Southside Pentagon - Money Over Everything

Southside Pentagon - Money Over Everything

Southside Pentagon is a collective that represents from the hard hitting streets of Houston, TX. The members are D-Gotti, E.L., Craig C, Lil Jay, W.B., Tito, Vandalizm, Trip, Black, Big Tiger and Ban. The group was started by D-Gotti of the Wreckshop and E.L. of Deep South Syndicate as a side project but it quickly evolved into something bigger. Their goal was just to reach the masses on the southside of town but with E.L.'s connections in Louisiana, it helped this release surpass their modest expectations. Money Over Everything is their debut album and it was released in 2001 on M.O.E. Inc. The bulk of the production is handled by the veteran, J Slash of .380 while Noke D, Trip and Mack chip in on some tracks. The beats are a quality blend of the new era sound and since this is a post 2000 release, that was somewhat expected. That being said, it still should not discourage the listener because overall the rhythms are quite unique and while some are sample assisted, the rest carry a genuine feel. Lyrically the album is respectable as well. E.L., D-Gotti and Craig C are the stand outs of course but the rest of the group is not too far behind. Their rhymes carry a good amount of word play and are also delivered with precision. Since this is a large collective, chemistry issues were bound to arise but the founding members made sure to keep those at bay and only made combinations on tracks that easily work. Now, no H-Town record is complete without a star studded guest list and this release is no exception to that rule. Guest appearances are made by Fat Pat, Lil' Keke, Lil' O, Mike D, E.S.G., Hawk, 3-2, Slim Thug, J Slash of .380, Chris Ward, Southside Playaz, Ronnie Spencer, Lady 14, Chad, June, Roxan and Peaches. This can be considered a little guest heavy but with eighteen solid tracks to boast, the features are quite spread out. All in all, a commendable release by the group and also one that appeals from all angles. Plus, with Texas & Louisiana connecting, it makes this release a bit more special and that much harder to deny.

Deadly Verses
Dead Man Walkin


Album Notes
* Rest in peace to Mr. Fat Pat and his brother, Big Hawk.
* Track 9: Chop'em is a pretty lethal diss towards Lil' Flip by E.S.G.
* Also the spine of the album states this release as a Volume One.

Deep South Syndicate - Journey With The Syndicate

Deep South Syndicate - Journey With The Syndicate

DSS, which stands for Deep South Syndicate, is a group that represents from the wicked streets of Lafayette, LA. Although they would be reduced to a trio later on, the original lineup consists of D-Flat, E.L., Killa B, Scrappy, B-Loc, Shook and Scooty. Journey With The Syndicate is their debut album and it was released in 1996 on Double L Records. The production is marvelously handled by Anthony "Booney" Woods and Edward "Jaz" Woods. Together, they provide nothing but that southern funk which is presented in a dark atmosphere. The rhythms carry a brash and hard sound which fits the group perfectly. Instruments are all used proficiently and originality is pursued with a passion. While some tracks are a bit simple and plain, they still are not disqualified from being enjoyable. Lyrics is where the album truly excels. Each member brings a provocative and unique style to the table. Their rhymes are offered sharp and to the point. Word play is used very efficiently and while their delivery is mostly rapid, it does tend to slow down for some cuts. Featuring on the album is Bosco Pooh. Overall, it's an excellent debut effort from the collective and one that can hold its' own against any premier release. The core content is not only genuine but also very truthful in the message that it gives. Deep South Syndicate went on to release one more album in the year 1998 and eventually disbanded. In the end, this album dwells from the depths of the underground and it serves as another prime example of Louisiana's rich musical history.

Deadly Verses

Intro

Album Notes

* E.L. would later become a member of the Southside Pentagon.