Artist: Daz Dillinger¨
Title: Retaliation Revenge And Get Back
Lable: Death Row
Year: 1998

1. Gang Banging Ass Criminal (feat. Tray Dee, Soopafly, Kurupt, Bad Azz and Technique)

Great way to kick off the album. What a track. Basically features the whole Dogg Pound posse. Great production here. Perfect to freestyle over. Everyone for the most part is correct with their verses but Technique easily steals the show. Probably his best verse ever.

Technique: “The same thing, different place With snakes, cowards and strong grown Robbery cases, niggas faces On paperchase It was seen, it was written It ain’t forbidden For homies to be splittin’ Disagree, no one was hitten Known with the curls The many obstacles Impressions to the feet from gettin’ served”

2. It’s Going Down (feat. Kurupt)

Nice track. The production is good but after a while it get’s too repetitive. Daz and Kurupt both spit great verses. Nice chorus as well.

3. Playa Partners (feat. B-Legit)

Definently a favorite of mine. The track features Bay Area vet B-Legit. I love the production here. Nice bouncy G Funk. Both Daz and B-Legit are nice on this track. I wish they would work together more often.

4. It Might Sound Crazy (feat. Too $hort)

Classic track. One of the singles from the album. Basically a pimp song about females. Good track overall. Too Short and Daz make a great duo.

5. Our Daily Bread (feat. Kurupt)

Tight track from Daz and Kurupt aka Tha Dogg pound. The beat here sounds oddly familiar to 50 Cent’s “In Da Club”. Both and Kurupt spit great verses on the song. Surprisingly Daz outshines Kurupt.

Daz: “Revolved around forty-four niggaz for the rep Sweat the whole block with the Mack-90, automatic semi-tech Now the whole shit is respected Slowly but surely homies catching death wishes, and laugh You’re trying to catch a check you can’t cash I do, for the rapper the name and for the hood that I claim After the kill, it’s remains the same”

6. In Califonia (feat. Val Young)

The first single from the album. Definently a classic track. Daz flows over the bouncy beat nicely with is trademark style. Daz definently does California justice with this one. Val Young adds to an already great song with a smooth chorus.

7. Initiated (feat. 2pac, Outlawz and Kurupt)

Definently a hot track. Kurupt starts off the track with some crazy battle rhymes.

Kurupt: “For real I got it bought you the blue steel cowards hit the panic button thinkin’ that it was what it wadn’t shit’s hectic the bomb Vietnam rhyme Don with the semi-auto fracture your torso to ya spine the back cracker smack you with my verbals & graphic grammar My verbal murder strech from Alaska to Alabama”

Up next is Pac and The Outlawz. Pac’s verse is pretty good but Fatal totally outshines him and The rest of The Outalwz. Daz is last and his verse is nice, basically spitting gangsta stuff.

8. Oh No (feat. Tray Dee and J-Money)

Nice track. Like a lot of songs on the album it’s mostly about gangsta stuff and shit on the streets. The first verse by Daz is lethal, and it’s directed at all his enemies. J-Money is next and he spits a nice verse. And as usual Tray Dee lays down a hard ass verse.

9. Retaliation Revenge And Get Back

One of the few solo joints on the album. Daz comes off nicely on this. He flows perfect with the beat. Pretty angry track for the most part. The production is what really keeps you listening.

10. O.G (feat. Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg)

Classic G Funk track right here. Definently a good track to ride to. The production is perfect here. Definently reminisent of 1994. Snoop’s first verse is classic. He raps about his first time getting arrested. Nate Dogg is really smooth on this track too.

11. Baby Mama Drama (fea. Lil C Style and Big C Style)

This is a song about how Daz’s ex-girl is filing child support to get his money and support her and her current boyfriend. Both Daz and Lil C Style come off really nice on this track. It was a little odd hearing Big C Style on the chorus, but he did a great job.

12. Only For You (feat. Val Young)

Really nice track. Daz raps about falling in love with a good girl. That’s not something your gonna hear often from Daz. Daz’s storytelling is nice and he flows well with the smooth production. Val Young is simply awesome on the chorus as well. She truly has a gifted voice.

13. Riding High (feat. WC)

This track features West Side Connection member WC. Good track. I really like the production. Soopafly is great as always on the piano. Daz’s verse is so-so, but WC comes off nicely.

14. The Ultimate Come Up (feat. MC Eiht and Bad Azz)

This is a great track. It has one hard ass beat. Definently a lot of bass. Daz’s first verse is about him and everything on his block. Bad azz’s verse is nice too. I love Eiht’s verse. He flows really nice with the beat.

15. Thank God For My Life (feat. Tray Dee and Bad Azz)

More of an introspective track from Daz and Tha Gang. The track is about trying to do right in life, even though life is hard. Daz also sings the chorus. It’s actually pretty good. I wish their were a few more tracks like this on the album.

16. Outro ‘Why Do We Bang’ 

Just the outro. Daz shouts out Death Row.

Overall rating: 4.5/5. Could possibly be Daz’s finest album. I would definitely recommend this album to any rap fan, especially if you like the DPGs. Daz is a very talented rapper and producer. Definently an album you should have in your collection.

