Hydra Beats Re-Ups...Part Four

These are the last of the batch. I'm missing Volume 2, or at least the whole thing. Thanks to the visitor who threw me a link for Volume 9. This final batch consists Nick Wiz, who just recently produced a track for Rakim, A Kid Called Roots and the fourth chapter of the Godfather Don Hydra volumes. I would have to say The Kid Called Roots is my favorite out of the three. It's just something different.

Hydra Beats Vol 12: Nick Wiz

A1		Black Path
A2		Starite
A3		Mind Crusher
A4		For Da Mental
A5		Four Elements
B1		Over Drive
B2		Slate
B3		Lockness
B4		Slizza
B5		Finally

Hydra Beats Vol 13: A Kid Called Roots

No Track Listing

Hydra Beats Vol 14: Godfather Don

A1		Unreliable
A2		No Free Shows
A3		Hey! Why Show Up?
A4		Call Me A Cab
A5		Boning
B1		Just Mix It Yourself
B2		My Drivers Downstairs
B3		Video Taping
B4		Beep Lance
B5		Porno's My Game

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Hydra Beats Re-Ups...Part Three

More of the Hydra Beat series. I suppose I should be much more informational on these releases, but truth is, these are fairly new to me. I don't know much about them other than what I've dug up, which is not a lot. I do know that most of these are nice instrumentals to kick back to while playing some Madden or some MLB '08. This time around, you have the double LP Vol 8, which was, obviously, some kind of Anniversary Edition of the series. I'm missing volume 9, which I was sure I had, and I know it's out there, so if someone wants to kick me a link, it'd be much appreciated. Ghetto Pro's drop the knowledge on volume 10. The Ghetto Pros for those of you not in the know are V.I.C. and Mike Heron, and they drop some slammin' beats on this ditty. The last one is the third from Godfather Don, so you know what to expect with it.


Hydra Beats Vol 8: The Anniversary Edition

A1 Godfather Don Do My Thing
A2 Godfather Don Depressed
A3 Godfather Don One In Your Ass
A4 Godfather Don Cus Mania
A5 Godfather Don Liquid Love
B1 Ghetto Pros* Sex
B2 Ghetto Pros* The Range
B3 Ghetto Pros* Nobody
B4 Ghetto Pros* Where The Cash At
C1 Beatnuts, The Head Nodder
C2 Beatnuts, The Original
C3 Beatnuts, The Hip Smasher
C4 Beatnuts, The I Want It With You
C5 Beatnuts, The Who Want It With Me
D1 Sean C* Organized Crime
D2 Sean C* Smoky Mirrors
D3 Sean C* Snake In The Basket
D4 Sean C* Keep It Reala
D5 Sean C* Across 110th

Hydra Beats Vol 10: The Ghetto Pros

A1		Angie's Cookin'
A2		Joey & Ann
A3		Ithaca Street Muzack
A4		Thinkin' Of Vic
A5		DB's Again?!! (Interlude)
A6		Adam's Summer Camp
B1		Pseudo Roots
B2		Beefsteak With Rice & Beans
B3		Skinfade
B4		Ego Trippin'
B5		Half Dollar Nigga

Hydra Beats Vol 11: Godfather Don 3

A1		Mental Liks
A2		Pure Elevation
A3		As The World Burns
A4		Wilson Ave.
A5		Getaway
B1		Feel Me
B2		Pay Back
B3		Where I'm Coming From
B4		Twisted
B5		I'll Be Back!

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Hydra Beats Re-Ups...Part Two

The Hydra collection was a great collection of instrumentals. It's something to throw on while doing whatever it is you do, or if you are into freestyling, then you got yourself some cypher music. There are two Godfather Don volumes in these next batch of re-ups. A lot of the mid 90's heads think of Don as one of the better producers during the time. He defiantly doesn't get his just due by the masses when you think about it. The man is incredibly talented. A lot of people bitched about Ultramagnetic's "Four Horsemen" LP, in which Don had a lot to do with, but I think you go back and listen to that album now and you'll realize it's not that bad of an album. Don would release two solo albums, Hazardous and Diabolique during his career. He also just released an EP and a compilation of last tracks the past year, well worth checking out.

Hydra Beats Vol 3: Godfather Don

A1		Buster
A2		Depressed
A3		Creepin
A4		Gastric Juices
A5		To The Bank
A6		She´s Gone
B1		Talk About
B2		Research
B3		Dark Church
B4		Combustible
B5		Culo Grande En La Calle Ocho
B6		For My Pa

The Beatnuts - Hydra Beats Vol 5 (Hydra Entertainment, 1997)

A1		Relax Yourself
A2		Throw Your Hands Up
A3		Purse Snacther
A4		The Chase
A5		Out Of State Case
A6		I Can't Relate
B1		Bum Rush
B2		Highlyl Recongized
B3		Homo Victim
B4		Gonna Fly
B5		Jungle Gook
B6		Crab Niggas

Hydra Beats Vol 6: Ghetto Pros & DJ Fusion

A1 Ghetto Professionals - Yeah
A2 Ghetto Professionals - Strictly Ammo
A3 Ghetto Professionals - Hangman
A4 Ghetto Professionals - Gator
A5 Ghetto Professionals - The Hutchinson Joint
B1 DJ Fusion* - Stolen Moments
B2 DJ Fusion* - Sunday Diggin
B3 DJ Fusion* - Live
B4 DJ Fusion* - For Good & Forever
B5 DJ Fusion* - Electric Fusion

Hydra Beats Vol 7: Godfather Don 2

A1		Executive Technology
A2		Cream Of Corina
A3		Slick City Sick
A4		Hot Open
A5		Mi Vida Enfermo
B1		Remembering Ivy
B2		Fuck It Up
B3		The Heat
B4		Fist Full Of Pastelles
B5		The Wicked City

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Philaflava.com's 100 Greatest Obscure Tracks: Part Four

Alright, back on the grind. Damn, here I am on a Saturday night workin' on the fuckin' site? Pathetic eh? I played basketball all afternoon, so my old, fat ass is tired as shit, so I'm chillin' have some rum & cokes and a few beers. Figured I'd better get some Philaflava joints up. Glad y'all enjoying the series.

