Baby Boy G - Y.A.B.

Baby Boy G - Y.A.B.

Baby Boy G, also known as Lil G, is a rapper who hails from the streets of Austin, TX. He first started off in the late nineties as a member of the group known as, Black & Dangerous. Y.A.B., which stands for Young Austin Balla, is his debut solo album and it was released in 2002 on Filthy Rich Records. Production on this record is done by the masterful Jhiame, who is also assisted by Blu and 8 Track. The beats are of a congenial variety and are mostly uptempo. They are filled with a good amount of harmony but at times can feel like there is too much going on at a given section. The rhythms definitely cater to the new era of Texas funk which can be categorized under the "Swang & Bang" sound. Lyrically the album is pretty well rounded. Lil G's delivery is quite commendable and certainly fast paced. The rhymes are filled with rapid word play, which although at times can be a little predictable, it is still entertaining nonetheless. Guest appearances are courtesy of  Mr. Make It Happen, TNT, Kool-Whip, DFK, Israal, Mr. T, Lil Pick, Lead Belly, Killa Cartel, Deway, Lil Terry and The Black Galliath. The record can be deemed as a little guest heavy but with an ample total of fifteen tracks they are quite spread out. All in all it's a satisfying piece and one that at the very least, deserves a listen. While there are quite a few groups and rappers that represent for the ATX, no one can match the style or the flair of the Filthy Rich Family.

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Facemob - Silence

Facemob - Silence

Facemob is a collective that as a whole represents from Houston, TX but members were recruited from different cities and states by Scarface of the Geto Boys. The group was originally comprised with five members, Devin The Dude, DMG, Smit-D, Chi-Ray and the female emcee known as 350. Devin did not participate in this release on account of him focusing on his solo career. Facemob's first appearance came in 1995 on the soundtrack of the movie called, "The Walking Dead." They would do a couple more soundtracks for different movies before launching their debut album in 1996 known as "The Other Side Of The Law." Silence is their second album and it was released after a six year hiatus in 2002 on Rap-A-Lot Records. The record is masterly produced by the likes of Tone Capone, Mr. Lee, Domo and Scarface himself. The beats are a perfect ensemble of dark, synth filled rhythms that are derived straight out of gangster territory. They are laid out with utter precision and originality is pursued with a passion. The producers from Rap-A-Lot Records were known for their extreme attention to detail when using multiple instruments and always putting together rock solid packages for their artists. So it is needless to say that they spared no expense on this release either. Lyrically the album also fares very well. The members take turns unleashing their onslaught on the microphone. Their fierce rhymes are a testament to their aggressive personalities and destructive behaviors. DMG seems to be the more dominant member but the rest are not too far behind. Guest appearances are made by Do Or Die, Yukmouth and G-Mone. Overall this was an exceptional release but it didn't garner any success. To be honest, this album was released as a last ditch effort by the folks behind Rap-A-Lot Records to save their label. It was part of the so called "Resurrection" phase that the label was going through, which was basically an attempt to put out some unreleased material by their artists and also move forward with the hard, street edged sound. The only problem was that the music in Houston as well as the entire southern region was changing and moving towards a more club savvy sound. People wanted more of the "Baller Bling Rap" or the "Swang & Bang" sound or even chart topping singles designed around a dance move and could really care less for anything that hardcore and street oriented. Had this album been released in the late nineties, it could have done wonders for Rap-A-Lot Records and the artists involved. In the end, this record was a day late and a dollar short. It was only a matter of time until the group members became disgruntled with the results and would soon break up in the following year. This album was marked as the final recording by Facemob and although it did not receive any recognition then, it is still worth a listen now.