Eazy is hot off the streetz of Compton and got a CD packed with more plays on the name ‘Eazy’ than you could shake a stick at!

For maximum enjoyment, this CD has been reviewed with a remastered edition of the CD.

0. Prelude:

“Now you got the album- what the ***** u gonna do with it?!”

1. Still Talkin’

Starts off with two OGz talking about how they knew E when he was just a kid. Actually its really just the NWA boys! Eazy chats *****y in each verse broken down by the OGz talking and a crazy sample from the maestro in between. A great start to the CD.

2. Nobody Move ft MC Ren

Possibly one of the oldest stickups in rap. Eazy and Ren decide to perform a stickup and in true gangsta style, there are mishaps! The beat and Eazy’s storytelling style draw you in while the hook is tight as *****- “Nobody move, nobody gets hurt- BLAM!”

3. Ruthless Villain

Ren kicks a ‘corner of the block’ freestyle over a hyped drum look. Actually, the beat isn’t that hot but Ren’s lyrics are and E takes the hook. I’m still not even sure it’s even a freestyle but the Ren’s lyrics are still tight.

4. 2 Bad Mutha’s

Forget any Neptunes beat you heard, this is what a true drum driven beat is about. Yella takes the live drum kit (whether its live drums or programmed, I don’t know) to make one hell of an energetic drum driven beat. One of NWA’s best from before their EFIL4ZAGGIN style production. Quite possibly my favourite Eazy collabo, or Eazy song, period.

5. Boyz N The Hood 

Straight oldschool classic. One of E’s most memorable songs. E raps about driving round the hood in his ride and the day to day happenings he sees. Sounds very much true to 80’s rap. You totally have to feel this song. Make sure you turn up your speakers to fully experience this classic.

6. Eazy-Duz-It

FEEL the intro to this track! When I first heard it I hoped it would continue throughout the whole track. The actual song is still straight dope and got a nice selection of loops to keep it jumping

7. We Want Eazy

Made to sound like a live performance. The type of song that would sound dope on a live set. Sit back and vibe to this, its like being at an NWA concert! Great live-sounding instrumental. At the breaks people step to test E but he brushes them off with his *****y remarks!

8. Eazy-er Said Than Dunn

Slightly less up-tempo than the other cuts on the CD, “Eazy-er Said Than Dunn” has the same loop throughout and is broken down at the choruses. Not my favourite song on the CD

9. Radio

Another true classic from E. Eazy and the NWA posse are in the at the local radio taking phone calls. When I heard this song after a long while I thought it was a bit faster but the slightly slowed down beat adds to the funky step of the song. E is yelling his verses into the mic rapping about always having his music on the radio, the song has not one cuss word in it! Also utilises some aspects from NWA’s Eastcoast ‘cousins’ Public Enemy (listen to the chorus I mean)

10. No More ?’s

Great concept for a song. E is being interviewed but raps his answers instead of speaking them! I particularly like this song for its main loop which isn’t too dissimilar to some of Prince’s guitar riffs. The second verse is also commendable for the darker atmosphere of ‘ganking’

11. I’mma Break It Down

I heard NWA kicked out the Arabian Prince for making their beats too dancey. “I’mma Break It Down” is an example of the work he probably worked on. The sounds are quite jumpy and it sounds like “Something 2 Dance To,” but it’s still a pretty cool and energetic song.

12. Eazy-Chapter 8 Verse 10

The outro to the CD. Really is nothing special, just a church ceremony but in Eazy’s name (to add to the already numerous amount of ‘Eazy’ jokes made on the CD. Rather than a religious passage, its about a driveby. Typical Compton style…

Conclusion:

Eazy-Duz-It is an album hard to fault. It represented the old “Straight Outta Compton” sound NWA had before their EFIL4ZAGGIN change in later years. Dre and Yella’s productions are tight and above the average sounds of the oldschool sounds of its day. Eazy is young, *****y and humorous and pack with lots of plays on his name. He is trendy, cool and dope, the anti-role model for ghetto kids. No one but Dre and Yella could have put together what they did. E’s voice is very recognisable and unique and made the style of shouting into the mic cool! E managed to pull off a classic, and the CD will hook you into the oldschool sounds. Its an essential.

4.75/5

1. Walk Real Kool(Shock G, Erika “Shay” Sulpacio, & Marsha Lurry)

Nice way to start off the album, this isn’t a rap song so don’t get it twisted, this is pure funk right here with the master of it Shock G. I never got why people never gave Digital Underground especially Shock G his props, he brought 2Pac into the game and still gets no praise, it’s a shame. Nice song to chill to with a great chorus sung by Shock G, Erika, & Marsha. DOPE!

2. Glooty-Us-Maximus(Money B, Numskull, Saafir, Shock G, Skatz, & Humpty Hump)

DOPE! This song is about…of course the bootay(heh). Money B starts it off with a funny verse then Numskull with the typical Luniz humor, then Saafir with a dope verse(Man Saafir is such an underrated rapper, he has one of the dopest flows ever), Shock G with a good verse, Skatz with a decent verse but compared the the others he just doesn’t cut it, but he tries. Shock G and Humpty Hump(Best Alter Ego EVER!) do the chorus and Humpty Hump adds his 2 cents after Skatz. Man this song is crazy. DOPE!