Link for all 10 tracks

Erick Sermon - If You Don't Know Like I Know feat. Trigger, Heltah Skeltah & O.G.C.
Erick Sermon - The Ill Shit feat. Kam & Ice Cube
Fab 5 (Heltah Skeltah + O.G.C.) – Blah
Fesu – War With No Mercy
Fierce - Crab
Funkmaster Flex - Six Million Ways To Die feat. Nine & Tragedy
Godfather Don – Burn (Remix)
Gova Mattic – Family Day feat. Redman, Tame One, Pace Won, Young Zee, Roz Noble & Runt Dog
Grand Puba - Fat Rat
Hard 2 Obtain - Ism and Blues

Erick Sermon - If You Don't Know feat Heltah Skeltah, Trigga Tha Gambler, & OGC (???????)

I know NOTHING about this joint. I'd probably be better to let Jaz of Cold Rock The Spot talk on this one, because he is the local E Double expert. I can't even find anything on the net about it. That said, it's not bad, but probably nothing I'd go nuts over. The beat sounds like something I've heard before on a Craig Mack album. E Double handles his own behind the mic, but I've never had a problem with his rhyming skills. Rock is on the hook, which is always cool to hear. You also have Trigga, who is an extremely overlooked MC. He brings his style and flavor. It's not a bad song, just probably something I'd lump into the top 100. - Trav

Erick Sermon - The Ill Shit feat Kam & Ice Cube (Def Jam/RAL, from the "No Pressure" LP, 1993)

This is probably another joint I wouldn't consider "obscure", but it's a great cut regardless. E Double was always good with making east coast beats that could very easily be played over on the west coast. Full of funk and flava, E Double hooks up with Cube when he was at the pinnacle of his popularity and hip hop respect. Kam was also an overlooked west coast MC and does an admirable effort hanging with Cube. This track is full of great one liners, at least for me. It wasn't my favorite song from the album, but it might had the honor of having some of my favorite lyrics. - Trav

Fab 5 (Heltah Skeltah + O.G.C.) – Blah (Priority, from the 12 inch "Blah b/w Leflah", 1995)

Rockness Monster is the fucking man. I have to say it. With all the praise of Ruck (Sean P.), Rockness to me was always better. And this track from Heltah Skeltah and OGC sub-sets of the larger Boot Camp Click, explains why I feel that way. Not to take anything way from Starang, Top Dog, Louisville and Ruck who themselves are as proficient as anyone in that era in verbally murdering any beat, with their grandiloquently hardcore raps. With a striking chorus, and laced with a phenomenal beat, both groups trade verses giving their one dose of violence, while exhibiting their personal doctrine of what it is to be hardcore and daring any rivals to "come test" their credentials on or off the M.I.C. - Original Philaflava post

Fesu - War With No Mercy (Continuum Records, from the album "War With No Mercy", 1995)

In some ways this entry is kind of surprising, in other ways, it's not. Fesu never made a lot of noise when he was making albums, but his claim to fame would be when he made the Source's "Unsigned Hype" column back in '93 (I think). He dropped an EP, then a full length album, "War With No Mercy". Hailing from the south in those days, you didn't have much of a chance if you weren't on any label not named Rap-A-Lot, No Limit or Sauve House. The album didn't do all that much, but the title track was one of the better tracks from the album (I'd say the best track is "Goosebumps"), but it does have a nice soulful beat, with an ill guitar loop and a sample that I should know. The drums are the same as those used on "Nuthin' But A G Thang". Fesu himself is nice on the mic, recounting tales of the streets. - Trav

Fierce - Crab ****FIXED*****(Hot Wax, found on the 12 inch release "Crab b/w Come Close"

Fierce is a very talented MC who has one 12' to his credit and one appearance on a major label release that includes 50 Cent, Puffy, Mase, and all kinds of representatives of the jiggy-faggot era that was 1997-1999. Fierce gain such notoriety at one point that he was on Rap City with only a 12' to his name and no video to show for it. The 12' in question is "Come Close/Crab" and it's really remarkable. He displays a verbal dexterity unseen in many of the greatest rappers and this is evidenced by amount of rhymes he can pack into the bars without sounding rushed, contrived, or anything less than quite polished. As dope as he comes on "Crab," "Come Close" is even more vicious on the mic. "Crab" is the better song because the lyrics fit the mood of the dark, haunting piano loop better than "Come Close" does on the B-Side. "Crab" is the A-Side to his 1996 Hot Wax 12' release. If you like what you hear you can check for more of Fierce's rhymes on Tha Madd Rapper's 1999 album "Tell 'Em Why You Mad" on "Whateva" and the promo only "For The Love" 12' which is also a Madd Rapper release that is tough to find. - Orginal Philaflava post

Funkmaster Flex feat 9 Double M & Tragedy - Six Million Ways (Wreck Records, found on the "Sad & Blue" b/w Six Million Ways", 1993)

We all hit this one on the head getting this on the list as it's one of my personal favorite joints and I believe it was included on the first ever volume of WYDU Classics. For those of you not in the know, 9 Double M would later release two albums as Nine, the gruff voice NY MC that I've always liked. This track is credited as being produced by Funkmaster Flex, but somehow I doubt that claim. The "co-producer" is Salaam Remi, which I'd be more inclined to believe, although it really sounds like some early Buckwild shit. Nine is the main focus on this track, as he drops two ill verses, while already using that "love it or hate it" vocal style that you automatically know who it is. Trag drops an quick little sixteen that you almost miss if you aren't paying attention. He is still sounding more Intelligent Hoodlum that Tragedy Khadafi, which I always thought was better. - Trav

Godfather Don - Burn (Remix) (Hydra Entertainment, from the "Diabolique" LP, 1998)

While I really like this song, the sheer amount of Godfather Don 12 inch singles out there, I think there would be something better than this joint to put up for him. Don is one of those MC's loved by the real heads, but has always remained below the radar fro the average hip hop fan. He has a shitload of single only releases out there that should be track down by any fan of the mid 90's sound. It's well worth your time. This joint is a banger, complete with an ill string sample that gives that back alley feel right before a shootout. It's produced by Godfather Don himself, who is even more overlooked as a producer than an MC. Ill joint, if you haven't heard the Diabolique album, this is just a taste of what can be found on it. - Trav

