Aggravated - Accept

Aggravated - Accept

Aggravated is a collective from the vicious streets of Houston, TX. As a whole, the group represents for the city of Houston but some of the members are from smaller cities in the vicinity such as, Pasadena and Freeport. While membership has varied throughout their active years, the original group consisted of Grimm, Filero, Balazo, Shadow, Lord Loco, Pranksta, Slinkey, Ikeman and Troublemaker. Now, the birth of Aggravated was laid by another local group in the early nineties known as the Mixed Colored Mafia. The Mixed Colored Mafia consisted of Big C, Lord Loco, A-K and Troublemaker. Under unfortunate circumstances, Big C and A-K were incarcerated. This then led to Lord Loco and Troublemaker hooking up with Grimm and Filero. This formation was billed as Aggravated and work soon began for a full length album. Accept is their debut album and it was released in 1995 on Aggravated Records. By the time Big C and A-K were released from jail, the album was near completion but both A-K and Big C did manage to get a guest spot in there. Production on this piece was led by Filero and Balazo with Grimm and his brother, Shadow also lending a helping hand. The beats are an ensemble of dark, synth filled rhythms that really set the theme for the entire album. Their edginess is surreal at times and their composure embodies the sound of the streets. While most are original in nature, there are some that are sample driven. The most notable one coming from the famous song "Burnin' And Lootin'" by Bob Marley & The Wailers which is used heavily on the track "I Am Your Future." Lyrically the record also bodes well. All the members carry a distinct style and they can all dominate the microphone with ease. Their rhymes are delivered sharply and vividly. Word play and various schemes are kept at a canny level. Meanwhile, extra emphasis is placed on the character and structure of a song. Also with such an extensive membership, there is never a dull moment. Mainly due to the different artists being used on different tracks, with some even getting a solo or a duet. Guest appearances are made by DJ Screw, K-Rino, A.C. Chill, DBX, Geto African, Hollowpoint, Ruff Eyque, Strych 9, Big C, A-K, Dren, Lil' Chuck and Acie. The record signs off with a modest total of eleven tracks all the while leaving the listener craving for more. This release was able to garner a good bit of success which eventually put the group into an ordeal with their record label. John J. Hernandez, the owner of Aggravated Records, wanted to take some members out and replace them with some other ones. He also wanted to change the group's distinct sound and powering image. Grimm and his fellow band mates wanted no part in this horrendous idea. This then became an internal conflict which was resolved by a litigation through the judicial system. John won the case and kept the rights to the name of the group. He then acted on his personal agenda and made his own version of Aggravated all the while releasing albums under that moniker. The original group moved on and signed with Jam Down Records and eventually became the group known as, The Most Hated. Accept will always be looked upon as a diamond in the rough type deal. It's a compelling work of art that also a brings upon an ominous feeling because of the group's unfortunate demise.

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I Am Your Future (Radio) ft. Klondike Kat

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Creepin

Album Notes

* Aggravated is also part of the South Park Coalition.

MC Overlord - A Better Funk

MC Overlord - A Better Funk

Donnell Robinson, better known as MC Overlord, is an artist that represents from the appalling streets of Austin, TX. Although he was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, he moved to Austin, Texas in 1987 and has resided there ever since. A veteran in the underground rap scene, Overlord has been around since the early nineties and is still active today. He is considered by many to be a pioneer in the vast city of Austin and is appropriately dubbed as "The Godfather of ATX Hip Hop." He is known for performing with live instruments and creating a genre defying atmosphere with the congenial mix of thought provoking lyrics over awe inspiring rhythms. His love for music runs deep since he was brought up on the genre of Funk & Soul. It wasn't until his teenage years where he eventually developed a taste for Hip Hop. He would rap for fun at his local high school and could freestyle of the top of his head for hours on end. While attending Austin Community College, he made an overwhelming decision. Instead of pursuing a degree from the acclaimed school, he would turn his past time hobby into a full time career. He decided to become a rapper and soon dropped out of school altogether. A Better Funk is his second album and it was released in 1995 on Lordship Records. The record is beautifully produced by DJ Cassanova, Charlie Redd, Micheal Hale, David Garza and Ter'ell Shahid. Together, they incorporate the use of live instruments into each and every track. Everything from percussion instruments to various guitars, keyboards and even saxophones are used to their ultimate apex. The beats are crafted from the ground up and are a treat to listen to. A couple of them are sample driven but the rest are all as original as can be. The record is also strong in the lyrical department. MC Overlord's powerful rhymes include a steady dose of word play and his burly tone delivers each line with precision. His subject matter is also diverse because it touches on various topics such as race, unity, equality, community and other compelling ideas that affect humanity as a whole. He indulges the listener from the very first track and keeps them hooked till the last. The album closes out at a humble total of eleven tracks which are all equally entertaining. Guest appearances are made by Dee, Ter'ell Shahid, Dah-Veed, Smooth Nelson and Charlie Redd. It is certainly not easy to record with live instruments which is why most producers stick to an electronic drum machine to provide different sounds. Overlord's unorthodox approach which involves live instruments is extremely thought out. The musicians provide an impressive foundation for the artist to freely express himself. In return, the emcee excels on the microphone and makes sure that their efforts are not wasted. This is an excellent work of art that has the unique ability to reach individuals on a conscious level. The album did not get any mainstream attention or appreciation but it gets plenty of love and respect from the deep vaults of the underground.

