VooDoo Mob - 210 Soldiers

VooDoo Mob - 210 Soldiers
VooDoo Mob is a collective that represents from the dark alleys of San Antonio, TX. The crew consists of Voodoo King, 666 and Magik Man. 210 Soldiers is their debut EP and it was released in 1997 on 210 Records. Production is solely provided by the Magik Man, who is the group's devoted in-house producer. The rhythms are presented in a very grim and gloomy style. They are derived through heavy bass lines which incorporate a steady usage of samples and are finally finished off with some dark synths. The bass heavy pattern meshes beautifully with the horrorcore sound. It's a smooth transition and one that definitely pays homage to the early Bass culture of San Antonio's diverse Rap scene. Lyrically, the EP is quite hard to judge due to the fact that the vocals are only laid on two of the tracks. The rest of the cuts are just plain instrumentals. The group does show a limited amount of promise on the microphone but their rhymes give off a very simple vibe. The lyrics seem like freestyles that are coming fresh off the domes rather than something that is a bit more concrete. There is hardly any direction in the songs and it seems as if the verses were just cut and pasted together. As mentioned above, there are only two cuts with vocals so this assessment maybe a bit harsh but one can only imagine what the group members could have accomplished with the rest of the tracks or possibly even a full fledged album. The EP closes out with a meager total of seven tracks and since this is a tape only release, some sound quality issues are to be somewhat expected. Overall it's a decent effort by the SA Town natives and one that is as obscure as finding a needle in a haystack. While the release does carry a strange and intriguing vibe, sadly there is just not enough substance or core matter to keep the listener coming back for more.

Album Notes
* Also worth checking out is Michael Mixerr's review on this tape.

K-Otix - Spontaneity

K-Otix - Spontaneity

K-Otix is a trio that represents from the forbidden streets of Houston, TX. It consists of Damien, Mic and The ARE. The group is most known for showcasing their traditional style of Hip Hop while still maintaining a Southern demeanor. K-Otix was formed in the early part of 1992 and while the group's main alias has remained unchanged, it was their individual names that varied. Damien was known as Dookie Luv, Mic was known as Mic The Madman and The ARE was known as Roc Smuv. It wasn't until 1996 when they decided to drop their former monikers and started work on their debut. Their original plan was to work with another group out of Houston which went by the name of Example. Now as far as styles are concerned, Example and K-Otix were on the same page. They both swayed away from the typical style of Southern Rap and really molded themselves after their East Coast colleagues. The two groups planned to release a double EP with Side 1 belonging to K-Otix and Side 2 belonging to Example. Things did not go as planned and the idea of the double EP was shelved altogether. Both parties took their rightful material and released their own projects separately. Example released the highly covetable EP called, "Impulses" and K-Otix countered with Spontaneity, which is certainly of equal caliber. Spontaneity is their debut album and it was released in 1997 on K-Otix Entertainment. The album is produced by the group's masterful in house producer, Russell "The ARE" Gonzales. The ARE, who is a protege of the legendary DJ Premier, really models his style after the great Gang Starr DJ. It was under Premier's tutelage where ARE truly learned the fundamentals of proper production. The beats are sample driven for the most part. They contain various elements of Hip Hop and are a treat to listen to. ARE's recipe of construction is a simple one. He samples a dope hook, punches in the bass and finishes it off with a cadence of drums. This theme then serves as a backbone for the group's identity. Lyrically the record is also very strong. Damien and Mic are no slouch on the microphone. They tend to display a lot of word play as well as an extensive and imaginative vocabulary. Their rhymes are fiery, vivid and intellectual. They immediately take the listener hostage from the very first track. Also worth noting is the chemistry the two artists have with each other. The EP closes out at a modest total of eight bonafide tracks leaving the listener craving for more. Overall, this was a solid effort by the group and one that was well worth the wait. Aside from a handful of acts, most groups out of the city of Houston are somewhat one dimensional and tend to jock each other for style or publicity. It takes a whole different mindset and not to mention the courage, to go against the norm in the South. K-Otix unorthodox approach is what separates them from the rest. Spontaneity garnered a good bit of success and eventually led the group to sign a major distribution deal with the New York based label known as, Bronx Science. Even with the success of a few singles on the radio and the aforementioned publishing deal, K-Otix never really broke into the mainstreams. Then again, maybe that was something they weren't too concerned about. It seems as if they were quite content in the underground, challenging other artists for the subterranean throne. In the end, their vast career spans over two decades and their catalog of timeless material certainly speaks for itself.

Deadly Verses
7 MCs


Album Notes
* This EP is color coded into three variations.
* First Pressing: Yellow - Second Pressing: Red - Third Pressing: Blue
* The ARE left the group in 2004 before rejoining them in 2015.
* K-Otix is also a member of the super group, Ethos.