Govna Mattic – Family Day feat. Redman, Tame One, Pace Won, Young Zee, Roz Noble & Runt Dog (Unreleased?1997)

Ok, ok, ok- I know it sounds oxymoronic or even impossible but this song came out in 1997 and still remains obscure and elusive to collectors. I mean, how can a song with a feature by a platinum-selling rapper (Redman), a member of a highly acclaimed group with video play on Rap City and Yo! MTV Raps (Tame One, formerly of The Artifacts), and the hottest underground group of the era (Young Zee and Pacewon of the Outsidaz, who were featured on The Fugees 10-times platinum album The Score) ever be obscure? Well, it remained obscure because it was released by Govna Mattic, a relative of Redman and by proxy Tame One. Govna Mattic himself is a Newark legend and was in a group with Dizzle Don. Much like Redman, these guys love to smoke weed. Red is actually on the cover of the Govna Mattic/Diezzle Don 12'"Ghetto Red Hot" breaking up a brick of weed in front of a map of the world- which they obviously sought to take over via their vinyl sales. Anyway, "Family Day" is basically a laid-back song that reminds me of a mid-summer bar-b-que and to that end a family reunion gets underway over the sweet, melodic beat provided by Govna Mattic himself. Redman, Tame, and I think Govna Mattic are all cousins. Roz Noble, that's likely Reggie Noble's sister. Young Zee and Pace are related as well and Pace I think is related to Tame. This was supposed to be released on Govna's 1998 LP Hell Up In Newark and the album even got great reviews in Rap Pages and The Source but it never got a distribution worthy of the reviews it received. - Original Philaflava post

Trav's Note: ILLLLLLL fuckin' song and it was new to me....Download THIS song

Grand Puba - Fat Rat (MCA, on the "Strictly Business" Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1991)

Grand Puba was my dude back in the early 90's. I thought anything he touched was gold. But listening to this track that appeared on a shitty soundtrack isn't really my thing these days. Puba still rips it, but the track is just straight up booty in my opinion. It's almsot New Jack Swing-ish sounding, which isn't automatically bad, but I just wasn't feeling this, even then. The soundtrack itself was rather crappy, and this was back when soundtracks were usually halfway decent. - Trav

Hard 2 Obtain – Ism & Blues (Atlantic, found on the "Ghetto Diamond" b/w "Local Hero" & "Ism & Blues, 1994)

It's hard to believe that a "title track" wouldn't be included on the album its named after, but that's the case with Hard 2 Obtain's "Ism & Blues" track that was included as a b-side to "Ghetto Diamond". Produced by the production crew, the Stimulated Dummies, the track would have fit in perfectly on a Black Moon album, with the SD's doing their best Beatminerz imitation. The tight bass line grabs the listener right off the bat then on the chorus the horns come with the smoothness that reminds one of smoking the ism in a dark club. MC's Taste and DL aren't the best lyricists by any means, but fit nicely on the track and remind ones self why you didn't need to be a incredible lyricist to make a great album. The posse chorus that ran prevalent throughout hip hop during the early 90's is found here as well, but as I said, everything just works perfectly with this track. It's unfortunate that this track didn't make the album, not sure if it was sample issues or what the reasoning was, but it would have been one of the best songs on an already good album. - Original Philaflava Post

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Philaflava's 100 Greatest Obscure Tracks: Part One

Some of you might remember back in August of last year, that I was part of a "committee" created to determine the "Philaflava's 100 Greatest Obscure Tracks". A lot of cats wanted all the MP3's associated with the list whenI originally posted it up on WYDU. Unfortunately, that never really materialized, with some people being lazy (guilty as charged), others missing tracks (guilty as charged again), and just a lack of organization. It was kind of put on the back burner and forgotten. Late last week when I was making my rounds on the Philaflava boards, I found a post from board member CharlieManson that had a link to all 100, well actually 98, apparently we can't count.

Before the naysayers start with the "What? So&So track isn't obscure", let me address it. Some of this stuff might not be obscure to me, or to a lot of the visitors to this site. Even after a few months have passed, even some of the people involved in this list have admitted that "Obscure" probably wasn't the best way to describe this list. The list was initially intended for an online community, Philaflava.com. You are dealing with a larger sampling of people (nothing wrong with that), many who probably have less exposure to these tracks than the average visitor to WYDU does. You have to take in account the audience the list was made for. It wasn't meant for the hardcore vinyl collectors, the blog heads or the ebay nerds. I assume when I mention this list was intended for a message board, that readers will take that into account, but I found out last time I posted this, it's wrong to assume. I was not solely responsible for the list, as I stated numerous times the last time I posted this, there were eight other people involved. Mine would probably look different than this, but I think this is a good starting point for the average hip hop fan that is either getting into the culture or someone who just wants to dig deeper. I was simply a contributor, only about 10 joints were my direct inputs. I agree that maybe "Obscure" wasn't the best way to title it, but again, that was not my call. Do I consider songs such as "B-Side" or "The Ill Shit" obscure? No I don't, but again, you have to take in account your audience and who the list was originally intended for. With that being said, there were also tracks that I have never heard before, so I know damn well there will be new material for even the most seasoned vinyl/blog nerd on here. Just enjoy and don't rock the boat with the "That isn't obscure" comments.....just roll with it.

I'll be posting up the tracks in 10 track sections for the rest of the week. Some of the write ups will be from some of the contributors, some will be my own. I think some tracks didn't have write ups with them and I'm not totally sure I can pick out the ones I wrote up myself.

Thanks goes out to CharlieManson (the PF member) for upping these, to have all of these in one area is HUGE. Thanks to Jason Gloss, owner of Philaflava for originally having me on the "board" then letting me post these up on WYDU and having one of the few message boards I can stomach.

Thanks also to the crew of people that came together and hammered these out....

Contributors: Dred Scott, Galvatron78, glavet (me), Killer Ben, madtapes, Magneto, MGP, Paragraph President & Philaflava.


