Slater - Can You Feel Me

Slater - Can You Feel Me

Curtis Slater is an artist that represents from the rampant boulevards of San Antonio, TX. A well renown figure in SA Town's underground rap scene, he is highly remembered for his rapturous flows and energetic performances. Can You Feel Me is his debut solo album and it was released in 2003 on Top Entertainment Inc. The record is excellently produced by Houston's very own, Sean "Blaze" Henderson who is also assisted by Key Jay. The mixing and mastering is provided by the magnificent, Ricé. The engineers do a solid job on the beats and the end result is quite pleasurable. The rhythms presented here are Southern in nature so one can easily expect the use of jazzy horns, conventional hooks and some twangy guitar work which is provided by Paul Olivarri. A few of the beats are sample ridden while the rest are all original in composition. The two most notable samples come from the Ohio Players' "Fire" and The Crusaders' "Street Life." Lyrics are also on par with the rhythmical structure that is given to the artist. Slater's rhyme scheme might be typical but he does carry the ability to take the listener by surprise with his bold tone and a quick change of pace. He can also attack with a decent vocabulary as well. Subject matter is kept versatile and various styles are provided for the listener to keep them hooked. Guest appearances are made by D'nae Slater, Danielle Hamilton, Chris Benson, Ghetto and Big Turk. The album closes out with a total of thirteen tracks and also includes a bonus Eighted & Chopped disc done by the masterful, Mike Moore of the infamous Beltway 8 Records. Overall it's a dope record that gives off a satisfying vibe and has the power to play on both ends of the musical spectrum. A feat that is not easily attained but rather achieved by giving attention to the smallest of details. That alone places this album in the category known simply as, a diamond in the rough.

Deadly Verses
Good Life ft. Danielle Hamilton


Can You Feel Me

Zed Zilla - Da Franchise

Zed Zilla - Da Franchise

Zed Zilla is a rapper that represents from the sprawling streets of Memphis, TN. An accomplished artist who has been recording since he was fifteen years old. His alias was given to him by a close friend who described his as the legendary fire breathing monster Godzilla, due to his vocal flair on the microphone. He was discovered by Yo Gotti, who immediately saw the raw talents of Zed and quickly began to mentor him. Da Franchise is his debut album and it was released in 2003 on Open Mouth Entertainment. Production on this joint is provided by the veteran, Blackout. He brings his intense style of craftsmanship to the table. A style that incorporates heavy sampling as the main hook and then builds upon it with a rapid cadence of drums and bass. This method is used throughout and tends to be a perfect fit for the artist. Lyrically Zed Zilla is quite strong on the microphone. His flow is fired quickly and energetically. His tone is somewhat sharp and his use of word play is clever. There are times when he does get a bit repetitive but the album is so well spaced that it is hardly noticeable. Guest appearances are made by Terror, Mon Goddi, Young Assassins, Lil Bird, Cardell, Pasae Watkins, Mac E, Stebo, Bigg Baby, Playboy and C.E.O. All in all, this is a substantial release by the artist that closes out at a total of fifteen tracks. The versatility that the record displays gives it the longevity that most desire. While Zed is still going strong in the rap industry today, most have forgotten his humble beginnings. This release stands as a testament for them and shines like a jewel from the boulevards of South Memphis.

Deadly Verses
Ying Yang ft. Mon Goddi, Bigg Baby & Terror


Album Notes
* Zed Zilla has also recorded under the alias, Lil' Zed.

DBX - Dragon Klan

DBX - Dragon Klan

DBX is a rapper from the infamous neighborhood of South Park in Houston, TX. He is a member of the South Park Coalition and has been with them since the early nineties. DBX and Ruff Eyque are also the originators of the group known as "Section A." Over the years DBX just made cameo appearances on other S.P.C. albums. In 2003 he decided to release this full length debut album on Full Circle Entertainment. As always the majority of the production is handled by Dope-E of The Terrorists. The beats tend to be typical and very simple, although some tracks do stand out. Tunes seem to be a bit off and the harmony is not quite there. The tracks are mediocre at best. DBX is sufficient as a lyricist, though at times he does seem to impress a little bit. Street savvy tales and relentless subjects are the main course for this entry. X is one of those artists who excel when given a feature or cameo but can't really sustain that level of energy when given a complete solo. Guest spots are courtesy of K-Rino, Klondike Kat, Point Blank, A.C. Chill, Ruff Eyque, K-Water, and Texas Tech. Overall a decent effort by the South Park native but it won't take home any awards. Especially when competing against other members of the Coalition and their projects. With that being said the record is still an uncanny underground piece so shortcomings are somewhat expected.

