Showing posts with label Bun B. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bun B. Show all posts

Thursday, January 5, 2017

H.$.E - The Re-Score

H.$.E, which stands for Hustlaz $tackin' Endz, is a collective that hails from the southside of Houston, TX. The original group consisted of Hump, Lil' Flip, A.P. and Yung Redd. Also, Lil' Flip left the group after their initial release due to his own solo success and A.P. was later replaced with Lil' Ron. The group and all its' individual artists were also signed under Hump's own independent label known as, Sucka Free Records. Hump started the label in the late nineties and had a good run with H.$.E. and Lil' Flip as the label's core artists. The Re-Score is H.$.E.'s second release and it was put out in 2004 on Sucka Free Records. It's not an official album since it was just released to create a buzz for Yung Redd and Lil' Ron's upcoming album, "The Paper Route." Production on this record is invalid due to most, if not all, the beats are borrowed from other premier artists. The album is at a decent level lyrically. The songs are mostly freestyles with one or two real tracks sprinkled in between. Yung Redd and Lil' Ron are the only ones present with a slew of handsome guest features from Bun B, Paul Wall, Z-Ro, Trae, Twista, David Banner, Grit Boys, Big Shasta, Twisted Black, Yung Ro, A.B.N., Lil' Head and Yung Wun. The album closes out with a grand total of twenty tracks with only a handful of them being entertaining. As mentioned above, the release is in no way official in form or content. It was merely an underground release which was meant to supplement fans till the release of "The Paper Route." Hump just slapped the H.$.E. name on it in hopes of moving a few more units. Even though the release is obscure in nature, it just does not have anything alluring for the listener to look forward to.

Album Notes
* The record was also released with an alternative cover.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Foul Mouf - Talkin' Sh*t

Foul Mouf is a rapper that represents the atrocious streets of Houston, TX. Now, with an alias like Foul Mouf and a title like Talkin' Sh*t, one might expect this album to be full of barbaric amounts of vulgar content but that is not the case. The artist along with his material, is only as offensive as any other release from the southern region. In fact, some might even complain that he is not brash or profane enough for their liking. Nevertheless, this release holds a significant amount of importance for the individual and the accompanying parties involved. Talkin' Sh*t is the artist's debut album and it was released in 2002 on Draper, Inc. A new label which was founded by the intellectual, Tony Draper. The creation of this label marked an end of an era for the infamously successful, Suave House Records. Tony Draper decided it was time to close the curtains on one of the most prominent labels in the South, mainly because of most of its' profitable artist had either retired or moved on to a completely different or rival label. Suave House had an incredible run in the nineties and shutting the label down was definitely a difficult pill to swallow. Tony knew it was time to move on though, music was steadily evolving in the South and that hardcore sound mostly associated with Suave House, would not last at all against the new generation. So, he found himself an inspiring and upcoming artist in Foul Mouf and Talkin' Sh*t became the first release under Draper, Inc. Production on this piece is split between the legendary, T-Mixx or Q-Stone and Sean Blaze. They team up to provide a nice selection of beats that integrate concepts from the new wave sound. The rhythms tend to stay upbeat for the most part. There are some tracks that are reminiscent of T-Mixx's days with Suave House but even those sound watered down when compared to their counterparts. Foul Mouf is at an above average level lyrically. His rhymes will surprise the listener and will also keep them from discarding his genuine efforts either. He has a typical delivery pattern and his use of word play is adequately scattered. His Southern tone on the other hand, is of top quality and it's one of his main areas of strength. Also to provide extra help in the lyrical department are guest features of Bun B, Devin The Dude, Butch Cassidy, T-Lo, Dez and Ming Xia of the Spooks. The album closes out with a decent total of thirteen tracks with varying subjects. Overall it's a versatile record which tends to cover all the themes and topics associated with the South. For example, the album boasts everything from profound street anthems to groovy club bangers and everything in between. It can be considered as a complete package and one that is competent enough to be a label's debut release. Although, Foul Mouf did manage to get some attention for his work and there were even plans for music video shoot, the recognition simply wasn't enough to propel him into the mainstreams; which ultimately was the goal set by Tony Draper and his newfound record label.

Deadly Verses
Life Goes On


Saturday, November 26, 2016

The Day After Hell Broke Loose

The Day After Hell Broke Loose is a compilation album which is presented by Bigg Tyme and Rap-A-Lot Records. It was constructed upon the success of "The Day Hell Broke Loose" series by Swishahouse Records. This album was released in the early part of 2004 on Rap-A-Lot Records. Veteran producers Bigg Tyme and Mike Dean are credited for providing the tunes. Together, they do an excellent job by creating a palette of rhythms that strictly cater to the fans of the Swang & Bang genre. The beats are mostly contemporary and upbeat in nature. The creators made sure that the blend stays electric and musically sound at all times. Lyrics tend to vary since this is a joint venture between two of the most prolific record labels from the South and their respective artists. One can only expect greatness when the likes of Scarface, Bun B, Devin The Dude and Z-Ro are fused with Lil' Flip, Slim Thug, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Chamillionaire, J-Dawg, Magno, Lil' Ron, Lil' Mario and Dolla. The album closes out with a total of fourteen tracks and aside from a couple of them, their subject matter mostly lingers around materialistic values and financial gains. All in all it's a decent compilation and one that was released at the height of the H-Town takeover phenomenon. The two camps capitalized on the alluring situation at hand and put forth a genuine effort. The record beautifully withstands the test of time and should deserve a spot in any Southern Rap collection. 

