If you think rap has some rather amazingly corny stuff going on in this day of age, it's been going on since the late 80's. Yes, today, artists aren't trying to be corny, but in the 80's, they rapped about Big Butts, had John Wayne rappin', and did dances for Pee Wee Herman. Hip hop has seen it all, but it's another interesting facet of the culture, as sell out as some might have seen it, to me it was all fun and games. People are too serious sometimes, lighten up and have fun.....
1. Joeski Love - Pee Wee's Dance
I almost feel guilty grouping this in with "Novelty Rap" as it's still dope, some twenty plus years later. Although the new thing is doing hip hop dances (or has that fad passed already), it's been around for awhile, and Joeski Love made the Pee Wee Herman something that was talked about back in the day. Anything I could say about this song can be said better in D-Nice's "True Hip Hop Stories", where Joeski Love talks about this very song.
True Hip-Hop Stories: Joe Ski Love from D-Nice on Vimeo.
2. Shawn Brown - The Rappin' Duke
The Ha, The Ha, The Ha, Ha....Wow, this song was so corny, yet as a 7th or 8th grader, I thought it was great. I'll sheepishly say this song was one of the songs that got me into hip hop deeper after my Run DMC and LA DreamTeam. The song did make it's mark on the hip hop consciousness. Who can forget Biggie spittin' the lines "....The Rappin' Duke, Da-huh, da-huh..." and the fact that it appeared on the Billboard's top 100 songs, getting as high as 73 on the charts. I'm not sure of the whole story behind the song, or who Shawn Brown was even, I never looked into it that much, but it made it's mark
3. Bobby Jimmy & The Critters - Big Butt
Wow, where to start with this one? First off, Bobby Jimmy was the man of parody/novelty rap. In all actuality, "Hair or Weave" was probably his more popular song out of his discography, but this is my list, so I'm going with "Big Butt". Another song that was out there with "The Rappin' Duke" and also was played on my local radio station when I was in Junior High. The humor on it definately appeals to a junior high aged school kid, so it was one of my favorite songs in those early years. Did I mention Bobby Jimmy is still the man?
4. The Roxanne Answer Back Tracks
What started off as a serious and classic song, got turned into.....well, the biggest answer back record of all-time. There is reports of up to 50 recorded tracks on this subject, with answer backs to the answer backs. Roxanne's parents got into it, her doctor, UTFO got dissed, Roxanne Shante was born, The Real Roxanne evolved out of this whole thing. It got utterly rediculious before it was all said and done. One of these days, I'm going to try to track them all down, not sure how difficult that will be.
Dr. Rocx & Co - Do The Roxanne Part One
5. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Nightmare On Street
(Tied) Fat Boys - Wipeout
Both of these songs probably walk the fine line of "legit" hip hop and novelty. I'd be okay if someone said "those aren't novelty songs", but I'm going with the fact that they were. One used a movie character as a main intersest of the song. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince came up with the "Nightmare On My Street" during the heyday of the Nightmare On Elm Street movies. The second was the better track out of the Fat Boys messing with classic rock artists. This track with the Beach Boys was, well, not that good, but it got some play from me and it's much better than the Chubby Checker "Do The Twist" song that came out later.
Showing posts with label Bobby Jimmy and The Critters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bobby Jimmy and The Critters. Show all posts
4/14/2009
5x5 Day Two: Novelty Rap
7/29/2007
Sunday Lite: A Swirling Disevolution
There has been a lot said over the state of Hip-Hop lately. Those of us that were around since the '80's are getting up there in age and don't necessarily agree with the direction the art form is taking. Some of the younger kids view us as old and out of touch with what is happening in the music today. It happens in all forms of music, it happened in Jazz, it happened in Rock and its happening in Hip-Hop now. I think its natural for a form of music to grow and develop over its existence. In fact I think you have to have evolution for a form of music to exist as more than a passing fad. An art form will become stale if it never "grows". With that being said, if you venture to far from what the art form "originally" was, then I think you lose the true essence that the art form contained.
One of the most interesting views on this subject that I have read came in the form of the liner notes from People Under The Stairs 2002 release "O.S.T.".
In a world of swirling disevolution, it's nice to know some things never change. This music and its culture, out culture, is older than most of us who carry its torch. Thus, one must question "progression" when it seems to be taking us farther and farther away from the point. Some things are so fundamental to an art form that true-schoolisms, they are the very rules by which we define our music. Sampling is not "old school", it is our medium; as a sculptor uses clay, or a painter uses paint, we use old records to make our music. Lyrics don't necessarily have to be anything. Diamond D still goes on and on like popcorn and it's still classic. Scratching, no matter how fast or turntablist, still sounds best easy and on beat. The rules never change. Thus , we present to you another album, just like the first two: not old school or mid school or underground or breakbeat or true school. Just good old hip hop.
