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.

R.E.S Records - The RESurrection Compilation

R.E.S Records - The RESurrection Compilation

R.E.S Records was a Christian Rap label from the unforgiving streets of Houston, TX. The label was started in the mid nineties by Richard Hunt and Otto Osterman. Their main objective was to give a home to the aspiring local Christian Rap emcees in Houston while also keeping them on the right track. The two founders quickly recruited BDI and Dez from the infamous group, Nuk Ruk. The two members from Nuk Ruk were considered to be the primary pieces and the main source of strength for the record label. It was through their help that the record label eventually got more artists on board such as, Tre-9, Snapz, 20/Twenty, Manifest, NSC, The Foundation and last but not least, the singer Jamecia Williams. Work on this compilation began as soon as the crew was assembled in the early part of 1999. It was completed in the year 2000 and released as a debut album by the R.E.S Records. Production is solely handled by the masterful, BDI and he does not disappoint. BDI's rhythmical pattern is quite unique. He fuses the traditional style of Hip-Hop with the flavorful Southern style. He does this with not only the use of a typical drum machine but also with the use of live instrumentation. Most notably through the work of various guitars and pianos. He also adds his distinct scratches with the turntables which ends up being the final key ingredient for his magnificent beats. Lyrically the album also excels. There is never a dull moment due to the various artists used to create the rhymes. Each artist brings an intellectual style to the table and claim their stake on the microphone with utter precision. Word play is presented with riddling rhyme schemes which makes the end result thoroughly captivating. BDI, Dez, Tre-9 and 20/Twenty are the standouts here but the rest of the acts are not too far behind. Guest appearances are made by Reverse, Queen D, MOG, DJ Excell, B-Boy and Kathy Abshire. All in all, this is an excellent compilation by the label and a must have for any Christian Rap fan. They could have easily talked about materialistic possessions, women, money and the like but they chose to go against the grain. It is always good to hear artists who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in and go against the flow of the norm. The album gives off a truthful yet positive message and it can only be deciphered by listening to their powerful and thought provoking music.

Deadly Verses

Verbal Revolution