H.$.E - The Re-Score

H.$.E. - The Re-Score

H.$.E, which stands for Hustlaz $tackin' Endz, is a collective that hails from the southside of Houston, TX. The original group consisted of Hump, Lil' Flip, A.P. and Yung Redd. Also, Lil' Flip left the group after their initial release due to his own solo success and A.P. was later replaced with Lil' Ron. The group and all its' individual artists were also signed under Hump's own independent label known as, Sucka Free Records. Hump started the label in the late nineties and had a good run with H.$.E. and Lil' Flip as the label's core artists. The Re-Score is H.$.E.'s second release and it was put out in 2004 on Sucka Free Records. It's not an official album since it was just released to create a buzz for Yung Redd and Lil' Ron's upcoming album, "The Paper Route." Production on this record is invalid due to most, if not all, the beats are borrowed from other premier artists. The album is at a decent level lyrically. The songs are mostly freestyles with one or two real tracks sprinkled in between. Yung Redd and Lil' Ron are the only ones present with a slew of handsome guest features from Bun B, Paul Wall, Z-Ro, Trae, Twista, David Banner, Grit Boys, Big Shasta, Twisted Black, Yung Ro, A.B.N., Lil' Head and Yung Wun. The album closes out with a grand total of twenty tracks with only a handful of them being entertaining. As mentioned above, the release is in no way official in form or content. It was merely an underground release which was meant to supplement fans till the release of "The Paper Route." Hump just slapped the H.$.E. name on it in hopes of moving a few more units. Even though the release is obscure in nature, it just does not have anything alluring for the listener to look forward to.

Album Notes
* The record was also released with an alternative cover.

The Day After Hell Broke Loose

The Day After Hell Broke Loose

The Day After Hell Broke Loose is a compilation album which is presented by Bigg Tyme and Rap-A-Lot Records. It was constructed upon the success of "The Day Hell Broke Loose" series by Swishahouse Records. This album was released in the early part of 2004 on Rap-A-Lot Records. Veteran producers Bigg Tyme and Mike Dean are credited for providing the tunes. Together, they do an excellent job by creating a palette of rhythms that strictly cater to the fans of the Swang & Bang genre. The beats are mostly contemporary and upbeat in nature. The creators made sure that the blend stays electric and musically sound at all times. Lyrics tend to vary since this is a joint venture between two of the most prolific record labels from the South and their respective artists. One can only expect greatness when the likes of Scarface, Bun B, Devin The Dude and Z-Ro are fused with Lil' Flip, Slim Thug, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Chamillionaire, J-Dawg, Magno, Lil' Ron, Lil' Mario and Dolla. The album closes out with a total of fourteen tracks and aside from a couple of them, their subject matter mostly lingers around materialistic values and financial gains. All in all it's a decent compilation and one that was released at the height of the H-Town takeover phenomenon. The two camps capitalized on the alluring situation at hand and put forth a genuine effort. The record beautifully withstands the test of time and should deserve a spot in any Southern Rap collection. 

Deadly Verses

Z-Ro (Remix) ft. Z-Ro

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.

Big Snap - Leanin' Hard Down South

Big Snap - Leanin' Hard Down South

Charldrick Robinson, better known as Big Snap, is a rapper from the small but deadly city of Wharton, TX. Leanin' Hard Down South is his debut album and it was released in 1999 on Sum'n 2 Do Productions. The bulk of the production is handled by the masterful Jhiame, while Courtney Bryant and Irvin Cherry overlook the whole project. As always, Jhiame brings his veteran production pattern and does not disappoint musically. His approach is strictly southern and he laces each track with his distinct style of H-Town Funk. This results in a groovy, yet laid back environment and the listener has no choice but to oblige. Lyrically the album is also well rounded. Big Snap's flow is very unorthodox and his tone is quite rough. His delivery is full of pace and his southern drawl is ever present. The only minor drawback is that Big Snap is only good for about sixteen bars, anymore and he seems to become dull and repetitive. Out of the eighteen tracks recorded, there are only four which are presented by Big Snap himself, while the rest are all assisted by other guests. Featuring on the albums is C-Note of the Botany Boys, Lil' Keke, Slim Thug, Lil' Flip, Jhiame, Archie Lee, Jesso, Raw, Neil, Ms. Poo, Mickey and Patricia. The record is a little guest heavy but that is mainly due to the reason mentioned above. Overall its a decent release by the artist and it managed to get him some notoriety. Not only did he single handedly put the city of Wharton on notice but he also mangaged to represent for Houston as a whole. Sadly, Big Snap passed away on Febuary 23, 2008, at the Gulf Coast Medical Center. He was only 33 years old. Rest in peace to the best that ever did it for War Town Texas.