Somewhere along the way it seems most critics decided that just making Hip Hop was not good enough, and praises were hailed upon those who were "experimental" and "progressive". Yet while everyone spun out towards the fringe, a void was created in the center; a timeless origin where dope beats and rhymes are simply good enough. As major artists traded in their DJ's and turntables for backing bands and backup singers, underground hip hop became a symbol of suburban rebellion across the internet. Our hip hop became sterile, timid and tired, weird, conscious, light, sassy, scientific, vegetarian, teenage angst ridden, or whatever - pick your cliche. It rarely is just for the sake of being. We seem to have gone from the Boom Bip to squigadammmm yoink chomp, and worse yet, many of us are patting ourselves on the back for it. It seems that in the infinite pursuit of progression, some have forgotten to acknowledge the past.
There is a third paragraph that I'll just leave out, since its more about the album and not relevant to this discussion. When I first read this, I was in my "Rap Sucks" mode, so at that time I probably agreed with it much more than I do now. I guess I'm split on my feelings of this issue and what PUTS feelings on it are.
On one side, I very much agree with the the thought that hip-hop has certain aspects that just make it hip hop and you can NOT lose those. Just because something is progressive does not always automatically make it good. I see way too many people with that train of thought. There is certain aspects that make something hip-hop. The further the artists get away from that, the more hip hop loses it's identity. You do need to keep those basic elements.
A few years ago, I was adamant about Hip-Hop staying real. I was almost disillusioned by the fact that I hated what was happening to the music that I loved so much. These days, I'm more open to the fact that shit changes, and it has to in order to survive. I enjoy originality when its done right, I want to hear something progressive. I don't think its healthy if shit stays the same from 1993. I think you need the Roots (I almost got the feeling that part of this was aimed at them for some reason) to bring the live stuff to table. They weren't the first ones to use live instrumentation in Hip-Hop.
I'm getting too preachy and nerdy, so I'll end at that, but I'm interested in hearing what others think. We will never solve anything, the music is what it is right now. We can stay dreaming of the "good old days", but I don't think its healthy to be stuck there. Everyone has their own opinion on the state of the music, but thats exactly what it is, an opinion, people need to remember that.
Change Is In The AirAnd I'm not talking about the impending Autumn season coming either. My man Chris and I are fooling around with some ideas for a new design. WYDU will be two years old this coming October and I don't know about all you, but I'm getting kind of bored with the design. It was great while it lasted, but every now and then you just have to change things around. No set date on when we'll unleash the new flavor, probably when ever we get it to where we like it.
Also, I got some other different things up my sleeve in the coming months a long with one monster project that, if it turns out the way I want, could be classic. I also would entertain having someone who is SERIOUS about contributing (no, thats not a dis to any of my current partners, although I haven't heard from phatsoul in ages and Polarity is busy making his skrilla which I can't blame and I know Clap has more than enough on his plate as well right now). If you actually read all the way to this point, then you are probably the type of person I'd be looking for. I'd prefer someone that is familiar with the site obviously and I've had some kind of communication with in the past. I'm not dead set on getting someone else, but if the right person indicated they'd be interested, I'd definitely think about it.
As far as this week is concerned, expect a hefty week. I got all kinds of things lined up (fingers crossed, every time I usually say that, it bites me in the ass), so be sure to check in. After a week of the block, I've have more than enough ideas to get my revitalized once again.
Also, I got some other different things up my sleeve in the coming months a long with one monster project that, if it turns out the way I want, could be classic. I also would entertain having someone who is SERIOUS about contributing (no, thats not a dis to any of my current partners, although I haven't heard from phatsoul in ages and Polarity is busy making his skrilla which I can't blame and I know Clap has more than enough on his plate as well right now). If you actually read all the way to this point, then you are probably the type of person I'd be looking for. I'd prefer someone that is familiar with the site obviously and I've had some kind of communication with in the past. I'm not dead set on getting someone else, but if the right person indicated they'd be interested, I'd definitely think about it.
As far as this week is concerned, expect a hefty week. I got all kinds of things lined up (fingers crossed, every time I usually say that, it bites me in the ass), so be sure to check in. After a week of the block, I've have more than enough ideas to get my revitalized once again.
Wu-Tang Interview
http://www.bodog.tv/media/wu-tang-epk#
This is rather interesting to say the least. It goes about 21 minutes and they cover everything from the loss of ODB to how well they work together to their legacy in the hip hop game and even a little blurb on the upcoming album "The 8 Diagrams", which honestly I wasn't believing until this. Some interesting things; Meth looks mad high and still demonstrates why he is still the most charismatic member of the bunch, RZA says some shit that you are waiting for him to say "No homo" after (something about the Wu doing Gang Bangs) and GZA spends half the time looking at RZA like "What the fuck you just say" and rolling his eyes at him. They mention having different producers on this project, not just RZA and other Wu affliated members. Easy Moe Bee and DJ Scratch were the two that stick in my mind, but there were others as well. GZA throws a little barb at G-Unit and they mention that Ghost was almost not on this. U God makes an appearance and acts like nothing ever happened between him and RZA.....so be it.
