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.

Young Smitty - Takin Over

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

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I.B.G. - We Ballin

I.B.G. - We Ballin

I.B.G., which stands for Innocent But Guilty, is a group that represents from Franklin, LA. It consists of Eddie Bo, Rocky and B-Dub. The group debuted with We Ballin in 1999 on Red Boy Records and quickly gained some notoriety for their effort. The album in its entirety is produced by the in-house producer, Choklate Chip. The beats are quite crafty and are assembled with a wide range of instruments. Some are assisted through the process of sampling, such as the notable title track "We Ballin," which heavily samples the song "Jamming" by Bob Marley & The Wailers. The track ends up being a wonderful take on the original reggae song that is completed with a southern fried twist. All three members are more than capable on the microphone. Their rhymes tend to be somewhat fast paced and are delivered precisely. Also the word play used is quite commendable. Guest appearances are made by DJ Dolby D, Papa Reu, Red Boy and the 4-5 Click. Even though this project was a respectable release by the trio and is very sought after by their fans, there are times when it becomes a little bland. The one area this album is lacking in is originality but since this record can be classified under "baller" or "bling" rap from the late nineties, it hardly matters. That being said it still should not discourage the listener because this was truly a valiant effort by the group and that is why they are still remembered as home town heroes by the small city of Franklin, Louisiana.

Deadly Verses

We Ballin' ft. Papa Rue & Red Boy

Mydus - Southern Gold

Mydus - Southern Gold
Mydus is an exceptional rapper who represents straight out of Lafayette, LA. Southern Gold is his debut album and it was released in 1999 on Dynasty Records. All the deep southern fried production is provided by Jimmy Wiley, Marcus L. Cormier and Jay Burton. The beats are laced with all sorts of instruments and are mixed very congenially. This in turn makes the tracks enjoyably smooth and laid back. It is also a true definition of the timeless southern sound that is depicted in the record. Mydus can simply be described as a brute on the microphone. His lyrics display countless accounts of complex rhymes as well as the use of some genuine word play. The tempo of his delivery can also easily change pace. He showcases his pure verbal artistry on each and every ballad while still discussing and reflecting on many assorted affairs. Guest appearances are made by DJ Dolby D, Tray Duece, Mr. Newman, Aftershock, Marcus Cormier and Felica Jolivet. Overall the album offers twenty hefty tunes and gives the listeners a complete taste of the southern genre. The record is thoroughly solid and it can comfortably hold its' own weight against any premier release.

Deadly Verses
Cash Flow

Profound, Ltd. - Possession With Intent To Distribute

Profound, Ltd. - Possession With Intent To Distribute
Profound, Ltd. are a duo from Houston, TX. It consists of Groove and Banoe. Possession With Intent To Distribute is their debut album and it was released in 2000 on Red Boy Records. Production on the record is done by DJ Dolby D, Damon Spencer, Game-Be-No and Ulta E. The beats fuse elements of that classic southern funk with new wave melodies. That approach is firmly effective so the rhythms end up being thoroughly captivating. The tracks also happen to include decent amounts of chopping and scratching which are all courtesy of DJ Dolby D. The lyrics carry a sturdy vibe all throughout. Both members yield distinct styles and have the ability to spit. Groove delivers his fair share with a deeper tone and dialect while Banoe conveys with word play and content schemes. Their rhymes substantially vary just as well as their subject matter. The album starts off a bit on the club savvy side but quickly takes a turn towards a much more serious direction. Guest appearances are made by Pimp C of UGK, Lil' Keke of the Screwed Up Click, Legal Substanz, Low Down, A-Wall, Dolby D, Showtyme, I.B.G. and Red Boy. Overall the album contains good quality material and it is unblemished inside and out. It is one of the many gems that get released nationally but go unnoticed entirely. The duo had plans for a follow up album but that idea was later dropped mainly due to the mediocre attention and the lack of notoriety the group received.

Deadly Verses
Remember ft. I.B.G., Legal Substanz, & Dolby D

Slim Chance - Round Here

Slim Chance - Round Here
Slim Chance is a rapper from Lafayette, LA. Round Here was released in 2003 on Global Entertainment. Production is handled by DJ Dolby D and Terrance Evan. It is certainly of exceptional quality. The beats are built with thick layers of southern groove and they easily carry sophisticated rhythms. Slim dominates the mic through a wide range of skills. His flow is laid back but he can definitely speed the pace up at any given moment. Tracks are also filled with soothing hooks and choruses. The most intriguing thing about his lyrics, is his attitude of an optimist. Guest appearances are made by the Water World Boyz. The musical flair presented in this album is leisurely diverse. In today's music, that is not amply common and sometimes its even nonexistent. All in all the record contains a broad variety of topics and its very well crafted. It combines various styles so the end result is a work of art that has the power to appeal to all.