Deadly Verses
Rememberance Of Me ft. Raw & Patricia


Album Notes
* He also goes by the alias, Big Snapper.
* His cause of death is unknown.
* War Town is the nickname for the city of Wharton.

Staydown - N-Da-Game

Staydown - N-Da-Game

Staydown is a collective that represents from the harsh streets of Waco, TX. The group consists of Slugger, Bugga, Bigg Knocc and Country. The group was formed in the late nineties by Slugger and Bigg Knocc. N-Da-Game is their debut album and it was released in 2000 on Staydown Entertainment. The album was recorded mainly in Houston due to plethora of studios that the city has to offer compared to Waco. The record is masterly produced by the platinum producer, Slugger. The beats are a perfect example of that Texas funk. They contain solid bass lines which are blended with some hard hitting drums. The rhythms are also genuinely crafted and they certainly cater to the Swang & Bang crowd. Slugger gives a lot of attention to detail which in return makes the overall result very crisp and enjoyable. The album also shines in the lyrical department. The members take turns discharging their various styles upon the microphone. Bigg Knocc seems to standout the most but the rest are not too far behind. Their deliveries are full of pace and the variations to their tone and pitch are all done with perfection. Their southern drawl is also quite eminent, while their demeanor and personalities embodies the streets. Guest appearances are made by Ice Lord, 3-2, C-Note, Big Pokey, Lil' O, Billy Cook and Lil' Flip. It may seem as if the album is a little guest heavy due to the star studded guest list but that is not the case at all. The guests are used sporadically and the group relies more on their own intuition. The album closes out with an impressive total of fifteen tracks, with each cut outdoing the other. All in all, this was a remarkable effort by the group but one that seem to have went unnoticed. It is truly a task for artists to represent from the smaller cities in Texas, mainly because of the lack of exposure they will receive. Staydown knew of this dilemma and changed their approach accordingly. They could have just easily recorded at a local studio in Waco, instead they drove back and forth to Houston and recorded at one of the more famous spots. Not only did this move help to establish connections in the city but it also augmented their reputation. They group went on to release a follow up album in 2005 and then disbanded. At the end of the day, this release will always sit as a polished gem, waiting to be discovered from The Heart of Texas.

Deadly Verses

Hard Life

Album Notes
* The group is also known as the Staydown Clique.

* Slugger would retire from the Rap industry in 2006.

* He would change his alias to Minister Slugger and would then become a Christian Rap artist.

* He is also a Minister at a local church in Waco, Texas.  

* "The Heart of Texas" is the nickname for the city of Waco.

Dirty Red - Gift Of Gab

Dirty Red - Gift Of Gab
Dirty Red is a rapper who hails from the notorious neighborhood of Oak Cliff in Dallas, TX. He also holds membership in the Starvin' Artists family. Gift Of Gab is his debut solo album and it was released in 2005 on Mob Muzic Records. Production is provided by Ivan Benson, Pimp C of UGK and Rashard Hall. The beats are a blend of the new wave of southern funk and they certainly compliment Red's style of delivery. Although the classic southern sound might be a little absent, the artist more than makes up for it with a healthy dosage of steady rhymes. He possesses a decent amount of lyrical dexterity and his flow is mostly well rounded. The album contains a total collection of eighteen tracks, many of which are quite notable while some happen to be mundane fillers. Guest appearances are made by UGK, Six Two, Shogun, Young Muhammad, Sky, Deion, Zac, Hump and Lil' Flip. Overall the record is a solid offering from a fresh and upcoming artist. Even though some may discard the album and deem it as passable, it still deserves to a honorable mention.

