When Hip Hop was Hip Hop !!

I remember this record on another old DJ Clue Mixtape I had, Damn I miss those days of real authentic hip hop music. Anyway we got Da Youngsta's /Illy Philly Funkstas consisting of Taji "Taj Mahal" Goodman and Qu'ran Goodman, and their cousin Tarik Dawson, hailing from Philadelphia. "Bloodshed and War" ft. Mobb Deep was an underground classic which appeared on their last studio album. "I'll Make You Famous" The download link below is the dirty version, despite the clean version of the video Download link:  Bloodshed And War

Sorry I been away for awhile, Just had to take care of some business but anyway, Here we got Blahzay, Blahzay straight out of Brooklyn, consisting of DJ PF Cuttin and MC Out Loud. The group released only one album, 1996's "Blah Blah Bla." This record is a classic !!! Down load link:  Blahzay, Blahzay - Danger

There wasn't a mix-tape or college radio show that wasn't playing this record at the time. This track definitely grew on me over time. As I listened to this track earlier today, I remembered what I was doing around that year this song was released, anyway this is off the "Batman Forever" Soundtrack. Download link:  The Riddler

A rare record right here, we got Grand Puba from Brand Nubian, Tupac, Heavy D, The Notorious B.I.G. and a artist named Spunkbigga. They all represented on here. Download link:  Let's Get It On

From Far Rockaway, Queens, AK managed to make noise in the mid-90s, He kind of reminded me of a Young Kool G. Rap in my opinion. AK had to step away from the mic after being incarcerated, He a had great potential. Download link :  One Thing or Another

Man this definitely bring backs memories whenever I listen to this record. Shadez of Brooklyn is closely affiliated with the Beatminerz consisted of members are Chocolate Tye, Rev. Al , Tee Black, and Rambo. They released the record "Change" in 1996, hip hop classic !!! Download link :  Shadez of Brooklyn-Change

Considered "one of the most skillful female MCs" with "hard-core lyrics," Lady of Rage officially appeared on the scene on Dr. Dre's 1992 classic album, " The Chronic" and afterwards appeared on several other albums released under Death Row records until she released her debut album "Necessary Roughness" in 1997. With productions from Easy Mo Bee, Daz Dillinger, and DJ Premier she let it be known that she is "unf***kwitable" Download link:  Some Sh!t Download link:  Unf****witable

This is in my opinion one of the most slept of tracks from  O.C.  A bonus track off of his "Bon Appetit" album, O.C. does his thing as usual. This time around he got a little help with Jay-Z on the hook. Bonafied classic !!! Download link:  Bonafied

Another hip hop group from Trenton, New Jersey, PRT released the fourth and final album in 1996, "The New World Order," Another underground classic still bringing the musical content inspired by the teachings of the Nation of Gods and Earths, PRT in my opinion is very underrated for the contributions they brought to Hip Hop. Download link:  Gods, Earths And 85ers

Coming out of New Jersey, Chino XL is mostly known by the calling out made by 2pac at the end of "Hit Em Up." Chino released his debut album in 1996 called "Here to Save You All" dismissing the commercialized hip hop that was starting to gain momentum at this time. The debut was released to critical acclaims. One of the tracks that caught my attention at the time was "Ghetto Vampire" the word play and creativity on the record is crazy. Download link:  Ghetto Vampire

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Mr. Voodoo has made a name for himself as one of underground hip hop's most talented and prolific artists. Mr. Voo went on to become a founding member of the group Natural Elements before releasing a series of independent records following the group's indefinite hiatus. Download link:  Lyrical Tactics

Consisting of El Da Sensei, Tame One and DJ Kaos. They hail from Newark, New Jersey representing that underground hip hop. They released two albums, "Between a Rock and a Hard Place" that come out in 1994 and "That's Them" which was released in 1997. Here I have the remix to "It's Getting Hot"  which I remember hearing on The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show (now that was a great hip hop show...the good days!!). The song is remix by Jersey native  K-Def , I must say I love this record til this day. Download link :  It's Getting Hot (K-Def Remix)

This was one of my favorite tracks off of The 1999 Violators compilations album, Here we have Bronx native Mysonne, Memphis , Tennessee rapper 8-ball from the group 8-Ball and MJG and Harlem finest Mase.  Rhyming over a smooth laid back beat. F.Y.I  Mase was going at Jay-Z with his verse for a song Jay-Z made dissing Mase on the track called "Ride or Die" on Jay-Z's Vol 2. Hardknock Life Download link:  Do What Playas Do

Straight out of the boom bap era of 1993, came Queen Latifah's album, "Black Reign" which in my opinion is one of her best albums ever. To be honest I literally played the cassette tape out until the magnetic tape popped. Yes I said cassette tape !!! "Black Reign" is definitely an album a hip hop purist should have in there collection. Download link:  Rough

I heard this back in 1996 on a mixtape, originally found on Shaq's third album " Can't Stop the Reign," featured a song called "No Love Lost" with Lord Tariq and Jay-z but no Nas. There has been disputes if this record was a mix put together by a DJ or actually early recording before it got on shaq's album. Either way this is hot record with 3 ill mc's on it. Download link:  Analyze This

Rare freestyle with Fat Joe, Percee P. and Eminem. Why is eminem and percee P. rhyming in a restroom??? *scratches head* Either way this is hot!