3. Oregano Flow(Gumbo Soup Mix)(Shock G)

One of many Oregano Flow mixes, this one is the more dark and eerie one but it’s still very dope. Nice song to just relax to. DOPE!

4. Fool get A Clue(Shock G & Black Spooks)

The beat is so off the wall and dope, it’s very eerie and funky that it’s classic. Shock G with a very funny yet disturbing verse, but still Shock G owns and he can never have a bad verse. Shock G sings a great chorus(The man can do it all!). The Spooks do a great job as well. I love the ending when they sing the “My Country Tis Of Thee” yet they add their own sarcasm to it over a great beat, that’s pretty much the only time you’ll hear cursing here. DOPE!

5. Rumpty Rump(Money B)

One of my favorite skits ever. Money B leaves a message on Shock G’s answering machine and gives this weird albeit great idea about Humpty Hump’s sister called Rumpty Rump with a fake ass and all, Money B’s cracking up giving this idea really funny stuff but it’s a skit and I can’t rate it.

6. Food Fight(Humpty Hump & Del)

DOPE DOPE DOPE!!!! Del of Hiero fame joins the original big nosed rapper Humpty Hump on this song and man this is some straight up weird hip hop. Humpty Hump starts it off with a great verse about….what else food. He talks about swinging melons and all that, great stuff and the chorus is so bizarre that it’s classic. Del with a good verse but he just can’t match Humpty Hump and I’m a Hiero fan as well. Humpty Hump with one of his best verses ever after Del, talking about what rappers when they eat. This was such a great concept song. DOPE!

7. Future Rhythm(Introducing Krazy Horse & Mac-Mone)

Different song but very dope, nice rapping and a great introduction to these 2. Good’

8. Hokis Pokis(A Classic Case)(Humpty Hump & Piano Man)

DOPE! Man this is such a weird song that I love it. The make quack songs like a duck and Humpty Hump tells them to “SHUT UP!” very funny stuyff. It has to be heard to be believed. DOPE!

9. We Got More(Shock G & the Luniz)

Yup Num & Yuk join Shock G for this song, nice egyptian type beat, very dope song and if you’ve heard this on “Don’t Be A Menace…” then you’ve heard this song. Still a classic song with Shock G carrying it but the Luniz are no slouches themselves. DOPE!

10. Hella Bump(Feat Krazy Horse & Shock G)

This has to be one of the best beats I have ever heard. This song is about music and how they are addicted to it and that putting fake music into your veins is bad for you PREACH ON! Shock G does a great job with his singing/rapping style. I am a bump junkie! DOPE!

11. Stylin(Kenya, Shock G, & Tyranny)

DOPE! The beat has some funk to it but it’s hard to explain. Very dope stuff, classic Digital Underground. This doesn’t have your stereotypical rapping to it, they all add their own style to it and make it a classic. DOPE!

12. Midnite Snack(Piano Man)

This is moreso a skit than anything else so I can’t rate it.

13. Oregano Flow(Hot Sauce Mix)(Shock G)

DOPE! The best version of this song, they even add tribute to George Clinton to it. Great song with Shock G just owning it on vocals, man why can’t people just realize that this guy is one of the best musicians out, not just a rapper but a MUSICIAN! Nice bouncy funk beat. DOPE!

14. Want It All(Digital Underground)

Very nice way to end the album with all the camp just having fun. Shock G, Money B, & Humpty Hump just do a great job on this song with Shock G doing his singing rap style and Humpty Hump rapping about wanting a whole bunch of food and women. I love the happy style smooth relaxing beat. DOPE!

I’m giving this album the DOPE! rating because it is one of the best albums I have ever heard. There was hardly any cursing and they didn’t even need to curse to get their point accross. This album is a real breath of fresh air out in the cutthroat word of rap and this album just shows how politics in the rap business suck. Get this album! You need this album in your music collection as it has everything from funk, to rap, to soul. BUY IT!

Raekwon, one of the most lyrically gifted members of of the 9-deep Wu-Tang Clan, dropped his classic debut in the mid-90’s. Rae is a great complex lyricist, extremely grimey wit the rhymes and up there with Mr. Meth himself. It took me a while to get used to RZA’s weird production style but now that I’m used to it I see he’s a genius.

1) Striving for Perfection 

Rae and his guest through the album, fellow Wu-head Ghost Face Killer talk back and forth about their last attempt at a big payoff. The music in the background is tight, probably some old kung-fu movie shit. Sets the tone for the album perfect.

