Lil' O - Blood Money

Lil' O - Blood Money

Oreoluna Magnus Lawson, better known as Lil' O, is a rapper who hails from the southwest side of Houston, TX. His alias is a direct reference to his actual height, which is listed at five feet. He is also an original member of the legendary Screwed Up Click. Lil' O first appeared on the scene with the breakout single "Can't Stop," which featured Destiny's Child in 1997. The single was a instant hit on the streets of Houston and in return made him into an overnight celebrity. Blood Money is his highly anticipated debut album and it was released in 1999 on Game Face Entertainment. A gang of different producers were used to reach the end result. The likes of Crazy C, Chicken Hawk, Grizz, Double D, Swift and Willy Malone handle the bulk of the duties while Pimp C of UGK also chips in on one of the tracks. The beats can simply be described as that classic H-Town Sound. The rhythms are all funk laden and are very groovy to say the least. They are a true and classic representation of the older swang and bang sound which was very prominent with artists of the Screwed Up Click. The producers really do a solid job with the rhythms and the set up is perfect for the artist. Lil' O is an adept lyricist. He relies heavily on clever rhyme schemes and witty cliches. His pattern is not unique but it can still catch the listener by surprise. What really sets him apart is his southern tone, which upon hearing is very distinct and sharp. His pace is quite variable thus allowing him to adapt to any kind of song. Guest appearance are made by DJ Screw, UGK, Fat Pat, E.S.G., Big Pokey, C-Note, Will Lean, Yungstar, Hawk, Lil' Flip, 3-2, Al-D, Big Moe, Enjoli, Ronnie Spencer, Billy Cook, Bad Actaz, Slikk Breeze and Dana Jackson. A lengthy star studded guest list is customary for any Screwed Up Click release and while it may seem a bit heavy, it certainly does not over shadow the main artist. Overall this is a very stable piece with fifteen solid tracks to boast. The album was well worth the wait from the initial Maxi Single. It sold 20,000 copies upon release without any kind of promotion. The record could of done a lot better if it had proper promotion but that was not possible due to Lil' O serving time in the Harris County Jail. The album also beautifully withstands the test of time which is why it was re-released in 2006 with a bonus Chopped & Screwed disc. Lil' O is still active today, while his style of flow has altered a bit over time, his passion for music and loyalty to his crew remains unchanged.

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Who's Snitching ft. UGK


Album Notes
* Lil' O is also a member of The Bar None Click.

From Mo City To Yo City

From Mo City To Yo City
From Mo City To Yo City is an underground compilation which was put together by Johnny Palmer and it was released in 2000 on Johnny Palmer Entertainment. The record is basically an analect of various rappers whom all represent out of Missouri City, TX. Although artists like Lil' Flea of Street Military, PSK-13 of the South Park Coalition, members of the Fakkulty and C4 are absent, the record does have the majority of Mo City musicians rendering on it. This includes the likes of Z-Ro, the entire Half Dead Organization, Black Mike, B-1, III, Shano, Militant Soul, D-Ray, Lil' Devil, Amir, J-Bone, Jeff Reed and Mike. All the synth filled production is provided by Smittyroe of the Half Dead Organization, Black Mike, Infa Red and Byrd. The producers do a great job by keeping the beats relentless and making sure they carry that hardcore sound. While there are a couple tracks that are a bit slow and laid back, most of them have a dark street edged feel to them. Lyrics are nothing short of spectacular mainly due to the courtesy of the vile rappers listed above. Rhymes are portrayed in various manners and tend to change track after track. Some are delivered fast with tongue twisting styles and others are conveyed furiously with word play. The contents of the compilation range from ghetto tales to self conscious raps. Featuring on the album is Solo D of the Straight Profit Blockbleeders, Big Moe and Dat Boy Grace of the Screwed Up Click. All in all the record is a true and pure example of the underground scene from the Lone Star State. The collection served its' purpose by giving the listeners a deep genuine sound backed up by a commendable quality of substance.

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Botany Boys - Thought Of Many Ways

Botany Boys - Thought Of Many Ways
Botany Boys is a group from Cloverland, a neighborhood located on the southside of Houston, TX. The group first started in 1996 when they released their debut LP, Smokin 'N Leanin. The members are C-Note, D-Red, Will Lean, Head, D-E-Z, Pap Pap and the Botany B.G.'s which consists of Lil' 3rd and B.G. Gator. Their sophomore record, Thought Of Many Ways is a 2-Disc album which was released in 1997 on Big Shot Records. D-Red is the man behind all the production and he did an excellent job on this one. The Beats are hard hitting and are filled with woozy and whiny synths. Each member has a distinct flow and their lyrics vary on both discs. Disc 1 is more laid back with smooth flows while Disc 2 is more gangsta and contains that southern harsh reality. Features are courtesy of Bun B of UGK, D of Trinity Garden Cartel, Big Moe, Lil' Keke, Ronnie Spencer, Quanell X, Angie, Vic, and the legendary DJ Screw. The group released their final ablum "Botany Forever" in 2000 and eventually broke up. Members D-E-Z and Head got incarcerated and another member lost his life. Rest in peace B.G. Gator. Members C-Note, Will Lean and D-Red pursued a solo route. This group was also part of the Screwed Up Click (S.U.C.). Thought Of Many Ways will always remain a H-Town classic. The Botany Boys held their ground and put the neighborhood of Cloverland on the map.

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