Showing posts with label Lil' Keke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lil' Keke. Show all posts

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Mr. Low - One Man's Vision

Cedric Jackson, better known as Low-Down or Mr. Low, is an artist from the upsetting streets of Opelousas, LA. He first appeared on the scene in the year 1997 with his debut album, "Tales Of Da South." One Man's Vision is his second album and it was released in 2001 on Elusion Records. Bulk of the production duties are mainly handled by Bird or Rick Colomb, while Noke D, Sal, Mixso and Gamebinno' are all credited for a few tracks of their own. The beats are from the new millennium so the listener pretty much knows what to expect. They are not dull in any way, shape, or form and neither are they groundbreaking in any facet. It's an average batch of rhythms with a select few standouts here and there. Most of them are thumping with solid bass lines and a hard hitting set of drums. This strict structure and methodical approach happens to sustain the listener with at least the necessary amounts of entertainment needed to enjoy the album. Lyrically, Mr. Low fairs well upon the microphone. Although he does seem to have lost a step or two since his last outing, his Southern tone and dialect are still the same. And while the fundamentals of key song writing elements are there, it is the choruses and hooks that need some work. Not enough attention is given to them on most tracks and that is where the core content really suffers. Other than that, there are no major blemishes and the artist does have a solid rhyme scheme in place with decent amounts of verbal wit. Guest appearances are made by Lil' Keke, Profound, Ltd., II Deep Down South, WildCat, Miss CoCo, Grey and TonĂ©. Overall it's a stable release that rounds out with a total of fourteen tracks. Aside from a few minor shortcomings, the album eventually does pick up and finishes on the right foot. Also, there is really no type of comparison to be made between his debut release and this one. The two are miles apart from each other in terms of quality, sound and temperament. Now, that may not be a bad thing in most cases but it just goes to show that sometimes changing one's artistry to evolve with the times is not always the brightest idea. In the long run, it is simply better to hold on to your unique individuality and strong intellect to leave an everlasting impression on the listener.

Deadly Verses
Nothing Like Da Game ft. Lil' Keke

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

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.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

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.

Friday, October 2, 2015

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.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

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



Wednesday, September 23, 2015

BHC - Crime Pays

BHC, which stands for Big House Click, is a group that represents from the rough streets of San Antonio, TX. It consists of Mr. Lo, Tear Drop and the female rapper and singer known as Bo-Legg. Although she did not participate in this release due to family reasons and concerns. BHC's first album known as "Openin' Doors" was released in 1997 and it definitely caught the city by surprise. The content was so commendable that all the local radio stations as well as the local clubs were immediately hooked. Crime Pays is their highly anticipated second album and it was released in 1999 on Big House Productions. The production is done by the ever masterful Nathan "Happy" Perez who is assisted by L. Holmes. Together, they drop an assortment of finely crafted beats. Multiple instruments are put to use by Happy P which in turn brings his marvelous production pattern to life. Lyrically the album also excels and both members are qualified lyricists. Their sharp word play and southern dialect is a treat to listen to. Mr. Lo seems to be the more dominant member while Tear Drop appears for a couple of tracks. Guest appearances are courtesy of Lil' Keke, C-Loc, Jayne Doe, Daddy Roe, Kempster and Rocc Lewis. Overall this is an underrated release which managed to slip through the cracks. Even though it does not come close to their first album, "Openin' Doors," it is still passable in its' own right. While this type of  moderation could be justified by the missing member, Bo-Legg or even the untimely passing of Tear Drop. Whatever the case may be, the record is marked as the final recording by the famed group and is also one that possesses a remarkable value even to this day. Rest in peace to the talented and always creative, Tear Drop.

Deadly Verses
Ride 2 Nite ft. Lil' Keke



Album Notes
* Big thanks to my homie GangstaRapBrasil for providing this one.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Papa Reu - Xcuse Me!