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Bumbino - The Story Of A Young Socrates

Bumbino - The Story Of A Young Socrates

Bumbino also known as Mr. Bumbino, is a rapper from the notorious neighborhood of Kashmere Gardens in Houston, TX. He started rapping at an early age, beat boxing and freestyling through the local schools and parks. He soon created a name for himself and also earned a substantial amount of reputation by his peers. He eventually came across the eyes and ears of Timothy Lloyd, who was in midst of putting together his new record label with his partner Gary "G-Money" Hamilton. The two agreed that Bumbino was a special talent and needed to be quickly signed to their up and coming label. The Story Of A Young Socrates is his debut album and it was released in 1999 on A.C.T. Right Records. Production was handled by Harvey Luv, E-Rock, Dre, Mark, Slack and Eric. The beats come across as very clean and crisp. Although they do tend to carry an uptempo feel and a contemporary sound, their southern flavor is still quite eminent. Lyrically, the album is at an above average level. Bumbino's delivery and word play is pretty good but it can get a little repetitive. It seems as if he is only good for one verse in a song and if allowed anymore, then the level of energy and intensity fades. Now there are some tracks that really shine but that can be mostly credited towards the all star lineup of featuring guests. The guest appearances are courtesy of 3-2, South Park Mexican, R.W.O., Big T, E-Rock of the 5th Ward Boyz, Trey Dogg, Neutral Troopz, Handyman and Lynn & Da Congregation. The record closes out with a total of twelve tracks including the intro and outro. All in all it is a decent effort by the Houston native even with the minor lyrical shortcomings. Keep in mind that Bumbino was only seventeen at the time of this recording and still enrolled in his third year at Kashmere High School. For him to release this debut album at such a young age and have the backing of some of H-Town's finest says a lot. Also, the Janus Masks in the background of the album cover happens to be the logo for A.C.T. Right Records and the acronym A.C.T. is actually the names of the daughters of Timothy Lloyd, Alexis, Ciara and Tiara.

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Aaron J - Gulf Coast Players

Aaron J - Gulf Coast Players

Aaron Johnson, known simply as Aaron J, is a rapper and singer from the northside of Houston, TX. He founded Gulf Coast Records in the mid nineties with the help of his long time friend, Marvin Cooper alias Voo-Doo. Together, they recruited D-Dub, Cee Note and Monna-Lis, the female emcee/singer and formed what is known as The Gulf Coast Click. Now with the group established it was time to hit the recording studios. Gulf Coast Players is their debut album which was released in 1997 on Gulf Coast Records and published through World Wide Entertainment. Production on this masterpiece is done by Pat Rodriguez, Stuart "Poopie" Henderson, Kelvin Allen, Lavia Flood and Aaron J himself. The producers create a very smooth and laid back atmosphere with the beats. This southern fried production is of top notch quality and is really a treat to the ear drums. Funky guitar licks, soothing bass lines, menacing drums and some groovy keyboarding are just a few examples of what is delivered as a total package. Lyrically the album is also quite impressive. Aaron J and his crew are no slouch on the microphone. They take turns displaying their verbal artistry and make good use of the tracks provided. A good dose of R&B style singing is presented with a mixture of Southern Rap which truly gives the listener an eclectic view of the whole record. Overall Aaron J and his crew put together an excellent effort, one that is definitely worth noting. Since this happens to be their only release, it has long been out of print and is very sought after by fans.

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Disconnected Clique - I Know!

Disconnected Clique - I Know!
Disconnected Clique is a group that represents from the hard streets of Houston, TX. Now as a collective they rep Houston but three of the seven members were recruited from Port Arthur, TX. The group consists of Ace Of Spadz, LaDeris, J' Down, E.J., D-Nick, Li. C and last but not least, the female emcee known as Tryll. I Know! is their debut album and it was released in 2000 on Monumental Records. The bulk of the banging production is provided by Mike Newton and D-Nick while members like Ace Of Spadz, E.J. and LaDeris help out on some tracks. The beats are genuinely smooth and all instruments are used to their legitimate apex. The end result gives off a very fresh vibe and while samples are used, they are by no means the main source of melody. Although this release came at a time when the "Swang & Bang" sound was really emerging, it does not incorporate any of it's elements in it. Instead the production pattern used is of the previous generation which relies heavily on musical melody and a sense of rhythm. Not to downplay or bad mouth the "Swang & Bang" sound but this type of southern production is now literally considered to be a lost art. Lyrically the album is also very well rounded. Each member brings a unique style to the table and are always ready when called upon the microphone. Their rhymes are filled with word play and are also delivered at a decent pace. Group members LaDeris and Ace really stand out from the rest while the others are not too far behind. The guest feature on here is by Kevin Braggs, who basically provides all the singing and back up vocals. An ample total of fifteen choice tracks are provided for the listener which in return make this release thoroughly enjoyable. Also, the picture on the front album cover was taken at the Gerald D. Hines Water Wall Park in the Uptown District of Houston, Texas. Overall this was a commendable effort by the group and one that also takes full advantage of the amenities provided. Coming into the industry with no prior accomplishments is not easy by no means. The group faced many challenges while putting this record together and not only did they overcome them but they also managed to leave an imprint by compiling a solid package. One that happens to shine from all angles and one that also withstands the lengthy test of time.