This is one of my all time favorite songs, I remember repeating the hook through out the day after I heard it. Coming out of Los Angeles, California, Aceyalone released his debut album, " All Balls Don't Bounce," in 1995. His lyrical performance established him as one of the more popular underground rappers in Los Angeles. At a time most California Hip Hop artists were focusing on Gangsta rap, he instead focused on innovative lyricism. He made a name for himself in the underground hip hop scene in Cali.

Mad Skillz, debut album, From Where???, and its single, "The Nod Factor", were released in 1996, but neither received much commercial or critical attention. Skillz is more known for his yearly wrap ups and his classic single "Ghostwriter," where he mentions the rappers he wrote for. This record bring back memories when I hear it. Hopefully he will release the unedited version one day, even though this song 10 years old!!! (wishful thinking) Download link:  Ghostwriter

Another classic track from  Missin Linx , off of their debut album, "Exhibit A" which was released back in 1998. This is a hot record! Notice something here??? I do.. Dr. Dre jacked the beat for his "Chronic 2001" album which is actually a sample from David McCallum's song "The Edge." Either way there both great records. Download link:  Missin Linx- M.I.A.

This record was a street banger back in 1997, Royal Flush released his debut album "Ghetto Millionaire" which is another classic in my opinion with tight productions from E.Z. Elpee, Hi-Tek, and Buckwild. Before his debut album, he had various features on  Mic Geronimo's , " The Natural," another classic album. Download link:  Iced Down Medallions

This brings back memories when I hear this, I first heard this on a DJ SNS mixtape back in 1995 actually that's the year the song was leaked, it currently unreleased meaning it's not found on any of Rakim's albums. With smooth production by DJ Clark Kent, this was the summer jam !!

From The Bronx, New York City, New York. He also been known as 9MM or Nine Double M. Known for his harsh, gravelly flow and distinctive voice before DMX, "Nine Livez" was released by Profile Records. Nine Livez generated hits "Whutcha Want?" and "Any Emcee" The album is considered to be a classic underground hip-hop album. Download link:  Nine- Whutcha Want Here is another underground classic from Nine with Smoothe da Hustler on the hook. Download link:  Make or Take

This record was big in 1995, The song became an instant classic in the hip-hop community for both rappers trading verses for almost four minutes with no hook and innovative wordplay, which earned them a Hip Hop Quotable in the November 1995 issue of The Source. Til this day there's various artists making the own versions of "Broken Language" Download link:  Broken Language

From St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, consisting of V. Callwood, M. Gumbs, E. Simmonds, Jr., the crew relocated to New York City from where they recorded and released a couple of singles, most notably "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Feel No Guilt" which featured a guest appearance by Nine. Download link:  Feel No Guilt

Off of Funkmaster Flex's Volume 4 mixtape, Jadakiss is always representing and he definitely doing his thing on the record. Top 5 dead or alive yaaa heard!!! Download link :  Jadakiss I Don't Care

Missin Linx consists of Black Attack, Problemz, & Al Tariq, They were featured on  DJ Honda's  album back in 1995. This record is a rare one, Family ties remix features Prodigy of Mobb Deep on the hook and Alchemist on the beat. Circla 1999/2000, If you was in the underground hip hop scene around that year, most of ya'll should remember this record. Download link : Family Ties remix

This is the original version of Mos Def's song "Brooklyn." The album version is found on his debut "Black on Both Sides." On the original version, Mos Def is rhyming over "Incarcerated Scarfaces" by Raekwon as well as "Give Up the Goods (Just Step)" by Mobb Deep, and "Who Shot Ya?" by The Late Great Notorious B.I.G. This is definitely a rare song. Download link: Brookyln (Original Version)

Affiliated with the Wu-Tang Clan, Killarmy consisted of 9th Prince (RZA's younger brother), Islord, Dom Pachino, Killa Sin, 4th Disciple and ShoGun Assassin. They released their classic album in 1997, "Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars" which is one of my favorite albums til this day. Download link: Killarmy- Fair, Love & War

One of my favorite tracks off of EPMD's debut album "Strictly Business." Yea the beat may sound familiar, Jay-Z had his hit single with this beat on "Reasonable Doubt" with the song, "Ain't No..."