Deadly Verses

Put 'Em Up (Rasta Mix) ft. Dee

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Alright

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.

Life After Death - Victim Of Society

Life After Death - Victim Of Society

Life After Death, or L.A.D. for short, is a collective that represents from the vicious streets of Beaumont, TX. The group consists of Tigga, Insane, Mouse Loc, BoBo, Abstraq, Dudda Man and Midnight. Victim Of Society is their debut album and it was released in 1995 on Bull Dog Records. The record is produced in house by members Tigga and Abstraq. The beats are presented in a dark manner and they fit the group's style perfectly. The rhythms are filled with deep bass lines that are mixed with some lively synths and are backed up by some solid drums. While some are sample assisted, the rest seem to be all original. There are some tracks that are very simplistic and also suffer from lack of proper mixing & mastering. In general, the end result is an acceptable one which happens to carry that classic, underground sound. Lyrically, the album is pretty strong. The members are just ruthless on the microphone and can display their artistry with ease. Their rhymes are filled with vile word play and are completed harshly. Deliveries are also full of pace and their tones are not only distinct but also very abusive. A modest total of ten tracks are presented for the listener and it can leave one craving for more. Overall it's an adequate offering from the group and one that can withstand the test of time. Their grim, street tales and victimizing ballads stand as a true testament to the depths of the underground. The small city of Beaumont is only about ninety miles away from the larger city of Houston and this release can not only hang with the big boys but also give them a nice run for their money.

Deadly Verses
Why


Album Notes
* A big thanks goes out to R.A.P.M.A.N.I.A.C. for providing this.

O.G. Jhiam-Dog - Screamin Dat Pimpin

O.G. Jhiam-Dog - Screamin Dat Pimpin

James Earl Bradshaw, better known as Jhiame or O.G. Jhiam-Dog, is a multi-talented artist from the neighborhood of Acres Homes in Houston, TX. Although he is originally from Memphis, TN, he moved to Houston in the year 1981 and has resided there ever since. He is a renowned producer as well as an accomplished rapper and singer. He was dubbed by the legendary DJ Screw (R.I.P.) as the official producer of the Screwed Up Click in 1999. His list of production credits is quite lengthy and certainly very noteworthy. Jhiame has won many awards for his work and he is considered by many to be a hit making machine for the southern region. He is also a member of the Hip Hop production group known as Da Assassinz. Screamin Dat Pimpin is his second album and it was released in 1995 on B 4 Reel Records. Production is solely handled by Jhiame, himself and it is of exceptional quality. The beats can be simplified as absolutely funky and are also considerably groovy. Deep bass lines are fused with twangy guitars which are backed up by some booming drums. While samples are used, they have been chosen wisely and are used quite proficiently. Lyrically the album is also very rich with flavor. The vocals are presented with utter smoothness and are delivered with the flair of a pimp. His rhymes can vary in pace but the laid back atmosphere remains the same. Guest appearances are made by the Pimp-Tite Hustlers, Leon Banks and Dub Sack. Also, the front cover portrays a circle with twelve symbols dwelling inside it. That is actually known as a Zodiac Wheel and it reveals the twelve signs of Astrology. Overall the album displays various elements of Funk and Soul while also incorporating the genre of Rap & Hip Hop. This prolific blend of assorted ingredients turns out to be very entertaining and satisfying. Although this is a feat that is not easily accomplished and others have failed miserably trying the same thing, O.G. Jhiam-Dog does it with such ease and leisure that it almost feels like second nature to him. Even though this was a magnificent work of art, it did not receive the recognition it deserved. Some have blamed the publishing company for their lack of effort while others have blamed the core content. In the end, this release sits as a polished gem waiting to be discovered by the next humble and eager listener.

