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.

3-2 - The Wicked Buddah Baby

3-2 - The Wicked Buddah Baby

3-2 or Mr. 3-2, is a rapper from the neighborhood of Hiram Clarke in Houston, TX. He was also known as Lord 3-2 in the early 90's. He was a member of the group called the Convicts, the Blac Monks and the Southside Playaz. This is his debut solo album and it was released in 1996 on Rap-A-Lot Records. The team behind the production are none other than the highly skilled and legendary producers known as Mike Dean, John Bido, N.O. Joe, Crazy C and Swift. They dropped some of the most funkiest and mellowest beats ever to grace a record. While 3-2 is known for his smooth vocal delivery and laid back flow. The combination of beats and lyrics set the album up perfectly. It holds the ability to ride and play itself out. Featuring on the record is UGK, Too $hort, Southside Playaz, Sonia Moore, 8-Ball and MJG. The album also contains an excellent remix of the Blac Monk track known as "Buddah Nature." Overall the record sustains great material along with an all-star appearance of guests and it is considered to be in the classic category.

Deadly Verses
Buddah Nature (Remix)

Southside Playaz - You Gottus Fuxxed Up

Southside Playaz - You Gottus Fuxxed Up
Southside Playaz is a group from Houston, TX. The original group consisted of Fat Pat, Mike D, and Mr. 3-2. Since Fat Pat passed away in 1998, he was replaced with Clay-Doe. This is their debut album and it was released in 1998 on Laftex Records. Production is done with quality by Big Swift, Eric Hollis and Slack. The beats are smooth and are laced with that Texas funk. Lyrics are dope as well. All three members check the mic often. Their different styles fuse and blend together very nicely. Guest appearances are by K.B. Da Kidnappa & Lil' Flea of Street Military, C-Loc, Papa Reu, 6-4, Ronnie Spencer, Big Steve and the Screwed Up Click which includes the likes of Lil' Keke, Fat Pat, Hawk, Big Moe, Al-D, Dat Boy Grace, Big Pokey, T-Pop, Botany Boys, Lil' O and E.S.G. This record remains as a highlight of the Screwed Up Click and one that can not be forgotten. Southside Playaz went on to release their next album, "Street Game" in 2000.