II Nations - Trapped In The System

II Nations - Trapped In The System

II Nations is a duo that represents from the wild neighborhood of South Park in Houston, TX. It consists of Showtyme and K-Swift. One might remember Showtyme due to his later prominence in the H-Town rap scene but this release will remind the listeners of is his raw and humble beginnings. Trapped In The System is their debut album and it was released in 1994 on Suspect Records. Production is handled by the masterful John Swift, while being assisted by Don Honoree and Byron Hordge. The beats are a classic example of mid nineties Texas funk. Not only are the groovy on the ears but are also hard and edgy in composure. They display various construction properties such as sampling, scratching, and most importantly, proper mixing. Lyrics are also of worthy of praise. The two members bring upon a diverse force upon the microphone. For example, Showtyme is more blunt and strikes the listener with his powerful voice meanwhile K-Swift is a bit laid back in demeanor and his smooth delivery and overall tone is easy going. Also, the two rappers have great chemistry together and can feed off of each other with ease. Guest appearances are made by Grimm, Papa Reu, Endo, Pistol Grip, Gangsta Profile and Broken English. All in all, this was a decent release that closes out with eleven tracks. Subject matter progresses into various categories such as, the communal struggle, the overwhelming poverty and lastly, the judicial injustice. Overall, it's a strong release by the duo. It has plenty of quality content and timeless material. Even with some of these advantages, the release could not garner any type of meaningful attention. The duo ended up disappearing for a while before Showtyme reemerged in the late nineties and is still present in the music industry today. As for K-Swift, things were not so fortunate, aside from a couple guest spots, he ended up leaving the music scene altogether. In any way, what's important is what they accomplished together and that happens to be a fine work art, that not only oozes style but also gives a good sense of realism.

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Sit Back Relax


Album Notes
* A big thanks goes out to save_undaground and syko187 for providing this one.
* Since this is a tape only release some sound quality issues are to be expected.

Minds Of Mischief - Unexpected Changes

Minds Of Mischief - Unexpected Changes

Minds Of Mischief is a group that represents from the notorious southside of Houston, TX. The trio consists of Hollow Tip, Fix and 1-Five-1. They were discovered by Stuart "Poopie" Henderson, who was so impressed by the groups' fast paced flows that he immediately signed them to his Evolution Records label. Unexpected Changes is their debut album and it was released in 1997 on Evolution Records and in collaboration with 2 Much Productions. As it is customary with any Evolution release, the bulk of the production is handled by Stuart "Poopie" Henderson, himself and he is assisted by the likes of Louis "Hollywood" Hayes and Kevin "Red" Allen. The beats are a beautiful blend of that classic southern sound that accompanies twangy guitar riffs which are mixed with hard hitting drums and finally complimented by some smooth keyboarding. The rhythms contain various styles and are thoroughly enjoyable. The tracks carry a solid foundation and are certainly very welcoming for the artists. The album also excels in the lyrical department. All three members are more than capable on the microphone and they can definitely claim it with ease. The rhymes are delivered quickly and sharply. Word play is used as the main ingredient which in return gives the lyrics a very strong backbone. Also, the choruses and the back up vocals are all on point. Guest appearances are made by D-Red of the Botany Boys, Papa Reu, Lady 14, Vikta Black, Note, Boy-Bo and Lil' Mooney. The album rounds out at a decent total of fourteen tracks and although the record starts off a bit slow, it certainly picks up the pace and finishes with prime subject matter. This was an ambitious effort by the trio but it could not garner any type of success, hence this being their only release. While the product is full of variety and is quite deep with flavor, it certainly lacks the finishing touches of a major publishing company or a big name label. In the end, it just shows the humbleness of the group and how eagerly they jumped on the first chance to get their name and personalities noticed all the while knowing the past history of Poopie and his mismanaged label. Evolution Records was bound to self destruct because of the incompetency that was showed by its' staff and mainly, Poopie Henderson himself. Although he is a remarkable producer and he certainly has an ear for finding talent, he did not have the expertise of running a full fledged record company. He signed such great acts like the Coppertone Conspiracy, A-Posse, Quess but also abused them out of their fair share of royalties and eventually, drove them away. Some say it was Poopie's violent temper while others have blamed his faulty publishing and marketing team, both were a recipe for disaster. The Minds Of Mischief were suppose to be the label's last hurrah but they too went unheralded like the rest of their label mates. It is a little disheartening to see such good talent go to waste but what's more discomforting is that they were all cheated and hung out to dry by their own record label.