Lokee - I Got Dis

Lokee - I Got Dis

Kenyatta Ruth, better known as Lokee, is a rapper and producer who represents from the notorious 9th Ward of New Orleans, LA. He first started off battle rapping in the early nineties at his local high school. After destroying the competition, he realized he was actually pretty talented and could really do this for a living. He began ghost writing for many different rappers in the city and quickly earned the moniker, Space Ghost. His most famous ghost writing stint was with the group known as Full Pack. He penned the lyrics for their hit single "I Like To #@*¤!" which eventually led Full Pack to signing a deal with an emerging record label. It wasn't long before Lokee would come under the scrutinizing eye of Elton Wicker Jr. Amazed by what he heard, he quickly signed Lokee to his up and coming label known as Tombstone Records. I Got Dis is Lokee's debut EP and it was released in 1995 on the aforementioned label. The record is produced by the legendary, Merrill "Real Roc" Robinson and Lokee, himself. The beats are filled with dark synths, woozy bass lines and are topped off with some intoxicating drums. This mixture is used throughout the whole album and its certainly the right fit. It also sets the entire mood at a very grim and gloomy level. This set up is perfect for Lokee, who is no ordinary lyricist. His unorthodox flow pattern and his superb vocabulary go hand in hand. His rhymes are delivered at a variable rate and the tone is quite rough as well. Word play is used as the key ingredient and it is definitely unique to say the least. The EP rounds out at a total of nine tracks, all of which are equally likable. Overall this was a wonderful debut effort by Lokee and it certainly shows his lyrical and musical prowess. He had some minor success with this release but it was his second release, "Voodoo Gangsta Funk," that really put him on notice. Sadly all of this success would come to an abrupt end when the president of Tombstone Records, Elton Wicker Jr., was killed in a drive-by shooting in the year 1998. He was only thirty two years old. This would end Lokee's tenure at Tombstone Records due to the label folding and he would soon find himself on the indie route. It was around this time when he was also recruited into the Disturbed Young Hustlaz. In 2001, Lokee was convicted of some serious offenses and was sentenced to ten years in prison. He was released in the year 2011 and is now trying to establish himself again in the Rap industry.

Deadly Verses
Just - A - Fied


Album Notes
* Rest in peace to the ingenious, Elton Wicker Jr.

* Lokee is a member of the Disturbed Young Hustlaz.

Example - Impulses

Example - Impulses

Example is a duo that represents from the notorious streets of Houston, TX. It consists of Dekay and DJ Cipher. The group is known for their thought provoking rhymes that are blended with equally provocative rhythms. The two members initially met as roommates and decided to form the group in the summer of 1996. Their original plan was to work with their fellow Houstonian rap crew known as K-Otix and to release a double sided EP. One side would consist of songs by Example while the other side would have tracks by K-Otix. The EP would serve as a debut for both groups and would eventually become a stepping stone for the parties involved. Things did not go as planned and the idea of the double EP was dropped altogether with both groups releasing their debut EP's separately. K-Otix released the now sought after EP called, "Spontaneity," while Example put out Impulses. Impulses is their debut and it was released in 1997 on Beat Farm Recordings. The record was later picked up by Dope Folks Records and re-released in 2013 due to its highly desired and very limited nature. The production is split between DJ Cipher and Dekay while DJ Baby C is credited for the scratching. The beats can simply be described as pure Hip-Hop. They are a representation of the classic style which involves heavy sampling for the foundation of the beat, along with the skillful use of the turntables. The rhythms tend to be very colorful and are a perfect blend of southern funk fused with the traditional style mentioned above. This melodic fusion sends out an atmospheric setting which is quite mellow and relaxed. Lyrically the record is also very impressive. Dekay's clever rhymes incorporate a strong use of word play and are delivered sharply. His verbal artistry is deep with meaning and can certainly catch the listener by surprise. The subject matter is also unique and refreshing due to the fact that it strays away from the local H-Town sound. Not to worry though because the record still caters to its southern roots and shows a side of southern rap that has become a commodity in that region. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word "Impulse" as a wave of excitation transmitted through tissues and especially nerve fibers and muscles that results in physiological activity or inhibition. That is exactly what this record does when played in full. Each track sucks the listener in to a different realm created by the authors of this work of art. A trance like state is induced but one is still aware of the edginess of the material because of its realistic composure. One can also see this result on the front cover art which is beautifully presented through the work of crayons. It is truly hard to believe that this piece was conjured up in 1997. The group's vision and their motives were certainly ahead of their time. Example went on to release a few more singles as well as a full length album before disbanding. The two are still around today but they dwell in the depths of the underground. Those who are searching for real music will always know where and how to find them.

