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.

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Put 'Em Up (Rasta Mix) ft. Dee

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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.

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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.

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These Are The Days

Papa Chuk - The Badlands

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Papa Chuk is a rapper from Austin, TX. He is known for his prolific style of delivery which fuses elements of reggae and rap. The Badlands is his debut album and it was released in 1994 on Pendulum Records. Production is managed by Double D of the Wreckshop, Tony Dofat, Scratch God, O.C. Rodriguez, Kevin and Amelia Moore. The beats carry woozy synths and solid hooks. They are made genuinely and they definitely compliment the artist. The lyrics are raw and aggressive. His rhymes are certainly original and are a display of his unorthodox style. Features are by The Texas Posse, Butch Cassidy, All The Above and Champ MC. Although the album contains bona fide material and it was a legitimate effort, it did not prosper due to its rough nature.