Showing posts with label Mike B. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mike B. Show all posts

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Reese & Bigalow - Unfinished Business

Reese & Bigalow - Unfinished Business
Reese & Bigalow is a duo that represents from the infamous Wood Street in Jackson, MS. They first started out in the early nineties as members of The Renegades. The group was one of the first acts to represent for the city of Jackson and eventually paved the way for many other artists, Reese and Bigalow left the group after their initial release and formed their duet while Lon Trigga of The Renegades went on to form the notorious, Wood Street Playaz. Unfinished Business is their second album and it was released in 2000 on Lil Mann's Records. Production is equally split between Mike B, Gutta Boy and JB Money. The beats are Southern in composure and while most of them are fairly enjoyable, there are some that lack a bit of energy and edginess. The three producers do a decent job at constructing the rhythms but it's their simple approach at times that takes a hit. Lyrically, the album is quite good. Both, Reese and Bigalow are pretty adequate on the microphone and their verbal chemistry is also reasonably strong. Their rhymes display constant word play and are also delivered at a fair rate. Guest appearances are courtesy of 20-2-Life, PSK-13, South Park Mexican, Ska-Face Al Capone, Bone Crusher, Crooked Lettaz, King Goldi, Poetic Preachaz, Dez, J2, Frank Da Macka and Fe-Fe. The album closes out with a commendable total of sixteen tracks and the rock solid guest list makes it that much harder to deny. Overall it's a noble release that has a good amount of highs instead of the lows. The only knock on it is the basic production but even with that blemish the album manages to sustain itself. Reese & Bigalow went on to release one more album in 2002 before slowly fading out of the music industry. The groups' unlucky demise was brought by the hands of the Atlanta based rapper known as Bone Crusher. Bone, who was signed to Jermaine Dupri's label known as So So Def, was once a loyal friend who quickly turned foe over ownership of a single track. The song in question is called "Neva Sked" and it comes from Reese & Bigalow's 2002 release known as, "Playa Music." The track featured a verse from Bone Crusher and Killer Mike. It was produced by Avery Johnson and was purchased by Reese & Bigalow for their new album. The exact same song was released by Bone Crusher for his debut album in the year 2003 and the only major difference was the verses of Reese & Bigalow were removed and replaced with a verse from T.I. The title was also changed to "Never Scared." Bone Crusher's version of the song ended up being a chart topping hit and eventually propelled him into the limelight. Reese & Bigalow did file a law suit against Bone Crusher over copyright infringement but they never got the recognition or the praise for the original song. They were most likely paid off by the deep pockets of Jermaine Dupri and were supposedly told to keep their mouths shut about the whole issue. It's unfortunate what happened to Reese & Bigalow but then again it just goes to show how corrupt some of these major labels are and how how cruel this music industry can be at times.

Deadly Verses
Unfinished Business ft. Ska-Face Al Capone & PSK-13


Thursday, March 12, 2015

GT & Steve Nice - Our House

GT & Steve Nice - Our House
GT and Steve Nice are not only rappers but also producers and DJ's from Houston, TX. GT is originally from the neighborhood of Flatbush in Brooklyn, NY but part of his family would later relocate to Houston in the early eighties and has resided there ever since. GT, which is abbreviation for "Gifted/Talented," first started off with K-Rino and Preppy J when they formed one of Houston's first hip-hop acts known as Real Chill. The group only managed to release one single and soon disbanded, while member K-Rino pursued a solo career. DJ Steve Nice on the other hand is a native of Dallas, TX but has also held residence in Houston as well. The two met as students at Texas Southern University and eventually started Key Players Entertainment in the mid nineties. Our House is their debut album and it was released in 1998 on Key Players Entertainment. Production is mostly done by the legendary Mike B but he is assisted by the likes of Crazy C, Doc Doom, Def Jam Blaster, Skool Of Thought and of course GT & Steve Nice themselves. The beats are undeniably smooth and they carry a very laid back vibe. The use of samples as well as other DJ techniques are quite prominent and are also used very effectively. Although some tracks are a bit simple and plain, most of the record is very well rounded and can be a real treat for the ear drums. Lyrically is where the album truly excels. Eclectic styles are displayed with the mix of strong word play and complex rhyme patterns. GT is definitely the more dominant member while Steve Nice tends to be a bit passive on the microphone. Both of them feed off each other with ease and lay down an impressive lyrical foundation. Features are courtesy of Kaylee of Ace Deuce, Skool Of Thought, D of Trinity Garden Cartel, Mista Madd, Petu, T. Gray and Marcus of S.O.U.L. A plentiful total of twenty tracks which includes the four hilarious skits are presented with precision for the listener. The core content is very unique and is projected with a broad variety of subject matter. All in all its an extraordinary work of art that genuinely oozes style and charm. One that exceeds further than its reputation and appearance while also maintaining a flawless composure.