Deadly Verses
Z-Ro (Remix) ft. Z-Ro

Friday, October 10, 2014

Young Smitty - Takin Over

Young Smitty is a rapper from Tyler, TX. Best known for his collaboration with the Underground Kingz on the song "Tossed Up" from the Major Players Compilation by Mean Green. He was 16 years old when he first met UGK in 1997 at a show in Lake Charles, LA. To this day he still considers Bun B and Pimp C (R.I.P.) as his role models and mentors. Smitty was also among the first group of artists that were brought to the Trill Entertainment label by Pimp C. Takin Over is his debut album and it was finally released in 2001 on Imperial Entertainment after numerous attempts and mishaps. It is magnificently produced by Steve Below and Dale "Rambro" Ramsey while DJ Dolby D provides his signature style of mixing and scratching. The beats can simply be summed up as a collective of southern funk straight from Texas. The producers intent was to achieve a laid back sound that is accomplished through multiple instruments and displayed very generously. Lyrically the album is a little on the lack luster side. Although Smitty possesses a commendable rhyme pattern and is really proficient on the microphone, he does tend to get somewhat repetitive. The album can be split into two halves due to lack of intensity and quality of content. The release might have its fair share of highs and lows but it still should not discourage the listener. Guest appearances are made by UGK, PSK-13, A-Dam-Shame and 3re Da Hardaway. All in all it is a solid attempt by Smitty Da Pimp and one that somehow went unnoticed. It could have been the incarceration that he faced up until 2009 or the early falling out between him and the Trill Ent. label that marred the album from achieving any kind of prominent success.

Deadly Verses

Thursday, April 10, 2014

R.W.O. - Been So Long

R.W.O. - Been So Long
R.W.O. which stands for Real With Ours, is a group that represents from Houston, TX. It consists of five members who are under the aliases Shortiega, Tucci, Cash, Mr. Clean, and Sno the female emcee. Been So Long is actually an EP which was released in 1998 on Everything Is Everything Records (E.I.E). It's sole purpose was to garner hype for their upcoming full length album "Wantin' Out." The production crew is led by some big names with the likes of Brian "Big Bass" Gardner, MC Eiht, Kirv, Willie Zimmerman, Prodege, and Jiles. They successfully give the EP that distinct laid back Texas funk. The producers really push themselves to make sure the the record is technically sound. Each track carries a genuine vibe which will more than likely result in a head bobbing motion. The group members waste no time in displaying their vocal arsenal. All five of them carry enough lyrical dexterity which keeps the listener gainfully entertained. Two guest appearances really shine on the record and they belong to Bun B of UGK and MC Eiht respectively. This piece contains a total of six groovy tracks including one instrumental. Overall the entire EP is constructed with utmost attention to detail. The artist and the producers are both musically on the same page. This in turn puts out a product that the entire team can be proud of and gives the listener ample subject matter all the while still keeping them hungry for more.

Deadly Verses

Monday, March 9, 2009

UGK - Kingz 4 Life

UGK - Kingz 4 Life
The Underground Kingz was a legendary duo from Port Arthur, TX. They were also among the few pioneers of the genre known simply as, Southern Rap. The group consisted of phenomenal rapper, Bun B and his partner in rhyme who was also an excellent producer, Pimp C. This is an underground album and it is the early version of their album called "Dirty Money." It was never officially released on any label but was slated for a release date of the year 2000 for Jive Records. The project was later canceled and the group released the more revised and collectively improved version which is known as "Dirty Money," in 2001. This album contains a couple unreleased cuts along with some remixes that did not make it to "Dirty Money." Production, as always was done by Pimp C, himself. The beats are a perfect blend of smooth bass lines as well as Pimp's excellent choice of samples. Not enough can be said about the chemistry the two rappers use to have in between them. Their ability to trade flows and verses back to back was a feat indeed. They certainly provide that for the listeners on this record. Featuring artists are Too $hort, Kool Ace and 1 Gud Cide. Although the sound quality on some tracks suffers, it should still be looked upon as classic UGK material. The groups' final studio album is set to be released on March 31, 2009. Also, rest in peace to the late, great Pimp C.

Deadly Verses

Thursday, November 20, 2008

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.

Deadly Verses



Deadly Video

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Mddl Fngz - Trouble

Mddl Fngz is a group from the southside of Houston, TX. It was formed by Bun B of UGK as a side project. The members are Young Kilo, Bandit, Bad Azz Bam, Sean Wee, Danjah Ray and Big Munsta. This is their debut album and was released in 2000 on Perfecto Records. Production on this album was done by Pimp C, Happy Perez, John Bido and Danjah Ray. The beats are tight and are mixed nicely. All the members can spit well. They each have a distinct flow and tone. Featuring on the album is UGK, Yung Buk of Psycho Drama and C-Note of the Botany Boys. Overall it's a great album and has good content which does not disappoint.

Deadly Verses
My B*tch