Showing posts with label Wet Boys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wet Boys. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Wet Boys - 6 Ft. From Home

The Wet Boys was a relentless group that represented the illicit streets of New Orleans, LA. It was headed by the formidable Sporty T along with Black John Gotti and the in-house producer, T-Bone. The group's only claim to fame was their war on wax with Cash Money Records and the nefarious, Hot Boy$. As it is customary in any verbal exchange in the Rap Industry, it does not matter who starts it but rather who finishes it. Although, Sporty T was a legend in his own right, the Wet Boys simply cannot hold a candle to what Cash Money Records and the Hot Boy$ accomplished in city of New Orleans, let alone the South, period. Now, as far as the battle of words go, Sporty T may have had the upper hand only because of his lyrical prowess and his furious tone upon the microphone. 6 Ft From Home is the third and final album by the acclaimed group and it was released in 2001 on Sporty Records. As always, the production is handled by the masterful, T-Bone and it is quite respectable to say the least. His edgy and eclectic style is brought to light by the use of various synthesizers and drum machines. The beats also tend to carry a street savvy vibe and will at least, keep the listener engaged. Lyrically the record is rather on the strong side and that is mainly due to Sporty's powerful lyrical skill and dexterity. His delivery and technique are both unmatched. Not to mention his aggressive tone that is accompanied by his equally wild persona and it is safe to say that Sporty belongs in the upper echelon when discussing lyricists representing the State of Louisiana. The core content is where the album really takes a hit and suffers. While there are some new cuts, most of the tracks have either been recycled from Sporty's previous solo outings or the Wet Boys' prior releases. The record lacks a polished feel and seems as if it had been thrown together overnight. It appears as if Sporty T was attempting to make up lost ground to Cash Money Records and was trying to release something to derail their massive success. Around this time, Sporty was also heavily involved with another group known as Da Wild Boyz, which was basically another collective whose main goal was to go after Cash Money Records. It is unknown whether or not both sides resolved their issues and its a topic that will remain shrouded in mystery due to the brutal murder of Sporty T in 2008. May he rest in peace.

Deadly Verses
6 Ft. From Home


Monday, March 27, 2017

Wet Boys - Puttin Out The Fire Vol. 1

Wet Boys was a group that represented the murky bayous of New Orleans, LA.  The group was founded in the mid nineties by the pioneer, Sporty T. The main cause for the group with their opposite moniker was to continue the war on wax between Sporty T and the Hot Boy$ of Cash Money Records. The Wet Boys consisted of T-Bone, Sporty T and the Black John Gotti. Puttin Out The Fire is their debut album and it was released in 1998 on Sporty Records. The production is of superb quality and is entirely handled by T-Bone. His strong intent can be heard from the very first track. From the raw bass lines to the woozy hooks to the scintillating synths, all hit in the right place at the right time. The beats are composed with a sense of purpose and attention is given to the smallest detail. T-Bone may not be as flashy or even as gifted as the rest of his contemporaries but what he lacks in experience, he makes up in presentation. Lyrically the album is also pretty strong. The subject matter may be redundant due to all the tracks being directed as a shot towards the Hot Boy$ or Cash Money Records but there is never a dull moment in the rhymes. Sporty's flow is certainly in the upper echelon when compared to his counterparts. His change of pace, his firm vocabulary and even his occasional humorous tone are a sight to behold. Combine this with his veteran status in the Rap game and one has a commanding figure in the studio and a brute upon the microphone. Guest appearances are made by Ice Mike, Greg and Lyric. The album closes out with a commendable total of eighteen substantial tracks that certainly give some insight on the beef between the two parties. The record as a whole is a respectable one because of the quality production and the lyrical content. It is also an extraordinary piece when considering the history between the two camps. Sadly, Sporty T was murdered in 2008 which ended the feud once and for all. Rest in peace to one of New Orleans' finest.

Deadly Verses
Rope Round Ya Neck

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Sporty T - Chromed Out

Terence Vine, better known as Sporty T, was an artist who represented the deadly bayous of New Orleans, LA. Most known for his whimsical flow as well as his infamous war on wax against Cash Money Records, Sporty first started out in 1986, as a member of the Ninja Crew with Gregory D and DJ Baby T. After their short lived success, he would end up pursuing the solo route and would go on to become one of New Orleans' best kept secrets. Chromed Out is his fourth album and it was released in 1997 on Ruff Era Records. Production, as with most of his releases is handled by his right hand man, the masterful T-Bone. The skillful, David "D-Funk" Faulk programs all the necessary equipment with Ice Mike, who is also credited for one of the tracks as well. The rhythms are crafted from the ground up and are thoroughly entertaining. They contain various instruments and carry that typical N.O. sound. A type of sound that is best exemplified through blaring horns, dark synths, funky bass, piercing bells and finished off with a strict cadence of drums. This concoction serves as the foundation for the record and it certainly does not disappoint. Sporty T is a top caliber lyricist and takes full advantage of the solid production. His delivery is rapid and full of word play. His tone is quite rough and when combined with his quick pace and a strong vocabulary which truly makes him a standout on the microphone. The album signs off with a decent total of twelve tracks with multiple shots being fired at Cash Money Records and the Hot Boy$. It's hard to pin point how the feud began between the two parties. Some say it was just a misunderstanding on Sporty's behalf while others have claimed it was Cash Money Records who drew first blood. Whatever the case may be, it was very clear that both sides meant business and it was more than just some rap. Sporty T was murdered in 2008 while he slept in his home. An unknown gunmen who was carrying an AK-47, opened fire on the exterior of his trailer home. Paramedics found Sporty T's wounded body inside on his bed and pronounced him dead at the scene. In the end, the city of New Orleans lost a man who is considered by many to be a pioneer for the city's Rap and Hip Hop scene. A local legend with a timeless catalog of music, who always gave his best when inside the recording booth. Rest in peace to the ambitious, Sporty T.

Deadly Verses
Dope Tito

The Aftermath


Album Notes
* Sporty T is also a member of the Wet Boys.
* Wet Boys was a group created to counter the Hot Boy$.