Trav's Top Spins For The Week
1. Storm Davis - Kegstand Poetry For The Recovering Alcoholic2. Junk Science - Feeding Einstein
This, like the Storm Davis, has been out for awhile, with this project dropping in 2005. And like the Storm Davis, there are more and more songs on this growing on me. And like the above album, some might write off as "nerd rap", but I like it, so I could care less what anyone says. I like it so thats all that really matters to me. Maybe there is some hope for NY after all.
3. Blue Scholars - Bayani
No, still not tired of this album which I would almost consider calling the best album of the year so far. Beats and rhymes are in check. This is some quality ish.
4. Blu & Exile - Below The Heavens
I'd officially call myself an Exile fan now with last years "Dirty Science" making my top 5 and now this album. As I said last week there are some REAL weak spots, but also some GREAT stuff on here as well.
5. Redman Discography (meaning mainly "Whut" and "Dare...")
Every once in a while I need my dose of the sloppy, stankin' funk and what better to get it than to pull out those two albums and dream of the days Red was the shit.
WHY????
Why haven't you heard the new eMC track yet? If you haven't, check it out now
Why do I like this Chamillionare track so damn much? Maybe its because Rickey D is on it with him. Props to Chamillionare for keeping the originators in the game. The Video is pretty dope as well. Check the track out.
Why am I getting excited for this Little Brother joint even though 9th isn't on it? Actually I think it'll be even better without 9th, Check "Good Clothes" out if you haven't heard it yet
Why has Primo been KILLIN' it lately, he even makes the NYG'Z sound good with their track "Ur Dayz R #'d"
Why do I kind of like this joint by Pittsburgh MC Charon Don and DJ Huggy, better known as Hands Down? This type of join isn't normally my thing, but hell, man can't survive off of underground hip-hop alone and this shit would sound great up in the club. CHeck out "Up In Here"
Why do I think I should really like Skyzoo, but the fact is he just puts me to sleep?
Why do I despise Akon so damn much, anytime I hear him I vomit a little bit in my mouth.
Why is that "Beautiful Girls" song just as annoying itself. Radio music really sucks, I need to fix my CD player in my car or just buy a new one.
Why, speaking of shitty radio music, does this summer suck so bad for it. At least year we had "Crazy" or that Young Joc song that was at least listenable and didn't.
Why is it every time I start respecting Kayne as a musician, he goes and opens his mouth and says some stupid shit. This time, he says "I'll rip any mc out there that's really how I feel. Wayne, close your ears. I'll rip everybody out there, discluding Wayne." Give me break, those two could compete for being the worse MC maybe. Get over self Kayne. He won't get any of my dough just because he is an arrogant ass.Why did I nearly toss a book through the TV last night when I was watching some dude blaming Hip Hop and the culture for the the popularity of dog fighting. He goes on to use DMX as an example. Excuse me, DMX? Has he been relevant in hip hop this decade? Give me a break.
Why when I watched videos of dog fights, did it make me want to throw the book even more at Vick. That was some sick shit.
Why did I laugh my ass when Pimp C from UGK called out one of those "Lil'" rapppers a metrosexual? I'm fairly comfortable in my sexuality, but no way in hell am I kissing another dude, I don't care if its the cheek or whatnot, shit ain't right.
Re-ups
Jungle Brothers - Raw Deluxe (Gee Street, 1997)
I forgot who wanted this and I apologize to whoever it was, because I kept forgetting to look for my copy. I bought both this one and the release that came out after this one. Well one was so shitty that I ended up getting rid of it and I never sell my CD's, but I did that one, that's how bad it was. Well "Raw Deluxe" wasn't the bad one and I still had it in my collection. Its not great by any means, but the "How Ya Want It We Got It" Native Tongues Remix with De La is worth downloading this album.
House Party Original Soundtrack (Motown, 1990)
| 1. Why You Get Funky On Me - Today | ||
| 2. What A Feeling - Arts & Crafts | ||
| 3. Jive Time Sucker - Force M.D.'s | ||
| 4. House Party - Full Force Family | ||
| 5. This Is Love - Kenny Vaughan And The Art Of Love | ||
| 6. I Can't Do Nothing For You, Man! - Flavor Flav | ||
| 7. Fun House - Kid 'N Play | ||
| 8. To Da Break Of Dawn - L.L. Cool J/Marley Marl | ||
| 9. Kid Vs Play (The Battle) - Kid 'N Play | ||
| 10. Surely - Arts & Crafts | ||
| 11. I Ain't Going Out Like That - Zan |
I won't lie, I dug this shit. And I hated most R&B back when this came out. I was down with "Why You Get Funky On Me" by Today (Big Bub was that dude) and some of the other R&B stuff that is found on here. That along with the fact that at the time this was the first time I heard both "To Da Break Of Dawn" and "I Can't Do Nuthin' For You Man" (they showed up on here before their respective albums) then throw on "The Battle" with Kid 'N Play doing their battle that was done in the movie and you have a fairly entertaining soundtrack. I just about wanted to do the kick step listening to this just now.
