Tuesday, May 13, 2014

P.K.O. - Don't F**k W/Texas

P.K.O., which stands for pounds, keys, and ounces, is a group from San Antonio, TX. It was formed during the late eighties by Pony J, Magic Mark, and K-Sam. They ended up recruiting two more members by the names of DJ AK and Earl The Pearl. This was the original lineup that debuted in 1989 on Yo! Records with their full length album, Don't F**k W/Texas. Production is done impeccably by DJ Snake of the Nemesis fame along with the help of Magic Mark and DJ AK manning the turntables. With DJ Snake handling the bulk of the duties, he made sure the tracks contain solid yet soothing bass lines as well as some hard but edgy drums. Although the beats are somewhat sample assisted, they still somehow a carry a genuine vibe. Lyrics can only be described as harsh and are certainly controversial. Each member attacks the microphone with reckless abandon. Their rhymes are brutal and they maintain that theme throughout the record. This album not only paved the way for the group but also gave them a sense of direction. Even though they had constant changes in their membership throughout their long career, the core unit remained the same with K-Sam, Magic Mark, and Pony J, who would later change his alias to Nino. Overall it is a pretty hardcore album and one that bashes a lot of people in politics and even people in the music industry back then. The record's controversial nature did not bring any radio play or mainstream success but it did give the group a very strong and loyal fan base in the underground.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

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

Monday, May 5, 2014

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

Friday, May 2, 2014

Tim Smooth - Straight Up Drivin' Em

Tim Smooth is rapper from the Kennedy Heights area in New Orleans, LA. He is also credited for being one of the pioneers of the southern rap movement that emerged from Louisiana. Tim is known for his vocal delivery and laid back persona, both of which happen to be undeniably smooth, appropriately fitting his rap alias. Straight Up Drivin' Em is his sophomore effort and it was released in 1994 on Rap-A-Lot Records. Production duties are assigned to the masterful Leroy "Precise" Edwards and Mark "Too Cool" Marine. Together they unleash an onslaught of melodic rhythms that tend to keep ear drums as hostages. Tracks upon tracks are laced with such beautiful precision that not only makes them original but also very captivating, musically. Tim's vocal artistry can be ranked with some of the greatest of all time. His soothing dialect, combined with vile word play, accompanied by a spell binding delivery turns each lyric into a destructive force. His natural ability to catch a beat in mid stride is truly a feat one must hear to witness his power over the microphone. Guest spots are courtesy of MC Thick, Bust, and Playache'. Overall the record is held in high regards and is one that can withstand the harshest of storms. It is a genuine work of art and a masterpiece that embodies the city of New Orleans perfectly. Tragedy struck on July 26th, 2011 when Tim Smooth passed away at the young age of only 39. He was battling cancer to the mouth and tongue. Although Tim is in a happier place now, he will always be remembered here as a legend and as a man who gave it his all every time he grabbed the mic. Rest in peace to the Knight from Kennedy Heights.

Deadly Verses

Thursday, April 17, 2014

E. Vicious - Going For My Propers

E. Vicious also known as just Vicious, is a rapper from Lake Charles, LA. He is one of the dominant members of the group called, X-Mob and is also a long time affiliate of the infamous Underground Kingz. Vicious can be considered by many to be a true pioneer of the southern underground scene. Him and his group have collaborated with many artists from the southern region, Texas and Louisiana to say the least. Going For My Propers is his debut solo album and was released in 1994 on Roach Town Records. Production is assigned to Sharntii Baheth, Delario "To-To" Dillard, and Terry "Red" Redman. The production quality is truly top notch on this project. Instruments have been beautifully meshed with each another and melodies are presented in a very crisp manner. Some sampling is used but it is kept to a minimum. The producers never sway from the southern funk formula and seem to provide it ever so generously. On the microphone, Vicious can be best described for his rough tone and aggressive persona, hence his name. His tone is free of boredom and he can spit it at a decent rate. His southern drawl is very eminent and gives this record its' own flavor. There is one guest appearance on this joint and it belongs to Toad. All in all this six track effort is definitely worth a listen and should be coveted for the originality. The album's style is not only unique but also sort of refreshing and that could be the very reason Vicious was caught by the eye of the legendary Underground King, Pimp C (R.I.P.).

Deadly Verses

Thursday, April 10, 2014

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

Sunday, April 6, 2014

The Resurrection


Well, it's been a couple of years but I have not forgotten about my humble beginnings. What started off as just another collection of southern rap, grew into something very unique and special. I can still vividly remember writing my very first post about the Fakkulty. I look back on all the memories I have since creating this blog, from all the music I came across to all the friends I made here, it inspires me to come back to it. And now when I open this blog up all I see is spam comments on album reviews, a dead music player, broken links, no chat box and last but not least, not a single visitor in sight. It is truly a shame to see this blog fall by the wayside like this. Its going to take some elbow grease to get it up to standards but I am up for the challenge. So bare with me as I dedicate myself to bring you that pure dope, no cut once again. And to all my loyal followers, I would like to say thank you for your support and kindness, I truly do appreciate it. Now with that being said, trust me when I say this, the best has yet to come.