Big Slack - Ready For Combat

Big Slack - Ready For Combat

Leroy Slack, better known as Big Slack, is a rapper that represents from the notorious third ward of New Orleans, LA. His first recording as an artist came on Doleamite's 1997 release, "Ruff-N-Da Ghetto." He was featured on two songs and both of them are now considered to be cult classics. After developing a small fan base with an aggressive soldier demeanor, he eventually came under the watchful eyes of George "Big King" Murry. At the time, Big King, who is an accomplished entrepreneur, had a fashion line, a local car wash and most importantly, a recording studio. Although King had the studio and all the necessary equipment, what he didn't have was an aspiring artist. He immediately signed Big Slack to his newly founded label and work soon began for a full length album. Ready For Combat is his debut album and it was released in 2002 on King's Entertainment. Most of the solid production is handled by DJ Tee and Big Roe while KLC, Dart, Juvenile and Ed all lend a helping hand. Together, they try to bring a different kind of sound to the table. A sound that incorporates elements from the infamous genre of Bounce while also fusing aspects from soldier-esque themes. A style, which has a strict set of drum cadence that is followed by a jubilant synth and concluded with gentle bass lines. It was this distinct rhythmical pattern that really caught the attention of the city of New Orleans in the mid to late nineties and it has been prominent there, ever since. Also, a lot of artists picked up on the soldier mentality that Master P and his No Limit camp were so famous for pushing. Not only did Master P and his crew flooded the market with that infamous campaign, they also inspired others to be just like them in sound, character and demeanor. Slack is a strong lyricist. His size along with his rough tone, allows him to overpower his listeners. He is energetic on his tracks and delivers them at a fair rate. There are times where he can really excel and go for the final blow in his rhyme but instead he ends up choosing the simpler route and thereby finishes humbly. It's this type of selfishness that brings the lyrical content to the next lower tier. Though, Big Slack understood this discrepancy which is why he invited a star studded guest list to help him in the lyrical department. Guest appearance are made by Juvenile, 6 Shot, 39 Posse, Full Blooded, Hot Boy Ronald, Josephine Johnny, Mr. Marcelo, Queen D, Big Ramp, The Royal Family, Lil' Elt, Ziggler Wiggler, The Three Kings, Pretty Boy, Young Assassin, Slugga, Hussle Man and Ms. Elisa Williams. Overall, this was a solid release by the artist and it's one that carries something for everybody. Whether the style on display is Bounce, Street, or Conscious, the listeners will get a small taste to acclimate themselves into their favorable areas . The album's versatile song list is its' strong point. The artist, along with his label, were both on the same wave length in construction and development. They knew exactly what the public wanted and they delivered just that. Although it may not be a masterpiece or a classic, the release is still rewarding to experience. An all rounded record and one that King's Entertainment and Big Slack can be truly proud of.

Deadly Verses
Give'em Props



Album Notes
* Big Slack's nickname is the Overweight Hot Boy.
* This was very the first album to be released under King's Entertainment.