Deadly Verses
Get The Greenboy ft. Pimp C & Six Two

DMG - Chek

DMG - Chek
DMG is a very prolific rapper originally from St. Paul, MN but he has also resided in Houston, TX. He began rapping locally in 1984 around the St. Paul and Minneapolis area. In 1988 he formed a group with DJ Tek and Young Grimmy known as The Deep. The trio did not quite work out and DMG ended up signing a solo deal with Rap-A-Lot Records. He was also a member in the group Facemob and the world renowned, Geto Boys. DMG debuted in 1993 with the cold blooded record called "Rigormortiz." After a ten year solo haitus, he returned in 2003 with another solid effort known as "Black Roulette." Chek, is basically the album before the album. Its a mix tape that serves as a prequel to his highly anticipated upcoming album which is appropriately named, "Checkmate." Chek was released in 2007 on his own label entitled, Rogizh Muzik. Production is provided by Mr. Walton and it seems to be mildly generic. Although several cuts are banging and some even stand out. A few of the beats are original, while the rest of them are borrowed from other artists. DMG returns with a vengeance on the mic. He jarringly rips through the tracks with his rough tone and roguish persona. His delivery hasn't changed much, it is still as raw and profound as it was back then. Guest appearances on the mix tape are made by C-Bo, Yukmouth, Lil' Flip, T-Rex, Young Grimmy and Cold Heart. The album also contains the next installment to the original "You Don't Hear Me Doe." Overall the record holds a lengthy collection of prime tracks. Also the letters DMG stand for Detrimental Ganxta.

Deadly Verses

Free Electronic Press Kits from ReverbNation.com

Soldiers United 4 Cash - On The Southside

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On The Southside is a compilation album by rappers from Houston, TX. It was released in 2005 on Starz Music, after the death of the legendary DJ Screw. Although there is no original or authentic DJ Screw material on here, it does have members of the Screwed Up Click. Production is done by TJ and it is mediocre at best. Some of the beats standout but the rest seem to be one dimensional. Lyrics are decent as well. Once again, some of them shine and others tend to be fillers. Featuring artists are Z-Ro, Dat Boy Grace, Al-D, Trae, Will Lean, Lil' Flip, Playa Dee, Lil' Ron of the Swisha House, Def Souf, Solo-D, Lil' Q, Big Shasta, Mobb Figgaz, JJ and Fila. Also the album cover holds the "Parental Advisory" tag but some of the lyrics are censored. Overall the record sustains suitable content and it is worth a listen. Starz Music tried to capitalize on DJ Screw's name and his legacy but ended up with an indifferent effort.

Lil' 3rd - King Of Cloverland

Lil' 3rd - King Of Cloverland
Lil' 3rd is a rapper from Houston, TX. He represents from the notorious neighborhood of Cloverland, located on the southside of town. He was a member of the Botany Boys as well as the original Screwed Up Click. This is his second solo record and it was released in 2004 on Off Da Chain Entertainment. Production is handled by Hardhead Shawn. He puts the keyboard to good use and quickly laces the album with tight beats. Some of them are borrowed from other artists but most of them are original. 3rd has always been a stand out lyricist. Ever since his early days with the Botany B.G.'z, he has been coming hard with his flow. His rhymes are very versatile which in turn gives him the ability to easily check the mic. Featuring artists are Head of the Botany Boys, Trae, Jo Jo, Black Boy, Heard, Jimmy D, T.I. and the Pimp Squad Clique (P.S.C.). Overall its a very solid release and one that somehow went unnoticed. The record also contains various disses towards fellow Cloverland rapper, Lil' Flip. The feud between the two rappers started when Lil' Flip entitled his album "The Leprechaun." At the time of Flip's album release, Lil' 3rd was incarcerated. References have been made by 3rd in his prior recordings, proposing to be the leprechaun. The feud still exists today and Lil' 3rd claims to be the original leprechaun. He has also recently acquired a new alias as Young 3rd.

Deadly Verses
Keep Talking ft. T.I.