Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Street Military - Next Episode

Street Military - Next Episode
Street Military is possibly one of the hardest group to have ever emerged out of Houston's underground rap scene. The five members, Pharoah, Icey Hott, Lil' Flea, K.B. Da Kidnappa, and Nutt released their fourth album in 1995 on Beatbox Records. As usual it contained the skillful production of Icey Hott. The dope sampling, solid amounts of hard drums and great use of keyboard is all present here along with original, lyrical flows that contain heartfelt yet ruthless realism. Featuring on the album is Klondike Kat and Ron Lee. Street Military was the sound of the streets so it shied away from mainstream radio play and that could be the very reason for the group's limited success. Then came the death of one of the members and the incarceration of another. Rest in peace Nutt and Free Pharoah were the words being shouted. Street Military released their final studio group effort called "Steel Gangstaz" in 2002. Rest of the surviving members are praying on the release of Pharoah, who is currently in the process of appealing his case to the state. Street Military is waiting to be resurrected in the distant horizon.

Monday, November 10, 2008

The Last Mr. Bigg - The Mask Is Off

The Last Mr. Bigg - The Mask Is Off
Mr. Bigg also known as Diamond Eye Bigg is a rapper from Mobile, AL. This album is the sequel to his very first album "Only If U Knew." The Mask Is Off was released in 2003 on Warlock Records. Production was handled by DJ Herb and he did the record justice. Dope southern beats were provided once again and Mr. Bigg's melodic and original flow accommodates them really well. Appearances are courtesy of Baby J, Lil' Flip, Paul Wall and Chamillionaire. As with the first album, this one did not generate much mainstream status. Since then Mr. Bigg has released a couple mixtapes and has done features for Three 6 Mafia and Project Pat. Some say he is working on an all new solo album, though a release date is yet to be determined.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

K-Roc - Tha Rockla

K-Roc - Tha Rockla
K-Roc is rapper from Dallas, TX. He is also part of the Stoney Crooks along with Mr. Pookie and Mr. Lucci. This was his debut album and it was released in 1998 on Iconic Recordings. Just like all the other Iconic releases, production was done by Kevin A. Once again he provided nothing but killer beats. K-Roc's flow is very laid back and smooth. He keeps it real and certainly entertains with his southern dialect. Featuring on the record is Mr. Pookie with his very first appearance. This is a dope album that contains good material and is also one of the first ones released by the Stoney Crook Click.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Ace Deuce - Breakin' Boyz Off

Ace Deuce - Breakin' Boyz Off
Ace Deuce is rapper from Houston, TX. He has been putting it down since the early 90's. This is a compilation album and was released in 1999 on Backwoodz Records. This album contains released as well as some unreleased material along. Various artists are invited by Ace to put together this underground compilation. Production on this record was handled by Ace Deuce, Icey Hott of Street Military, Money Black, Mike B., Dope-E of the South Park Coalition and D-Red of the Botany Boys. The beats are certainly in the Texas funk category and contain some very nice rhythmical patterns. Lyrics are raw, mainly because of the cast presenting them are the likes of.Bun B of UGK, Trinity Garden Cartel, Botany Boys, K.B. Da Kidnappa & Icey Hott of Street Military, Lil' Keke, South Park Mexican, Fatal, Kid Frost and Money Black. Overall, this is a very decent compilation with an all-star lineup of producers and performers and it does not disappoint.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Big Mike - Still Serious

Big Mike - Still Serious
Big Mike is a rapper from New Orleans, LA. Still Serious is a follow up for his wonderful debut album, Something Serious. It picks up right where the first one left off. This album was released in 1997 on Rap-A-Lot Records. Production on this record was done by Mike Dean, Mike B. and N.O. Joe. Smooth yet hard hitting beats are provided for Big Mike once again and he really takes advantage of them. His vicious flow along with his southern accent compliments the beats very well. Appearances on the album are by Mystikal, III, Lester Tone, Cece Ward, Shatasha and Ebony. Big Mike would go on to release one more album for Rap-A-Lot and then would find another home. There are some standout tracks on this record that will always hold a place in southern rap history.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Facemob - The Other Side Of The Law

Facemob - The Other Side Of The Law
Facemob is a group that was created by the legendary Scarface of the Geto Boys. It was formed around the talents of five different rappers from five different cities and states. He recruited Devin The Dude who although would later relocate and represent Houston but is originally from St. Petersburg, Florida. He then went to St. Paul, Minnesota and picked up DMG. After that he got 350, the female emcee from Cleveland, Ohio. Next stop was Chicago, Illinois where he met Chi-Ray. Finally they were back to Houston, Texas and got one last member who is also a childhood friend of Scarface known as Smit-D. The group was formed and now it was time to hit the recording studios. This is their debut album and was released in 1996 on Rap-A-Lot Records. Production was done by Scarface along with Mike Dean and N.O. Joe. They team up to provide the dope, funk laced beats. The lyrics are hard but at times they lack foundation. All five members have their own style and they flow according to that. At times their chemistry seems on point and then there are moments where it suffers. Featuring on the record is Scarface. The group went on to release one more album and then broke up. The break up was mostly because of lack of success for the group and members focusing on their solo careers. This record is also known for starting Scarface's career as a full fledged producer.

Deadly Verses




Deadly Video

Friday, October 31, 2008

Koopsta Knicca - Da Devil's Playground

Koopsta Knicca - Da Devil's Playground
Koopsta Knicca is a rapper from Memphis, TN. He was also in the group Three 6 Mafia but left after there was animosity between him and an another member, Lord Infamous. This album was released in 1999 on D. Evil Muzik Records. Production was done by none other than DJ Paul & Juicy J. The beats are very cryptic and dark and maintain that infamous Three 6 sound. The lyrics are right up there with it too. Spooky, fast paced, tongue twisting flows is what Koopsta is known for and he delivers them with perfection. Featuring on the record is members of Three 6 Mafia. This album is a gem from the underground and is considered by many to be his best work.