Big Slack - Ready For Combat

Big Slack - Ready For Combat

Leroy Slack, better known as Big Slack, is a rapper that represents from the notorious third ward of New Orleans, LA. His first recording as an artist came on Doleamite's 1997 release, "Ruff-N-Da Ghetto." He was featured on two songs and both of them are now considered to be cult classics. After developing a small fan base with an aggressive soldier demeanor, he eventually came under the watchful eyes of George "Big King" Murry. At the time, Big King, who is an accomplished entrepreneur, had a fashion line, a local car wash and most importantly, a recording studio. Although King had the studio and all the necessary equipment, what he didn't have was an aspiring artist. He immediately signed Big Slack to his newly founded label and work soon began for a full length album. Ready For Combat is his debut album and it was released in 2002 on King's Entertainment. Most of the solid production is handled by DJ Tee and Big Roe while KLC, Dart, Juvenile and Ed all lend a helping hand. Together, they try to bring a different kind of sound to the table. A sound that incorporates elements from the infamous genre of Bounce while also fusing aspects from soldier-esque themes. A style, which has a strict set of drum cadence that is followed by a jubilant synth and concluded with gentle bass lines. It was this distinct rhythmical pattern that really caught the attention of the city of New Orleans in the mid to late nineties and it has been prominent there, ever since. Also, a lot of artists picked up on the soldier mentality that Master P and his No Limit camp were so famous for pushing. Not only did Master P and his crew flooded the market with that infamous campaign, they also inspired others to be just like them in sound, character and demeanor. Slack is a strong lyricist. His size along with his rough tone, allows him to overpower his listeners. He is energetic on his tracks and delivers them at a fair rate. There are times where he can really excel and go for the final blow in his rhyme but instead he ends up choosing the simpler route and thereby finishes humbly. It's this type of selfishness that brings the lyrical content to the next lower tier. Though, Big Slack understood this discrepancy which is why he invited a star studded guest list to help him in the lyrical department. Guest appearance are made by Juvenile, 6 Shot, 39 Posse, Full Blooded, Hot Boy Ronald, Josephine Johnny, Mr. Marcelo, Queen D, Big Ramp, The Royal Family, Lil' Elt, Ziggler Wiggler, The Three Kings, Pretty Boy, Young Assassin, Slugga, Hussle Man and Ms. Elisa Williams. Overall, this was a solid release by the artist and it's one that carries something for everybody. Whether the style on display is Bounce, Street, or Conscious, the listeners will get a small taste to acclimate themselves into their favorable areas . The album's versatile song list is its' strong point. The artist, along with his label, were both on the same wave length in construction and development. They knew exactly what the public wanted and they delivered just that. Although it may not be a masterpiece or a classic, the release is still rewarding to experience. An all rounded record and one that King's Entertainment and Big Slack can be truly proud of.

Deadly Verses
Give'em Props



Album Notes
* Big Slack's nickname is the Overweight Hot Boy.
* This was very the first album to be released under King's Entertainment.

Cash Money Millionaires - Baller Blockin

Cash Money Millionaires - Baller Blockin

Cash Money Millionaires was a super group from the notorious city of New Orleans, LA. It was formed in the late nineties and composed with the two existing groups, the Hot Boy$ and the Big Tymers. It consists of Baby, Mannie Fresh, Juvenile, Turk, Lil' Wayne and last but not least, B.G. The six men transformed into a very formidable force that spread like wild fire through the entire southern region of the United States. Baller Blockin is actually a soundtrack to the action and comedy film by the same name. It was released in 2000 on Cash Money Records. The production is mainly handled by Mannie Fresh along with a few other producers chipping in on some tracks like Pimp C of UGK, Livin' Proof, Stormy Day and Massive. As always, Fresh does not disappoint with what he brings to the table. He laces the beats with his signature style and makes sure they are worthy of carrying his name. The tracks contain numerous instruments and are very well put together. Different variations of the group are used for each song for this compilation type album so lyrically the album is acceptable. Juvenile, Wayne and B.G. being the standouts ofcourse. Aside from those three, there really is nothing more for the listener except for a couple of one liners from Fresh and Baby. Now there are some very good guest spots on here that belong to UGK, Nas, Mac 10, E-40, Eightball & MJG, Rappin'-4-Tay, The Bravehearts and Unplugged. The Millionaires eventually disbanded over monetary issues around the year 2002. One by one everyone left the label except Lil' Wayne. This was known as the rise and fall of the second generation of artists from Cash Money Records. Although it is now a thing of the past but one will always remember Cash Money by the masterful production of the great Mannie Fresh, who's superb style is still being imitated but can never be duplicated. A fierce flame spitting Juve who always brought the heat to the mic with his unorthodox flow pattern. A ruthless and fearless B.G. who's aggressive delivery was unmatched. A young and raw but extremely cold blooded Lil' Wayne who's lyrical dexterity is a direct result of mentoring by Bun B of UGK. Whether it was their solo recordings or group efforts, there was a point in time when Cash Money Records seemed damn near unstoppable.

Deadly Verses

Family Affair ft. UGK

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