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Mama U Better Tell 'Em


Album Notes
* Evolution Records went defunct in the year 1998.
   

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.

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Will-Lean - The Chemist

Will-Lean - The Chemist

William Gibbs better known as Will-Lean, is a rapper who represents from the notorious neighborhood of Cloverland in Houston, TX. He is a member of the Botany Boys as well as the legendary collective known as the Screwed Up Click. The Chemist is his debut solo album and it was released in 2000 on Big Shot Records. The production varies from track to track and it is provided by M. King, Double D, Bruce Rhodes, Swift, Willy Malone, J.P. Nitty, Eric Hollis, Noke D, Tone Capone, Jhiame, Crazy C and D-Red of the Botany Boys. With a lineup this star studded, it is damn near impossible to disappoint. The beats can be classified under the certified grade-A, Texas funk category. The groovy rhythms are filled with such melody that head bobbing is the only option left for the listener. Will is no newcomer on the microphone. Whether it was his early freestyles on Screw Tapes or his fast paced verses with the Botany Boys, he has always been considered to be a very strong and formidable lyricist. His sharp yet distinct tone combined with the use of clever word play is the recipe for all his rhymes. To top it all off, he also manages to deliver them at a decently quick pace and it is this deadly combination that separates him from the rest. Since no S.U.C. album is complete without an all star guest list, this release is no exception. Will-Lean made sure he invited all his good friends to share a spot beside him in the recording booth. Guest appearances are made by DJ Screw, the Botany Boys, E.S.G., Lil' O, Al-D, Big Moe, Big Pokey, Dat Boy Grace, Hawk, Enjoli, Lil' Flip, T-Pop, A.C.T., Mista Madd, Papa Reu, Guerilla Maab, H.$.E., Noke D, D-Reck, Big T, Ronnie Spencer, B.G. Duke, Scoopastar, Taz, Lil' Real and last but not least the Big Tymers. All in all it is a valiant effort by the Cloverland native and one that boasts sixteen choice cuts. Although it is a little guest heavy and the release went out of print very quickly, the tracks are all still top quality. Will-Lean is still relevant today as he continues to release mix-tapes while selling most of the copies right out of the trunk section of his vehicle.

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I.B.G. - We Ballin

I.B.G. - We Ballin

I.B.G., which stands for Innocent But Guilty, is a group that represents from Franklin, LA. It consists of Eddie Bo, Rocky and B-Dub. The group debuted with We Ballin in 1999 on Red Boy Records and quickly gained some notoriety for their effort. The album in its entirety is produced by the in-house producer, Choklate Chip. The beats are quite crafty and are assembled with a wide range of instruments. Some are assisted through the process of sampling, such as the notable title track "We Ballin," which heavily samples the song "Jamming" by Bob Marley & The Wailers. The track ends up being a wonderful take on the original reggae song that is completed with a southern fried twist. All three members are more than capable on the microphone. Their rhymes tend to be somewhat fast paced and are delivered precisely. Also the word play used is quite commendable. Guest appearances are made by DJ Dolby D, Papa Reu, Red Boy and the 4-5 Click. Even though this project was a respectable release by the trio and is very sought after by their fans, there are times when it becomes a little bland. The one area this album is lacking in is originality but since this record can be classified under "baller" or "bling" rap from the late nineties, it hardly matters. That being said it still should not discourage the listener because this was truly a valiant effort by the group and that is why they are still remembered as home town heroes by the small city of Franklin, Louisiana.