Foul Mouf - Talkin' Sh*t

Foul Mouf - Talkin' Sh*t

Foul Mouf is a rapper that represents the atrocious streets of Houston, TX. Now, with an alias like Foul Mouf and a title like Talkin' Sh*t, one might expect this album to be full of barbaric amounts of vulgar content but that is not the case. The artist along with his material, is only as offensive as any other release from the southern region. In fact, some might even complain that he is not brash or profane enough for their liking. Nevertheless, this release holds a significant amount of importance for the individual and the accompanying parties involved. Talkin' Sh*t is the artist's debut album and it was released in 2002 on Draper, Inc. A new label which was founded by the intellectual, Tony Draper. The creation of this label marked an end of an era for the infamously successful, Suave House Records. Tony Draper decided it was time to close the curtains on one of the most prominent labels in the South, mainly because of most of its' profitable artist had either retired or moved on to a completely different or rival label. Suave House had an incredible run in the nineties and shutting the label down was definitely a difficult pill to swallow. Tony knew it was time to move on though, music was steadily evolving in the South and that hardcore sound mostly associated with Suave House, would not last at all against the new generation. So, he found himself an inspiring and upcoming artist in Foul Mouf and Talkin' Sh*t became the first release under Draper, Inc. Production on this piece is split between the legendary, T-Mixx or Q-Stone and Sean Blaze. They team up to provide a nice selection of beats that integrate concepts from the new wave sound. The rhythms tend to stay upbeat for the most part. There are some tracks that are reminiscent of T-Mixx's days with Suave House but even those sound watered down when compared to their counterparts. Foul Mouf is at an above average level lyrically. His rhymes will surprise the listener and will also keep them from discarding his genuine efforts either. He has a typical delivery pattern and his use of word play is adequately scattered. His Southern tone on the other hand, is of top quality and it's one of his main areas of strength. Also to provide extra help in the lyrical department are guest features of Bun B, Devin The Dude, Butch Cassidy, T-Lo, Dez and Ming Xia of the Spooks. The album closes out with a decent total of thirteen tracks with varying subjects. Overall it's a versatile record which tends to cover all the themes and topics associated with the South. For example, the album boasts everything from profound street anthems to groovy club bangers and everything in between. It can be considered as a complete package and one that is competent enough to be a label's debut release. Although, Foul Mouf did manage to get some attention for his work and there were even plans for music video shoot, the recognition simply wasn't enough to propel him into the mainstreams; which ultimately was the goal set by Tony Draper and his newfound record label.

Deadly Verses
Life Goes On

The Black Ghost - The Crossroads Of Life

The Black Ghost - The Crossroads Of Life

Alvin Ray, better known as The Black Ghost, is a rapper that represents from the revolting boroughs of Oak Cliff in Dallas, TX. He is also a former football player for the University of Arkansas. It was at this acclaimed university where he met Derrick Dansby, a local DJ who goes by the alias of, DJ-D. The two of them decided to work on an album and officially enter the music industry. The Crossroads Of Life is their debut album and it was released in 2002 on Uniq Records. Production is guided by DJ-D, who tends to keep things simple for the most part. The beats are all derived electronically and are free of any sampling. Their originality oozes style which gives the record an overall refreshing feel. At times the rhythms can get a bit passive and lethargic but that's only because of their straightforward approach. Lyrically the album is at a stable and steady level. The Black Ghost can surprise the listener with his unique word play and technique. His flow is conveyed with a thick southern accent and is delivered at a fair pace. The rhymes show a lot of promise and are also quite intellectual in nature. Guest appearances are provided by G-Style, Fred T., Dahlia Evans and DJ-D. The album closes out with an ample total of sixteen tracks with varying subjects and topics. Overall this was a solid effort from the Oak Cliff native and while it won't break any barriers musically, it is still worth a listen. Since this is an underground release that hardly got any attention in its' heyday, one can only imagine what the artist can accomplish with a full fledged label and an experienced production team.

Deadly Verses
 The Crossroads Of Life


Album Notes
* A big thanks goes out to golfcoast for providing this one.