This is a dope record by Funkdoobiest, "Rock On" produced by DJ Muggs, affiliated with Cypress Hill and other Soul Assassins members, Funkdoobiest released "Brothas Doobie" in 1995 and had a few underground hits including the controversial track "Superhoes," which also appeared the soundtrack to the blockbuster hit film Friday. Download link : Rock On (Album Version)

A philadelphia-born hip hop artist who was a member of Gang Starr Foundation, Bahamadia released her critically acclaimed debut album entitled "Kollage" in 1996. A respected lyricist in hip hop, she is known for her silky, subdued monotone delivery, she has crazy word-play on top that. "Da Jawn" is one of those rare classics featuring Black Thought and Malik from The Roots. Download link: Da Jawn This is where it all started with Bahamadia around 1993/1994 with this single "Total Wreck" produced by the late Guru of Gang Starr. This track is a head banger. Download link: Total Wreck

Beats, Rhymes and Life is the fourth album of the hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest, released in 1996. The album also features Consequence, cousin of rapper Q-Tip. This is the remix to the original version "Mind Power." I personally like the version better because the vibe is real smooth and laid back. Download link: Mind Power remix

Speaking of the Sole in the Hole soundtrack, I just remembered this track from Mobb Deep that's on the soundtrack, "Rare Species." There is another version of this song floating around. The other version is on a darker sounding beat. I have that version on tape. If I can covert it to a mp3, I will post up that version as well. Download link : Mobb Deep - Rare Species

Off of Smif-n-Wessun's (aka Cocoa Brovaz) 1997 album, "Rude Awaking" I loved this record at the time. This song was originally on the "Sole in the Hole soundtrack." Do anybody remember that movie??

"Home sweet Home" was supposed to be the lead single for Ras Kass's 1999 unreleased Album "Von Gogh." The Alchemist produced the beat for Ras Kass but only received the first half of the payment for the beat, Ras Kass' record label was ignoring him when Alchemist was asking for the second half of the payment. Alchemist later informed Ras Kass that he sold the beat to Jadakiss because Alchemist couldn't get a hold of Ras Kass or his label. Jadakiss would then go on to record "We Gonna Make It" over the same beat, on his 2001 release, "Kiss Tha Game Goodbye" Download link: Ras Kass- Home Sweet Home Now the question I have for ya'll out there is which version in your opinion is better?

I remember when heard this on DJ Clue's mix-tape, DMX was at his prime and had the street buzzing along with Big Pun and Canibus. They were the 3 kings at the time. This was around 1998. I wish this type of energy was here nowadays.

The Outsidaz was a hip hop group from Newark, New Jersey. Along with Pace Won, D.U. and Young Zee, The Outsidaz consisted of Axe, Az Izz, DJ Muhammed, Denzy, Loon One, DJ Spunk, S. Coop, Nawshis, Rah Digga, the late Slang Ton, B.skills and Yah Yah. The Outsidaz are affiliated with the Refugee Camp, and made their first commercial appearance as guest artists on the song "Cowboys" off the Fugees multi-platinum sophomore LP "The Score." Eminem was also affiliated with the group early in his career he gave them a few shout outs on the "Slim Shady LP" Download link : Outsidaz-Don't Look Now

Original Flavor was a hip hop group from the mid 90's. The group originally consisted of Ski and Suave Lover. They released "This Is How It Is" in 1992. The group had a hit with the song "Can I get Open" featuring a young Jay-Z. Ski went on to produce a few tracks for Jay-z first album "Reasonable Doubt" and produce for The Outsidaz, Lil' Kim, Foxy Brown, Ras Kass and Proof just to name a few.

From the 2000 album, "Supreme Clientele," this one of my favorite tracks. Ghostface at his finest.

The Latch-Key Child is the first album by the child rap prodigy, A+, released in 1996. A+'s lyrical talent and conscious and aware subject matter on this album was such that it has been compared to artists twice his age at the time. This is one of my favorite records off of the album with Q-Tip from Tribe Called Quest on the hook. A slept on record indeed. Download link: Me & My Microphone

I remember when I heard this I was like woooww!! that dude Sauce Money went in. Circla 2004/2005 if my memory serve me correct. Method Man did his thing as well. Download link : http://www.mediafire.com/?hagu3t2rf4b521k

I am not the biggest Memphis Bleek fan but this record is hot currently it's not found on any of his albums. It's off of a mixtape I received from Rocafella's street team when I went down to Miami, Florida that is. They were promoting for his 2003 album "M.A.D.E." Just blaze is on the beat doing his thing. I'm surprised it wasn't on the album. Sorry there isn't an upload for the song on Youtube, It's one of those rare songs. Download link : Remeber the Roc

This is a street classic, one of the best songs off of Cam's second album "S.D.E." (Sports, Drug, Entertainment) in my opinion. "You can't get paid and the earth this big..." classic line Download link : Losin' Weight

Off of the "18th Letter" album, Rakim's debut solo album. The Saga Begins is produced by Pete Rock. I was excited to here a Rakim album when it was released in 1997. He is a living legend.

"What U See Is What U Get" is the first single from Xzibit's second album, 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz. The video is as hot as the song. This was one of Xzibit's biggest songs. He's one of those underrated mc's in the west coast.