Papa Reu - Xcuse Me!
Reuben Nero, better known as Papa Reu is a rapper and singer from the southside of Houston, TX. He is originally from the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago but later relocated to Houston at the age of sixteen. He started to build a name for himself by showcasing his reggae influenced style but what separated him from the rest was that he also incorporated Hip Hop into his explicit sound. It was 1994 and Reu got his first stint, he was enlisted by 8Ball & MJG as a back up vocalist for the song "Lick 'Em Up Shot" from their album "On The Outside Looking In." And it wasn't long before he started racking up all kinds of gigs for southern artists. Whether it was contributing his signature sound for the choruses or doing intros & outros and mini skits, Papa Reu provided it all. Xcuse Me! is his second album and it was released in 2000 on Upstairs Records and Reuster House Music, Inc. Production in its entirety is done by Rakesh "Roc" Jacob, Wendell Springer and Papa Reu himself. The beats carry the classic H-Town sound and are oozing with melody. There are a few tracks that are a bit mundane but most of them seem to be pretty well rounded. Lyrically the album is fairly versatile because Papa Reu can go from singing very gracefully to rapping very profoundly. His pace varies from track to track while his street savvy demeanor stays the same. Features are made by the Hot Boy$, Big Tymers, Z-Ro, Lil' Keke, C-Note, Lil' O, Boo, Lone Starzz, Ras Intelligence, Tripple M, Phoenix, Joe Traxx, Ali and Rashaad. All in all the album is a little guest heavy but still quite entertaining. He showed that he can be more than just a back up singer and instead of providing ad-libs, he provided a full length album. Over the years Papa Reu has collaborated with hundreds of artists from all over the nation. He continues to release new music to this day under his own record label known as Reu Muzik, Inc.

Deadly Verses



Deadly Video

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Lil' Sin - My Secret

Ronald Warner Jr., better known as Lil' Sin is a rapper who represents from the eastside of San Antonio, TX. He has been around since the mid nineties and is also very well respected throughout the southern region. Sin first started off with his fellow "Sa Town" rapper, C-Ordell. They were signed to BLVD Records and both took the city by surprise with their excellent debut efforts. My Secret is his third album and it was released in 2000 on Unstoppable Records. The production is split between the trio of Micheal Terry, James Sproul and Jac. The beats can be described as a contemporary mix that emulates southern funk. Some of the melodies are light, while others are somewhat uptempo. They are a perfect blend of the old that is congenially mixed with the new. Lil' Sin is a pretty accomplished lyricist. His unorthodox flow pattern as well as his choice of distinct word play is brought feircely upon the microphone. His unique style is his weapon of choice and although four long years have passed since his debut, he still doesn't seem to miss a beat. Guest features are made by UGK, Ganksta NIP, Lil' Keke, Nino, Kottonmouth, Billy Cook, 3-2, Mr. Joshay, Jamie, King 13, Emanuel, MT, Uncle Roger and S.F.K. Overall the album has its fair share of ups and downs but it still does not disappoint. It is one of those many releases that despite great content, always somehow go unnoticed. Lil' Sin went on to release a few more records before switching his alias to Young Namar.

Deadly Verses

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Profound, Ltd. - Possession With Intent To Distribute

Profound, Ltd. - Possession With Intent To Distribute
Profound, Ltd. are a duo from Houston, TX. It consists of Groove and Banoe. Possession With Intent To Distribute is their debut album and it was released in 2000 on Red Boy Records. Production on the record is done by DJ Dolby D, Damon Spencer, Game-Be-No and Ulta E. The beats fuse elements of that classic southern funk with new wave melodies. That approach is firmly effective so the rhythms end up being thoroughly captivating. The tracks also happen to include decent amounts of chopping and scratching which are all courtesy of DJ Dolby D. The lyrics carry a sturdy vibe all throughout. Both members yield distinct styles and have the ability to spit. Groove delivers his fair share with a deeper tone and dialect while Banoe conveys with word play and content schemes. Their rhymes substantially vary just as well as their subject matter. The album starts off a bit on the club savvy side but quickly takes a turn towards a much more serious direction. Guest appearances are made by Pimp C of UGK, Lil' Keke of the Screwed Up Click, Legal Substanz, Low Down, A-Wall, Dolby D, Showtyme, I.B.G. and Red Boy. Overall the album contains good quality material and it is unblemished inside and out. It is one of the many gems that get released nationally but go unnoticed entirely. The duo had plans for a follow up album but that idea was later dropped mainly due to the mediocre attention and the lack of notoriety the group received.