2) Knuckleheadz ft. Ghost Face Killer AKA Tony Starks, Golden Arms AKA Lucky Hands

Raekwon and co. lay tight rhymes over a hard drum track with a kinda bouncy piano chord. (Good)

3) Knowledge God 

RZA shines here, the beat is dark and creepin with a little trumpet blare and a sinister piano, and the hook is backed by a 70’s movie-type wistful violin sample. Gotta hear it to know what I’m talkin bout. Rae carries the song nicely. (Excellent)

4) Criminology ft. Ghost Face Killer 

Starts off with a clip from the movie Scarface, goes into a strong drum beat with a 70’s-style suspense music sample. Rae and Ghost Face lay their usual great verses. (Excellent)

5) Incarcerated Scarfaces

Begins with a clip from an old Japanese kung-fu movie, which you’ll hear throughout most of the album. RZA’s beat on here is excellent, a dark cut with a disjointed piano. Raekwon fits it nicely as always with hard, grimey lyrics. (Excellent)

6) Rainy Dayz ft. Ghost Face Killer, Blue Raspberry

Starts with a woman singing the hook over the same music from the intro track. A kung-fu movie clip is cleverly used. The beat here is nice, dark and sinister. All verses tight as usual, but I felt the screechiness in the chorus unnecessary and the woman’s singing a little overdramatic. (Good)

7) Guillotine (Swordz) ft. Ghost Face Killer, Inspectah Deck AKA Rollie Fingerz, Genius

This is one of my favorite tracks on the album. The beat is crazy and sinister, Inspectah and GZA/Genius are on this track! Great shit, always laugh at the lyric “hypnotized wit hypnosis.” (Excellent)

8) Can It All Be So Simple (Remix) ft. Ghost Face Killer 

A remix of a track off the Wu’s first album 36 Chambers. Starts with a skit about someone bein shot in a shootout. The beat is real cool, pretty laid back. Rae and Ghost are good on here and the girl wit the chorus gives it an eerie feel. (Great)

9) Shark Niggas (Biters)

About biters. Rae talks about them with Ghost, no rapping or beat.

10) Ice Water ft. Ghost Face Killer, Cappachino 

Another laid-back beat, nothin that special (for this album). Lyrics are still top-qual tho. (Good)

11) Glaciers of Ice ft. Ghost Face Killer, Masta Killa 

Starts out with Rae talkin about ice, goes into a song about riches with a really good, dangerous organ-like laced beat. The chorus, a Mariah Carey-style whine, isn’t that good, but each Wu member on here delivers a good verse. (Great)

12) Verbal Intercourse ft. Nas, Ghost Face Killer

DAMN. The beat laced with a violin is great, but this has to be one of the most lyrically proficient tracks on the album. Nas, on some early 90’s shit back when he was still ’matic, introduces the track with a fiery-as-hell verse, and Rae and Ghost hold their own. (Excellent)

13) Wisdom Body ft. Ghost Face Killer

Starts off with a pimp’s monologue about hoes (probably from a movie). Goes into a song about women (of course), but Rae talks about meeting the woman of his dreams, instead of hoes. The beat is again great, a deep piano counterbalanced by a whistle. (Excellent)

14) Spot Rusherz

One of the few solo joints on here, Rae kills another piano-ish beat with a story flow, grimey as hell. (Excellent)

15) Ice Cream ft. Method Man, Ghost Face Killer 

With no ado, over a crazy, dark killers’ beat with cries of the damned in the background, Meth opens the song with a few crazy bars before Ghost comes in with his great verse. Of course Rae comes correct; another one of the best songs on a great album. (Excellent)

16) Wu-Gambinos ft. Ghost Face Killer, Method Man, RZA, Masta Killa

Starts off with a clip of an FBI agent asking the Wu clan to kill a drug lord in central america. An insane piano-laced beat over a whiney siren, Meth comes in with the chorus and a nuts verse. Everyone kills it on here, even RZA. (Excellent)

17) Heaven & Hell ft. Ghost Face Killer 

An okay, harp-like string beat sees Ghost and Rae trade rhymes crazy on some gangsta story shit. (Great)

18) North Star (Jewels)

Rae ends the album with another solo track. The beat is great, an emotional string chorus that gives it a sad, regretful feel. Rae spits about doin what he gotta do for money to feed his kid. (Great)

Rating: 5/5 (Classic)

Only Built for Cuban Linx helped establish the gangsta phase of hip-hop and definitely the grimey style of NY in the 90’s. There is nothing wrong with the album, especially when you start to get used to RZA’s production. It helped establish the Wu as a rap powerhouse, and Raekwon as one of the greatest lyricists of the time.

My Recommendation: Pick this album up!! Don’t matter if you’re lookin for a good album, or if you wanna go back to the roots of new-school Hip Hop, or whatever, just buy this shit!

When I first heard Bone Thugs, it was on the now-classic song Crossroads. Back in the day, Bone was crazy, introducing the harmony and sing/rappin styles to the game which modern fake ass rappers (mostly Nelly) jacked, and they were extremely versatile–Bizzy’s high sing-song voice, Bizzy and Krayzie’s fast rappin and flows, Wish’s deep voice and Layzie just to round it out. A lot of the time the group’s lyrical capabilities are underestimated; maybe later on they fell off, but on this album they were tight. Their whole debut album is a straight classic.