Deadly Verses

Recollect

Album Notes

* Dekay would later change his alias to just Kay.

* Kay would become a member of the group called, The Foundation.

* DJ Cipher would become a member of The Kracker Nuttz.

Mac & Storm - Mad Or Jealous

Mac & Storm - Mad Or Jealous

Mac is a rapper who represents from the 3rd Ward of New Orleans, LA. Mad Or Jealous is an EP he released while collaborating with the female emcee, Storm. It is also Mac's first release after his 1989 debut on Yo! Records as Lil' Mac, "The Lyrical Midget." Six long years had passed and Lil' Mac had fully evolved into an astonishing lyricist with an untouchable rhyme pattern. He dropped his old moniker and re-entered the industry. Mad Or Jealous was released in 1996 on Ionique Records. Production is done by the one and only DJ Wop and it certainly exceeds expectations. Both artists take advantage of the platform laid out for them. Mac is well known throughout the South for being a top notch lyricist. He brought the profound rhymes to the table while Storm provided her unique style with a solid vibe. Their chemistry together is unmatched on the microphone and they seem to compliment each other very well. Although this was only released as a 12" EP  and also as a cassette single, there were plans for a full length album. That did not happen due to Mac devoting his time towards the then newly developed crew known as the Psycho Ward. Around this time Mac was also making appearances on local records from the city. The most noteworthy one being on B.G.'s "Chopper City." Those two infamous verses from that Cash Money record came across the ears of Master P which led to Mac ultimately joining the No Limit empire. Storm also went on to make a hand few guest appearances and eventually retired from the industry. One can only imagine how amazing this project would have been if only the duo had completed it. All in all this was a sufficient release from the Camouflage Assassin and it certainly etched itself as a valuable piece of New Orleans' rich, rap history.

Deadly Verses

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M.C. E-Rock - One The Hard Way

M.C. E-Rock - One The Hard Way

M.C. E-Rock is a rapper from the notorious neighborhood of Oak Cliff in Dallas, TX. Although he might not be known outside of Texas, he has been in the rap industry since the late eighties and is still active today. He started off battling in the underground and going toe to toe with rappers from the city. He ended up being discovered by DJ Pauly Pee of McRawlic Records and immediately debuted in 1988 on that label with the LP, "Down For Mines." After getting a taste of the industry and how cruel it can be at times from the business aspect, E-Rock returned after a three year hiatus. This time he was a lot more mature and had also developed proactively as an artist. One The Hard Way is his second EP and it was released in 1991 on Serious Records, Inc. It was also remastered and re-released with addition of two tracks coming from the "Vitamin E" Promo in 2013 by Dope Folks Records. Production is magnificently handled by Mark Adams, T-low, BLU, and C.R. Broadus III. They rely heavily on sampling as the foundation for the beats. While at times this could be a recipe for disaster and the producers are definitely walking on a very thin line; they still somehow manage to do it with precision and perfection. The end results are tracks that sound crisp and have a distinct theme to them. E-Rock is quite proficient on the microphone and displays that with ease. His rhyme pattern is unique and is filled with clever word play. He also fires them with rapid succession without suffering any loss to his pitch or tone. All in all this was a valiant effort by the Dallas native and one that seems to withstand the test of time. Not only did this record help establish E-Rock as an artist, it also made his foreseeable future a whole lot brighter.

Deadly Verses

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R.W.O. - Been So Long

R.W.O. - Been So Long
R.W.O. which stands for Real With Ours, is a group that represents from Houston, TX. It consists of five members who are under the aliases Shortiega, Tucci, Cash, Mr. Clean, and Sno the female emcee. Been So Long is actually an EP which was released in 1998 on Everything Is Everything Records (E.I.E). It's sole purpose was to garner hype for their upcoming full length album "Wantin' Out." The production crew is led by some big names with the likes of Brian "Big Bass" Gardner, MC Eiht, Kirv, Willie Zimmerman, Prodege, and Jiles. They successfully give the EP that distinct laid back Texas funk. The producers really push themselves to make sure the the record is technically sound. Each track carries a genuine vibe which will more than likely result in a head bobbing motion. The group members waste no time in displaying their vocal arsenal. All five of them carry enough lyrical dexterity which keeps the listener gainfully entertained. Two guest appearances really shine on the record and they belong to Bun B of UGK and MC Eiht respectively. This piece contains a total of six groovy tracks including one instrumental. Overall the entire EP is constructed with utmost attention to detail. The artist and the producers are both musically on the same page. This in turn puts out a product that the entire team can be proud of and gives the listener ample subject matter all the while still keeping them hungry for more.

Deadly Verses

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