From the soundtracks of Spike Lee's movies "Crooklyn and Clockers." (which are great movies in my opinion) The first group was composed of Buckshot, Masta Ace and Special Ed. Their one and only record was "Crooklyn," produced by Q-Tip. The second group was composed of Chubb Rock, Jeru the Damaja and O.C. Their one and only record was "Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers," produced by DJ Premier, and featured in the 1995 film Clockers. Both records are a classic but I love this version so much more. O.C and Jeru had some quotables on this record. Download link : Return of The Crooklyn Dodgers

When I first this record on Jay-Z "Street's Is Watching" Soundtrack I was mad hyped yo. Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule together again on a track (just to remind ya'll all 3 artists did a record together in the past with Mic Geronimo on "Time to Build" early in their careers, check my Mic Geronimo blog!!!!) They were the original Murder Inc. Irv Gotti came up with the idea to put the two juggernauts Jay-Z and DMX together with a up and coming Ja Rule to make history but unfortunately ego's clashed and the project was scrapped...sad right?? Download link: Murdergram and here is Ja Rule briefly discussing the issue.

J-Live first appeared on the underground hip-hop scene in 1995, The attention he got from this record "Braggin' Writes" got him printed in the "Unsigned Hype" section of The Source. This record was playing all over college radio's and underground radio back in the day. Download link: Braggin Writes

Off of Organized Konfusion's (consisting of Prince Po and Pharoahe Monch) 1994 second album; Stress: The Extinction Agenda. This is a concept track which sees the group describing the travels of a stray bullet in first-person narrative. Many argue that Nas copied the concept with the song "I Gave You Power" on his 1996 classic "It Was Written." Personally I Think Nas's version was way more descriptive. But this is still a great record.

I just felt like taking it down to the ATL for minute with Outkast's debut album "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik" which came out in 1994. To be honest I fronted on their earlier material but I quickly realized that these dudes are true to the hip hop culture. I definitely respect what they have done in the past few years. Their influential in deed.

This is a classic record right here, released around 1998. I first heard this is an underground radio station and I thought to myself that I have to have this song in my collection. Download link: Calm Down

From Brownsville, Brooklyn M.O.P. debuted in 1993 with the single "How About Some Hardcore?", which appeared on the soundtrack for the film House Party 3. The single gained an underground buzz which led to the release of the 1994 album "To The Death" There one of my favorite groups. I love the energy they always bring to the table.

Ah man watching this video brings back memories, D&D All Stars consisted of some of artists that recorded at the legendary D&D studios located in NYC. Some of the artists came together to record the 1995 "D & D Project." Just about every east coast artist from the early 90's to the early 2000's recorded there from the likes of Jay-Z, Nas, M.O.P. and KRS-One just to name a few. Now DJ Premier owns it and renamed the studio HeadQCourterz

The remix to AZ's 1995 debut "Doe or Die," AZ enlisted Raekwon to represent with him. This was a mixtape classic. AZ is definitely one of the most underrated MC's I first heard this record on one of DJ Clue's mixtape back in 1998. I can't recall which one but anyway off the strength of this song I bought the album "Pieces of a Man" which was releashed later that year. The album was highly praised for its complex and insightful lyricism. Download link : Doe or Die (remix)

Discovered by KRS-One, the duo released their debut album, Station Identification, in 1995. Another underground classic. Til this day I play this song, The beat is still ill and the lyrics are on point.

Once affiliated with the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, Killah Priest released his classic 1998 album "Heavy Mental" A notable track on the CD is B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth), which had already appeared on GZA's 1995 Liquid Swords album) check it out if you haven't heard before, that song is deep. Anyway He also released "Cross My Heart" ft.The GZA and Inspectah Deck another favorite of mines.

Debuted with the 1996 album, "Episodes of a Hustla," Infamous Mobb Deep affiliate Rapper/Big Noyd dropped what many consider an underground classic. Prior to the album he was featured on Mobb deep's 1993 "Juvenile Hell" and 1995 "The Infamous" Album. Recognize & Realize pt 2 is one of those rare records, I still have the record on cassette tape!! Download link : Recognize & Realize (Part II)

Coming out of the Bronx, Show and A.G. are members of the Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.) along with Lord Finesse, Diamond D, Fat Joe, O.C., Buckwild and the late Big L. The Track "Next Level" is from "Goodfellas" the second album which was produced by DJ Premier and later featured on the movie 8 Mile. Here is The L.O.X. freestyling over the "Next Level" instrumental, this is from DJ Clue's - 1998 Best of Freestyles pt.1 Mixtape Download link: http://www.mediafire.com/?opczrjc1zdhlfgh

"We represent the Hip Hop and not the rap yall" This should be this blogs anthem. Anyway here is a cool record from Da Bush Babees, a group of underground hip-hop artists loosely affiliated with the Native Tongues. "Ambushed" is the first album the group which came out in 1994 and features the single "We Run Things"

An unreleased eminem track from "The Slim Shady LP" era. One of the illest mc's to ever touch the mic. Download link: Till hell freezes over (unreleased)

Nothing else to say but CLASSIC!!!!