1) Da Introduction 

Just a little intro in the beginning, but evolves into a track. Even the intro is a good song! A soft, slow,ominous song with a slow piano and thunder in the background has each Bone Thug spitting it slow, though Krayzie alternates slow and fast very well. Each thug’s verse is a good one, at least. (Great)

2) East 1999 

A dark piano beat with an ominous organ in the background, like music in a video game where you’re in a dungeon (lol). Less harmonious/singing, but each thug’s verse holds it down. (Great)

3) Eternal 

This time flutes counterbalance the piano. This cut sounds more sing-song. Each bone has a really good flow, and I love the half-gibberish singsong chorus. Also they trade rhymes more frequently; this really shows what they can do and that they sound good together. (Excellent)

4) Crept and We Came

Much darker track, there’s lots of harmony and sing-flowing. The verses are good but the flows are, as usual on this album more prominent and very good. The way Krayzie and Bizzy hook up on the chorus is great too. (Great)

5) Down ’71 (The Getaway) 

A dark string beat starts off with a skit about Bizzy being sentenced to death. Each spits a story about gettin away from a shootout/crime scene etc., with no chorus. Again they split into the separate verse formation, and each verse is nice. (Great)

6) Mr. Bill Collector

Like the lighter, laid back tin drum/flute/xylophone(?) beat. A song about makin money, not givin money. Each member is singsongish on the flows, as usual with the usual good verses. I find Layzie’s rhyme scheme strange but it’s a good verse; Krayzie’s is a little lacking. Love the harmony on the chorus and Bizzy’s flow, just a great sound in general. (Excellent)

7) Budsmokers Only 

Another above par track, even for this album full of really good songs. The thugs do a lot of sing-songiness and some harmony, lovin the laid back, echoey, bouncy beat. Simply a great chill song, Bizzy really does sound high tho, his rhymes are all over the place but his flow is still good. (Excellent)

8) Crossroad

The classic, most well-known Bone track. This is one of the best songs on the album. Each Bone Thug raps about missing their loved ones, lots of singing and harmony. Over the laid back flutey, soft piano-laced beat it sounds really good. (Excellent)

9) Me Killa

Bit switch up from the last track, kinda different. A solo acapella of Krayzie singing a verse. It’s not a bad verse, but not really a song. (Good)

10) Land of tha Heartless

A catchy song over a dark, jaunty piano/whistle beat. Each raps a fast verse, with good singy flow as usual. The chorus is really catchy. (Great)

11) No Shorts, No Losses

The thugs rap more than sing over a pretty good string beat. The chorus is kinda generic, not bad but not really up to the album’s par. (Good)

12) 1st of tha Month 

A very light, bouncy track. The light synth beat has the thugs sing/rap about chillin, with a harmonious chorus. Another really good chillin track. (Great)

13) Buddah Lovaz 

Another chill song about lovin budd. Slow, floaty verses sung by each of the Bone Thugs over the fitting, equally slow and floaty piano beat make this a great smokin up song, complete with harmony and trading rhymes. (Excellent)

14) Die Die Die 

A disjointed whistly, piano beat has the bone thugs fast-rap about killin. A good all-around track, though nothing really stands out except Bizzy’s verse. (Good)

15) Mr. Ouija 2 

The bone thugs singing and harmonizing over gun-*****ing and thunder. Still good, just cuz they harmonize so well. (Good)

16) Mo Murda

A light, layered chimey beat counterbalanced by a deep, chanting chorus. Each bone sing-flows their verses, which makes it better. Sounds a bit regretful. (Great)

17) Shotz to tha Double Glock

A deep, dark, creepin piano beat with a weird whistling in the back. The bone thugs rap about killin again. Not bad, not really a great song. Chorus is the best part. (Good)

My Rating: 4.8/5 (Classic)

This album exceeded a lot of people’s expectations. It was versatile from a group you might not expect to be versatile, which you might expect to start to sound the same after a while. Also a lot of people underestimated Eazy-E’s production skills (or at least I did), and I was surprised when I heard all the good beats since he was executive producer. Mostly thought of as the bone thugs’ best album. A bare minimum of the tracks are less than par or sound a bit too much like each other, making it hard to pay attention, but if you listen you’ll find something you like about every cut.

My recommendation: Go get this shit! Even your mother will like the harmonies and shit! It has everything, chill songs, murda songs, singin songs, deep shit..go get it! Classic!

1. I Shall Return(Intro With KRS One)

Great intro as KRS does a great job introducing all of Digital Underground and the guests on the album. I’m counting this as a song because KRS also raps the intro’s which is very clever. Good

2. Holla Holiday(Humpty Hump, Shock G, Clee, & John Doe)

Different sound for Digital Underground. Humpty Hump & Shock G trade verses(!) and it’s really dope hearing Shock G get so into character with Humpty Hump. This is a party track and nothing else, a step away from their originality but still a good song. Good

3. Wind Me Up(Humpty Hump & Esinchill)

More bouncy beat, nice to hear a Humpty track, Esinchill sounds alot like Eminem, the resemblance in voice is uncanny. Really weird and Shock even calls him “E” hmmmmm. Humpty Hump doesn’t sound like himself, he’s more yelling here, sounds awkward but is still pretty tight. Esinchill has a pretty tight verse. Good

4. The Mission(Feat Big Pun, Shock G, Styles, & Whateva)

It’s funny to hear Shock insult Pun and hearing Pun respond back with Shock backing off, funny stuff. Big Pun totally rips the track, it’s weird hearing him on a DU track but I can’t complain. This is a love track, but it’s well done. Good

5. The Odd Couple(Humpty Hump & Biz Markie)

DOPE! This is a classic DU track right here. What a great concept, it’s California arguing with New York. It’s funny hearing Humpty & Biz arguing over the stupidest stuff. Classic track right here. DOPE!