Deadly Verses

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Nickel Nut - No Snitchin'

Nickel Nut - No Snitchin'
Nickel Nut also known as Drunk D, is an underground rapper from the notorious neighborhood of 5th Ward in Houston, TX. He first started off as one of the five dominant members in the group, Too Much Trouble. As a group they released three successful albums with Rap-A-Lot Records. The group disbanded in 1997 over bad terms. Everything from financial issues to member incarcerations and even creative differences, played a major role in the groups' demise. After a five year hiatus, Nickel Nut resurfaced in 2002. No Snitchin' is his debut solo album and it was released in 2003 on Penthouse Records. The record is decently produced entirely by Grizz. The beats carry simple melodies which makes the tracks justly passable. Although some cuts do stand out, the lyrics tend to be far more superior though. Nickel Nut once again brings his intensified yet undeniably raw style to the table. His rhymes showcase countless accounts of ruthlessness and vileness. Main contents include raunchy sex escapades to dope fiend driven tales and surprisingly, even some heart felt ballads. Featuring on the album is Lo-Life and E-Rock of the 5th Ward Boyz, Ghetto MC of Too Much Trouble, Big Chill, Kannetic, Atom and Trey. Overall the record was a good attempt due to some minor flaws. Production does fall a good bit short but Nut keeps things afloat with his originality on the microphone. Sure the album wont take home any awards or plaques but it still deserves a honorable mention. Also, there are talks of a possible Too Much Trouble reunion and maybe even an all new album in the works.

Deadly Verses

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Money Waters - The Porch

Money Waters - The Porch

Money Waters is a significantly talented artist from Dallas, TX. He is known for his heavily drawled southern accent and his deliberate yet unorthodox style of presentation. The Porch was his debut album and it was released in 2003 on Soullsys Music. The record quickly created a local and regional commotion. Soon Money Waters found himself setting the stage with the likes of UGK, Too $hort, Devin The Dude, Young Bleed, Slim Thug and Busta Rhymes. Production on The Porch is all done with live instruments and is provided by Gugu, Riddles, Tonio, Kerav Shimon and Money Waters. The beats are a terrific blend of sweet soul which fuses elements of twangy jazz and smooth southern funk. This feat is not only accomplished on this record but it is done with pure perfection. It ends up giving a very distinct sound and quickly sets it apart from others. Waters' delivery on the microphone is certainly unique and comprehensive. His lyrics are genuine and carry various word schemes. Rhymes tend to be simply jubilant all the while being thoroughly entertaining. Featuring artists are Kabaal, Mookah, Limp Leg, Pikahsso and John J. Overall the content is displayed through a collection of twenty tracks which cover a wide variety of subjects and explore a plethora of musical styling. The end result is a record that truly defies categorization due to its originality and eccentric composure.

Deadly Verses
Payless Blues

Hog Pen Clique - These Are The Days

Hog Pen Clique - These Are The Days
The Hog Pen Clique also known as HPC, is a group from the east side of Austin, TX. It consists of Alley Cat, Big Chief, Lil' Tex and Heavy D. These Are The Days is their debut album and it was released in 2003 on Central Corridor Records. All the first class production is done by Mr. Bobcat. The beats use elements of the conventional southern fried sound and combine it with the contemporary new wave up tempo style. The end result is a magnificent presentation of top notch rhythms and fresh melodies. The producer also laced the tracks with some soothing samples and catchy hooks. All members are capable and reputable lyricist. Each of them carry their own aberrant style as well as deviant tones. Although Big Chief stands out the most in the rhyming department, his fellow comrades are not too far behind. The group conveys their work with a very unique vibe and feel. Their subject matter also covers a vast variation of topics. This includes everything from hard edged street tales to smooth ego conscious ballads. Featuring on the album is Big Baily, who generally provides some singing and back up vocals. All in all the album is a solid collective of fifteen tracks. It also showcases a perfected, yet unorthodox style which is typically dismissed by the general audience.

Deadly Verses
These Are The Days

Slim Chance - Round Here

Slim Chance - Round Here
Slim Chance is a rapper from Lafayette, LA. Round Here was released in 2003 on Global Entertainment. Production is handled by DJ Dolby D and Terrance Evan. It is certainly of exceptional quality. The beats are built with thick layers of southern groove and they easily carry sophisticated rhythms. Slim dominates the mic through a wide range of skills. His flow is laid back but he can definitely speed the pace up at any given moment. Tracks are also filled with soothing hooks and choruses. The most intriguing thing about his lyrics, is his attitude of an optimist. Guest appearances are made by the Water World Boyz. The musical flair presented in this album is leisurely diverse. In today's music, that is not amply common and sometimes its even nonexistent. All in all the record contains a broad variety of topics and its very well crafted. It combines various styles so the end result is a work of art that has the power to appeal to all.