Showing posts with label Underground Kingz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Underground Kingz. Show all posts

Friday, October 10, 2014

Young Smitty - Takin Over

Young Smitty is a rapper from Tyler, TX. Best known for his collaboration with the Underground Kingz on the song "Tossed Up" from the Major Players Compilation by Mean Green. He was 16 years old when he first met UGK in 1997 at a show in Lake Charles, LA. To this day he still considers Bun B and Pimp C (R.I.P.) as his role models and mentors. Smitty was also among the first group of artists that were brought to the Trill Entertainment label by Pimp C. Takin Over is his debut album and it was finally released in 2001 on Imperial Entertainment after numerous attempts and mishaps. It is magnificently produced by Steve Below and Dale "Rambro" Ramsey while DJ Dolby D provides his signature style of mixing and scratching. The beats can simply be summed up as a collective of southern funk straight from Texas. The producers intent was to achieve a laid back sound that is accomplished through multiple instruments and displayed very generously. Lyrically the album is a little on the lack luster side. Although Smitty possesses a commendable rhyme pattern and is really proficient on the microphone, he does tend to get somewhat repetitive. The album can be split into two halves due to lack of intensity and quality of content. The release might have its fair share of highs and lows but it still should not discourage the listener. Guest appearances are made by UGK, PSK-13, A-Dam-Shame and 3re Da Hardaway. All in all it is a solid attempt by Smitty Da Pimp and one that somehow went unnoticed. It could have been the incarceration that he faced up until 2009 or the early falling out between him and the Trill Ent. label that marred the album from achieving any kind of prominent success.

Deadly Verses

Thursday, April 17, 2014

E. Vicious - Going For My Propers

E. Vicious also known as just Vicious, is a rapper from Lake Charles, LA. He is one of the dominant members of the group called, X-Mob and is also a long time affiliate of the infamous Underground Kingz. Vicious can be considered by many to be a true pioneer of the southern underground scene. Him and his group have collaborated with many artists from the southern region, Texas and Louisiana to say the least. Going For My Propers is his debut solo album and was released in 1994 on Roach Town Records. Production is assigned to Sharntii Baheth, Delario "To-To" Dillard, and Terry "Red" Redman. The production quality is truly top notch on this project. Instruments have been beautifully meshed with each another and melodies are presented in a very crisp manner. Some sampling is used but it is kept to a minimum. The producers never sway from the southern funk formula and seem to provide it ever so generously. On the microphone, Vicious can be best described for his rough tone and aggressive persona, hence his name. His tone is free of boredom and he can spit it at a decent rate. His southern drawl is very eminent and gives this record its' own flavor. There is one guest appearance on this joint and it belongs to Toad. All in all this six track effort is definitely worth a listen and should be coveted for the originality. The album's style is not only unique but also sort of refreshing and that could be the very reason Vicious was caught by the eye of the legendary Underground King, Pimp C (R.I.P.).

Deadly Verses

Monday, March 9, 2009

UGK - Kingz 4 Life

UGK - Kingz 4 Life
The Underground Kingz was a legendary duo from Port Arthur, TX. They were also among the few pioneers of the genre known simply as, Southern Rap. The group consisted of phenomenal rapper, Bun B and his partner in rhyme who was also an excellent producer, Pimp C. This is an underground album and it is the early version of their album called "Dirty Money." It was never officially released on any label but was slated for a release date of the year 2000 for Jive Records. The project was later canceled and the group released the more revised and collectively improved version which is known as "Dirty Money," in 2001. This album contains a couple unreleased cuts along with some remixes that did not make it to "Dirty Money." Production, as always was done by Pimp C, himself. The beats are a perfect blend of smooth bass lines as well as Pimp's excellent choice of samples. Not enough can be said about the chemistry the two rappers use to have in between them. Their ability to trade flows and verses back to back was a feat indeed. They certainly provide that for the listeners on this record. Featuring artists are Too $hort, Kool Ace and 1 Gud Cide. Although the sound quality on some tracks suffers, it should still be looked upon as classic UGK material. The groups' final studio album is set to be released on March 31, 2009. Also, rest in peace to the late, great Pimp C.

Deadly Verses