6. Blind Mice(Shock G, Humpty Hump, Money B, Black Ty, Rashida, & Malia)

DOPE DOPE DOPE! My favorite track on this album. This is a great concept song with a strong political message but using nursery rhymes as metaphors. I thought I would have never heard Humpty Hump on a political track but here he is and he’s doing a great job, man I love Shock G, in a totally hetero way of course. The beat is really dope with nice singing mixed in. DOPE!

7. The Gravy(Humpty Hump & Truck Turner)

It’s BDP & DU TIME! Dope song with Humpty trying out his lyrical skills and he does a great job mixing humor and battle raps together. Truck does a good job but he can’t compete with Humpty Hump! DOPE!

8. Peanut Hakeem(Shock G & Peanut)

Funny skit with Peanut trying everything he can to throw the criminal in jail and then getting caught so he keeps objecting and then is distracted by a women so he says that “hoochie mama” ruins his client then gets thrown out, really weird yet hilarious skit. I can’t rate this though.

9. Man’s Girl(Shock G, Money B, Clee, & Gruve)

Weird yet dope beat, nice and smooth yet hard hitting at the same time. I’m not to into the beginning though. This song is about women and it’s well done. Good

10. April Showers(Shock G, Mystik, & Money B)

I love the beat and the singing. Yes this is the Mystik female singer/rapper/poet that put out an album with some Hiero rappers. Shock G does a really good job singing, but them talking about doing it in the rain is a little weird but whatever, good melody. Good

11. Cyber Teeth Tigers(KRS One & Shock G)

DOPE! This is straight up Hip Hop right here, Shock G does a great job keeping up with KRS One. Shock G breaks down the different kinds of smiles which is actually a clever concept, I however do not care for the chorus. Wow KRS raps really fast here, very dope. DOPE!(I can ignore the chorus)

All in all this gets a Good rating. This is totally different than the other DU albums put out which isn’t a bad thing. It’s pretty rare so if you can find it then cop it.

‘The Body Hat Syndrome’ – 1993 Tommy Boy/ TNT Recordings under Warner Strategic Marketing

Its 1993 and Digital Underground have had a slight change in style…

1.Return Of The Crazy One 4:38 

Once again, Humpty Hump kicks into the CD with another crazy song. After playing for a few bars you will see the change in DU’s production styles. Not only this but Hump’s nasal voice has changed slightly, perhaps matured? Pity is isn’t reflected in the lyrics! Still a funny song but Hump is a lot more mack than usual… beat could have been better.

2.Doo Woo You 7:36 

Aah yeah! Sit back and jam to this! Over 7 minutes long! Another DU jam. Real catchy hook and nice vibes. Can’t say much more about this, its just a nice jam!

3.Holly Wanstaho 3:35 

Holly’s just a lazy, crazy girl who wants to sell herself instead of trying to make it. “What a wonderful” I quote, track. Bass is reminiscent of That Dogg Pound’s “Ridin’, Slippin’ & Slidin’”

4.Bran Nu Sweater 4:58 

That’s a metaphor for a groupie woman! The clingy type too, therefore you are “stuck wearing a sweater” DU got the track laced once again. Beat is jumping and bass kicks with energy. Another great track

5.The Humpty Dance Awards 4:51 

For all the Tupac fans out there, this is the first you’ll get of him on the CD. It’s a skit about a spoof dance ceremony. Personally I think its filler.

6.Body Hats (Part One) 1:35 

“Protection from FADES- Falsely Acquired Diluted Educational Syndrome” – that is, the hype the media brings – we shouldn’t believe all of it This CD doesn’t just have one title track it has three! The first of 3 parts with a very catchy hook.

7.Dope-A-Delic (Do-U-B-Leeve-In-D-Flo?) 4:07

Has a go at those using the DU sound coz its so funky and fresh. A beat not too hot. I feel more could have been done to it.

8.Intermission :54 

Short interlude of clips of DU on the radio from around the world

9.Wussup Wit The Luv 6:35 

Perhaps it would be typical of me to say that coz this song has Tupac on it makes it special? I’m afraid I think this one is. It is deep and touching. The second dose of Tupac on this CD. A very deep song about racial tension and black-on-black killings, problems with the police and the fact that even though a black man can be from America and the other from Africa, they still cant get along. We really see Pac’s early potentials in his short verse. Great beat. Touching chorus. Lots of meaning to this song, one of my favourites. DU at their best, giving serious messages out. One of DU’s best songs ever.

10.Digital Lover 4:38 

Mainly a lot of sampling and repeated chants. Nothing too special, just a jam.

11.Carry The Way (Along Time) 4:15 

A real bass-digger. Even gave me a slight headache. Play in your trunk

12.Body Hats (Part Two) 1:31 

More of the same. Hook has an additional chant to it. As dope as the last part.

13.Circus Entrance 1:54

A confused skit and intro to the next song. Full of cheesy masturbation jokes!

14.Jerkit Circus 4:50 

FINALLY- a song that reflects men’s habits! Hella funny OTT lyrics about doing it with yourself instead of a woman! Too many funny lines to mention. Great playback value for a laugh. DO NOT BLAST OUT THE BACK OF YOUR RIDE!