Philaflava.com's 100 Greatest Obscure Tracks

When 9 people come together and attempt to create a list of 100 tracks it isn’t an easy task. Collectively we brought over 350 nominations to the table but after much deliberation we finally came to an agreement. Unlike our previous lists we decided it would be best to leave this unranked. These tracks are great for their own reasons and we just wanted to make a list that represented the importance of the b-side, the significance of the remix and remind those of the self-satisfaction when finally laying your hands on that sought after gem.

You will see a few artists show up once and trust me there could have been several with a handful of worthy tracks such as The Artifacts, The Beatnuts, Mobb Deep and Money Boss Players. This list should serve as your guide into what we like to call the 100 Greatest Obscure Tracks. Use it to as a checklist and download these tracks. Look from them on eBAY, Half.com or your favorite blog. These tracks are all worthy of your time and I strongly recommend checking the write-ups (below list) for some very informative and insightful reviews.

We’ll have a discussion forum open for this list, as well as providing you Mp3’s of these tracks. We ask that you tell us what you think, share files, memories and enjoy the music.

-J. Gloss

The advent of the Mp3 blog has been rather kind to us nostalgic completists/ random rap collectors/ aging b-boys. In the ‘90s we dreamt of the day that static-free versions of elusive cuts by Money Boss Players and Govna Matic would be rendered instantly accessible to all heads. But no matter how plentiful the online supply of uncovered or resurrected gems, we are fundamentally unable, even as a collective, to recreate the most memorable characteristics of the fan culture of our beloved bygone rap eras. In fact, every step we take to enshrine these gilded epochs for all eternity (including the effort you are currently browsing) leads to the rapid deterioration of the values and practices that partly defined the The Rap World As We Once Knew It.

In this past life of rap (which isn’t entirely over but hasn’t been quite the same since oh, about 1998) a particular brand of makeshift resourcefulness and soldierly patience that was manifested by the genre’s most revered artists was regularly displayed and honed by its most enthusiastic and caring fans. Rap wasn’t necessarily easy to come by, even though a continually wider spectrum of personalities and styles were made accessible through semi-mainstream outlets like Yo! MTV Raps and the Source Magazine that did a respectable if inevitably unsatisfying job covering the genre as a whole.

Searching for music from slept-on or up-and-coming artists was largely a localized, grass-roots hunt. Meaning, quite simply, that if you wanted to delve a bit deeper than Nas/Lauryn Hill collabos and Junior Mafia-esque tales of V.I.P. fuckery, you had to vacate the plush world of shiny compact discs and confront the grimy abyss of second-generation dubs of crackly after-hours college mixshows, where b-sides, demos, alternate takes, and songs that would be permanently cockblocked by industry politricks reigned supreme.

Nostalgic sentiments for this era of rap have often been dismissed as wistful elitism, a thirtysomething need to keep one’s treasures guarded while sneering at the ignorant masses. However, the “underground” rap culture of the ‘90s was defined less by elitism and more by a desire to subvert the system as a whole: you wanted to be the first kid in your high school to not only own the dub, but to distribute it. This lo-fi, grass-roots mentality paralleled both the DIY indie business philosophy and the musical aesthetic of the time. We opted for the sound of the low-budget environment, and because of that, listening to the rugged flows and hard beats of the time felt like being part of a genuine movement. Thus we present our selections for rap’s 100 Greatest Obscure Tracks. It surely isn’t the same posting these in CDQ online, but we have no choice but to embrace the new technology in order to keep the old culture alive. It’s not too bad of a conundrum to face. - Thun

Part One of the Philaflava's Greatest 100 Tracks
Original Posting on Philaflava.com

Link For All 10 Tracks in Part One
click the song titles for the individual mp3.

13 – Slow Burnin’
Ahmad, Ras Kass & Saafir – Comewiddit (Fredwreck Remix)
Al Tariq - No Question feat. Black Attack, Rawcotiks & Problemz
Bas Blasta – The Rhythm feat. Lord Finesse, Fat Joe, JuJu, & Godfather Don
Big L- How Will I Make It
Black Moon – Murder MC’s
Black Rob- Permanent Scars
Black Sheep - Similak Child (Homogenized Remix)
Boogie Down Productions – Questions & Answers (Remix)
Boogie Down Productions - We In There (ATCQ Remix)

13 - Slow Burnin (ABB Records, from the "Slow Burnin b/w Cannibals" 12inch, 2001)

If I remember right, I nominated the track "Slow Burnin" myself. It has long been a favorite of mine since discovering it on UGHH.com back when you could listen a whole song in shitty quality on some Real Player format on the site. I would listen to music on the site, then track down a track I liked on AudioGalaxy (an early file sharing spot). Not many people mention this track for some strange reason and I would classify this as obscure. It was part of some dope L.A. underground hip hop coming out around the turn of the century along with Amad Jamal, Dilated Peoples, and Defari. In fact, it's Dilated's Evidence who is responsible for the production on this track. It's packing an ill flute loop and some captivating strings. DJ Babu is also the man behind hardcore scratching that blesses the musical track as well. For those of you that old enough to remember the hip hop group Mannish, who released a solid LP in the form of "Audio Sedative", 13 is Jekill, who was one half of Mannish. He is more than an accomplished MC as he attacks the track with vigor and just runs through shit like a lyrical version of "The Bus". A great track that I highly suggest a download if you have not heard of it. If anyone has the 12 inch ripped and/or the 2002 single "Clear The Spot b/w Get It Started", hook a brother up, it'd be much appreciated. - Travis

Ahmad, Ras Kass & Saafir – Comewiddit (Fredwreck Remix) (Priority Records, from a promo only release of "Come Widdit" 12 inch single. Original version was found on "Streetfighter Original Motion Picture Soundtrack", 1995)

