Lock Down Inmates - Out On Parole

Lock Down Inmates - Out On Parole

Lock Down Inmates is a vicious collective from the notorious streets of Dallas, TX. The group's original lineup consisted of Oak Cliff Assassin (O.C.A.), Hollow Point, Grim Reeper, Mossburg, D-Divine, Tru-Black, Cold Black Poet (C.B.P.) and last but not least, 4 Your Eyes Only. Although membership would vary throughout the years the group was active, members like Oak Cliff Assassin, Hollow Point and Mossburg would always remain present. The group began in the early nineties when O.C.A. and Henry Peeples collected some of the best rappers in south Dallas and eventually created the Lock Down Inmates. Out On Parole is their hardcore debut album and it was released in 1993 on VIP Records. The production is done by DJ Dark Fader, Skull Minista, Jim Vincent, Patrick Nun and Oak Cliff Assassin. The beats are all electronically derived and the classic drum machine is put to good use. Hard hitting drums combined with some eccentric samples is pretty much the recipe used throughout the record. The tracks carry a very hard and street edge vibe that fits the group like a glove. Lyrically the album is also on par with the production. Members eagerly jump on the microphone and claim it with ease. Their dope tales and rough ballads make for an indestructible force that can withstand the harshest of blows. Each one of them attacking and coming with such passion that it becomes impossible for the listener to ignore their message. The album closes out with a total of eleven tracks plus one bonus cut. Now at the time of this release the genre known as "Gangster Rap" was truly on the rise. Not only did the folks at Lock Down Productions and VIP Records capitalize on such an occasion but they also managed to get some notoriety for their city and themselves. It wasn't easy though, they knew they would have to go up against their in-state rivals from the city of Houston and compete against acts like the Geto Boys or even Street Military. In the end their hard work paid off and this humble beginning marked for a long and successful career path for the group that to this day, has a large following throughout the southern United States.

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Poetic Vandals - Tha Quickest Tongues Down South

Poetic Vandals - Tha Quickest Tongues Down South

Poetic Vandals is a group that hails from the malicious streets of San Antonio, TX. The group is known to be well over sixteen members deep since some members of The Underground Committee are also affiliated. The Vandals consists of J-Roc, Hollow Point, Nightmare, Teflon, Qwik, R-1, Twink, BDG, Lil' J, Drops, Huggz, Apollo, SK and the female emcee known as Lil Tiff. Tha Quickest Tongues Down South is their debut album and it was released in 2002 on Payway Records. Production is mainly provided by BDG while Apollo chips in on a couple of tracks. The beats are all derived electronically and the use of any real instrumentation is slim to none. This could be the very reason why the beats sound a little bland and only a few tracks really standout. Lyrically the album is far more superior and certainly lives up to the title. The clear focus of all the members is to deliver sharp rhymes at a blitzing rate. Their styles are unique and their word play is quite commendable. They certainly waste no time and start demolishing the tracks laid out in front of them. Also the backup vocals are on point and are provided by Lil Tiff. All in all its a valiant effort by the Alamo City natives and had it not been for the sub-par production, this record would have easily raised the eyebrows of major label executives. As a group they went on to release one more album in the year 2004. Although there are rumors floating around for a Vandals reunion in the very near future. Also, rest in peace to The SwiftONE better known as Lil' J.

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Insane Klan - Never Fear Death

Insane Klan - Never Fear Death
Insane Klan is a group from the notorious 5th Ward in Houston, TX. It consists of three members who are under the aliases Hollow Point, Bullet Proof, and Top Dawg. Never Fear Death is their debut effort and it was released in 1994 on Dolla Bill Records. The production in its' entirety is superbly done by Lamar "Big Boss" Burks. The beats are made with pure underground harmony and carry that hard edged street sound. A full variety of instruments which are all rhythmically correct are also on display here. By incorporating this method the producer made sure his work will stand the lengthy test of time. The three members waste no time and jump viciously on the dope tracks provided for them. All three are true lyricist. This can easily be seen by their different personalities and confident delivery methods. They attack the microphone with ruthless ambition and savagely rip through the core of the record. Also the chemistry between the trio is also worth taking a note of. Since this is a tape only release, one can expect the quality to be a little dim. With that being said that still should not discourage the listener because the sum of this eight track album is much greater than what is depicted. Overall the group put out a genuinely commendable effort but one that never received any kind of attention. Maybe it was the rough and roguish nature of the record or it could have been the menacing demeanor of the three vocalists. But in all honesty, it is very admirable that the record still sounds amazingly alluring today, as it did back then in 1994.

Deadly Verses

Goin' Insane