H.$.E - The Re-Score

H.$.E. - The Re-Score

H.$.E, which stands for Hustlaz $tackin' Endz, is a collective that hails from the southside of Houston, TX. The original group consisted of Hump, Lil' Flip, A.P. and Yung Redd. Also, Lil' Flip left the group after their initial release due to his own solo success and A.P. was later replaced with Lil' Ron. The group and all its' individual artists were also signed under Hump's own independent label known as, Sucka Free Records. Hump started the label in the late nineties and had a good run with H.$.E. and Lil' Flip as the label's core artists. The Re-Score is H.$.E.'s second release and it was put out in 2004 on Sucka Free Records. It's not an official album since it was just released to create a buzz for Yung Redd and Lil' Ron's upcoming album, "The Paper Route." Production on this record is invalid due to most, if not all, the beats are borrowed from other premier artists. The album is at a decent level lyrically. The songs are mostly freestyles with one or two real tracks sprinkled in between. Yung Redd and Lil' Ron are the only ones present with a slew of handsome guest features from Bun B, Paul Wall, Z-Ro, Trae, Twista, David Banner, Grit Boys, Big Shasta, Twisted Black, Yung Ro, A.B.N., Lil' Head and Yung Wun. The album closes out with a grand total of twenty tracks with only a handful of them being entertaining. As mentioned above, the release is in no way official in form or content. It was merely an underground release which was meant to supplement fans till the release of "The Paper Route." Hump just slapped the H.$.E. name on it in hopes of moving a few more units. Even though the release is obscure in nature, it just does not have anything alluring for the listener to look forward to.

Album Notes
* The record was also released with an alternative cover.

The Day After Hell Broke Loose

The Day After Hell Broke Loose

The Day After Hell Broke Loose is a compilation album which is presented by Bigg Tyme and Rap-A-Lot Records. It was constructed upon the success of "The Day Hell Broke Loose" series by Swishahouse Records. This album was released in the early part of 2004 on Rap-A-Lot Records. Veteran producers Bigg Tyme and Mike Dean are credited for providing the tunes. Together, they do an excellent job by creating a palette of rhythms that strictly cater to the fans of the Swang & Bang genre. The beats are mostly contemporary and upbeat in nature. The creators made sure that the blend stays electric and musically sound at all times. Lyrics tend to vary since this is a joint venture between two of the most prolific record labels from the South and their respective artists. One can only expect greatness when the likes of Scarface, Bun B, Devin The Dude and Z-Ro are fused with Lil' Flip, Slim Thug, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Chamillionaire, J-Dawg, Magno, Lil' Ron, Lil' Mario and Dolla. The album closes out with a total of fourteen tracks and aside from a couple of them, their subject matter mostly lingers around materialistic values and financial gains. All in all it's a decent compilation and one that was released at the height of the H-Town takeover phenomenon. The two camps capitalized on the alluring situation at hand and put forth a genuine effort. The record beautifully withstands the test of time and should deserve a spot in any Southern Rap collection. 

Deadly Verses

Z-Ro (Remix) ft. Z-Ro

The Lumberjacks - Livin' Life As Lumberjacks

The Lumberjacks - Livin' Life As Lumberjacks
The Lumberjacks is a duo that represents from the powerful streets of Atlanta, GA. It consists of T-Mo and Khujo, formerly of the infamous Goodie Mob. The duo was formed in 2004 shortly after the break up of the original Goodie Mob. First to leave the group was Cee-Lo, who started to find some success as a solo artist. Big Gipp eventually followed and tested the solo market but did not get the same positive results. So with only two members remaining who still wanted to pursue music together, they decided to form The Lumberjacks and move on from what was a disastrous situation with group members jumping ship left and right. Livin' Life As Lumberjacks is their debut album and it was released in 2004 on Koch Records. Many different producers are used to compile the tracks while Organized Noize handles the bulk of the load. The other producers used are DJ Speedy, Cool Rah, Darin "Superpower" Baker, Ed X, Edward Cleveland, Hall Of Tunez and Montez Harris. The beats are a split between the classic sound that was always associated with the old Dungeon Family and the contemporary new wave sound that comes naturally for any post 2000 release. Most of the tunes are quite melodic while there are some that get a little mundane. Lyrically the album is at an average level. Although both Khujo & T-Mo are well respected lyricists and their past resume is a commendable one, they simply just don't show the same prowess on this release. There are flashes of brilliance on a couple of tracks which can attest for their abilities on the microphone and is reminiscent of their days with the Goodie Mob and then there are tracks that seem to lack energy and passion which in turn sounds like the artists are either holding themselves back or dulling their lyrics down to fit the mainstream sound. Guest appearances are made by Big Gipp, Witchdoctor, Big Hustle and Preacher. Overall it was a valiant effort by the duo, especially considering the fact that they were without their better counterparts. The album is missing the charm and magic that Cee-lo would provide for their earlier releases. Many don't know that he was the driving force behind Goodie Mob's vision and its' sound. Even though this release won't take home any awards or break any barriers musically, it is still worth a listen. One can only imagine what kind of accolades this record would receive had Cee-Lo contributed to it. All is not lost though, these two can hold their own ground firmly and can still catch the listener by surprise with their alluring artistry.