The original version of this track is fairly well known, showing up on the "Streetfighter" soundtrack and one of the only reasons I bought it back in the day. When I was a young pup, I never knew this version existed and for a good reason as it was never commercially released, but was released as a promo single. It's produced by the heavily slept on west coast producer Fredwreck. Fredwreck has worked with everyone from Kurupt, to The BUMS, to Tash and even with east coast legend, Phife of ATCQ. The three MC's should be fairly familiar, although some of the youngin's might not be as familiar with Ahmad, who kind of gets a bad rap for having one radio friendly song, "Back in the Day", but his album has been said to be fairly good (I wouldn't know, I haven't heard it, but Eric insists its good). Then of course you have 2/3's of the Golden State Warriors in Saafir and Ras Kass. Of course the lyrics are on point. The remixed beat is on some smooth, jazzy type of flavor. Fredwreck brings in a mellow bassline and hooks up a sax sample over the hooks, which really adds to the track. I think I've posted another remix of this track on one of the WYDU Classics, which would be the Joe Quixx remix version, which I might slightly favor over this one, but they are both dope listens. - Travis

Al Tariq - No Question feat. Black Attack, Rawcotiks & Problemz (Correct Records, from Al' Tariq's LP "God Connections", 1996)

For the record, I personally wouldn't include any track that can be found readily on any full album release. Not saying this isn't a dope track, it certainly is. Also, Al' Tariq's "God Connections" is CERTAINLY slept on and isn't exactly the easiest album to find without the help of the internet (read: Try to find a physical copy of this, you'll have a tough time), but it kind of takes away from the "obscure" label. With that being said, this is a slept on track that would probably match anything his former group members, the Beatnuts, have released and is in no way a knock on the 'Nuts. Produced by Chicago producer, No I.D., Tariq and his guests, Black Attack, Problemz and the NY group Rawkotiks basically just tear shit down in typical hip hop fashion (no pun intended). I've always been a big fan of both Problemz and Black Attack, so I'm always eager to hear them spit on anything dope as this hardcore beat. Rawkotiks would probably pass as both a slept on and obscure but might not be in the same league as the others, but no worries, cause there is nothing wack on this joint at all. - Travis

Bas Blasta – The Rhythm feat. Lord Finesse, Fat Joe, JuJu, & Godfather Don (RCA, from the 12 inch "Dangerous b/w The Rhythm", 1994)

Bas Blasta's shelved LP is hip hop's equivalent of Big Foot, it's rumored to exist, but no one has really ever seen it. Instead what we do have from the Caucasian MC is this single and an appearance on Nice & Smooth's posse cut "Down The Line" found on the "Ain't A Damn Thing Changed" LP. I'm never particularly cared for Bas Blasta as an MC as he has always came off as a poor man's R.A. The Rugged Man (and that was even before I knew he was white), and that's pretty hard to do. What this track really has going for it is One: The beat is just bananas on this track. Produced by the Groove Merchantz, who consisted of V.I.C. and the Godfather himself, Godfather Don (and I'm trying to remember if there was a third member but nothing is coming to my mind), the track is some classic gritty feelin' 1994 hip hop. The second thing it had going for it is the guest list involved with the track. You have Lord Finesse, who was in his prime during this era. The Beatnuts own junkyard dog, Ju Ju jumps on the track. The Beatnuts were rumored to do some tracks on the lost Bas Blasta album and maybe one day we'll be luck enough to hear if that's true or not. Godfather Don and Fat Joe also drop their mark on the track with GFD doing a what he does best and even Fat Joe sounds decent, but you have to remember this is before the dreams of "Making It Rain" and making club joints clouded his mind. - Travis

Big L- How Will I Make It (No original label, Found on "Harlem's Finest - A Freestyle History - Volume 2" on Rawkus, 2001. Original year not known)

One of the very few pre-Lifestylez Ov Da Poor And Dangerous tracks that have surfaced after Big L’s untimely death. This demo was made available on the Harlems finest vinyl compilations, which were later released on CD. The intro sets the mood perfectly, while the basic and unpolished production are the perfect backdrop for Big L’s hard hitting lyrics. Big L, while known for his vicious punch lines, and braggadocios hardcore rhetoric, he was one of the better storytellers of his era and this track is an excellent example of how to utilize great imagery with a message of despair and anger. - Original Philaflava post

Black Moon – Murder MC’s (Wreck Records, originally from the "Buck Em Down b/w Murder MC's" 12 inch, 1994)

Surprisingly, this track was a throw off of the "Enta Da Stage" LP. It could have easily replaced a couple songs found on that LP. The track was in the smooth flavor that was found on some of the "..Stage" tracks, but still had that rough Brooklyn feel to it. The Beatminerz were on top of their game during those early BCC days and this beat is a testament to that fact. A dope bass line is present and their hard drums grace the track that accompany the "sing-a-long" chorus that Black Moon employed on many of their tracks from that era. - Original Philaflava post

Black Rob - Permanent Scars (no label, unreleased track, 2003?)

When I heard Black Rob on 112 ‘Come See Me’ remix in 1996 the first thing that stood out to me about him was his voice- it’s one of the most distinctive in hip hop. ‘Permanent Scars’ was originally intended for his second album The Black Rob Report but was taken off it as the beat on the track was used by Beanie Sigel on ‘Feel It In The Air'. The melodic and sombre beat provided by Heavy D serves as the perfect backdrop for Rob’s storytelling rhymes: “Parole buggin/I’m tryin to be cakey/called the P.O./aight man fuck it, violate me/I’m on the run now/ask a few niggas in the Bronx who to come to if you want a gun/fam I did it all with different schools of niggas/late night back hallway smoking whools with niggas.” Rob’s loose, almost conversational flow comes to life here as he paints a vivid picture of the struggles in his life. What makes this track stand out even more to me is that he does with the raw emotion in his voice more than with anything he actually says. - Original Philaflava Post

Black Sheep - Similak Child (Homogenized Remix) (Mercury Records, found on the "Similak Child (Homogenized Remix) b/w "Still In The Ghetto" & "Similak Child" (Album Version), 1992)

This remix for "Similak Child" is a major departure from the original version as in employs some loud horn stabs and a dope bass sample that make the remix much more upbeat. It was remixed by Dres and Mista Lawnge, which reminds us that they had some skills behind the boards as well, which is often lost when their legacy is mentioned. I was never really big on this and probably should have pushed for the b-side track, "Still In The Ghetto", but it's still worth a listen if you have never heard it. - Travis