Bobby Jimmy - Hip Hop Prankster (Priority Music, 1990)
| 1 | Hair Or Weave (4:30) | |
| 2 | Somebody Farted (4:28) | |
| 3 | Rap Dirty (4:47) | |
| 4 | You Pissed Me Off (3:55) | |
| 5 | Close The Door (You're Letting Flies In) (4:41) | |
| 6 | Prankster Prankster (4:27) | |
| 7 | Is She Really Going Out With Him (5:06) | |
| 8 | Gimme Some Bottom (5:05) | |
| 9 | Jock Itchin (5:31) | |
| 10 | I'm Funky (5:03) |
Here it is again. I just saved y'all $94 bucks if you bought it on Amazon, so just send any Beers to 710 E Jefferson.......
K-Dee- Ass, Gas, or Grass (Lench Mob Records, 1994)
| 1 | Intro (1:24) | |
| Producer - D Mac (2) , Lay Law | ||
| 2 | The Best Thing Goin' (5:01) | |
| Producer - Madness 4 Real | ||
| 3 | Hittin' Corners (4:41) | |
| Producer - Shaquille | ||
| 4 | The Freshest MC In The World (4:52) | |
| 5 | Pimpin' And Pandering (Part 1) (0:49) | |
| 6 | Make The Music (4:42) | |
| Producer - Vic C | ||
| 7 | Gigalos Get Lonely Too (5:26) | |
| Vocals - Morris Day | ||
| 8 | Neva Was A Baller (4:31) | |
| Producer - 88 X Unit | ||
| 9 | Where's That Cat? (0:29) | |
| 10 | Thought I Saw A Pussy Cat (4:28) | |
| Featuring - Ice Cube Vocals - Bootsy Collins | ||
| 11 | K-Swinga (4:23) | |
| Co-producer - Ice Cube Producer - Vic C | ||
| 12 | Pimpin' And Pandering (Part 2) (0:21) | |
| 13 | Talk Of The Town (4:44) | |
| 14 | Into You (5:05) | |
| 15 | Words To The Wise (0:21) | |
| 16 | Ain't Nothin' Poppin' (4:57) | |
| Producer - Madness 4 Real Vocals - Snow (2) | ||
| 17 | Assoline (0:12) | |
| 18 | Ass, Gas Or Cash (5:01) | |
| Vocals - Bootsy Collins | ||
For some reason, Cube's Lench Mob Records never really took off and its kind of a shame because there was some good music that didn't get heard. This is one of them. I was just starting to get out of the west coast music when this drop and I can't recall if I actually owned this one back in the day (I want to say I did, but it got jacked in a book of CD's I left in my Jimmy and forgot to turn the alarm on). This is some pure west coast shit for those of you into it, if you haven't heard, nows your chance. And since it's going for $67.97 on Amazon, I just saved y'all a gang of money today......
6/27/2007
Phila Flava Greatest Song Of The 80's Tourney/ Bobby Jimmy Re-Ups
I don’t frequent many forums these days. The seem to “cliquish” at times, that coupled with a lot of juvenile like behavior from, well, juveniles and I a lot of them just turn me off. They do have their good points as well. There can be some very smart cats on them that are like a book of knowledge. Then you can find some treasure trove of lost gems if you find the right forum or just a released album to “preview”. They can be a great way to kill time when you are bored or trying to avoid doing anything constructive. I do check a few of them out a couple times a week, mostly in “lurker” status. I have been a long time member of mastaace.com boards. That board is a little different, there are about 20 of us that are active and the boards don’t even accept new members, so it’s pretty laxed. I’ve been known to frequent the justus league forums from time to time as well as they seem to have more of a “mature” crowd on their for the most part, kind of like an early version of okayplayer before it became a hip hop household name. One forum I’ve found myself checking about five times a week is the Philaflava forum.
The forums are fairly massive in the amount of different boards you can go frequent and the crowd there is one of fairly knowledgeable people. Sure you have your village idiots, but any forum with this amount of people is bound to have that, but it’s far better than some forums, which I won’t mention by name…..
One way Philaflava is different is that they always offer creative polls that encourage debate and jovial banter among the posters. Debate can be great when it comes to hip-hop, it’s one of the reasons I started a blog and these polls are great tools for discussion. In the past month, they’ve also started a sort of “hip hop fantasy” tournament. The first one pitted obscure hip-hop artists against each other in a tourney of 64. Sure, it’s kind of geek like in nature, but you’re reading a blog, so save it.
