Showing posts with label Double D. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Double D. Show all posts

Friday, August 12, 2016

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.

Deadly Verses
Who's Snitching ft. UGK


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

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Herschelwood Hardheadz - A Million Dollar$ Later

Herschelwood Hardheadz is a collective that represents from the notorious streets of Herschelwood in Houston, TX. The group was formed in the year 1993 by Lil' Keke and it consists of Archie Lee, Duke and Knocky. As a group they made various appearances on multiple Screw Tapes and even had some stints on Lil' Keke's solo albums. After creating a mild buzz in the southside of town and also developing a true fan base, the group finally decided it was time for an official release. A Million Dollar$ Later is their debut album and it was released in 1998 on Jam Down Records. The record is superbly produced by the likes of Sean "Solo" Jemison, Double D of Platinum Souls and Dantly "Prowler" Wyatt. The beats are an eclectic blend of rhythms that are so smooth, that head bobbing is the only option left for the listener. They can easily be summed up as that classic H-Town funk which also incorporates some elements of the Swang & Bang sound. The producers really out did themselves on this one and in return, gave the artists a very solid foundation to work upon. Lyrically the album is also well rounded. As always, Lil' Keke does not disappoint on the microphone and neither do his fellow group members. They take turns unleashing their various styles, both musically and methodically. While their rhymes may vary in pace, their jubilant word play and their flashy personas remain constant. Guest appearances are made by Fat Pat, B-Legit, Mobb Figgaz and Phaz. All in all this is a wonderful debut effort by the group and one that was definitely worth the wait. The group's success was short lived though, Lil' Keke left the group after this initial release and continued his solo route while the Herschelwood Hardheadz advanced as a trio. In the end, this record sits as a polished gem that not only shines but can also be a priceless commodity in one's collection.

Deadly Verses
CD's & LP's ft. Fat Pat



Saturday, January 10, 2015

Will-Lean - The Chemist

William Gibbs better known as Will-Lean, is a rapper who represents from the notorious neighborhood of Cloverland in Houston, TX. He is a member of the Botany Boys as well as the legendary collective known as the Screwed Up Click. The Chemist is his debut solo album and it was released in 2000 on Big Shot Records. The production varies from track to track and it is provided by M. King, Double D, Bruce Rhodes, Swift, Willy Malone, J.P. Nitty, Eric Hollis, Noke D, Tone Capone, Jhiame, Crazy C and D-Red of the Botany Boys. With a lineup this star studded, it is damn near impossible to disappoint. The beats can be classified under the certified grade-A, Texas funk category. The groovy rhythms are filled with such melody that head bobbing is the only option left for the listener. Will is no newcomer on the microphone. Whether it was his early freestyles on Screw Tapes or his fast paced verses with the Botany Boys, he has always been considered to be a very strong and formidable lyricist. His sharp yet distinct tone combined with the use of clever word play is the recipe for all his rhymes. To top it all off, he also manages to deliver them at a decently quick pace and it is this deadly combination that separates him from the rest. Since no S.U.C. album is complete without an all star guest list, this release is no exception. Will-Lean made sure he invited all his good friends to share a spot beside him in the recording booth. Guest appearances are made by DJ Screw, the Botany Boys, E.S.G., Lil' O, Al-D, Big Moe, Big Pokey, Dat Boy Grace, Hawk, Enjoli, Lil' Flip, T-Pop, A.C.T., Mista Madd, Papa Reu, Guerilla Maab, H.$.E., Noke D, D-Reck, Big T, Ronnie Spencer, B.G. Duke, Scoopastar, Taz, Lil' Real and last but not least the Big Tymers. All in all it is a valiant effort by the Cloverland native and one that boasts sixteen choice cuts. Although it is a little guest heavy and the release went out of print very quickly, the tracks are all still top quality. Will-Lean is still relevant today as he continues to release mix-tapes while selling most of the copies right out of the trunk section of his vehicle.

