R.E.S Records - The RESurrection Compilation

R.E.S Records - The RESurrection Compilation

R.E.S Records was a Christian Rap label from the unforgiving streets of Houston, TX. The label was started in the mid nineties by Richard Hunt and Otto Osterman. Their main objective was to give a home to the aspiring local Christian Rap emcees in Houston while also keeping them on the right track. The two founders quickly recruited BDI and Dez from the infamous group, Nuk Ruk. The two members from Nuk Ruk were considered to be the primary pieces and the main source of strength for the record label. It was through their help that the record label eventually got more artists on board such as, Tre-9, Snapz, 20/Twenty, Manifest, NSC, The Foundation and last but not least, the singer Jamecia Williams. Work on this compilation began as soon as the crew was assembled in the early part of 1999. It was completed in the year 2000 and released as a debut album by the R.E.S Records. Production is solely handled by the masterful, BDI and he does not disappoint. BDI's rhythmical pattern is quite unique. He fuses the traditional style of Hip-Hop with the flavorful Southern style. He does this with not only the use of a typical drum machine but also with the use of live instrumentation. Most notably through the work of various guitars and pianos. He also adds his distinct scratches with the turntables which ends up being the final key ingredient for his magnificent beats. Lyrically the album also excels. There is never a dull moment due to the various artists used to create the rhymes. Each artist brings an intellectual style to the table and claim their stake on the microphone with utter precision. Word play is presented with riddling rhyme schemes which makes the end result thoroughly captivating. BDI, Dez, Tre-9 and 20/Twenty are the standouts here but the rest of the acts are not too far behind. Guest appearances are made by Reverse, Queen D, MOG, DJ Excell, B-Boy and Kathy Abshire. All in all, this is an excellent compilation by the label and a must have for any Christian Rap fan. They could have easily talked about materialistic possessions, women, money and the like but they chose to go against the grain. It is always good to hear artists who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in and go against the flow of the norm. The album gives off a truthful yet positive message and it can only be deciphered by listening to their powerful and thought provoking music.

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Verbal Revolution

Nuk Ruk - Invaderz Of The Dark

Nuk Ruk - Invaderz Of The Dark
Nuk Ruk is a marvelous group from Houston, TX. As a collective they represent for the sub genre known as Christian Rap. It consists of BDI, Dez, Dr. Yo, JoEmcee, Earth, Chameleon, Outlaw and DJ CleanCut. The name Nuk Ruk, is actually abbreviated for Nucklehead Ruckus which in turn basically means knuckle heads causing ruckus. The group is well known for their extremely hype and energetic concerts as well as their thought provoking rhymes that are congenially mixed with some equally exceptional rhythms. Nuk Ruk debuted in 1994 with their breakout album, "The Road Less Traveled." Invaderz Of The Dark is their sophomore effort and it was released in 1997 on Nuk Ruk Records. Production is solely handled by BDI, who is a creative genius when it comes to beats. He is also the main direction behind the group's signature sound and exclusive persona. The beats are derived through multiple instruments and can be classified somewhat under Industrial and Experimental Hip Hop. They are certainly unique and carry a fresh and genuine vibe. The process of sampling is kept to a minimum but the few that are used are put to good use. The most notable one being Ludwig Van Beethoven's "Für Elise" which is used on the track "The Road Less Traveled." This sort of artistry is what defines the group's style and becomes a type of signature brand for the remaining cuts on the album. Lyrically the album also fares very well. Each member brings a designated and peculiar flow pattern. Their rhymes can vary in speed but the commendable word play and superb delivery is what remains constant. Now the core content can be perceived from a religious stand point but since their lyrics are so diverse and imaginative, it is truly left upon the listener to dissect the meaning or message any further. Guest appearances are courtesy of NRG and Kathy Abshire. This also happens to be a double disc album that carries a remarkable total of thirty one tracks. Although Nuk Ruk put together an intellectual and entertaining package, it wasn't enough to propel them into mainstream stardom. Especially with the emergence of the Swang & Bang sound and the decline of real Hip Hop in Houston, it wasn't long before Nuk Ruk found themselves in the lower levels of the underground. Tons of artists in the city found themselves facing this exact same dilemma. Some jumped on the band wagon quick while others changed their style or delivery to fit the mold of the upcoming era and then finally there were those who refused to change and stay true to their art but in the end were not as fortunate as the aforementioned. The latter pretty much disappeared from the entire scene and were talked about as if they were some sort of fables. In Nuk Ruk's case, it is truly a shame to see such great talent and vision fall simply by the wayside. Even though they created a loyal following of fans that are still hoping and wishing for a Nuk Ruk reunion, the future of real Hip Hop in Houston looks pretty bleak.

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