The Leader of The D.I.T.C.(Digging in the Crates)Crew and mentor to the late Big L. Lord Finesse debuted in 1989 with DJ Mike Smooth and released the album "Funky Technician." The album featured production from future star beat-makers DJ Premier, Diamond D and Showbiz. Finesse returned as a solo artist in late 1991 with his second effort, Return of the Funky Man which is also the title of song that's being featured. F.Y.I. Finesse made a production appearance on The Notorious B.I.G.'s classic debut Ready to Die, on the track Suicidal Thoughts in 1995.

A rare interview with Lord Finesse on YO MTV Raps circa 1992 (Notice a young Big L chilling in the background)

This is one my favorite records for one, the beat is a banger and second for the simple fact it's showing East/West coast love with Lost Boyz ft. Tha Dogg Pound and again Canibus did his thing. This is the remix so you wont find this song on the 1995 "Legal Drug Money" album

The posse-cut "Beasts From The East", featuring Lost Boyz, A+, Redman and Canibus is crazy. The year was 1997 and Canibus was the talk of the industry. I first heard this on a mix-tape and felt this was one of the hottest posse-cuts I heard in along time. " A MC so ill I got AIDS scared to catch me" that was a hot line from Canibus. Download link : Beast From The East

Straight from Brooklyn N.Y. His first album, "The Sun Rises in the East", was released in 1994 and produced entirely by DJ Premier. (Are ya'll seeing a pattern now?) The album is a underground classic til this day. It is considerably significant in hip hop, as it contributed to the revival of the East Coast hip hop scene with the single "Come Clean" which had a lot of heads nodding to the beat. This record is also off of "The Sun Rises in the East." This was an cool record on his perspective on those not so wonderful women, we all know at least one or two of them. I liked the vibe this track brought to the table so I wasn't surprised when one of Hip Hop's biggest superstars paid homage. I guess you can call it that and made his 2002 version...

Considered by many as The Godfather of Hip Hop, Kool G. paved the way for a lot of MCs who we would not have heard of otherwise. Kool G Rap excelled at the street narrative, a style that would come to define later Queens MCs like Nas (who was hugely influenced by G Rap on his early records) and Mobb Deep. He has also been cited as a major influence to some of hip-hop's most critically acclaimed figures such as Eminem, Nas, Jay Z, and Big Pun.

Like Common said, "They call me Chi-Town's Nas." I respect his art and style because he never followed trends and compromised what he stood for through out the years and he stayed true to himself, something that can't be said for a lot of artists nowadays. This record is off of Common's 1994 album "Resurrection" Critics believe that "Resurrection" belongs amongst Illmatic, by Nas, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), by Wu-Tang Clan, and Ready to Die, by the Notorious B.I.G."

Cool interview from Big Daddy Kane and Slick Rick The Ruler!!

I first heard both records on one of DJ Clue's "Hev. E. Components" series either part 1 or 2 back in 2001. Nas definitely helped 50 cent along the way early in his 50's career. They need to put together their differences mainly on 50's part and get in the studio together and make some new songs. Download link : http://www.mediafire.com/?qdc9gfnp40txqtq Here is the other record that was also on the Clue tape, this song is featuring Nature and 50 cent. Download link : Who U Rep With

This is off of third album, Onyx released in 1998, "Shut EM Down." The song is featuring a then unknown 50 cent and X-1 R.I.P.(Sticky Fingas brother)

A hip hop group from Oakland, California, that is also part of the hip hop collective Hieroglyphics. 93 'til Infinity is often heralded as the best album to come out of the West. I loved the production on this album as well thanks in part to rapper/producer Domino and Del the Funky Homosapien. It brought that funk and jazz sound to the music. Til this day I listen to the album.

From Jersey City, New Jersey. Heather B is most well known for being a cast member on The Real World: New York, the first season of MTV's reality show The Real World. In 1996 she released her first album, "Takin' Mine" and all I can say is her album is a banger from beginning to the end, no fillers just straight up hip hop music. I first heard of her on a DJ SNS mixtape and I thought to myself "who is this chick, she's hot." When the album came out you better believe I was first to cop it. Download link : Da Heartbreaka

Straight head nodding, tim boot wearing, champion hoodie music right here. Hailing out of Brooklyn, Jemini dropped this record back in 1994 if my memory serves me correct. I remember hearing this track on a Stretch Armstrong mix-tape and had this track on repeat. Some argue that this is just one of the many greatest underground joints !! Download link: Brooklyn Kid

This is one of my all time favorite records, off of the 1992 "Business Never Personal" album, EPMD featured verses from K-Solo and Redman, both members of EPMD's rap collective, The Hit Squad. The song was later sampled itself by the Ruff Ryders on "Ryde or Die", which served as the opening song on their debut album, Ryde or Die Vol. 1

Yo I remember this freestyle like it was yesterday off of DJ Clue's "Show Me the Money" mixtape and you better believe I still have the tape in my collection. "You must be chinese they way you duck sauce,"  that line single handily generated his buzz in the streets. As one of the original members of Rocafella, he released one album entitled " Middle Finger U" Download link: http://www.mediafire.com/?9t9sfdw341vq3ev Oh by the way Sauce Money won a Grammy for writing Puff Daddy's tribute to The Notorious B.I.G., "I'll Be Missing You". Download link : http://www.mediafire.com/?1d3565x1m2f331b

"Funkorama" is a 1995 single by Redman. It was produced by Redman and co-produced by Erick Sermon for Sermon's "Insomnia" a compilation album. This is the Redman i'm used to listening to before he became comical with his style.

