. Tha Quickest Tongues Down South is their debut album and it was released in 2002 on Payway Records. Production is mainly provided by BDG while Apollo chips in on a couple of tracks. The beats are all derived electronically and the use of any real instrumentation is slim to none. This could be the very reason why the beats sound a little bland and only a few tracks really standout. Lyrically the album is far more superior and certainly lives up to the title. The clear focus of all the members is to deliver sharp rhymes at a blitzing rate. Their styles are unique and their word play is quite commendable. They certainly waste no time and start demolishing the tracks laid out in front of them. Also the backup vocals are on point and are provided by Lil Tiff. All in all its a valiant effort by the Alamo City natives and had it not been for the sub-par production, this record would have easily raised the eyebrows of major label executives. As a group they went on to release one more album in the year 2004. Although there are rumors floating around for a Vandals reunion in the very near future. Also, rest in peace to The SwiftONE better known as Lil' J.

Deadly Verses

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Fire On The Bayou - Respect My Mind

Fire On The Bayou - Respect My Mind

Fire On The Bayou is a record label that was based on the infamous Valence street in New Orleans, LA. The label was started by brothers Derick and Kendrick Dauphin along with their childhood friends Cy Williams and Vernon "Cazel" Barabino. Respect My Mind is a compilation album that was released in 1998 by the same label. The production is split right down the middle between the masterful David "D-Funk" Faulk and Vernon "Cazel" Barabino. The beats carry that harsh yet classic "Nola" sound. The melodies and rhythms are all strictly southern and are provided humbly with variety. Since this is a compilation, a bunch of rappers were also invited for this rhyme festival. With an impressive lineup of Mystikal, Crazy and Legend Man of Murder Inc., Skull Duggery, Rated X, Big Ramp, Calico, Neferius Mike, Illusion, G-Man, Sharp Shooter, Ken Real, V.L. Trell, The Swamp Click and backup vocals being provided by George Clinton and Peaches, it is truly very hard to disappoint. Lyrics are quite commendable and although there are over fifteen tracks, they are still pretty diverse. Different combinations are provided for the listener to keep things fresh and new. Unfortunately Fire On The Bayou Records was a fly by night label that faded away as quickly as it began. Respect My Mind was plagued with distribution problems as well as financial issues for those who participated. In the end, the album became out of print and with the royalties quickly disappearing, the team of rappers and producers listed above were left with a very foul and sour taste.

Deadly Verses
Feel This ft. Big Ramp, Ken Real & Sharp Shooter

Da Buddha Klan

Da Buddha Klan

Da Buddha Klan is a group who represents from the hard hitting streets of Dallas, TX and it is led by Big Al of the Nemesis fame. Now Nemesis was more bass oriented and since that era faded away by the mid nineties, Al quickly decided it was time to move on, although he would later return for a reunion album in 2000. After a couple of minor production stints, he formed the Da Buddha Klan in the year 1995. He recruited rappers from different neighborhoods across Dallas and ended up with the members, Uptight, 211, IKS and Mayday the female emcee. After assembling a wide array of musicians and composers, Da Buddha Klan debuted on the infamous Profile Records in 1996. The production is top quality and is provided through various producers. The crew is led by Christopher Smith and Mabuta Ellison while assisted by Floyd Bonner (Guitar), Tim Grugle (Drums), Zach Johnson (Bass) and Roger Webb (Keyboards). The beats contain intricate rhythm patterns and are blended ever so exquisitely. The musicians did an excellent job with each of their respective instrument and the producers gave them a green light when it came to creativity. Lyrically the album is also superb. Da Klan doesn't waste any time getting started on the microphone and each member contributes evenly. Their rhymes are delivered very precisely and rapidly as well. The core content is straight out of gangster territory and can be considered equally rough. All the members are commendable lyricists and the two standouts being Uptight and Big Al. Guest appearances are made by War Loc and Lisa Schmitz who provides the background vocals. Overall this record is full of great content and it shines from all angles. What started out as a side project ended up easily exceeding expectations. Although Big Al passed away in 2000 and he garnered a great deal of success through his membership in the group Nemesis, this release can easily be placed with the best highlights of his career. Rest in peace to Albert "Big Al" English, one of the best to ever represent for Dallas, Texas.

Deadly Verses

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