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Too Much Trouble - Bringing Hell On Earth

Too Much Trouble - Bringing Hell On Earth

Too Much Trouble is a group that represents from the notorious streets of 5th Ward in Houston, TX. Billed as "The Baby Geto Boys," the group was quickly put together by James Smith to pretty much cash in on all the success and attention the original Geto Boys were receiving. Their style, demeanor and personalities were almost a mirror image of the Geto Boys. The group consists of Ghetto MC, also known as the Band Aid Bandit, Drunk D, who is also known as Nickel Nut, Bar-None and DJ Bad News Black. Bringing Hell On Earth is their debut album and it was released in 1992 on Rap-A-Lot Records. The production is provided by Big Boss, John Bido, Crazy C, DJ Bad News Black and Johnny C. Only excellence can be expected with the names mentioned above and that is exactly what is delivered. Although the beats are quite sample heavy and are all electronically derived, they are still a treat to listen to. Lyrically, the album has it's moments. The members are passable on the microphone and aren't the least bit shy either. Their aggressive rhymes are blunt and straight to the point. Word play is kept to a minimum but when it is used, it is very vile and rough. Features are courtesy of the Geto Boys, Big Mello and DJ Ready Red. Overall the record has its fair shares of ups and downs. There are times when the chemistry of the members and their provocative styles fit perfectly and then there are times where it all seems very dull and redundant. In the end, Too Much Trouble could not hold a candle to what the Geto Boys were accomplishing, neither lyrically nor musically. Which is why "The Baby Geto Boys" moniker was soon dropped all together and the group struggled to find their identity. It also didn't help their cause when some members lost focus while others got a little complacent after this initial release. Reduced to just two members later on, Drunk D and Ghetto MC dropped two more albums as Too Much Trouble and soon parted ways as well. On June 14, 2013, Ghetto MC passed away with kidney failure. Rest in peace to the unforgiving and always relentless, Band Aid Bandit.

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Lock Down Inmates - Out On Parole

Lock Down Inmates - Out On Parole

Lock Down Inmates is a vicious collective from the notorious streets of Dallas, TX. The group's original lineup consisted of Oak Cliff Assassin (O.C.A.), Hollow Point, Grim Reeper, Mossburg, D-Divine, Tru-Black, Cold Black Poet (C.B.P.) and last but not least, 4 Your Eyes Only. Although membership would vary throughout the years the group was active, members like Oak Cliff Assassin, Hollow Point and Mossburg would always remain present. The group began in the early nineties when O.C.A. and Henry Peeples collected some of the best rappers in south Dallas and eventually created the Lock Down Inmates. Out On Parole is their hardcore debut album and it was released in 1993 on VIP Records. The production is done by DJ Dark Fader, Skull Minista, Jim Vincent, Patrick Nun and Oak Cliff Assassin. The beats are all electronically derived and the classic drum machine is put to good use. Hard hitting drums combined with some eccentric samples is pretty much the recipe used throughout the record. The tracks carry a very hard and street edge vibe that fits the group like a glove. Lyrically the album is also on par with the production. Members eagerly jump on the microphone and claim it with ease. Their dope tales and rough ballads make for an indestructible force that can withstand the harshest of blows. Each one of them attacking and coming with such passion that it becomes impossible for the listener to ignore their message. The album closes out with a total of eleven tracks plus one bonus cut. Now at the time of this release the genre known as "Gangster Rap" was truly on the rise. Not only did the folks at Lock Down Productions and VIP Records capitalize on such an occasion but they also managed to get some notoriety for their city and themselves. It wasn't easy though, they knew they would have to go up against their in-state rivals from the city of Houston and compete against acts like the Geto Boys or even Street Military. In the end their hard work paid off and this humble beginning marked for a long and successful career path for the group that to this day, has a large following throughout the southern United States.

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