The current tourney covers a topic that is near and dear to my heart, the greatest 80’s hip-hop song. It all started in the T.R.O.Y. section, which I would like to see more members after the loss of the Cocaine Blunts board. Members nominated tracks, then the monitors narrowed the field down to 64. I’ll admit, my field would probably look a lot different, but that’s part of the fun. It wouldn’t be much fun if all my favorite teams made the NFL playoffs every year (I’m still pissed that “Greatest Man Alive” didn’t make it though..haha). Next, they group the field together to form eight match-ups per group (16 songs for those of you mathematical challenged people) and post up each “group” every third day while people vote on them.
They also include mp3’s of the songs in the match-ups with each new group so the voter can make an “informed decision”. I think it’s an interesting idea, one which I’ll follow, if nothing else just so I can make sure my favorite songs go on in the tourney.
Group 1
The first group of eight match-ups just ended yesterday
K Rob vs Rammelzee – Beat Bop
Vs.
Jungle Brothers – Because I Got It Like That
Trav’s Vote: Beat Bop
Winner: Because I Got It Like That 19-11
Run DMC – Beats To The Rhyme
Vs.
D.O.C. – Whirlwind Pyramid
Trav’s Vote: Beats To The Rhyme (of course)
Winner: Beats To The Rhyme 25-4
Cold Crush Brothers – Fresh, Fly, Wild & Bold
Vs.
Slick Rick – Children’s Story
Trav’s Vote: Children’s Story
Winner: Children's Story 28-1
Whodini – Five Minutes Of Funk
Vs.
Cool C – Juice Crew Dis
Trav’s Vote: Juice Crew Dis
Winner: Juice Crew Dis 16-15
A Tribe Called Quest – Luck of Lucien
Vs.
Kool G Rap – Men At Work
Trav’s Vote – Men At Work
Winner: Men At Work 29-5
Tuff Crew – Behold The Detonater
Vs.
Treacherous Three & Spoonie G – New Rap Language
Trav’s Vote: New Rap Language
Winner: New Rap Language 18-2
NWA – Straight Outta Compton
Vs.
Gang Starr – Words I Manifest (remix)
Trav’s Vote: Straight Outta Compton (tough one)
Winner: Straight Outta Compton 37-9
Funky Four + 1 – It’s The Joint
Vs.
Busy Bee – Suicide
Trav’s Vote: It’s The Joint
Winner: It's The Joint 23-2
Second Group (The Match Up Links will Take you to links for the songs)
The second group of eight match-ups was posted up today with some interesting match ups.
45 King – 900 Number Vs. Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rudd
– Do The James
– Do The JamesThe Match Up
This match up is probably one of the tighter duels of this group. You have the “900 Number” which contains the classic loop that is better known as “The Ed Lover Dance” for us old fogies that watched “Yo! MTV Raps”. It’s produced by the legendary DJ Mark The 45 King, who is highly underrated in my book. It’s defines “funky” and is a classic in the realms of the hip-hop world and 80’s hip-hop. I do find it kind of hard to vote for something that is essentially an instrumental, but what an instrumental it is.
It’s going up against one of the more underrated groups in my opinion of the 80’s era hip hop, Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rudd. The track has production from the legendary Paul C, who was the master of the drums during this time and on the album from which this track came from. Personally, I probably would have went with “Girls, Got ‘Em Locked”, but that argument is over. The drums on this hit harder than Tyson in his prime and the Cee & Rud always played off each other rather well, but the highlight of this track is the production
Trav’s Pick: I honestly didn’t know who I was going to vote for until I finished writing this. It really is a tough choice, but I’ll have to go with the legendary cut….The 900 Number
Prediction of Winner: I think it’s going to be close, but I think “900 Number” will squeak this out by a few votes.
De La Soul – Buddy Vs. Beastie Boys – Rhymin’ & Stealin’
The Match Up
On paper and probably in most other peoples opinions, this is probably a closer match up than the above mentioned, but I’m
going to let everyone in on a little secret. Before I say it, De La Soul is probably my favorite group out these days, BUT, I HATED “3 Feet High & Rising” when it came out. I was into all the “hard” stuff, PE, Rakim, NWA, LL, Big Daddy Kane, all that stuff when they dropped. I was one of those people that didn’t get what they were trying to do. My friend bought the tape and I wouldn’t even dub the thing. The only song I liked from it was “Jenifa Taught Me”, that was about it. On “Yo!”, they played the shit out of “Say No Go”, “Me Myself & I” and this track “Buddy”. I didn’t like. As my tastes evolved, I learned to appreciate “3 Feet High & Rising”, but it’s never been my favorite De La release by any means. Looking at “Buddy” now, it is a classic posse track and introduces the Native Tongues really for the first time on wax.