15.Circus Exit (The After-Nut) :43 

Outro. Feels to me like filler as well

16.Shake & Bake 4:34 

A “More Bounce To The Ounce” sampler. Humpty Hump on the mic and his sexual habits are rapped about. This track jumps more than the last Hump solo (Return Of The Crazy One). Bumping.

17.Body Hats Part Three 3:07 

The third and final instalment of the Body Hats tracks and the longest of them too. A bit more soul to this one and a bit more of Hump

18.Do Ya Like It Dirty? 4:45 

A switching duet between Shock-G and Humpty Hump and doing it dirty. They take it in turns to tell it. Speaks on some freaky sex with food and sexual preferences!

19.Bran Nu Sweat This Beat :33

Instrumental

20.Whee! 5:08 

Clearly the MCs took to the mic high on this one! What a laugh though. Great sounds though and lyrics are hilarious

Conclusion: DU have changed their sound for 93. They still sound far out for a rap group and they still keep it jumping but this CD I don’t think was as good as the rest. Still, its DU and they never fail to impress. There are lots of good tracks on here, even though a slight bit of filler. Overall I give this a Humpty Dance Award (buy the CD and you’ll know what I mean) 4/5

Artist(s): Ruff Ryders
Title: Ryde or Die Volume 1
Label: Ruff Ryders/Interscope
Year: 1999

1. Ryde or Die (Lox, DMX, Drag-On, Eve) 

Really tight song. True banger. Everyone is great. Drag-On’s verse is especially good. LOX, DMX and Eve come off nicely. The production by Swizz is awesome. Im not sure but I think this was the first single from the album.

2. Down Bottom (Drag-On, Juvenile) 

Swizz comes with another banger. The beat just makes you nod your head. The opening verse by Drag is fire. Juvenile’s verse is pretty good too. The chorus is ridiculously catchy.

” Do ya’ll niggas bust ya guns? (Hell ya we bust our guns), Do you ***** em til they *****? (Hell yeah we make them *****)…..”

3. What You Want (Eve) 

Eve’s turn to shine. Eve definently came correct lyrically but that production isn’t that great. Swizz kind of switched up his style and he made the beat sound spanish a little bit.

4. Jigga My Nigga (Jay Z) 

Another great song. All of Jay’s verses are fire. The production is on point. The hook gets a little annoying after a while though.

” From the crack tables back in AC, back on the block, Jay Z mother*****er from the the the Roc, went solo on that ass, but it’s still the same, Brooklyn be the spot where i serve them thangs”

5. Takin $ (skit) 

6. Dope Money (LOX) 

The beat here from the start hits you hard. It sets the stage perfectly for the LOX. The LOX are basically spitting about the streets are everything that happens in them.

7. Im A Ruff Ryder (Parle) 

Parle is an R&B group. I don’t like R&B too much but this song is nice. The beat is a little slow so it can take a while to get used to it because of the previous songs. Parle are great here. It’s a shame that they never got a chance to put an album out.

8. Bug Out (DMX) 

Easily one of the weakest tracks on the album. And yes it is the DMX solo. The beat is horrible. Damn, what was Swizz thinking? X is decent but the beat makes it difficult to listen to the song.

9. Kiss Of Death (Jadakiss) 

Nice beat here. Jadakiss spits mostly thug stuff and he throws in some nice punchilnes. His flow is good too. Tight song.

10. The Hood (Drag-On, Beanie Siegal, Mysonne, Infa-Red, Jadakiss, NuChild) 

Nice lineup here. Beanie starts off the song with a really good verse. Drag and jadakiss came with dope verses too. Mysonne and NuChild are nothing special.

11. Platinum Plus (Jermaine Dupri, Mase, Cross) 

Judging from the title you would think the song would be all bling bling. And you’re right. Production is nice but overall lyrically the song is bad. Cross is seriously a joke.

12. Buff Ryder (skit) 

13. Do That Shit (Eve) 

Another solo track from Eve. The production is good but after a while it gets a little repetitive. Damn, Eve has definently surprised me on the album. All of her verses have been really good. This song is no exception.

14. Pina Colada (Sheek, Big Pun) 

I hate the chrous it’s pretty stupid. Sheek and Pun spits hot verses though. Especially Sheek. Most of the album he’s been outshined by the LOX. Production is good but nothing too great.

15. Some X Shit (DMX) 

This is a huge improvement from Bug Out. The beat is just hot! X is really tight too. Not much more to say. Just a dope track.

Overall: 3.5/5. The best out of the 3 volume Ruff Ryder compilation series. If you like DMX or most of the Ruff Ryders i suggest picking up the album. It’s a solid compilation.

