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.

Deadly Verses
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.

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.

Deadly Verses

Sell music online at ReverbNation.com

Ganksta NIP - Psychotic Genius

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.

C-Major - Batteries Not Included

C-Major - Batteries Not Included
C-Major is a rapper from the northside of Houston, TX. He is affiliated with the Killa Klan and was also a member of the notorious Gang Society. This is his debut solo album and it was released in 2001 on Affiliated Entertainment. Production is handled by E-Sharp of the Gang Society, Swift, Wish and Muhammad2G. The beats are an ensemble of gangsta ballads and notable club bangers. Heavy bass lines along with menacing hooks caress each track. C-Major was always regarded as a very raw lyricist. His distinct tone and superb ability to rhyme is unmatched. He certainly comes hard on this one and provides the listeners with solid lyrics. Appearances on the album are by Hawk of the Screwed Up Click, E-Sharp of the Gang Society, Endo, Many Facez, Billy Cook, General Tremendous, Doggie, Big Kirk, Mr. Slick and Bus. C-Major happens to be the only artist from the Gang Society who has released a solo album. Although this record did not sell especially well and it ended up being discontinued, it still does not disappoint with the prime content.

Deadly Verses
Down 4 Whatever

3-2 - The Wicked Buddah Baby

3-2 - The Wicked Buddah Baby

3-2 or Mr. 3-2, is a rapper from the neighborhood of Hiram Clarke in Houston, TX. He was also known as Lord 3-2 in the early 90's. He was a member of the group called the Convicts, the Blac Monks and the Southside Playaz. This is his debut solo album and it was released in 1996 on Rap-A-Lot Records. The team behind the production are none other than the highly skilled and legendary producers known as Mike Dean, John Bido, N.O. Joe, Crazy C and Swift. They dropped some of the most funkiest and mellowest beats ever to grace a record. While 3-2 is known for his smooth vocal delivery and laid back flow. The combination of beats and lyrics set the album up perfectly. It holds the ability to ride and play itself out. Featuring on the record is UGK, Too $hort, Southside Playaz, Sonia Moore, 8-Ball and MJG. The album also contains an excellent remix of the Blac Monk track known as "Buddah Nature." Overall the record sustains great material along with an all-star appearance of guests and it is considered to be in the classic category.

Deadly Verses
Buddah Nature (Remix)