going to let everyone in on a little secret. Before I say it, De La Soul is probably my favorite group out these days, BUT, I HATED “3 Feet High & Rising” when it came out. I was into all the “hard” stuff, PE, Rakim, NWA, LL, Big Daddy Kane, all that stuff when they dropped. I was one of those people that didn’t get what they were trying to do. My friend bought the tape and I wouldn’t even dub the thing. The only song I liked from it was “Jenifa Taught Me”, that was about it. On “Yo!”, they played the shit out of “Say No Go”, “Me Myself & I” and this track “Buddy”. I didn’t like. As my tastes evolved, I learned to appreciate “3 Feet High & Rising”, but it’s never been my favorite De La release by any means. Looking at “Buddy” now, it is a classic posse track and introduces the Native Tongues really for the first time on wax.One of the reasons I grew to love hip-hop was “Licensed To Ill”. It would be probably be the third of f
ourth hip-hop album I’d buy and it along with “Bigger & Deffer” stayed in my walkman for almost six months straight. I knew every word on the album and probably still do. “Rhymin’ & Stealin’” was probably my favorite track on the album. It was a great way to start of a debut album. You throw on the drum break from Led Zepplin’s “Break The Levee”, which gives you goose bumps the size of a small hill, then you have the Beasties come on screaming like mad men. You are just lying to yourself if you were listening to hip hop when this dropped and it didn’t move your ass or make you scream out “Alley Baba and the 40 Theives” on the bridge the first time you heard it.Trav’s Pick: I know this might be sacrilegious for someone who claims De La as their favorite group, but this Beastie’s track just has so much memories rooted to it that I have to go wit….
Rhymin’ & Stealin’
Prediction of Winner: I have a feeling people aren’t going to see this the way I will and “Buddy” will win out.
T-Ski Valley - Catch The Beat Vs. Crash Crew - We Are Known As MC's
I'm honestly not as familiar with either one of these songs as I am the others. I've heard both 
before, but never on a regular basis. After listening to the songs again, Catch The Beat is pretty slick. Crash Crew was always cool with their sing-a-long routines they used to do as well.
before, but never on a regular basis. After listening to the songs again, Catch The Beat is pretty slick. Crash Crew was always cool with their sing-a-long routines they used to do as well.Trav's Pick: T-Ski Valley will be getting more listens from me in the future gotta go with "Catch The Beat".
Prediction: I'm not really sure, it's probably going to be hard for the new comers and the oldtimer alike. I think Crash Crew
Uptown- Dope On Plastic Vs. Ultramagnetic MC’s – Give The Drummer Some
Uptown- Dope On Plastic Vs. Ultramagnetic MC’s – Give The Drummer Some
The Match Up
I didn’t really appreciate Ultra until later on. I did buy this tape, but admittedly it was beyond my fragile little mind at the time. I knew it was something totally differ
ent, but I didn’t understand it. One track I did like though at the time was “Give The Drummer Some”. Ced Gee was an understudy of Paul C (and some argue that Paul C did a lot of the production on this album) so the drums are hard, loud and crisp, something that I loved in hip-hop at this time period.
"Dope On Plastic" is another joint that I'm not nearly as familiar with as some of the others in the tourney. I had to play it again just to goggle my mind into remembering what it sounded like.
Trav’s Pick: Pretty easy in my mind, you have to go with “Give The Drummer Some”.
Prediction: Well since most of the people involved probably got into hip hop in the late 80’s or later, I think it would be hard to knock of Ultra.
Davy DMX – One For The Treble Vs. Juice Crew – The Symphony
The Match Up
I also like the Hollis Crew as well, which Davy DMX was apart of . “One For The Treble” is kind of an overlooked track unfortunately. I remember first hearing it on a documentary on MTV about hip-hop and I tracked down the cassette. It’s probably a jam that should be up in the “classic” status, but never got it’s just due.
Trav’s Pick: Against most other tracks in this group, “One For The Treble” takes it, but not against the greatest posse cut of all-time.
The Symphony
Prediction: Due to the fact “The Symphony” holds high standards in the hip-hop righteous circles and “One For The Treble” is highly underrated, Ace, Craig, G Rap and Kane come out on top.
Grandmaster Caz - South Bronx Subway Rap Vs Jimmy Spicer - Adventures Of Super Rhyme
Trav’s Pick: Pretty easy in my mind, you have to go with “Give The Drummer Some”.
Prediction: Well since most of the people involved probably got into hip hop in the late 80’s or later, I think it would be hard to knock of Ultra.
