Lil' O - Blood Money

Lil' O - Blood Money

Oreoluna Magnus Lawson, better known as Lil' O, is a rapper who hails from the southwest side of Houston, TX. His alias is a direct reference to his actual height, which is listed at five feet. He is also an original member of the legendary Screwed Up Click. Lil' O first appeared on the scene with the breakout single "Can't Stop," which featured Destiny's Child in 1997. The single was a instant hit on the streets of Houston and in return made him into an overnight celebrity. Blood Money is his highly anticipated debut album and it was released in 1999 on Game Face Entertainment. A gang of different producers were used to reach the end result. The likes of Crazy C, Chicken Hawk, Grizz, Double D, Swift and Willy Malone handle the bulk of the duties while Pimp C of UGK also chips in on one of the tracks. The beats can simply be described as that classic H-Town Sound. The rhythms are all funk laden and are very groovy to say the least. They are a true and classic representation of the older swang and bang sound which was very prominent with artists of the Screwed Up Click. The producers really do a solid job with the rhythms and the set up is perfect for the artist. Lil' O is an adept lyricist. He relies heavily on clever rhyme schemes and witty cliches. His pattern is not unique but it can still catch the listener by surprise. What really sets him apart is his southern tone, which upon hearing is very distinct and sharp. His pace is quite variable thus allowing him to adapt to any kind of song. Guest appearance are made by DJ Screw, UGK, Fat Pat, E.S.G., Big Pokey, C-Note, Will Lean, Yungstar, Hawk, Lil' Flip, 3-2, Al-D, Big Moe, Enjoli, Ronnie Spencer, Billy Cook, Bad Actaz, Slikk Breeze and Dana Jackson. A lengthy star studded guest list is customary for any Screwed Up Click release and while it may seem a bit heavy, it certainly does not over shadow the main artist. Overall this is a very stable piece with fifteen solid tracks to boast. The album was well worth the wait from the initial Maxi Single. It sold 20,000 copies upon release without any kind of promotion. The record could of done a lot better if it had proper promotion but that was not possible due to Lil' O serving time in the Harris County Jail. The album also beautifully withstands the test of time which is why it was re-released in 2006 with a bonus Chopped & Screwed disc. Lil' O is still active today, while his style of flow has altered a bit over time, his passion for music and loyalty to his crew remains unchanged.

Deadly Verses
Who's Snitching ft. UGK


Album Notes
* Lil' O is also a member of The Bar None Click.

Southside Pentagon - Money Over Everything

Southside Pentagon - Money Over Everything

Southside Pentagon is a collective that represents from the hard hitting streets of Houston, TX. The members are D-Gotti, E.L., Craig C, Lil Jay, W.B., Tito, Vandalizm, Trip, Black, Big Tiger and Ban. The group was started by D-Gotti of the Wreckshop and E.L. of Deep South Syndicate as a side project but it quickly evolved into something bigger. Their goal was just to reach the masses on the southside of town but with E.L.'s connections in Louisiana, it helped this release surpass their modest expectations. Money Over Everything is their debut album and it was released in 2001 on M.O.E. Inc. The bulk of the production is handled by the veteran, J Slash of .380 while Noke D, Trip and Mack chip in on some tracks. The beats are a quality blend of the new era sound and since this is a post 2000 release, that was somewhat expected. That being said, it still should not discourage the listener because overall the rhythms are quite unique and while some are sample assisted, the rest carry a genuine feel. Lyrically the album is respectable as well. E.L., D-Gotti and Craig C are the stand outs of course but the rest of the group is not too far behind. Their rhymes carry a good amount of word play and are also delivered with precision. Since this is a large collective, chemistry issues were bound to arise but the founding members made sure to keep those at bay and only made combinations on tracks that easily work. Now, no H-Town record is complete without a star studded guest list and this release is no exception to that rule. Guest appearances are made by Fat Pat, Lil' Keke, Lil' O, Mike D, E.S.G., Hawk, 3-2, Slim Thug, J Slash of .380, Chris Ward, Southside Playaz, Ronnie Spencer, Lady 14, Chad, June, Roxan and Peaches. This can be considered a little guest heavy but with eighteen solid tracks to boast, the features are quite spread out. All in all, a commendable release by the group and also one that appeals from all angles. Plus, with Texas & Louisiana connecting, it makes this release a bit more special and that much harder to deny.