Originally off of Fat Joe's single "Envy" there was a b-side single called "Fire Water" which was released in 1996. This record help put Pun's name out in the mainstream and garnered his buzz. I remember this record being played on a lot of mixtapes at the time.

R.I.P. to Party Arty and BIG L (The Original PLK - Punch Line King) Shout outs to D.I.T.C.

I had this track on repeat when I had it on a one of my many mixtapes, it's sad that now Beanie is no longer cool with Jay-Z however while on The Roc, beanie made a few banging records. Oh by the way that's Kanye West who made this beat.

I love this group, Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth, hailing from Mount Vernon N.Y. always brought that soulful and Jazz sound into Hip Hop and they did it very well. "The Main Ingredient" is the second album by Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Released in late 1994 where this track is from. Download link : Take You There As I'm blogging about Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth, Pete Rock's 1997 solo album came to mind, "Soul Survivor." In my opinion it's more of a compilation CD featuring various artist and exclusive production from Pete Rock. It's a tightly put together album none the less and to my surprise since albums following this type of format usually has one or two songs worth listening to but this wasn't the case with Pete Rock's album, solid production and tight lyrics from the likes of Method Man, Large Professor, Prodigy of Mobb Deep and Sticky Fingas to name a few made this a classic album. Just one of the many favorite tracks off of the

This is a rare remix to get your hands on. This single from New Jersey group, Real Live. Consisting of K-Def (Producer/DJ) and Larry-O. They released one album in 1996 titled The Turnaround: A Long Awaited Drama on Big Beat/Atlantic Record. This album had a little underground buzz at the time. If the name K-Def sounds familiar then it should. He produced for a lot artists ranging from Monie Love in 1993 to Mr. P.Diddy himself in 2006. Download link : Real Live Ft Capone of Capone and Noreaga and Tragedy khadafi

By popular demand, here is another track off of Charli's debut album " Cold as Ice" featuring none other than the ghostface killa!!! Download link: http://www.mediafire.com/?17iti3cvigp1erw

Debuted as Tung Twista in 1991 with Runnin' Off at da Mouth, he dropped "Tung" from his stage name in 1996. Twista once held the title of fastest rapper in the world: according to the Guinness World Records in 1992. In 1997, Twista arguably released one of his best albums to date called "Adrenaline Rush" his third studio album with very little airplay outside of the midwest with no surprise it went gold. At one point Dame Dash was looking to sign him to Rocafella records in 2003, but the deal didn't go through. Download link : Adrenaline Rush (Original)

The year is 1991, before he formed the Wu-Tang Clan and went by the name RZA, he was known as Prince Rakeem signed to Tommy Boy records he released this single, obviously the single didn't do so well so he had to go back to Staten Island to regroup and the rest well is history.

Mobb Deep's second single off of their 1993 debut album "Juvenile Hell" at the ages of 15, theses dude were telling people which position they preferred lol.

In 1995, Group Home released its debut album, Livin' Proof. The album was very well received, mainly due to DJ Premier's advanced production work. By now if you been following my posts you will notice a pattern that DJ Premier had major influences in hip hop in the early to mid 90's, he practically produced for every artist at the time. Well here is another gem that's off of the album," Supa Star" which appeared on tons of mixtapes as well.

The year was 97, when O.C. released his second album "Jewelz" — another critically acclaimed effort that kept O.C. headed in the right direction and featured collaborations with DJ Premier, Da Beatminerz and Freddie Foxxx. Down with the D.I.T.C. (Diggin in the Crates) crew which consisted of Lord Finesse, Showbiz & A.G., Diamond D, Buckwild, Fat Joe and Big L, O.C. made a name for himself. Download link: My World This is where it started back in 94. "Time's Up" went hard at the time.(matter a fact, this record is just as relevant now as it was back then) A classic indeed, off of the debut underground album titled "Word..Life." For the young bucks out there the instrumental to this track was used for a battle scene in Eminem's movie 8 Mile. Download link: Time's Up

One of Irv's first artists back when Irv went by DJ Irv minus the gotti. He helped put on Mic Geronimo in 94 and made the classic album, "The Natural" The album also featured a young Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule on a track called "Time to Buiild" It's crazy how all these artists blew up and became superstars in their own right except for Mic Geronimo smh

Man this is Fat Joe at his finest in my opinion when he went by Fat Joe Da Gangsta but I have to admit a lot of artists at the time especially in '94 and '95 had songs along the lines expressing how real sh!t was. lol This is off of his debut album "Represent" which can be considered an underground classic.