Davy DMX – One For The Treble Vs. Juice Crew – The Symphony
The Match Up
I probably shouldn’t be allowed to vote in this since the Juice Crew is my favorite c
rew of all-time. The MC’s involved in the group are all just amazing, even the weakest link (Craig G IMO) was better than most crews lead MC. “The Symphony” is viewed by most hip-hop purists and self described hip hop critics (read: bloggers) as the greatest posse cut of all-time. It helps that Masta Ace is involved, but on this particular volume he wasn’t quite up to par with Kane or G Rap. I personally like the second Symphony better than this one, I guess it’s another one of my counter views from the norm, but there isn’t much to dislike about t
his one.
rew of all-time. The MC’s involved in the group are all just amazing, even the weakest link (Craig G IMO) was better than most crews lead MC. “The Symphony” is viewed by most hip-hop purists and self described hip hop critics (read: bloggers) as the greatest posse cut of all-time. It helps that Masta Ace is involved, but on this particular volume he wasn’t quite up to par with Kane or G Rap. I personally like the second Symphony better than this one, I guess it’s another one of my counter views from the norm, but there isn’t much to dislike about t
his one.I also like the Hollis Crew as well, which Davy DMX was apart of . “One For The Treble” is kind of an overlooked track unfortunately. I remember first hearing it on a documentary on MTV about hip-hop and I tracked down the cassette. It’s probably a jam that should be up in the “classic” status, but never got it’s just due.
Trav’s Pick: Against most other tracks in this group, “One For The Treble” takes it, but not against the greatest posse cut of all-time.
The Symphony
Prediction: Due to the fact “The Symphony” holds high standards in the hip-hop righteous circles and “One For The Treble” is highly underrated, Ace, Craig, G Rap and Kane come out on top.
Grandmaster Caz - South Bronx Subway Rap Vs Jimmy Spicer - Adventures Of Super Rhyme
Another match up pitting "Old School" artists against one another. Caz was the shit and "..Subway Rap" is a good track. Super Rhyme on the other hand is a personal favorite of mine has some ill verses.
Trav's Pick: It's hard to go against Caz, but "Super Rhyme" is just to difficult to vote against
Prediction: I think Caz will win on
Biz Markie – Vapors Vs. Spoonie G – Spoonin’ Rap
Biz Markie – Vapors Vs. Spoonie G – Spoonin’ Rap
T
he Match UpI was talking to my best friend who isn’t the biggest hip-hop head, but he loves The Biz. He said there is no way Biz Markie can lose. The Biz does hold a sort of loveable “court jester” type of role in hip-hop and this is probably the track that forced him into the hip-hop limelight outside of NY. I
remember the “Vapors” video fondely. The video version was a bit different if I remember right (horns were part of the track), but either way you look it, it was classic and one that all of us successful type (yeah right) can identify with. It was also one of the tracks involved with me moving to the next level of hip-hop, the “new school” at the time.Spoonie was the man and this track is one of his better tracks that people should listen to before they toss in their vote. It is a great song.
Trav’s Pick: Spoonie was always one of my favorite “old school” MC’s but you can’t go against the Biz. The track just holds to many memories.
Vapors
Prediction: I think this is where the age of most of the voters will also come into play although I do expect Spoonie to get some votes. “Vapors”
Nice & Smooth – Make It Funky Vs. Heavy D & The Boyz – Doin’ Our Own Thang’
The Match Up
Two “Yo!” favorites squaring off against each other, which seems to go against the majo
rity of the match-ups of “old school” against “new school” of the 80’s. These two joints w
ere both released toward the end of the 90’s. “Make It Funky” was the hip-hop nations introduction to Nice & Smooth and it was a hit among us. It was filled with nonsense lyrics and one of the biggest potential lyrical goofs of Greg Nice’s “Dizzy Gillispe plays the sax…” line but you couldn’t help noddin’ your head or shaking your ass to it. Again, I seem to remember the video version being slightly different than the LP version, the chorus or something, but it’s a classic.
Heavy D came out swingin’ when it came to his career with several much played videos on “Yo!”. Honestly, I was never much of a Heavy D fan, so I don’t know his history quite as well. It seems to me there was some singles before this one. I didn’t pay much attention, so I couldn’t really tell you Heavy’s legacy in hip hop during the late 80’s, but obviously it was big enough to make this list (no comment). Even in my older, wiser years, I still don’t really care for this song all that much.
Trav’s Pick: Easy for me, Nice & Smooth, who I hope goes far in this tourney.
Prediction: I would think Greg Nice & Smooth B will hold this down, but I’ve been surprised before, like when Heavy made it into this competition.
RE-UPS..........BOBBY JIMMY
HIP HOP PRANKSTER
Trav’s Pick: Spoonie was always one of my favorite “old school” MC’s but you can’t go against the Biz. The track just holds to many memories.