Deadly Verses
Dead Man Walkin


Album Notes
* Rest in peace to Mr. Fat Pat and his brother, Big Hawk.
* Track 9: Chop'em is a pretty lethal diss towards Lil' Flip by E.S.G.
* Also the spine of the album states this release as a Volume One.

Double D - Under The Influence

Double D - Under The Influence

Double D is a proficient rapper and a talented producer from Houston, TX. During the nineties he played a major role in the success of Wreckshop Records and their gifted production team known as Platinum Souls. Although he was more than capable of releasing his own material, he only managed to make production credits as well as some guest appearances on many notable albums from Texas. He ended up leaving Wreckshop Records in 2001 after claiming disputes over his fair share of royalties. Under The influence is his debut solo record and it was released in 2002 on In House Entertainment. The refined production is provided by J-Pre, Double D and G. Johnson. The beats tend to be very harmonic and each track is filled with that genuine southern twang. They also happen to carry addictive hooks and some crisp sampling. D's lyrics are strictly on point and are integrated with the flair presented on the album. He showcases decent amounts of word play while conducting his rhymes in a very profound manner. Featuring artists on the album are Big T, Kottonmouth, Papa Chuck, The Pham Click, Lil' O and Hawk of the Screwed Up Click. The subject matter certainly coats a full variety of themes and topics. All in all the record certainly gives off a satisfying vibe and it can easily be labeled as a pristine gem in the underground.

Deadly Verses
Here Comes Da Pham

Cl' Che' - Clasyfyd Lady

Cl' Che' - Clasyfyd Lady

Cl' Che' is a female rapper and singer from Houston, TX. She is known through out the south for her avid singing ability as well as her excellent rapping skills. She is also among the few ladies out of Houston to gain national recognition. Clasyfyd Lady is her debut album and it was released in 1998 on After Life Music & Entertainment. Production is handled by the likes of Double D, Chicken Hawk and Rakesh "Roc" Jacob. They provide solid beats using multiple instruments and choice samples. Cl' Che' manages to flow over them with ease. Her obliging voice is mixed through twenty tracks of singing and rhyming. She certainly does possess an admirable amount of lyrical flair. Featuring artists are Hawk of the Screwed Up Click, Lil' Scrappy, Peaches, S.O.U.L., Co-Co, Vizual, Prophecies, Rhonda Laws and Thomas J. Boyce. The core content is a blend of smooth course Hip-Hop fused with elements of the Gangsta Rap genre. Overall the record was a wonderful effort that helped jump start her career while also giving the diva a taste of mainstream stardom.

Deadly Verses

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Southern Kartel - As The World Goes Round

Southern Kartel - As The World Goes Round
Southern Kartel is a group from Pine Bluff, AR. It consists of Smoke, Black Trump, K.O. and C-Rupt. As The World Goes Round is their debut album and it was released in 2001 on Black Trump Entertainment. Production on the album is smoothly done by Trump and Ace. The beats are a perfect example of southern fried funk at its finest. They contain various melodies mixed with jamming hooks and solid bass lines. The lyrics are excellent as well. All four members unquestionably shine on the mic. Their rhymes are deeply rooted and certainly eclectic. Guest appearances are made by Hawk of the Screwed Up Click, Playa Fly, Mo-Preme of Thug Life, Ronnie Spencer and Bobby Baller. Overall the record is a representation of timeless quality music. It is highly under rated and it does not get the credit it deserves. The group later separated over creative differences and this ended up being their only album. Members Smoke, Trump and K.O. have also released some solo albums as well.