Boogie Down Productions - Questions & Answers (Remix) (? on all accounts, original version is found on the "Sex & Violence" LP from 1992)

I found this remix of "Questions & Answers" back on Cocaine Blunts waaaay back in the day. I can't find much info on the origins of this release. No history, no story, no nothing. I'm assuming it was produced by Pal Joey, who is almost more of a mystery than this song. He did a handful of tracks for BDP on Edutainment, Sex & Violence, and also did "Black Cop", a track on Cooly Live's album and a track for MC Lyte on her "Act Like You Know" release. I always thought he was the quintessential of the "Boom Bap" sound. Then he kind of just vanished. Regardless, this track is kind of cool. I'm not sure if I like it more than the original, but it's still fun to listen to. - Travis

Boogie Down Productions - We In There (Ali Shaheed/ATCQ Remix) (Jive/RCA, found on the "We In There" b/w "Feel The Vibe, Feel The Beat" 12 inch Maxi single, 1992)

Funny enough, when we originally did this list, I had never heard this remix. What's so funny about it is that "We In There" is my second favorite song found on "Sex & Violence" as well one of my favorite BDP songs in general. I did find the 12 inch on a blog (Time 4 Sum Aksion, I believe) and while I don't like it more than the original either, it's dope in it's own right. A Tribe Called Quests' Ali Shaheed Muhammed is responsible for the beat. The beat is dope as fuck, and if I hadn't heard the original version first, I'd probably go with this first. Ali encompasses the rawness of the track well, especially with the siren sound he lays over the ruffneck hook that the track has. There is even a different third verse as KRS changes shit up from the original. It's a verse that is raw as KRS just crushes any "would be" challenger and spits them out like tabacco juice. - Travis

Part Two coming tomorrow

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Re-Ups....

I like these kind of posts, easy and not much required on my part but uploading materials. I don't really have a problem with re-upping things (God knows how many albums are on this site), and I'm sure their will be more. Just ask politely, be patient and I'll get to it. If its been awhile, don't be afraid to remind me again. Between working two jobs, still fucking with school, dealing with other things that life throws at me and probably killing more brain cells than I should have in my younger years, I forget rather easily.

J-Zone - Gimme Dat Beat Fool!

1. Polka Intro

2. Saga

3. Famous

4. Rockaway and Crenshaw

5. Prostitute Interlude

6. On the Grind

7. Bitch Witta Weave

8. Late Greatness

9. KMDGMC Interlude

10. Hustlaz Iz Hustlaz

11. Stomp That Bitch Out

12. Outro

Ras Kass - Soul On Ice Demo ****UPDATED FIXED LINK (AGAIN)****

• 1. Everything I Love
• 2. Core Audience
• 3. High IQ
• 4. Won’t Catch me Running
• 5. Capital R-A-S
• 6. Blood Is Thicker Than Water
• 7. Interlude
• 8. Take A Deep Breath
• 9. Remain Anonymous
• 10. Take A Deep Breath (remix)
• 11. Walk The Walk

From May '06

When you talk about the offical release of "Soul On Ice", the lack of quality of production is usually brought up somewhere in the conversation. Likewise, the quality of lyrics and the scathing social commentary is almost always brought up as well. When taking a listen to this demo version of "Soul On Ice", in it's orginal carnation, one must wonder what could have been.

The demo version (if that what it truly is) features a less polished MC in Ras, but a unpolished Ras is still better than 90% of the MC's out there. It also features beats that are better than what is heard on the final version. Information on who exactly are the producers is sketchy at less, but it seems to be the same two producers who are featured on the majority of the production on the final version, fellow Western Hemisphere memebers, Bird and Voodoo. This version is dark in nature much like it's final version, but the beats are more layred but with a fuller, harder sound.

Lyrically, Rassy still can bring it on the mic, which he does on this version. Yet, he just doesn't seem as sharp as what was heard on the later product. "Remain Anonymous" and "Won't Catch Me Runnin'" eventually did leak their way out in the public, so if you have heard those, it's a glimpse of what to expect on this.

As far as I can tell, most of these songs were scrapped for a variety of reasons. Sample clearance issues, label drama (damn, even back then) and inner beefs with his Western Hemisphere crew lead to most of these cuts getting scrapped. While it's not the potential "breakout" album Ras has been missing, it's still fun to hear some of the stuff that didn't make the final cut and some of that is unfortunate.

Chilly Tee - Get Off Mine (MCA, 1993) ****UPDATED FIXED LINK***

1. Thinking of a Master Plan

2. One for the Trouble

3. Get off Mine

4. I Guess She Didn't Know

5. Audi Like Jetta

6. On the Outz

7. Krisis of Identity

8. Snap Ya' Neck to This

9. Just Do It

They must have not paid the Bomb Squad enough money, because they couldn't save this.

Gorilla Pimps (J-Zone) - Hotter Than Fish Grease, Vol 1 (Hip Hop Site.com Exclusive, CD Rip)

1. It Ain't Easy
2. Pimptro
3. Bitch, I'm Rich
4. $lap That Bitch, Punch That Ho
5. Million Mack March
6. Pimp-A-Thon
7. Flo$$Traphobic
8. Ki$$ My Pimpin' A$$
9. ...And When You Whup Here
10. I $lapped The Bitch, The Money Was Short
11. Bu$ta Free Bubble Gum and Colla Pop Cookie$
12. Pimp Olympic$
13. What Work?

From the back of the Slip that came with the CD:
After years of legend and fable, Go-Rilla Pimp$' album is here! This album was recorded one night, under heavy influence of Bacardi Limon, Billy Dee (Colt 45), the movie American Pimp, and some Too Short, Big Tymers, and Suga Free CD's. Fuck a good mixdown, fuck creative production techniques, fuck getting it tight. We just made some typical funk "beats" hit the booth drunk and tried to have some fun and talk shit. Fuck edits, punch-ins, EQ, creative concepts, and all that shit! Once in a while you need to do something "unartistic" and clear your head! Half of y'all will probably take this project too serious and say, "Oooh, its not as creat as 'Music Tu Madre', he fell off." Y'all need to chill the fuck out. This is me and Dick Stallion buggin in the studio, right after I finihsed recording "Fight Club" with Al-Shid and Huggy. So stop bitchin' get a drink and pop this bad boy in ya system. But be warned ....I mixed this album drunk in one night in one take, so your speakers might get blown if you don't adjust them song for song. Be glad u have this, cause this shit is NEVER comin' out commercially. But volume 2 is going to be on MTV! And as much as this album was just a joke to us, its still better than your favorite rappers real album.....BITCH!