I thought I would continue in the Bay Area with Spice 1. This record goes hard man and It was one of those tracks that featured an east coast artist, Mr. Method Man. Who said there was an east coast, west coast beef at the time?? This is off of "Amerikkka's Nightmare" arguably one of the best west coast albums in 94, followed up after Dr Dre's "The Chronic" and Snoop Doggs "Doggystyle"

Let take it to the Bay Area with E-40 for a minute. This was one of my favorite tracks off of E-40's official debut album in 95 "In a major way." This track features none other than Spice 1 and 2pac. Three influential west coast artists repping it hard.

Ahhhh man this is my sh!t!!!! Large P is one of those underrated artists/producers. He made some classic records for Nas, Busta Rhymes, Masta Ace, Mobb Deep and other artists in the 90's. He was even a mentor to a young Havoc of Mobb Deep when it came to the beat making. He even help discover Nas with with his group Main Source with the Hip Hop classic " Live at the bbq." Download link : Stay Chisel ft Nas "Street's disciple/ my raps are trifle/ I shoot slugs from my brain just like a rifle" - Nas. I will never forget that line. Download link : Live at the BBQ

Off of the second album "The Lost Generation" Shyheim came back with a strong single, holding it down for the Wu. Matter of fact he was the youngest Wu member who shared the stage in Madison Square Garden with the like of Big, Pac, and Big Daddy Kane in '95 just to name a few. Here is another classic song from '93, "One's 4 the money" (Clean Version)

Damn, I can't believe that he's gone. When he appeared on Snoop's "Doggystyle" album - "It ain't no fun" ah man I was a young dude singing along to his verse, I had that song on repeat for quite sometime. Even though it was very explicit I felt he was a good story teller but when he broke through with Warren G with "Regulators," that song propelled his career from there on out. You will be missed homie.

Nice track off of Run Dmc's final album "Crown Royal" featuring Nas Esco and Prodigy of Mobb Deep. This track just popped up in my head, I haven't heard it in awhile besides I am down with the king... This was my sh*t in 1993, the video has various hip hop artists who showed up on set to show Run Dmc love. Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth definitely represented on this one with their features y'all!! (peep Eazy- E, Kris kross, Redman, Treach from Naughty by Nature and Onyx in the video just to name a few.)

Another femcee out of brooklyn made her break through on a few mixtapes building her underground buzz. Look 4 Tha Name’ produced by Dj Premier was a smash hit. (I love how the beat switches). It introduced Ms. Blade to the entire world and Dj’s such as Kay Slay, Dj Absolut, Kid Capri and many others took notice of the single and started to give it serious airplay. Download link: Look For Tha Name

A member of Masta Ace's I.N.C. (The original Inc). The Queen of Fort Greene made some noise in the early to late 90's. She had the underground buzzing with this record. Paula is no joke on the mic, I wish she had the machine behind her to push her career further but either way she have a few classics under her belt. Download link : Paula's Jam

I heard this song when my cousin made me a copy of a DJ SNS mixtape back in 1995, I don't remember the name of the actual tape however I do remember voice samples through out the tape saying " hit me over the head n*&&a." This was one of the songs on the tape and I had this on repeat for months. Eminem mentions Masta Ace as one of his influences in his book "The Way I Am", saying, “Masta Ace had amazing storytelling skills – his thoughts were so vivid” Download link : Ya' Hardcore

Straight of out Philly, Last Emperor was one of the early acts that signed to Dre's label Aftermath Records, releasing his underground hit Secret Wars 1 and 2. This was a very creative song at the time, being that I am hip hop fanatic and I love Marvel comics (yeah I am a nerd) This is for those hip hop/comic book lovers out there. Download link: Secret War pt 1 Download link : Secret Wars pt 2 Here is a link to a cool interview with Last Emperor dated a few years back in 2003.... Last Emperor - "Rhyme Wars: The Emperor Strikes Back"

These two make good music together, it came out at a good time when a lot of bulls*t was flooding the airwaves. The Blast is of off "Train of Thought" the debut album. I love the vibe on the album. With Kweli's deep thoughts and Hi-Teks high tempo, neo soul sound they made an instant classic.

Still the man!!!

Here is another rare freestyle from the B.I.G. Circla 93

"The Greatest rapper of all time..." My boy Canibus said it best. I wish BIG was still here man. He single handily change the course of hip hop with the "Ready to Die" album. (Lord have mercy, Jesus Christ He's just nice, he just slice Like a ginzu...Nas used the line by the way as a hook on a track called "Last Real Ni@@a Alive" from the "God Son" album, it's a hot record)

Meth on Biggie and Pac from Gasface on Vimeo .

This is a personal favorite of mines, the track is so smooth and gutter at the same time. Of course Alchemist is behind the boards with this one. This is off of Alchemist first compilation album called "1st Infantry." Nas and Prodigy on the same track, certified street banger !!!