Vapors
Prediction: I think this is where the age of most of the voters will also come into play although I do expect Spoonie to get some votes. “Vapors”
Nice & Smooth – Make It Funky Vs. Heavy D & The Boyz – Doin’ Our Own Thang’
The Match Up
Two “Yo!” favorites squaring off against each other, which seems to go against the majo
rity of the match-ups of “old school” against “new school” of the 80’s. These two joints w
ere both released toward the end of the 90’s. “Make It Funky” was the hip-hop nations introduction to Nice & Smooth and it was a hit among us. It was filled with nonsense lyrics and one of the biggest potential lyrical goofs of Greg Nice’s “Dizzy Gillispe plays the sax…” line but you couldn’t help noddin’ your head or shaking your ass to it. Again, I seem to remember the video version being slightly different than the LP version, the chorus or something, but it’s a classic.Heavy D came out swingin’ when it came to his career with several much played videos on “Yo!”. Honestly, I was never much of a Heavy D fan, so I don’t know his history quite as well. It seems to me there was some singles before this one. I didn’t pay much attention, so I couldn’t really tell you Heavy’s legacy in hip hop during the late 80’s, but obviously it was big enough to make this list (no comment). Even in my older, wiser years, I still don’t really care for this song all that much.
Trav’s Pick: Easy for me, Nice & Smooth, who I hope goes far in this tourney.
Prediction: I would think Greg Nice & Smooth B will hold this down, but I’ve been surprised before, like when Heavy made it into this competition.
RE-UPS..........BOBBY JIMMY
5/24/2007
So Corny It's Good Part Three: Bobby Jimmy & The Critters
The longest running series in WYDU history rears it's ugly head once again. If you missed the first post on Kwame or the second post on Redhead Kingpin, then catch up and do your homework. Next up for our "So Corny, It's Good" series, 80's electro/hip-hop rap group "Bobby Jimmy & The Critters", which admittedly is more of a novelty/comedy act than a hip-hop group, but reminds us that Hip Hop can be fun. Bobby Jimmy is more well known as Russ Parr who is a well known syndicated morning radio DJ and has also been responsible for several TV and radio programs over the years. His group, the "Critters" consisted of some friends and early west coast pioneers such as the Arabian Prince and General Jeff of Rodney O & Joe Cooley fame.
Parr started his career as a jack of all trades of sorts doing stints as a
comedian, a morning host for LA's KDAY station, and his own record label, Rapsur Records. He started the label after writing the lyrics for "We Like Ugly Women" that sold a modest 50,000 records on the independent route. He discovered that he had something and began writing more comedy raps. He would come up with the character "Bobby Jimmy", which was based off of a childhood friend. It was his Rapsur Records label that would release his first album, "Ugly Knuckle Butt" in '85. That album had the "classic" track "Big Butt", which would gain some plays on radio stations as far away as my little ho-dunk town, which is where I'd first hear of him.His second album, The Beginning: Roaches, was released on the west coast independent "giant" Macola records and spawned hits such as "Roaches", which sold 300,000 copies of the single. The album would go on to sell over 100,000 copies and would outrage groups such as NOW (National Origination of Women) who were up in arms about "We Like Ugly Women" (can't people take a freaking joke???). They would boycott KDAY, which did a lot of good. African-American groups were angered at Parr's "Jive Talk" on the album, which Parr would explain his character had a speech impediment. That in turn, would piss of the speech therapist. Go figure.
The very next year, he would drop "Back & Proud", which contained the Dr.Dre produced track, "Milk Shake". In 1990, he dropped probably his most notable release (arguably) with "Hip Hop Prankster", which contained "Hair Or Weave", a "Yo!MTV Raps" fav from the back in the day. If you ever run across this LP, which was released by Priority, grab it, cause it's worth a pretty penny now a days. He would do a "Greatest Hits" in '91 album and Amazon has an album for sale by the name of "Erotic Pyschotic" which I had no idea exsisted until yesterday.
Here are three of his albums, thanks goes to Dread @ Bust The Facts for two of them. If anyone has his three not linked here, throw them up please.
Bobby Jimmy & The Critters - Hip Hop Prankster (Priority
Records, 1990)
Records, 1990)1 Hair Or Weave (4:30)
2 Somebody Farted (4:28)
3 Rap Dirty (4:47)
4 You Pissed Me Off (3:55)
5 Close The Door (You're Letting Flies In) (4:41)
6 Prankster Prankster (4:27)
7 Is She Really Going Out With Him (5:06)
8 Gimme Some Bottom (5:05)
9 Jock Itchin (5:31)
10 I'm Funky (5:03)
Bobby Jimmy & The Critters - Ugly Knuckle Butt (Rapsur Records, 1985)
A1 Knuckle Draggers (6:01)
A2 Your'e My Women (4:28)
A3 And The Flygirls Scream (4:59)
B1 Big Butt (Remix) (4:08)
B2 Just 4 The Hell Of It (4:11)
B3 Ugly Knuckle Butt (4:50)
Bobby Jimmy & The Critters - Roaches: The Beginning (Macola Records, 1986)
A1 Rush It
A2 New York Rapper
A3 Bring It On Home
A4 Gotta Potty
B1 Big Butt
B2 Roaches
B3 We Like Ugly Women
B4 Bag Bobby Jimmy Jam
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