Hydra Beats 6 - Ghetto Pros (Hydra Beats)

Can't find shit on this release, track list or cover

Hydrabeats Vol XI: Godfather Don

A1 Mental Liks
A2 Pure Elevation
A3 As The World Burns
A4 Wilson Ave.
A5 Getaway
B1 Feel Me
B2 Pay Back
B3 Where I'm Coming From
B4 Twisted
B5 I'll Be Back!

Scientifik - The Most Blunted

A few weeks ago we looked at Scientifik’s recently re-released gem ‘Criminal’. This week we’ve got Sci’s much more elusive ‘Most Blunted’ album. This record is a collection of demo songs Scientifik put together with the help of the Vinyl Reanimators team around 1992-1993. Thankfully, and unlike most other demo tape bootlegs floating around, the sound quality on this is pretty good and does not distract from the material.

According to the Reanimators’ DJ Shame, these songs were originally recorded on VR beats but for some reason were then remixed onto tracks made popular by other rappers of the time. Consequently, check the beat from Chi Ali’s ‘Step into My Room’ interpolated into the slamming safe sex anthem ‘Slicka Picka Upper’, Nas’s ‘Memory Lane’ flipped into the humorous ‘I Ain’t the Damn One’ etc. I’m not the hugest fan of recycling other people’s beats, but Scientifik definitely does all these tracks justice.

As much as I like ‘Criminal’, I think Scientifik comes off a bit nicer on the mic on these joints, his delivery sounds more relaxed and effortless. The subject matter here is more varied too, even if it ain’t groundbreaking. My favorite track ‘I Used to Know Ya’ with longtime associate Ed O.G. (the only guest spot on the record) features the two Bostonians trading stories about the hard it work it takes to get in the game and the inevitable lobsterheads who come calling once you make it.

No doubt these tracks would have languished in someone’s basement were it not for a mysterious entity calling itself ‘Don Corleone Entertainment’ who released the ten track album on wax around 2001. Reliable sources tell me that the people who put this out were the owners of the legendary Mr Bongo record store in London. I don’t know either way, but that’s where I copped my copy back in 2002 when I was living there (it was the last one in the rack). This shit now goes for crazy prices on eBay, and the revived interest in Sci due to the re-release of ‘Criminal’ is just more fuel to the fire. So for this is for all the broke cats like me: kick back and enjoy some classic east coast hip hop.

Polarity - with special thanks to Travis for uploading this for my busted ass.

Hydrabeats 14: Godfather Don 4

A1 Unreliable
A2 No Free Shows
A3 Hey! Why Show Up?
A4 Call Me A Cab
A5 Boning
B1 Just Mix It Yourself
B2 My Drivers Downstairs
B3 Video Taping
B4 Beep Lance
B5 Porno's My Game

Omniscience - The Raw Factor (Unreleased)

Year: 1995Label: East/West Records

1. Intro
2. Maintain
3. Greatest MC In The World
4. Who Is Down With Us
5. Lost In The Music
6. Everybody's Got An Ego
7. Love To The Crews
8. Bumpheads
9. Touch Y'all
10. Amazin'
11. My Main Man
12. Big Kap (Interlude)
13. Get Our Dicks Sucked
14. Act Like You Know
15. Lady's Freestyle
16. We Do It Like This
17. Rules Of The Game
18. Stage Domination
19. Fuck The Critics (Interlude)
20. Causin' Terror
21. Halfway

Thanks to ShareAndSshareAlike for the track listing

Today we'll jump into one of the harder to find albums out there, at least before the mp3 boom, and even now it's not the easiest thing to find. Before I get into this, I must thank 6MWTD for dropping gem on the cocaine blunts boards this spring.

Omni was an MC coming straight outta of North Cacalack (North Carolina for those who don't know). Finding info on him is rather difficult, most of what I tracked down came from two sites, the legendary Vinyl Addicts (RIP) and a site that I never knew about before www.smalltimehustle.com that had the most info about Omni that I've ever seen.

He first appeared on the scene sometime in the early 90's as part of a group called Funke Leftovers with another North Carolina pioneer The Rhythm Fanatic from the early Bizzie Boys crew that also included Ski of Roc-a-Bloc fame. The duo dropped a single called "I Like Girls" in 92'. Around 93' Omniscience ventured out as a solo artist and dropped "The Funky One Liner" EP. The EP featured four tracks, two for sure appears on this LP.

On the strength of that EP, Omniscience got signed to Elektra's East/West Recordings, which would turn out to be the kiss of the death for Omni, among many others during this period of Elektra's mishandling of classic underground hero's. He would drop the underground gem of 95' with his first single "Amazin'" (pictured up above). He would then drop a second single "Touch Y'all" which featured a remix w/ Sadat X, which Smoov from Vinyl Addicts posted up during his hayday. Shortly after the release of the second single, Elektra would do to him that they did to 8Off Agullah, Supernatural and a host of others, they shelved the album and dropped them from the label. As far as I can gather, the album was shipped as a promo to DJ's and the such during the time and that's probably where this came from.

Omniscience sounds like (voice wise) a mix of buckshot, canibus, and someone else I'm still trying to put my finger on. Lyrically he's pretty nice with his. He drops lot's of one liners ("I'm not Denny's, I serve many brothers") guess thats why he calls himself the "Funky One Liner". Production wise, as far as I can tell, there were at least three people/crew's involved in the production of the album, The Rhythm Fanatic, 3 Boyz From Newark, and Rheji Burrell and Vincent Herbert. There is some nice smooth shit and there is some funky ass shit. It's very well produced..