G.I.N. - Straight Out Da Bottle

G.I.N. - Straight Out Da Bottle
G.I.N. is a group from the neighborhood of Hiram Clarke in Houston, TX. It consists of Lyrical 187, H2O, Mr. Gottdam and Tricky C. They are also members of the local crew called the Presidential Playas. Straight Out Da Bottle is their debut album and it was released in 2001 on Presidential Records. Production on the album is handled by Pat Rodriguez and Charles Singletary. They provide nothing but that crisp southern funk. The beats contain solid hooks and are a bit up tempo. All four members easily wreak havoc on the mic. Their rhymes are distinct and certainly scintillating. Featuring guests are Z-Ro, Wood of the Half Dead Organization, Hawk, Big Pokey, E.S.G., South Park Mexican, Slim Thug, D.Z., Chad Jones, K.T., Lady Assassin, Kevo, Miss D, Big Miller, Big Rodsta and Texas Tantrum. All in all the record was executed brilliantly and it contains many street anthems. Later on the group broke up over financial terms and this ended up being their only album. A chopped and screwed version was also released.

The Infamous X-Mann - History In The Making

The Infamous X-Mann - History In The Making
X-Mann is a rapper from the northside of Houston, TX. This is his sophomore effort and it is the follow up to "The Man Behind The Madness." X-Mann was also a late member of the infamous Trinity Garden Cartel. History In The Making was released on his own label, X-Werks Entertainment in 2005. Production is provided by the great Mike B. The beats are an ensemble of legit tracks which are laced with that southern funk. The samples and hooks are all well used and they certainly carry that H-Town sound. Lyrics are well written but can be bland at times. X-Mann delivers his raw style with an overwhelming force and at times, comes off as overly repetitive. Featuring on the album is OG Style, Cory Mo, 55, JD, P-Dot, Humpdog, Paul Revere, Camillion, A-Dog, Chill, Snake, J-Ram, Lil' Blue, Lil' O and Hawk of the Screwed Up Click. Overall it is a decent record and one that tries to live up to its' name but it happens to fall just a tad bit short.

Deadly Verses

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C-Major - Batteries Not Included

C-Major - Batteries Not Included
C-Major is a rapper from the northside of Houston, TX. He is affiliated with the Killa Klan and was also a member of the notorious Gang Society. This is his debut solo album and it was released in 2001 on Affiliated Entertainment. Production is handled by E-Sharp of the Gang Society, Swift, Wish and Muhammad2G. The beats are an ensemble of gangsta ballads and notable club bangers. Heavy bass lines along with menacing hooks caress each track. C-Major was always regarded as a very raw lyricist. His distinct tone and superb ability to rhyme is unmatched. He certainly comes hard on this one and provides the listeners with solid lyrics. Appearances on the album are by Hawk of the Screwed Up Click, E-Sharp of the Gang Society, Endo, Many Facez, Billy Cook, General Tremendous, Doggie, Big Kirk, Mr. Slick and Bus. C-Major happens to be the only artist from the Gang Society who has released a solo album. Although this record did not sell especially well and it ended up being discontinued, it still does not disappoint with the prime content.

Deadly Verses
Down 4 Whatever

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

Guerilla Maab - Rise

Guerilla Maab - Rise

Guerilla Maab is a rap group from Houston, TX. The original members are Z-Ro, Trae, Dougie D and Taz. Later on they were reduced to a trio group when Taz stepped away from the music scene. Rise is their debut album and it was released in 1999 on Resurrection Music Group. This is G-Maab at their raw and uncut beginnings. Production is done by Rakesh "Roc" Jacob and Z-Ro. This record really stands out in the lyrical content. All four members have smooth yet rapid flows. Featuring artists are Hawk, Cl' Che, Peaches and Will Lean of the Botany Boys. This group is also affiliated with the legendary Killa Klan and the invincible Screwed Up Click.

Deadly Verses
Keep Watching Me ft. Cl' Che