Deadly Verses
Superfriends ft. Big Gipp


Album Notes
* Goodie Mob reunited in the year 2013.
* Lumberjacks are 1st Generation members of the Dungeon Family.

Black Mike - Haven't You Heard?

Black Mike - Haven't You Heard?
Black Mike is a rapper and producer from Houston, TX. He is also affiliated with the South Park Coalition. Mike has been in the business since the age of 16. He honed his skills and became a pure lyricist as well as a talented producer. This is debut album and it was released in 2004 on Johnny Palmer Entertainment. The production is done by Black Mike along with some help from Dope-E of The Terrorists. They provide a solid foundation using multiple instruments. The beats are dark to some extent but are mostly up tempo. Mike displays his raw vocals on just about every track. His attack on the mic is something vicious and it is one that should definitely be heard. Guest appearances are made by Z-Ro, B-1, III, Lil' Will and Scotty P. Overall the record was a valiant effort and it contains a lengthy collection of choice tracks. It is also a strict representation of the underground and it does not dissatisfy. Black Mike is currently working on his sophomore album called, "The Hand That Feeds You."

Da Hit Squad - Operation Takeover

Da Hit Squad - Operation Takeover

Da Hit Squad is rap group from Houston, TX. It consists of K.B. Da Kidnappa, Money Black, Cashcade, OB, Barlow and the female emcee/actress, Fiya. The group was founded by Money Black in the early 2000's. Operation Takeover is their debut album and it was released in 2004 on Coast 2 Coast Records. Production is handled by Money Black and OB. The beats are passable and are mostly adequate. Although some cuts do stand out. All members take turns discharging their various styles on the mic. The group boasts a commendable cast of lyricist but the lasting effect comes down to barely presentable. This is the groups' only album and there are no plans for a sequel. Mainly because of the mediocre attention it received. All in all the record's content is full of notable club bangers but it lacks core subject matter. It was a decent effort and it might be worth a listen.

Deadly Verses
Ride ft. Ronnie Spencer

Pharoah - Gangsta Freestyle Volume One (Chopped N Screwed)

Pharoah - Gangsta Freestyle Volume One (Chopped N Screwed)

Pharoah is a rapper from the neighborhood of South Park in Houston, TX. He's a member of Street Military and he is also the founder of the notorious Killa Klan. He is known for his viciously raw vocal delivery and clever rhyme schemes. He displays exactly that through a live freestyle session with Beltway 8 Records. This album was released in 2004 on Beatbox Records but it was recorded much earlier. Also the Chopped N Screwed version was the only format released. Production along with all the effects are done by Mike Mo. He does an awesome job providing beats that easily bump in the trunk. Pharoah and members of the Beltway 8 Family grace the tracks and showcase their freestyle talent. Overall the eleven track record contains some stand out cuts and flows. The album was later marked as the last album Pharoah recorded before he was sentenced to fifty years in prison for attempted murder and armed robbery.

Lil' 3rd - King Of Cloverland

Lil' 3rd - King Of Cloverland
Lil' 3rd is a rapper from Houston, TX. He represents from the notorious neighborhood of Cloverland, located on the southside of town. He was a member of the Botany Boys as well as the original Screwed Up Click. This is his second solo record and it was released in 2004 on Off Da Chain Entertainment. Production is handled by Hardhead Shawn. He puts the keyboard to good use and quickly laces the album with tight beats. Some of them are borrowed from other artists but most of them are original. 3rd has always been a stand out lyricist. Ever since his early days with the Botany B.G.'z, he has been coming hard with his flow. His rhymes are very versatile which in turn gives him the ability to easily check the mic. Featuring artists are Head of the Botany Boys, Trae, Jo Jo, Black Boy, Heard, Jimmy D, T.I. and the Pimp Squad Clique (P.S.C.). Overall its a very solid release and one that somehow went unnoticed. The record also contains various disses towards fellow Cloverland rapper, Lil' Flip. The feud between the two rappers started when Lil' Flip entitled his album "The Leprechaun." At the time of Flip's album release, Lil' 3rd was incarcerated. References have been made by 3rd in his prior recordings, proposing to be the leprechaun. The feud still exists today and Lil' 3rd claims to be the original leprechaun. He has also recently acquired a new alias as Young 3rd.

Deadly Verses
Keep Talking ft. T.I.