Lil' O - Blood Money

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.

DJ DMD - Twenty-Two: P.A. World Wide

DJ DMD - Twenty-Two: P.A. World Wide

Dorie Dorsey, better known as DJ DMD, is a renowned rapper, producer and DJ who hails from the notorious streets of Port Arthur, TX. He is also the founder of Inner Soul Records as well as the collective known as the Inner Soul Clique. DMD initially started off in the early nineties with a group called The Original Point Blank. It was after this venture, when he realized the passion and talent he had for the industry. This eventually led him to form his own label which brought other small time artists in Port Arthur together and ultimately formed the Inner Soul Clique. Twenty-Two is his second album and it was released in 1998 on Inner Soul Records. As always, DMD is the sole producer and he does a superb job on the beats. They are all funk laden and are derived through multiple musical instruments. Some of them are sample assisted while others are as original as can be. The rhythms carry a very precise feel and their craftsmanship oozes quality. They are definitely southern in style and are also very smooth on the playing end. Lyrically the album is also quite impressive. DMD can hold his own on the microphone. His tone is somewhat relaxed and his delivery is distinct. His rhymes carry a good amount of wordplay and are a perfect fit for his beats. Also, the members of the Inner Soul Clique are very good lyricists as well. Each one bringing a unique and thought provoking style to the table which in return boosts the core content of the entire record. Guest appearances are made by Pimp C of UGK, Lil' Keke and Fat Pat of the Screwed Up Click. All in all, this was a wonderful follow up to his debut "Eleven." Not only did it help spawn one of the greatest rap songs in Southern Rap history in "25 Lighters," it also let the whole world know about the small city of Port Arthur in South Texas.

Deadly Verses
Landmines ft. Laboo & QB



Deadly Video


Album Notes
* Rest in peace to Pimp C and Fat Pat.
* DJ DMD would retire from the rap game in the year 2002.
* He later returned in the year 2012 as a Christian Rap artist.
* The Rock group, ZZ Top also did a rendition of 25 Lighters.

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.

Herschelwood Hardheadz - A Million Dollar$ Later

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

DJ DMD - Forty-Four: 3rd Coast Classics Vol. 1

DJ DMD - Forty-Four: 3rd Coast Classics Vol. 1
DJ DMD is an extremely talented producer and rapper from Port Arthur, TX. He has worked with many artists from the south and has contributed generously to the southern genre. This is a greatest hits album compiled by Inner Soul Records in 2002. It was released in an attempt to commemorate DMD's retirement from the rap game. Production is done by the one and only DJ DMD. The record includes many notorious cuts DMD has made during his powerful career. Ten of the twelve tracks are from his three previous albums and two are unreleased. Features are courtesy of DJ Screw, Lil' Keke, Pimp C of UGK, Fat Pat, Mike D, Lee Masta, Boonie Locc, Momo, Superb Herb, QB, Ricky Diamondz, James Greer and Vernon Chaisson. The album also contains the extended version of the infamous Screwed Up Click song known as "So Real." Overall the record is compiled superbly and the tracks are very fine picked. DJ DMD was the man responsible for many known hits that were derived in the south, which in turn gives Forty-Four a spot in every collection.

Deadly Verses

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Deadly Video

Southside Playaz - You Gottus Fuxxed Up

Southside Playaz - You Gottus Fuxxed Up
Southside Playaz is a group from Houston, TX. The original group consisted of Fat Pat, Mike D, and Mr. 3-2. Since Fat Pat passed away in 1998, he was replaced with Clay-Doe. This is their debut album and it was released in 1998 on Laftex Records. Production is done with quality by Big Swift, Eric Hollis and Slack. The beats are smooth and are laced with that Texas funk. Lyrics are dope as well. All three members check the mic often. Their different styles fuse and blend together very nicely. Guest appearances are by K.B. Da Kidnappa & Lil' Flea of Street Military, C-Loc, Papa Reu, 6-4, Ronnie Spencer, Big Steve and the Screwed Up Click which includes the likes of Lil' Keke, Fat Pat, Hawk, Big Moe, Al-D, Dat Boy Grace, Big Pokey, T-Pop, Botany Boys, Lil' O and E.S.G. This record remains as a highlight of the Screwed Up Click and one that can not be forgotten. Southside Playaz went on to release their next album, "Street Game" in 2000.

DJ DMD - Eleven

DJ DMD - Eleven

DJ DMD is an excellent rapper and producer from Port Arthur, TX. Eleven is the debut album by DMD and the Inner Soul Clique. It was released in 1997 on Inner Soul Records. Production was done by DJ DMD and Skip Holman. Thundering bass lines and solid samples are the foundation for all the beats. Lyrics are also very impressive. DMD and the numerous members of the Inner Soul Clique can wreck the microphone with ease. Featuring artists on the album are UGK, DJ Screw & the Screwed Up Click, Ronnie Spencer and the Inner Soul Clique which consists of Blue Lite, Lee Masta, Bull, Momo, Lil' Wink and Boonie Locc. This album also contains two versions of the infamous track "So Real." One has DJ Screw and Al-D on it while the other one is a remix which has Fat Pat, Lil' Keke, Mike D, C-Note of the Botany Boys with Screw attending to the turntables. A very commendable album overall especially for being a debut. DJ DMD went on and released the album "Twenty-Two: P.A. World Wide" in 1998 and concluded with "Thirty-Three: Live From Hiroshima" in 2001. DJ DMD was a member in the group called The Original Point Blank and is also well known respected affiliate of the infamous Underground Kingz.

Deadly Verses

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