1. Street Level Entrance 

2. Get At Me 

This song has an old school funk type track feel to it. Reminds me of a Zapp & Roger track. This is one of the tracks I like less on this album. That doesn’t take away the fact that this song is dope. 8/10

3. Diggin’ U Out 

By the title you should know what this song is about, Quik basically talks about *****ing his girl. Quik’s delivery is nice on this song. 8/10

4. Safe + Sound

First single off the album. What can I say? This is one of my favorite DJ Quik songs. The bass line in this song is hard and dope. The chorus in this song is really nice “Some believe in Jesus, some believe in Allah/But niggas like me, believe in making dollaz/ Cause even when yo niggas wanna be untrue/You Know the money is still good to you”, and that is some real shit right there. 9/10

5. Somethin’ 4 Tha Mood 

P Funk is the shit. That’s all I can say. This song is an example of that. I mean damn, this track is dope, laid back feeling, makes you feel good. The beat is dope as usual. 9/10

6. Don’t You Eat It 

7. Can I Eat It? 

Another classic DJ Quik song. The bass on this song is nice. This is the type of song I’m sure a lot of guys can relate to. The instruments on the beat go real nice together and lyrics are dope. 9/10

8. Itz Your Fantasy

This song in my opinion has a smooth jazz feel to it. I think this one of those tracks u can bump while making love to your girl. Its similar to “Diggin’ U Out”. Quik comes in nice on this. 9/10

9. Tha Ho In You 

“Tha Ho In You” sounds like it was recorded live, and I like that. I think this is what Quik and the other ones on this song were aiming for. Hi C is featured on this song and comes in nice. There is a nice guitar playing in the background of this song. Dope ass song. 9/10

10. Dollaz + Sense 

Killer diss song!!! This track was dedicated to MC Eiht. I mean damn, this track is one of my favorite songs off this album. The beat has a nice west coast feel to it. Some of the lines on there just killed MC Eiht. Lines such as “Tell me why you act so scary/Givin yo set a bad name with your misspelled name/E-I-H-T, should I continue/Yea you left out the G cause the G aint in you” make you say daaamn!! One of the best songs on this album, one of the best diss songs in west coast hip-hop. Quik also shouts out Deathrow Records at the end of the song.9.5/10

11. Let You Haveit 

This is another dope ass P Funk song off this album. The bass line on this song is dope too on this. Will sound nice if you have a system on yo ride. Quik takes a couple of shots at MC Eiht on this one too. 9/10

12. Summer Breeze

This one I’m not really feeling. The song is not wack, but I never really got into it. It is still a dope ass song. Quik talks a little about how he was growing up with little kids playing in the summer breeze. It is overall nice but not the best Quik song. 7/10

13. Quik’s Groove III

This is in my opinion the best Quik Groove. Its real laid back and real nice if you just chillin’. 8/10

14. Sucka Free

This is a Playa Hamm solo track. The beat like usual is nice. Playa Hamm’s delivery is dope. 8/10

15. Keep Tha “P” In It 

Again, this is one of those songs that make you say, “P Funk is the shit”, laid back type song. Good feel to it, all the instruments on this beat go well together. All rappers on this have a nice delivery. 9.5/10

16. Hoorah 4 Tha Funk (Reprise) 

This is the outro of the CD. DJ Quik talks a little bit in the beginning and the rest of the song is just a beat and some dude singing on the P Funk beat. Dope song for an outro. 8/10

17. [Untitled Hidden Track] 

This is and old school type party track. The lyrics on this song are basically about a party going and stuff like that. It is nice and Quik comes nice on this. 8/10

Overall, this album is classic!! This is a classic P Funk album. DJ Quik can get the “Legend” label, he is just that good. This album is great and I don’t think people today give Quik the props he deserves. If you are a west coast rap fan or just like good music, I urge you to go get this album. This album is a must have in your collection.

Final Rating: 4.5/5

24 Deep was the first record that Sacramento rapper Brotha Lynch Hung released. The ep was released in 1993

1. Thought They Knew (Intro) 

Lynch talking, just an intro

2. 24 Deep

Tight oldschool track with a classic sample from Robert Clouse’s movie Enter The Dragon. Lynch flows really hard with some insane lyrics, nothing more to say about this track.

3. Had 2 Gat Ya

This track samples Zapp’s funk anthem “More Bounce to the Ounce” and it has a real old school feeling to it. The beat sounds really mad and I can’t figure out anything more suitable for a Lynch track then this crazy beat.

4. The Next Hoe (Insert)

Just a girl calling a radio station speaking about Lynch.

5. Lose a Hoe, Gain a Hoe

I don’t care what the booklet says because this track must have been produced by the devil. This one might not be the most intellectual track made by Lynch, but this is a real pimp-anthem, all about them hoes.

6. Back Fade

Introduced by the devil, the Ripgut Cannibal gets the track started with the siccness; “Marinating niggas skin like a thick slab of roast beef”. I am feeling this track to the fullest.

7. Jackin’ 4 Joints

A fast tempo beat and a hyped up Brotha Lynch Hung that displays his lyrical skills. The song is quite short but this is as old school as it gets. Jackpot ounce to the bounce!

8. Walkin’ 2 My Funeral

This track features singer Mia Bruce on the chorus and a rapper called T.m. Shades. The only track on the album with a mellow/laid back type of beat. Perfect song to end the album with

9. Fundamentals of Ripgut Cannibalism (Outro)

This is basically a conversation between Brotha Lynch Hung and the Devil. The last thing you hear on this album is one shot. But you really don’t know who pulled the trigger….

If you like Lynch and never listened to this album you won’t be disappointed. Pick it up. Rating 4/5. I consider this as an intro-album to “Season of da Siccness”. Defiantly a great album by the siccest rapper to ever pick up a microphone.