Showing posts with label 5th Ward. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5th Ward. Show all posts

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Nuwine - Basshead

Maurice Williams, better known as Nuwine, is a rapper who hails from the infamous neighborhood of 5th Ward in Houston, TX. After living as a troubled youth and even coming very close to the brink of death, he decided it was time to change for the better. He turned to religion for answers and started anew as a Christian Rap artist. Armed with just a microphone and a drum machine which he purchased at a local pawn shop, he began experimenting on ways to reach and teach his peers. It wasn't long before he was picked up by Knolly "Rubadub" Williams, who immediately signed him to his newly founded, Grapetree Records. Nuwine debuted in 1997 with the album, "Da Bloody 5th," which still to this day, is regarded as one of his best works. His venture with Grapetree Records was short lived though, he would soon leave them over royalty issues and form his own label known as Wine-O Records. Basshead is an album full of instrumentals that Nuwine put together in 1998 on the aforementioned label. The production in it's entirety is done by Nuwine, himself. The beats are all electronically derived and are without the use of any real instruments. Their style along with their pace varies and a good range of selection is provided for the listener. While some are a little odd and seem to lack basic foundation, there are some that are really commendable. This record was basically put together for up and coming artists that face dilemmas when it comes to recording material. It was also considered as a gift for his loyal fans who just need some solid rhythms to bob their head to. All in all this project is just for experimental purposes and is not intended for any type of commercial use. While it strays away from the religious concepts that Nuwine is most known for, it does in fact gives him a broader audience. He was at a point in his career where every release seemed crucial for his fan base and not only was this a unique move, it was also a very bold step that he took for his immediate future. He did something special for his fans and that is what placed him above the rest of his fellow Christian Rap artists.

Deadly Tracks
13 - Untitled


Album Notes
Wine-O Records went defunct in the year 2003.
* Nuwine would then change his alias to Wine-O.
* The new alias would also mark the end of his Christian Rap career.
* He then tried establishing himself in the Rap & Hip Hop industry.

Friday, August 14, 2015

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.

Deadly Verses



Deadly Video

Friday, December 2, 2011

Insane Klan - Never Fear Death

Insane Klan - Never Fear Death
Insane Klan is a group from the notorious 5th Ward in Houston, TX. It consists of three members who are under the aliases Hollow Point, Bullet Proof, and Top Dawg. Never Fear Death is their debut effort and it was released in 1994 on Dolla Bill Records. The production in its' entirety is superbly done by Lamar "Big Boss" Burks. The beats are made with pure underground harmony and carry that hard edged street sound. A full variety of instruments which are all rhythmically correct are also on display here. By incorporating this method the producer made sure his work will stand the lengthy test of time. The three members waste no time and jump viciously on the dope tracks provided for them. All three are true lyricist. This can easily be seen by their different personalities and confident delivery methods. They attack the microphone with ruthless ambition and savagely rip through the core of the record. Also the chemistry between the trio is also worth taking a note of. Since this is a tape only release, one can expect the quality to be a little dim. With that being said that still should not discourage the listener because the sum of this eight track album is much greater than what is depicted. Overall the group put out a genuinely commendable effort but one that never received any kind of attention. Maybe it was the rough and roguish nature of the record or it could have been the menacing demeanor of the three vocalists. But in all honesty, it is very admirable that the record still sounds amazingly alluring today, as it did back then in 1994.

Deadly Verses
Goin' Insane

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

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