Deadly Verses
Remember ft. I.B.G., Legal Substanz, & Dolby D

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Al-D - 4 Da Green

Al-D - 4 Da Green
Al-D is a rapper from Houston, TX. He is also regarded as one of the original members of the Screwed Up Click. This was the first album released by a member of the S.U.C. since the passing of Screw. It was released in 2001 on Reliant Entertainment. Production on the album is done by Double D of Wreckshop, Muhammad 2G, Blue Note and Chris Cooley. The beats can be easily described as top notch Texas funk. They contain some melodic hooks along with jamming synths and solid bass lines. Al-D's flow is unique in every aspect. He's been spitting hard since the mid 90's and he continued his assault on the mic on this album. Featuring artists are K-Rino of the South Park Coalition, Z-Ro, Trae, Botany Boys, Lil' Keke, 3-2, Yungstar, Mike D, Shorty Mac, South Park Mexican, Ronnie Spencer and Enjolie. The record also contains a seven minute tribute track to the late, great DJ Screw. All in all the album accumulates material that can be considered gratifying and it also earned Al-D the title, "The Lion Of The Screwed Up Click."

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

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



Deadly Video

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Rally Boys - Rally World Vol. 1

Rally Boys - Rally World Vol. 1
Rally Boys is a group from the vicious streets of Dallas, TX. It consists of Kottonmouth, Jizno and Big Ben. This is their debut album and it was released in 1999 on Rally Entertainment. Production was done by Mannie Fresh, Happy Perez, J.P. and Corey Dixon. The beats are smooth and can easily be associated with that southern fried twang. All three members are talented lyricist. Their lyrics mostly resemble the down south hustle and are on point. Featuring on the album is Too $hort, B-Legit, Lil' Keke, C-Loc, Young Bleed, Lay-Lo, Big Tymers, Lil' Wayne, Richie Rich, Mac Shawn and Roger Troutman. Although it is a wonderful record on account of the dope beats, quality southern lyrics and the special appearances of the featuring artists, it still did not generate any prominent success.

Deadly Verses



Tuesday, December 2, 2008

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

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Botany Boys - Thought Of Many Ways

Botany Boys - Thought Of Many Ways
Botany Boys is a group from Cloverland, a neighborhood located on the southside of Houston, TX. The group first started in 1996 when they released their debut LP, Smokin 'N Leanin. The members are C-Note, D-Red, Will Lean, Head, D-E-Z, Pap Pap and the Botany B.G.'s which consists of Lil' 3rd and B.G. Gator. Their sophomore record, Thought Of Many Ways is a 2-Disc album which was released in 1997 on Big Shot Records. D-Red is the man behind all the production and he did an excellent job on this one. The Beats are hard hitting and are filled with woozy and whiny synths. Each member has a distinct flow and their lyrics vary on both discs. Disc 1 is more laid back with smooth flows while Disc 2 is more gangsta and contains that southern harsh reality. Features are courtesy of Bun B of UGK, D of Trinity Garden Cartel, Big Moe, Lil' Keke, Ronnie Spencer, Quanell X, Angie, Vic, and the legendary DJ Screw. The group released their final ablum "Botany Forever" in 2000 and eventually broke up. Members D-E-Z and Head got incarcerated and another member lost his life. Rest in peace B.G. Gator. Members C-Note, Will Lean and D-Red pursued a solo route. This group was also part of the Screwed Up Click (S.U.C.). Thought Of Many Ways will always remain a H-Town classic. The Botany Boys held their ground and put the neighborhood of Cloverland on the map.

Deadly Verses



Deadly Video

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

FWC - Organized Crime

FWC which stands for Fifth Ward Circle, is a duo that represents from the hard hitting streets of 5th Ward in Houston, TX. The two rappers are Young Gotti and Frank Nitti. Now Frank Nitti was also known as Mr. Slimm in the early nineties and was also a member in the group known as the 5th Ward Juvenilez. Organized Crime is their debut album and it was released in 1998 on Underground Records. A label that had a publishing deal through the infamous, Rap-A-Lot Records. Production on this album was done by the legendary Mike Dean, Mr. Lee, Grizz and Domo. The producers and the rappers both drop some heat on this one. Classic tunes are backed up by solid lyrics. Featuring guests are Lil' Keke, 5th Ward Boyz, Philly Phil and Nickelboy. This was a great effort from the group and is also their only album, which makes it even more valuable. Also the hand sign on the album cover symbolizes the 5th Ward Circle and residents of the "Bloody Nickel" still use it to this day.

Deadly Verses