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Album Notes
* His alias has multiple variations but his preferred name is Jhiame.
* References to the Zodiac Signs are made on Track 3: Pimp On
* Leon Banks is Jhiame's father and he passed away in 2005 (R.I.P.)
* Also worth checking out is Micheal Mixerr's take on this album.

Fiend - Won't Be Denied

Fiend - Won't Be Denied

Fiend is a rapper and producer who represents out of the 17th Ward in New Orleans, LA. He is well known for his raspy tone and rough delivery. After losing his brother to the streets at a very early age, Fiend resorted to rap and poetry to help ease the pain. Eventually his talents came across the keen eye of Charles Temple and he was quickly signed to the then newly founded, Big Boy Records. Won't Be Denied is his debut album and it was released in 1995 on the same label. The production is done by the magnificent Leroy "Precise" Edwards and he entices the listener with a good selection of funky rhythms. The tracks are laced together with multiple instruments and although this is one of Precise's early pieces, it still happens to carry his signature style of melody. Fiend is known throughout the southern region as an accomplished lyricist and at one point of time was regarded as one of the best kept secrets of the Dirty South. His rhymes are delivered with high intensity and are filled with dynamic word play. His hefty southern drawl and his distinct harsh voice is the powerful root for all the ballads. They are delivered with utter precision and are also fired at a rapid rate. Fiend's days with Big Boy Records were short lived though and he would later be enlisted as a valuable soldier in the ever growing empire known as, No Limit. Not only did this move help propel his career but also gave him a worldwide following. Although he went on to bigger and better avenues such as his stint with the Ruff Ryders or his current membership in the group called Jet Life, this eager and sincerely humble beginning will never be forgotten due to the legacy it left behind.

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Lil' E - Who's Rulin'

Lil' E - Who's Rulin'

Lil' E is a rapper from New Orleans, LA and he represents for the sub-genre known as Bounce. He also has a strong affiliation with the legendary group known as the Bally Boyz. Who's Rulin' is his debut album and it was released in 1995 on Slaughterhouse Records. Production is assigned to the magnificent J'Ro'J who is assisted by Treney Magee while the album is congenially mixed by Matt Buras. The beats are laced with a good amount of samples but that is common practice on any bounce release. They are all derived electronically and seem to fit the artist exceptionally well. Some carry a darker sound while others seem to be more hype. Lyrically the album can be simplified as typical bounce. A good dose of call & response is present along with some project rapping. His rate of speed is pretty quick for the most part and his style is definitely unique. Features are made by Nina and J'Ro'J. Also the record does manage to withstand the test of time due to the positive replay value it carries. Since bounce music started in New Orleans in the late eighties and really climaxed throughout the nineties, this release happens to be in its very prime. Not only did it help showcase a broad spectrum of this amazingly different style of rap but it also kept this local form of music both hungry and alive.

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Red Money - II Much Red

Red Money - II Much Red

Red Money is an outstanding rapper and a superior producer from the west side of Atlanta, GA. He first started off in the early nineties with his partner Kilo Ali. Kilo did most of the rhyming while Red did all the producing. Together they formed a dynamic duo that released numerous records in the sub-genre known as Bass Music. Throughout the years Red Money earned a credible reputation as a dominant producer and a profound lyricist. II Much Red is his debut solo album and it was released in 1995 on Arvis LGP Records. All the groovy southern orientated production is provided by Red himself. He leaned towards a different approach for the rhythms instead of his previous conventional production pattern. The beats stay on a steady course maintaining their southern origin while fusing elements of g-funk and bass. Every track contains solid doses of head bobbing melodies, jubilant sampling and Red's signature style of scratching. The beats are just a precedent to what is yet to come. The record briskly shoots to sky in the lyrical division. Red's vocals are immensely complex and he certainly inflicts them rapidly upon the microphone. Each cut is precisely torched with his distinct delivery and sublime manner. Not to mention his extensive vocabulary that proceeds to elaborate on all topics very thoroughly. Guest appearances are made by Quaze, Lamar, Lil' Marcus, U.P.U. Clique and the Low Budget Playaz. Overall the record can easily be held in high regards, making its' demeanor genuinely invulnerable. This is one of those special albums that comes along every once in a decade which has the ability to smoothly play on both ends. It is definitely one of the finer gems to emerge out of the underground from the infamous ATL. This alone gives it a place with a very select few that have garnered the legendary/elite status.