The Return of the Mac is one of those slept on albums that was fully produced by The Alchemist. Prodigy resolidified the Mobb after the G-Unit debacle, bringing that gritty NY sound back. Download link: Nickel and Nail

Welcome home "P." Good to see him back on the streets, this classic joint is off of the H.N.I.C. album. "heavy airplay all day with no chorus"

This song had me hyped when I first heard it and it still does whenever I listen to it. Rah Rah like a dungeon dragon busta killed this one as well. (Nicki Minaj did't invent that line, don't get it twisted people)

1994 was a great year for hip hop, here we have a very young Jay-Z kiliing with flow which he was known for at the time. Jay-Z definitely earned his spot as a major figure in hip hop. Below is another classic which was found on a lot of mixtapes circulating in 95.

Boot Camp Click is still doing it til this day, It all started in 92 with Blackmoon when they debut with the album "Enta Da Stage" and introduced the world to Smif N Wessun, followed by Heltah Skeltah, and then finally O.G.C. (Originoo Gun Clappaz). I always considered them the Brooklyn equivalent of The Wu. Here is the original version to the 1993 underground classic, "Headz Ain't Redee" which is actually 9 mins long!!!! (Doesn't the beat sound familiar, well Mr. P. Diddy and his Hitmen at the time sampled it and made the 1995 hit song, "Can't You See" - Total ft. The Notorious B.I.G.) Download link:  Headz Ain't Redee (Original Version)

I love this song man, it bring back memories. This is the remix version off of their debut album "Dah Shinin" which is an underground classic. Smif N Wessun reppin Bucktown all day!!!!

What more can I say about this song, yo this is a classic off of Common's "Be" album matter of fact, the entire album is a classic, the sixth studio album released back in 2005. Man I remember when the album came out. I heard a few cuts of the album from mixtapes and I liked what I heard so I took the chance and bought the album, however before I bought it, I noticed the CD only had 11 songs on it. I thought to myself like this better be worth it. (no pun intended) especially at the time when a lot of artists released CD's that had 20 songs on it and you may end up listening to only 5 songs. Anyway, after I purchased the CD, I popped it into my player and instantly I said to myself, Common got another classic under his belt.

A Naughty by Nature discovery, dude was one of the few white rappers who seemed to have any credibility and had the respect at the time. I love this beat til this day, especially when a young Jay-z and Big L made that classic 7 minute freestyle over the exact same beat back in 95. See below Download link: Milkbone -Keep It Real

One of my favorite songs from Joe Budden off of the 2004 "DJ Kay Slay & Clinton Sparks" mixtape. Budden was definitely in his zone. Download link : Whatever It Takes

Here's my boy Mos Def holding it down, doing what he does best, check it out.

Da Brat really showed her lyrical prowess on this record. This is off her second album "Anuthatantrum" especially with the sampling of a line from biggies "Who Shot Ya" She proved that she wasn't your typical female rapper. Download link: Lyrical Molestation

" I don't go on tour, I go to war" Rakim Allah-The GOD MC

"The invincible microphone fiend Rakim." Rakim's rhyming deviated from the simple rhyme patterns of the early 1980s hip hop. His style and flow inspired a whole new breed of mc's that followed after him. (ex: Nas, Az,Raekwon, eminem etc) He single handily change the game. Below I have Slaughterhouse's version "Microphone" This is obviously a homage to Rakim's "Microphone Fiend" This team is something serious, I'm always excited to hear what they come up with. Their definitely a group you have to look out for.

My favorite AZ song ever, this track turned me into an instant fan, The first time I heard this was on a DJ SNS mixtape...memories. This is some classic sh*t right here! Download link :  Rather Unique

This was a good look for Nas when he made the "Where are they now" remix asking where were some of 90's popular rappers of the time and they answered back. This is one of my favorite records of 2006. He followed it up with the "Where are they now 80's" and the west coast version as well.

I love this record, the original version off of "Supreme Clientele" This should of been on the album version, it's harder than the original. Ghost is a monster! Download link: Ghost Deini (unreleased version)

This is an unreleased song that didn't make the "Late Registration" album. It obviously wasn't a finished recording, either way it's a cool track. I definitely can relate to this song. Download link: Improvise (unreleased)

From Charli's 1999 debut album, "Cold as Ice" Infamous features none other than The Infamous Mobb Deep. Unfortunately Charli never got her to chance to show her full potential. She definitely held her own on here. Download link Charli Baltimore ft Mobb Deep-Infamous

I don't care what nobody say Mase is nice with those lyrics, his style fathered a lot of your favorite rappers of today. I must admit diddy knew how to pick talent back then.

Nothing for me to say, top 5 dead or alive, now you know why, Kiss is a beast!!

Lets swing over to California for a minute when Deathrow was a major force in the game. This track is off of the "Murder Was the Case" Soundtrack. There was some heat on here. I loved this song because it had that smooth laid back feel and of course snoop did his thing as always,anytime I heard this I pictured myself gangsta leaning in my hooptie. lol Download link: 21 Jump street

Out For the Cash pt 1 One of the illest dj's well the only dj I know from Japan that actually made a hot compilation cd back in 95, he linked up with some of hip hop's finest and released a few classics. Here are a couple tracks that was off the "h" album. It's a double feature..."Out for the cash part1 and part 2" featuring the likes of a young Fat Joe, Common, and The Beatnuts. Out For the Cash pt 2