This copy isn't bad as far as sound quality. Some tracks fade out, and I'm not sure if that's the way they are or not and their sounds like some basic freestyles here and there, so not sure what the deal is with that. None the less if you are a fan of the early/mid 90's east coast sound, this is a MUST HAVE. Enjoy!

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Re-Ups & Requests Day 3 & 4

**EDIT Note*** ALL LINKS ARE UP, SORRY FOR THE DELAY.

Alright, a double up since I missed yesterday due to too much going on. Probably won't be around much this weekend as well, so don't be surprised if you don't see a post. I have some things on my mind, but little time to convey them, so we'll just jump right into the re-ups/requests.

Mad Kap - Look Ma Duke, No Hands (RCA, 1993)

1 (Da Bud Zone) Here Comes The Break
2 Da Whole Kit & Kaboodle
3 Irrelevant
(Dickie's Emporium)
4 When It Rains It Pours
(Cheeba)
5 Check It Out
(Oh Ph*ck Me Right?)
6 Ph*uck What Ya Heard
(Thoughts On The Indoe From Joe)
7 Proof Is In The Puddin'
(Escuse Me Brutha!)
(Jeff-Self)
8 Beddie-Bye
9 Dopest Verse

One of those albums that didn't recieve all that much play when it originally came out, but seems genius in the light of today's music. I've never been a HUGE fan of the album, but do like it. I was lucky enough to snag it from some guy selling his collection on ughh.com waaaay back in early 2000 or something.

It's in the same realm of Pharcyde, Anotha Level, and that type of west coast music during the early 90's. It's a fun album to just throw in and not have to worry about getting your daily fill of drive-by's and what not. Coke, from Mad Kap, would go on to form Colored Section and drop the LP "The Bomb MC" in '98, which I personally enjoy more than this album.

Atmosphere - New, Unreleased, & B-Sides (Bootleg, 2003)

The best of the three volumes in my opinion. Contains a remake of White Zombie's "More Human than Human" that appread on the X-ecutioner's LP along with a few other rare Atmosphere tracks.

I can't find a track listing to save my ass and I'm under a time constraint, so I personally don't have the time to try to sit down and name the tracks myself. If anyone has a track listing or can name them, then drop a comment.


Y'all So Stupid - A Van Full Of Pakistans (Rowdy Records, 1993)
1. Introduce Me
2. 85 South
3. Interlude
4. Van Full of Pakistans
5. Interlude
6. Bowl of Soul
7. Interlude
8. Plant
9. Interlude
10. Bootleg Beatdown
11. Interlude
12. Family Tree
13. Dirt Road White Girl
14. Interlude
15. Monkey Off My Back
16. Interlude
17. Super Nigga
18. Y'all
19. On & On
20. Interlude
21. You Wouldn't Understand
22. 85 South [Remix]

Another underrated banger from '93 that was also on the goofy tip. Hip Hop was much more enjoyable and accesable back then for sure. Think "Poor Man's Pharcyde" and you should be okay.

Chubb Rock - Chubb Rock feat Hitman Howie Tee (Select, 1988)

A1 DJ Innovator (4:10)
A2 Daddy's Home (4:10)
A3 I Feel Good (2:59)
A4 Joker (2:51)
A5 Momma Was A Rolling Stone (3:53)
A6 Caught Up (4:16)
B1 Do It Again (3:42)
B2 Girl I Love You (3:42)
B3 Punk (3:26)
B4 Rock 'N Roll Dude (4:45)
B5 It's So Hot (2:56)
B6 This Is So Hard (4:57)

The Chubbster. Plain and simple. The Hip Hop scene needs another Chubb Rock album, well, at least I do. The Chubbster is probably Polarity's favorite artist, and while I'm not on the verge of stalking the "Big Man" like Po is, I do like most of Chubb's work. This was his debut album, which while not up to par with his efforts such as "The One" or "I Gotta Get Mine, Yo", but is evidence of what was to come.

Mountain Brothers - Self: Volume 1 (Pimpstrut Records, 1999)

1 All Good Heroes Needs Theme Music (1:25)
2 Galaxies: The Next Level (5:13)
3 Brand Names (1:55)
4 Fluids (4:54)
5 The Adventures Of... (4:42)
6 Love Poetry (1:39)
7 Dig It (4:02)
8 Paperchase (4:23)
9 Super Saturday (1:07)
10 Whiplash! (3:45)
11 Turntable Mathematics (1:42)
12 Day Jobs (4:14)
13 Wake-Up Call (0:57)
14 Things To Do (4:21)
15 Days Of Being Dumb (3:32)
16 Black Whirlwind (1:20)
17 Ain't Nuthin '98 (5:18)
18 5 Elements (5:20)
19 Oh-Oh-Oh (4:57)

I remember there being a lot of hype on the underground circuit when this album dropped. I also I remember buying this album when it dropped, listening to it for about a week, then putting it into my racks of CD's probably to never be listened to again. It's not that this group from Philly put out a bad album, I just never really got into all that much. Some people will love this album or already do love this album, others will probably fall asleep shortly after pushing in the play button, but if you haven't heard it, you might as well check it out.

MC Shy D - Don't Sweat Me (Benz Records, 1990)

A1 I Am Back (3:39)
A2 Don't Sweat Me (5:14)
A3 Got It Good (3:48)
A4 You Are Everything (5:24)
B1 Groove (4:14)
B2 Whats All This About (3:55)
B3 I Can Make You Dance (3:27)
B4 Work It (3:58)
B5 G.T.F.O.M.F.B. (3:57)

More Shy D for all those Flea Market shoppin', Fila Wearin, Biscuit eating bass heads out there...

Godfather Don - Hazardous (Select, 1991)

1 Just Begun (5:16)
2 Losers (4:08)
3 On And On (4:35)
4 Read The Lines (4:34)
5 Hazardous (5:02)
6 Full Circle (4:39)
7 Sleepin' With The Enemy (4:21)
8 Keep Sweatin' (4:26)
9 Homicide (5:04)
10 Involuntary Excellence (4:43)
11 Hellofasong (5:15)
12 Black Time (5:22)

His excellent debut joint....this dude was so slept on, it's not even funny, although he seems to have his share of people checking for him nowadays.

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