Deadly Verses

On Yo Azz

D - Straight Texas Hoodlum

D - Straight Texas Hoodlum

D is a rapper from Trinity Garden, which is located on the northside of Houston, TX. D and his longtime friend, J.F. started Cartel Records in the early 90's. D was also the leader of the infamous group, Trinity Garden Cartel. This album was released in 1995 on Cartel Records. Production was managed by the great Mike B and Loranzo Samuels while it is congenially mixed by the legendary, Mike Dean. Beats are straight up southern fried funk. They contain deep bass lines and some menacing hooks. D's flow is always original. His delivery is hard and his vile tone can be easily heard on every track. Featuring on the album is DMG and Reginald Hackett. Although D is in prison right now and is serving a 25 year sentence, this was by far one of the greatest albums ever released by him and Cartel Records. This record's rarity and under rated demeanor makes it one that should be coveted for its pure content.

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.380 - Gangsta Mack

.380 - Gangsta Mack

.380 is a group from the southside of Houston, TX. The two rappers are 2 Fancy and J Slash. This was their debut album and was released in 1995 on Dilinjah Records. Production was handled by J Slash. The beats are made to bang in the trunk and are straight up Texas Funk. The lyrics go real well with the beats. Both members can spit. Their style is unique and so is the subject matter. Although this was the groups' only album, they have made appearances with some well known names. They were featured on DJ Screw's 3 'N The Mornin' Pt. 2 and on Gang Society's The Games Finest. This album also contains the song with the famous verse that was later heavily sampled by UGK and used as the chorus on the track "Diamonds & Wood" from their album Ridin' Dirty. This is a short record but it is well worth the listen.

Deadly Verses
Elbows Swang

Kottonmouth - 100% Kottonmouth

Kottonmouth - 100% Kottonmouth

Kottonmouth is a rapper from Dallas, TX. He started off with the group P.K.O. and then formed his own group in 1999 called the Rally Boys. This was his debut solo album and it was released in 1995 on Youngsta Records. Production on this album is mainly handled by the legendary DJ Snake of Nemesis while Pimp C of UGK is credited for one of the tracks as well. The beats are oozing with that down south flavor. DJ Snake has always been an excellent producer and he does not disappoint on this one. The lyrics are also very commendable. Kottonmouth can spit pretty quick and his rough tone is certainly present. Featuring guests on the record are Nino of P.K.O. and Pimp C of UGK. This album is out of print now and is considered by many to be his best work.

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Gang Society - G's Till We Die

Gang Society - G's Till We Die

Gang Society is a group from Houston, TX. The members are E-Sharp, N-Sane, C-Major and Red Amp. Each member brings a unique style to the table. This is their debut album and it was released in 1995 on NewStyle Records. Production is handled by DJ Storm "The Funky Aztec," Enoc and Doug King This record is considered by many to be a classic in H-Town and is quite hard to find. The group is also affiliated with the legendary Killa Klan. Gang Society went on to release one more album in 1999 and then eventually broke up.

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Murder Inc. - Playin' For Keeps

Murder Inc. - Playin' For Keeps

Murder Inc. is a group from New Orleans, LA. The group consists of Crazy, Legend Man, MC L and the female emcee known as Alamo. Playin' For Keeps is their debut album and it was released in 1995 on Hard Head Records. Production is provided by Precise, Cazel, Jazz, Legend Man, Roland and Goldfingers. The beats carry a darker southern sound and all the melodies jam equally. Each member in the group has their own unique lyrical flow. Some adapt to a faster pace while other are more focused on word play. This album is considered by many to be one of the best albums to represent New Orleans, Louisiana. Murder Inc. went on to release one more album as a group and then split up. Members Crazy, Legend Man, and M.C. L all have solo records as well.

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