PJ

PJ

     PJ is a rapper that represents from the murky bayous of Houston, TX. This is his self titled debut and it was released in 2002 on Black Ink Records. PJ, along with producer DMD, put forth this effort in hopes of achieving some attention. Sadly, very little is known about the artist or the record label for that matter and any information regarding them would be greatly appreciated. Production is handled largely by DMD while assisted by J. Sanchez and PJ. The rhythms are quite bland to be honest and really don't have too much going for them. They seem to be electronically derived and are missing structural aspects and core fundamentals. There is no differentiation in tracks and each cut sounds strikingly similar to the next. The beats are also kept very simple which in return gives off a very mundane result. Lyrically, the album won't take home any awards and the basic approach used by the artist will also not help its' cause. PJ's rhyme pattern is quite plain and repetitive. Word play is non-existent and the subject matter stays pretty typical. While his tone and pitch are somewhat decent,  it still cannot capitalize on the lyrical flaws mentioned above. Featuring on the album is Khaliq and Issac. Also, the very odd and aberrant artwork was designed by, Stretch Work Graphics. The record spans over a total of sixteen tracks and unfortunately there are only a handful that are worth listening to. The end result is a very lackluster one and it can be easily neglected as a whole. It seems as if the album was recorded in one sitting inside someone's kitchen or basement. It deeply suffers from critical mixing and mastering issues. Now, granted this is an underground release and the quality criteria is often a bit relaxed related with those type of acts, it still cannot excuse the frivolous mistakes displayed on this record. The artist must come correct, especially when they are representing for the great state of Texas.

Album Notes

* PJ is not to be confused with PJ of the Boss Hogg Outlawz.

* DMD is not to be confused with DJ DMD of the Inner Soul Clique.

Aggravated - Mexicans & Cappin'

Aggravated - Mexicans & Cappin'

Aggravated is a group that represents from the roguish streets of Houston, TX. The collective was formed by Filero and Balazo in the year 1994 in the small city of Freeport but it quickly spread to the neighboring city of Houston. While membership has varied throughout the years, the original members were Grimm, Balazo, Shadow, Filero and Lord Loco. Later on they added more members like Slinkey, Pranksta, Big Deuce and Troublemaker. The original members did not participate in this release except for Shadow, who is credited for producing one of the tracks. Mexicans & Cappin' is their fourth album and it was released in 2002 on Aggravated Records. The bulk of the production is handled by Big Deuce while Shadow chips in on one of the tracks. The beats are very generic to be quite frank. They are certainly lacking that dark, street vibe that Aggravated was most known for. The foundation of the rhythms seems to be very basic and any use of real instruments is definitely absent. There are only a handful of tracks that really stand out while the rest are largely mundane. This type of moderate production could only be blamed on the missing cast of members, who would initially help in producing and guiding their prior releases. Lyrics are mostly satisfying but again, they are lacking that charm and the vibe of the original group. Slinkey, Pranksta and Big Deuce are respectable on the microphone and their rhymes are delivered precisely. They can display their vocal artistry with ease and their lyrics carry more of a contemporary feel. Guest appearances are made by Sambo, O.Z., Lady G and Diva Nay. Overall a decent effort by the group that has an ample total of sixteen tracks. This is another one of those releases that became a victim of the sound change that occurred after the new millennium. Aggravated was always known for their harsh and edgy personas. Their style and flair is what really made them stand out among many artists from the city. But when that change came, it was either jump on the band wagon or get left behind. This rendition of Aggravated is the result of that very jump and it is now understandable why the original members did not want anything to do with this release. This album is also marked as the last album by the famed group.

Deadly Verses
Locs At Night


Album Notes
* Aggravated is also part of the South Park Coalition.

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.

Deadly Verses

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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.

Deadly Verses

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Poetic Vandals - Tha Quickest Tongues Down South

Poetic Vandals - Tha Quickest Tongues Down South

Poetic Vandals is a group that hails from the malicious streets of San Antonio, TX. The group is known to be well over sixteen members deep since some members of The Underground Committee are also affiliated. The Vandals consists of J-Roc, Hollow Point, Nightmare, Teflon, Qwik, R-1, Twink, BDG, Lil' J, Drops, Huggz, Apollo, SK and the female emcee known as Lil Tiff. Tha Quickest Tongues Down South is their debut album and it was released in 2002 on Payway Records. Production is mainly provided by BDG while Apollo chips in on a couple of tracks. The beats are all derived electronically and the use of any real instrumentation is slim to none. This could be the very reason why the beats sound a little bland and only a few tracks really standout. Lyrically the album is far more superior and certainly lives up to the title. The clear focus of all the members is to deliver sharp rhymes at a blitzing rate. Their styles are unique and their word play is quite commendable. They certainly waste no time and start demolishing the tracks laid out in front of them. Also the backup vocals are on point and are provided by Lil Tiff. All in all its a valiant effort by the Alamo City natives and had it not been for the sub-par production, this record would have easily raised the eyebrows of major label executives. As a group they went on to release one more album in the year 2004. Although there are rumors floating around for a Vandals reunion in the very near future. Also, rest in peace to The SwiftONE better known as Lil' J.