Deadly Verses

Friday, April 17, 2009

Ganksta NIP - Psychotic Genius

Ganksta NIP is a rapper from the neighborhood of South Park in Houston, TX. He is considered among the first members of the notorious South Park Coalition. He's also the proud founder of the genre known simply as Horrorcore Rap or Psycho Rap. This is his third album and it was released in 1996 on Rap-A-Lot Records. Production on this gem is done by the legendary Mike Dean, N.O. Joe, Swift and Mike B. They provide nothing but dark synth filled beats that are made with maximal melodies. As always, Ganksta NIP comes hard with his flow. His rhymes show no regard towards human life and they are severely savage. Featuring artists are Point Blank and Foe Five. At the time of this album's release, the city of Houston was plagued with a lot of controversy. A young male had shot and killed a police officer. A cassette tape of Ganksta NIP's previous recordings was found inside the male's automobile. Both the media and society immediately blamed NIP and his music for the actions committed by the young man. All the negative press that Ganksta NIP received got him the exposure he was eagerly after. He quickly released Psychotic Genius and the album eventually ended up going platinum. It was also marked as the first album by NIP to collect such an award.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Lil' Sin - Who Got Yo Back

Lil' Sin is a rapper from San Antonio, TX. He has been around since the mid 90's and he happens to be a very solid artist. He has collaborated with many legends from Texas and is well respected for his work. He debuted in 1996 with the record, "Frustrated By Death." This is his second album and it was released in 1998 on BLVD Records. Production on the album is handled by Pimp C of UGK, John Bido, Mike B., Suga Bear, Ant Banks, Finesse 1 and Ricé. The beats are top quality and are a display of true Texas funk. Smooth tracks are laced with genuine hooks and dope samples. Lil' Sin spits hard and his flow is on point. The rhymes contain decent amounts of word play and the content is straight gangsta. Featuring on the album is UGK, Mr. Joshay, King 13, Lil' Acid and Denise. Overall the record jams from start to finish and it helped establish him as an artist. Lil' Sin also goes by a new alias, Young Namar.

Deadly Verses
Who Got Yo Back

Thursday, February 26, 2009

The Infamous X-Mann - History In The Making

The Infamous X-Mann - History In The Making
X-Mann is a rapper from the northside of Houston, TX. This is his sophomore effort and it is the follow up to "The Man Behind The Madness." X-Mann was also a late member of the infamous Trinity Garden Cartel. History In The Making was released on his own label, X-Werks Entertainment in 2005. Production is provided by the great Mike B. The beats are an ensemble of legit tracks which are laced with that southern funk. The samples and hooks are all well used and they certainly carry that H-Town sound. Lyrics are well written but can be bland at times. X-Mann delivers his raw style with an overwhelming force and at times, comes off as overly repetitive. Featuring on the album is OG Style, Cory Mo, 55, JD, P-Dot, Humpdog, Paul Revere, Camillion, A-Dog, Chill, Snake, J-Ram, Lil' Blue, Lil' O and Hawk of the Screwed Up Click. Overall it is a decent record and one that tries to live up to its' name but it happens to fall just a tad bit short.

Deadly Verses

Thursday, January 1, 2009

G-Low - The Last Man Standing

G-Low - The Last Man Standing
G-Low is a rapper from the neighborhood of South Park in Houston, TX. He has been rapping since the age of 13. He was also part of a upcoming group but they separated over financial terms. This is his debut album and it was released in 2000 on Worldbound Entertainment. Production was skillfully done by the great Mike B while he is assisted by the likes of Rakesh "Roc" Jacob and Bruce "Eightball" Lattin. The beats are dope and very melodic. G-Low's flow is fast paced and he can catch the beats with ease. Featuring on the album is Legal Substanz, Z-Ro, Trae, GT, Rapsta, Kano, Hawk, South Park Mexican, Lil' O, Ace Deuce, Ms. Kitty, Kiotti, Choc Stilli, Ghetto Mob, Mr. O, Ms. Kitty, Pancho V, Semo Stylz, Showtyme Spanky D, Sweet P, Warren B and Wicked Crickett. A solid record overall that maintains its' commendable content all throughout. It also includes two bonus tracks, one of which is chopped & screwed.

Deadly Verses
Doin' It On the Weekend ft. Hawk, Kano & Rapsta


Thursday, December 4, 2008

D - Straight Texas Hoodlum

D is a rapper from Trinity Garden, which is located on the northside of Houston, TX. D and his longtime friend, J.F. started Cartel Records in the early 90's. D was also the leader of the infamous group, Trinity Garden Cartel. This album was released in 1995 on Cartel Records. Production was managed by the great Mike B and Loranzo Samuels while it is congenially mixed by the legendary, Mike Dean. Beats are straight up southern fried funk. They contain deep bass lines and some menacing hooks. D's flow is always original. His delivery is hard and his vile tone can be easily heard on every track. Featuring on the album is DMG and Reginald Hackett. Although D is in prison right now and is serving a 25 year sentence, this was by far one of the greatest albums ever released by him and Cartel Records. This record's rarity and under rated demeanor makes it one that should be coveted for its pure content.

Deadly Verses

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Ice Lord - Now Who Dat

Ice Lord is a rapper originally from New Orleans, LA but later moved to Houston, TX around the year, 1995. He has resided there ever since and ended up becoming a member of the South Park Coalition (S.P.C.) as well as the notorious spin off group known as the Wreckless Klan. This is his debut album and it was released in 2000 on Bigtyme Recordz. The production is handled by Thug Dirt, J.B. Money and Mike B. The beats are pretty good and are blended quite nicely. Ice Lord manages to hold his own on the microphone despite the hefty guest appearances. Artists featuring on this album are Klondike Kat, Point Blank, PSK-13, Gangsta Mac, Zayne and Snik Nik. Even though this release is straight form the underground, it can still be held up against any mainstream release.