Deadly Verses

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Double D - Under The Influence

Double D is a proficient rapper and a talented producer from Houston, TX. During the nineties he played a major role in the success of Wreckshop Records and their gifted production team known as Platinum Souls. Although he was more than capable of releasing his own material, he only managed to make production credits as well as some guest appearances on many notable albums from Texas. He ended up leaving Wreckshop Records in 2001 after claiming disputes over his fair share of royalties. Under The influence is his debut solo record and it was released in 2002 on In House Entertainment. The refined production is provided by J-Pre, Double D and G. Johnson. The beats tend to be very harmonic and each track is filled with that genuine southern twang. They also happen to carry addictive hooks and some crisp sampling. D's lyrics are strictly on point and are integrated with the flair presented on the album. He showcases decent amounts of word play while conducting his rhymes in a very profound manner. Featuring artists on the album are Big T, Kottonmouth, Papa Chuck, The Pham Click, Lil' O and Hawk of the Screwed Up Click. The subject matter certainly coats a full variety of themes and topics. All in all the record certainly gives off a satisfying vibe and it can easily be labeled as a pristine gem in the underground.

Deadly Verses
Here Comes Da Pham

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Cl' Che' - Clasyfyd Lady

Cl' Che' is a female rapper and singer from Houston, TX. She is known through out the south for her avid singing ability as well as her excellent rapping skills. She is also among the few ladies out of Houston to gain national recognition. Clasyfyd Lady is her debut album and it was released in 1998 on After Life Music & Entertainment. Production is handled by the likes of Double D, Chicken Hawk and Rakesh "Roc" Jacob. They provide solid beats using multiple instruments and choice samples. Cl' Che' manages to flow over them with ease. Her obliging voice is mixed through twenty tracks of singing and rhyming. She certainly does possess an admirable amount of lyrical flair. Featuring artists are Hawk of the Screwed Up Click, Lil' Scrappy, Peaches, S.O.U.L., Co-Co, Vizual, Prophecies, Rhonda Laws and Thomas J. Boyce. The core content is a blend of smooth course Hip-Hop fused with elements of the Gangsta Rap genre. Overall the record was a wonderful effort that helped jump start her career while also giving the diva a taste of mainstream stardom.

Deadly Verses

Friday, April 3, 2009

Papa Chuk - The Badlands

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Papa Chuk is a rapper from Austin, TX. He is known for his prolific style of delivery which fuses elements of reggae and rap. The Badlands is his debut album and it was released in 1994 on Pendulum Records. Production is managed by Double D of the Wreckshop, Tony Dofat, Scratch God, O.C. Rodriguez, Kevin and Amelia Moore. The beats carry woozy synths and solid hooks. They are made genuinely and they definitely compliment the artist. The lyrics are raw and aggressive. His rhymes are certainly original and are a display of his unorthodox style. Features are by The Texas Posse, Butch Cassidy, All The Above and Champ MC. Although the album contains bona fide material and it was a legitimate effort, it did not prosper due to its rough nature.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Al-D - 4 Da Green

Al-D - 4 Da Green
Al-D is a rapper from Houston, TX. He is also regarded as one of the original members of the Screwed Up Click. This was the first album released by a member of the S.U.C. since the passing of Screw. It was released in 2001 on Reliant Entertainment. Production on the album is done by Double D of Wreckshop, Muhammad 2G, Blue Note and Chris Cooley. The beats can be easily described as top notch Texas funk. They contain some melodic hooks along with jamming synths and solid bass lines. Al-D's flow is unique in every aspect. He's been spitting hard since the mid 90's and he continued his assault on the mic on this album. Featuring artists are K-Rino of the South Park Coalition, Z-Ro, Trae, Botany Boys, Lil' Keke, 3-2, Yungstar, Mike D, Shorty Mac, South Park Mexican, Ronnie Spencer and Enjolie. The record also contains a seven minute tribute track to the late, great DJ Screw. All in all the album accumulates material that can be considered gratifying and it also earned Al-D the title, "The Lion Of The Screwed Up Click."