Deadly Verses

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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

DJ DMD - Forty-Four: 3rd Coast Classics Vol. 1

DJ DMD - Forty-Four: 3rd Coast Classics Vol. 1
DJ DMD is an extremely talented producer and rapper from Port Arthur, TX. He has worked with many artists from the south and has contributed generously to the southern genre. This is a greatest hits album compiled by Inner Soul Records in 2002. It was released in an attempt to commemorate DMD's retirement from the rap game. Production is done by the one and only DJ DMD. The record includes many notorious cuts DMD has made during his powerful career. Ten of the twelve tracks are from his three previous albums and two are unreleased. Features are courtesy of DJ Screw, Lil' Keke, Pimp C of UGK, Fat Pat, Mike D, Lee Masta, Boonie Locc, Momo, Superb Herb, QB, Ricky Diamondz, James Greer and Vernon Chaisson. The album also contains the extended version of the infamous Screwed Up Click song known as "So Real." Overall the record is compiled superbly and the tracks are very fine picked. DJ DMD was the man responsible for many known hits that were derived in the south, which in turn gives Forty-Four a spot in every collection.

Deadly Verses

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The Calhouns - Made In The Dirdy South

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The Calhouns is a group from Atlanta, GA. It consists of Cool Breeze, Swift C and Big L. The three members are also known as Freddy Calhoun, Pauly Calhoun and Lucky Calhoun. Members Pauly and Lucky were known as the Sniper Unit in the late 90's. Later on they added Cool Breeze to their line up and changed the name to The Calhouns. This group also holds membership in the second generation of the Dungeon Family. Made In The Dirdy South is their debut album and it was released in 2002 on Empire Music Werks. The crew behind all the production is Organized Noize along with Swift C. The imaginative beats are crisp flowing and cutting edge. They are mostly sample free and are arranged very infectiously. The lyrics is where the album falls a little short. Although their rhymes are not ground breaking, they are still pretty jubilant. Featuring on the record is Slimm Calhoun, Big Howg Major and Decatur's own KB. Overall it was a decent effort by the group but unfortunately there was not enough lyrical substance to take this album any further.

T-Rock - Conspiracy Theory

T-Rock - Conspiracy Theory

T-Rock is a rapper from Atlanta, GA. Hailing from the streets of College Park, he debuted with the underground album "Throw Yo Neighborhood Up" in 1996. That album got the attention of MC Mack, an affiliate of Three 6 Mafia. T-Rock was quickly signed to Hypnotize Minds at the age of only 17. He began working on his major label debut. Although he was always featured on albums from his label mates, his debut record was constantly delayed. This was the key reason for his departure from Hypnotize Minds. Conspiracy Theory was released in 2002 on Secret Service Entertainment. Production was done by T-Love and Mr. Navigator. The beats are straight fire and have the ability to bump in the trunk. T-Rock's flow is very original and fast paced. His tongue twisting lyrics also have a solid vocab. Featuring on the album is Area 51, Kingpin Skinny Pimp, Odd 1, J-Love, II Tone, Da Crime Click, Wylecat, Miss T. and C.I.A. T-Rock put together an amazing album which was definitely worth the wait. This record also contains the infamous diss track towards DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia.

Deadly Verses
What U Know ft. Kingpin Skinny Pimp & Wylecat