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We Ballin' ft. Papa Rue & Red Boy

X-Bam Compilation - The Classics

X-Bam Compilation - The Classics
X-Bam Records was a record label from Houston, TX. It was founded by Bam in the mid 90's. The label served as a home to many members of the notorious Killa Klan. It was later shut down due to financial issues. The Classics is basically a compilation album that was released in 2007 on One Stop Entertainment. The record is magnificently produced by the likes of Scarface, T-Mixx, MJG, Icey Hott of Street Military, G-Rapp The General, Doc Doom and Rodney Ex. The beats are a perfect blend of rhytmical synths and sublime bass lines. They represent that classic underground sound that Houston was known for. The lyrics are abstract, yet rough. They contain various word schemes as well as some rapid inflections. The rhymes are courtesy of the Fakkulty, Pharoah, Bam, K.B Da Kidnappa, Lil' Flea, Papa Reu, Ronnie Spencer and Montina Cooper. Overall its a 17 track album that is fine picked and is derived from many underground hits. It also commemorates the legacy left behind by the legandary Killa Klan. In the words of the invincible Pharoah, "....salute the double K's."

Yungstar - Throwed Yung Playa

Yungstar - Throwed Yung Playa
Yungstar is a rapper from the southwest side of Houston, TX. He has been rapping since the age of ten and he was also a member of the Screwed Up Click. He is known for his tongue flipping rhymes and fast paced freestyles which he recorded with the legendary DJ Screw. This is his debut album and its also the original version which was released in 1999 on Straight Profit Records. Production is done by Sean Lee, Slack, Ron Forest, Jhiame and Craig Bird. The beats can simply be described as Texas funk. They contain some solid samples and banging bass lines. Yungstar and the Straight Profit Block Bleeders take advantage of every track and they use their trademark rhyme schemes all through out. Almost every rapper from the southwest side is featuring on this record. Guest appearances are made by Z-Ro, Dat Boy Grace, L.O.S., Wood of the Half Dead Organization, C-Nile The Golden Child, 2 Low, Lil' Flex, Al-D, C-Note of the Botany Boys, Lil' O, T-Pop, Ace Deuce, Papa Reu, South Park Mexican, PSK-13, Lil' Flip, R.W.O., Solo D, Silkk Breeze, Deep Threat, Black 1, Trey-D, J-Mac, Den Den and Jasmine. The album also contains a seventeen minute freestyle and it is known as the Straight Profit version of the infamous June 27th, which was originally created by DJ Screw. Overall its a wonderful debut album that jump started Yungstar's career and it managed to sell well over 40,000 copies. It was later picked up by Epic Records and re-released in a revised form in 2000.

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Southside Playaz - You Gottus Fuxxed Up

Southside Playaz - You Gottus Fuxxed Up
Southside Playaz is a group from Houston, TX. The original group consisted of Fat Pat, Mike D, and Mr. 3-2. Since Fat Pat passed away in 1998, he was replaced with Clay-Doe. This is their debut album and it was released in 1998 on Laftex Records. Production is done with quality by Big Swift, Eric Hollis and Slack. The beats are smooth and are laced with that Texas funk. Lyrics are dope as well. All three members check the mic often. Their different styles fuse and blend together very nicely. Guest appearances are by K.B. Da Kidnappa & Lil' Flea of Street Military, C-Loc, Papa Reu, 6-4, Ronnie Spencer, Big Steve and the Screwed Up Click which includes the likes of Lil' Keke, Fat Pat, Hawk, Big Moe, Al-D, Dat Boy Grace, Big Pokey, T-Pop, Botany Boys, Lil' O and E.S.G. This record remains as a highlight of the Screwed Up Click and one that can not be forgotten. Southside Playaz went on to release their next album, "Street Game" in 2000.

Fakkulty - Southern Hostility

Fakkulty - Southern Hostility

Fakkulty is a group from the vicious streets of Houston, TX. The four members in the group are Kook, Malek Aleem, Lil' V, and Water Boy. The group is also affiliated with S.P.C. (South Park Coalition) and the Killa Klan. This album was released in 1996 on X-Bam Records. Production was done by Danny Jackson, Doc Doom, Ronald Smith, Rodney Ex and Sinclair. The beats are simply amazing and so are the lyrics. Appearances are by K.B. Da Kidnappa & Lil' Flea of Street Military, Papa Reu, Vonda Hubbard, and Ray Sauls. This is one of the most slept on albums one will ever come across. Also the text written on the album cover is written in Greek and it reads, "Those that break the rules. Dare to deny authority. Educate the street and strengthen the weak."

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