T-Pop Da I-10 Juggla - Makin' Moves

T-Pop Da I-10 Juggla - Makin' Moves

Joshua Thibodeaux, better known as T-Pop, is a rapper from the infamous city of Lafayette in Louisiana. He has also held residence in the notorious southside of Houston, TX. His nickname, "Da I-10 Juggla," is derived from the two cities connecting to each other through the renowned highway system known as, Interstate 10. Makin' Moves is his debut album and it was released in 2001 on Laf-Tex South Records, a sub-label under the parent, Laftex Records. Production on this piece is mainly handled by the magnificent, DJ Dolby D while Mr. Phat and T-Pop also chip in on a few cuts. The beats are strictly southern in demeanor and since Dolby D blesses the tracks with his brilliant creativity, the rhythms become that much more entertaining. Although they carry an upbeat pattern and are quite contemporary in composure, they are still very appealing to the ears. Lyrically, T-Pop is exceptional on the microphone. His laid back tone and raw southern dialect go hand in hand. His rhymes are delivered at a good pace and are dripping with fluent word play. While his level of energy and enthusiasm never drops, there are times when he becomes just a little repetitive. Not to worry though, an excellent star studded guest list is there to back him up when times tend to get bad. Featuring on the record is, Trae, Botany Boys, 3-2, I.B.G., Lil' Flex, Den Den, Mike D, Big Pokey, Wood, Deadend B.G.'s, D-Gotti, C-Nile, Big Tantrum, Black, Young Mafios, Pedoro, Toemas, Dwayne Parker and Bryson Bernard. All in all this is a very solid release, especially when considering the fact that it is a debut album. Not only did Da I-10 Juggla present himself with validity and clarity, he also managed to assert himself onto the Southern Rap scene. In the end, this work of art remains as a hidden gem and has the tendency to shine from each and every angle.

Deadly Verses

Ain't No Stopping ft. Black, C-Nile, Deadend B.G.'s, Pedoro & Big Tantrum

Album Notes

* T-Pop is also affiliated with the legendary Screwed Up Click.

Staydown - N-Da-Game

Staydown - N-Da-Game

Staydown is a collective that represents from the harsh streets of Waco, TX. The group consists of Slugger, Bugga, Bigg Knocc and Country. The group was formed in the late nineties by Slugger and Bigg Knocc. N-Da-Game is their debut album and it was released in 2000 on Staydown Entertainment. The album was recorded mainly in Houston due to plethora of studios that the city has to offer compared to Waco. The record is masterly produced by the platinum producer, Slugger. The beats are a perfect example of that Texas funk. They contain solid bass lines which are blended with some hard hitting drums. The rhythms are also genuinely crafted and they certainly cater to the Swang & Bang crowd. Slugger gives a lot of attention to detail which in return makes the overall result very crisp and enjoyable. The album also shines in the lyrical department. The members take turns discharging their various styles upon the microphone. Bigg Knocc seems to standout the most but the rest are not too far behind. Their deliveries are full of pace and the variations to their tone and pitch are all done with perfection. Their southern drawl is also quite eminent, while their demeanor and personalities embodies the streets. Guest appearances are made by Ice Lord, 3-2, C-Note, Big Pokey, Lil' O, Billy Cook and Lil' Flip. It may seem as if the album is a little guest heavy due to the star studded guest list but that is not the case at all. The guests are used sporadically and the group relies more on their own intuition. The album closes out with an impressive total of fifteen tracks, with each cut outdoing the other. All in all, this was a remarkable effort by the group but one that seem to have went unnoticed. It is truly a task for artists to represent from the smaller cities in Texas, mainly because of the lack of exposure they will receive. Staydown knew of this dilemma and changed their approach accordingly. They could have just easily recorded at a local studio in Waco, instead they drove back and forth to Houston and recorded at one of the more famous spots. Not only did this move help to establish connections in the city but it also augmented their reputation. They group went on to release a follow up album in 2005 and then disbanded. At the end of the day, this release will always sit as a polished gem, waiting to be discovered from The Heart of Texas.

Deadly Verses

Hard Life

Album Notes
* The group is also known as the Staydown Clique.

* Slugger would retire from the Rap industry in 2006.

* He would change his alias to Minister Slugger and would then become a Christian Rap artist.

* He is also a Minister at a local church in Waco, Texas.  

* "The Heart of Texas" is the nickname for the city of Waco.

G.I.N. - Straight Out Da Bottle

G.I.N. - Straight Out Da Bottle
G.I.N. is a group from the neighborhood of Hiram Clarke in Houston, TX. It consists of Lyrical 187, H2O, Mr. Gottdam and Tricky C. They are also members of the local crew called the Presidential Playas. Straight Out Da Bottle is their debut album and it was released in 2001 on Presidential Records. Production on the album is handled by Pat Rodriguez and Charles Singletary. They provide nothing but that crisp southern funk. The beats contain solid hooks and are a bit up tempo. All four members easily wreak havoc on the mic. Their rhymes are distinct and certainly scintillating. Featuring guests are Z-Ro, Wood of the Half Dead Organization, Hawk, Big Pokey, E.S.G., South Park Mexican, Slim Thug, D.Z., Chad Jones, K.T., Lady Assassin, Kevo, Miss D, Big Miller, Big Rodsta and Texas Tantrum. All in all the record was executed brilliantly and it contains many street anthems. Later on the group broke up over financial terms and this ended up being their only album. A chopped and screwed version was also released.