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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Round One, Group Three; Philflava Greatest 80's Song Tourney

Philaflava Greatest 80’s Song Group Three

Lakim Shabazz – All True & Living Vs. DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince – Brand New Funk

The Match Up
We have more 45 King production in the form of Lakim Shabazz’s “All True & Living”, which is a good thing since Mark was quite possibly one of the top three producers during the 80’s. “All True & Living” is honestly a song I didn’t pay much attention to when listening to “Pure Righteousness”, the LP that this joint comes from. I was more into the title track and “Black is Back”, but when I sat down and listened to this, it’s pretty damn funky. I should know where the sample comes from, but my recent love of discovering sample sources makes me appreciate this song more than I have in the past.

With that being said, it has a tough match up. “Brand New Funk” from Fresh Prince and Jazzy Jeff is probably one of their more “legit” songs. Some of the younger cats might not give Jeff and Prince their rightful due, since they kind of turned into a mainstream cultural icon, or at least Will Smith did. The fact though was, they got props back then. Sure they were kind of light hearted, but it was okay back then. Will wasn’t a incredible lyricist by any stretch of the imagination, but this song was just a fun track to listen to. The track was released as a single, after “Parent’s Just Don’t Understand”, which probably doomed it and wasn’t the best choice, but “Yo!” played it on a regular basis.

Trav’s Vote:
This match up actually turned out to be closer than I thought it would be. When I first saw it, I thought it was pretty much a no contest, but after listening to “All True..”, it became closer. When it comes down to it though, “Brand New Funk” just has more history and memories attached to it, and I hate to vote against the technically “better” song, I have to go with the one I like more….”Brand New Funk”.

Prediction:
I’m not really sure how people are going to vote on this one. I can see them going with the more traditional hip hop song with Shabazz’s joint, or maybe the popularity of Jeff and The Prince will overcome that. I think the more traditional joint will win out here with “All True & Living”.

Special Ed – I Got It Made Vs Fearless Four – Rockin’ It

The Match Up

One of those “Old School” vs “Next School” match ups again. Special Ed was loved when he came out, for his danceable songs and funny videos and “I Got It Made” was probably his most popular effort. The album’s producer, Hitman Howie Tee was on fire when this dropped in ’88. Ed was only like 16 or so when this dropped, but you didn’t really notice and the joint was HOT when it came out.

It’s going against one of the true classics in early 80’s hip-hop. How many times have you heard this song sampled or referred to in today’s music? And who said today’s artists don’t pay homage to the old school artists. It was one of my favorites as well, the jam just gets you up and make you want to break or shake your ass or something. It’s kind of one of the more “modern sounding” old school jams as well, at least in my honorable opinion.

Trav’s Vote: This is a tough match-up in my eyes. Not often am I going to go against a late 80’s classic since that’s where my favorite era lies, but “Rockin’ It” is just too hard to go against.

Predicition: Another match up that is hard to gauge the people’s opinion. I’m going to say Ed’s going to pull out though in a close one.

Fantastic 5 – Can I Get A Soul Clap Vs Eric B & Rakim – Microphone Fiend

The Match Up
I must say I’m shocked that “Eric B is President” didn’t claim the spot for Eric B & Rakim but I’m also kind of happy about since I was more into “Follow The Leader” than “Paid In Full” which might be viewed as hearsay in some circles. “Microphone Fiend” just has some great lines in it. This song is a classic reason why Rakim is viewed as one, if not the best MC of all-time. To me it was on the greatest songs to come out that year.

Another old school classic, although, my knowledge of “Can I Get A Soul Clap” is a little limited although I can appreciate it’s legacy.

Trav’s Vote: Fairly easy one in my book, Rakim is going to be hard to beat in any 80’s competition such as this and the old school legends won’t be able to knock him out of the tourney.

Prediction: I thinking blowout on this one…

LL Cool J – I’m Bad Vs Ice T – High Rollers

The Match Up
“I’m Bad” is one of those songs that is very important in my beginning introductions into hip-hop. LL comes off as hungry as anyone had ever seen at that point in hip-hop and of course who can argue with “eating Cool J cookies”. As I mentioned on the “Rhymin’ & Stealin” match up, both the Beasties and LL were in my walkman almost non stop back then. I knew every word to “Bigger & Deffer” and “I’m Bad” was my favorite song from the album. It was produced by the LA Posse, who used a sort of bare bones approach, but with LL it was a good thing, the beat would just let the lyrics come through.

I had a little chuckle seeing LL taking on Ice T. Not sure if it was done on purpose, but LL and Ice didn’t exactly see eye to eye. Ice took a shot at LL on “I’m Your Pusher” then LL throwing some haymakers on “To The Break Of Dawn”. Regardless, Ice T does what he does best on this track, kicking some hustler type rhymes over a funk beat. And if you didn’t like the actual song, watch the video, that’ll get you going just as well with all the fine ladies…..

Trav’s Vote: I love “High Rollers” but damn, I can’t go against LL on this one. “I’m Bad” is just that, bad, but bad meaning good….you get the point.

Prediction: This might be a close one, maybe LL’s present image will turn off some people and make it interesting, but LL should take this.

T La Rock – It’s Yours Vs Above The Law – Untouchable

The Match Up
This is a real interesting match up here. I was really happy to see an Above The Law song make it as they were always viewed as underrated in my book. “Untouchable” is in the similar vein as “High Rollers”, a pimpalistic tune that’ll make you want to buy a ’64 Impalla just to play this joint in. The beat is a classic Dre beat, (although ATL might argue about that) that just rolls out of a system and the lyrical content is on some hustler shit. Great song.

T La Rock dropped the classic “It’s Yours” as the first release from a young Def Jam label. It’s consider one of the precursors to Bass music with its booming 808’s kicking all across the track. T La Rock kind of got shitted on by Def Jam, but his legacy will never be forgotten because of this song. T La Rock was LL before LL was LL. He had a cocky attitude and is was shown on this track.

Trav’s Vote: As much as I want to vote for “Untouchable”, I just can’t. “It’s Yours.”

Prediction: I would think “It’s Yours” would get the win rather easily, but stranger things have happened.

Public Enemy – Black Steel In The Hour of Chaos Vs EPMD – You Gots To Chill

The Match Up

“It Takes A Nation Of Millions..” is one of the greatest albums to ever be released in the hip-hop game. The Bomb Squad painted mass hysteria on the beats and Chuck D’s booming voice made you think that Armageddon was near. “Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos” symbolizes everything the album is, defiant, militant and in your face. The opening line is still a classic with Chuck saying “I got a letter from the government the other day..”, it just sets the mood. Also setting the mood is the dark piercing beat from the GENIUS Bomb Squad. The video also added to the song, back when videos were made to go with a song.

“It’s so simple. A Zapp sample? That’s so basic. The MC’s sound half-asleep. Why the hell do I love this song so much then?” That’s what I was thinking the first time I heard “You Gots To Chill”. It really is a rather simple song, but damn this shit just bumps and Erick and Parrish just flowed over the bassline so effortlessly. I still remember seeing the video for the first time (which was also the first time I heard the song), E Double and P rhyming in an ice factory or some shit and Stezo, there dancer at the time, dancing around in the back ground. The song is one of my all-time favorites.

Trav’s Pick: I really hate this one. No way these two songs should be going against each other in the first round. This is by far the most difficult match up of the tourney thus far. I love both songs and am truly torn on which one gets my vote. As much as a “Takes A Nation…” fan and of production of the Bomb Squad, I have to go with EPMD on this one, maybe. Then again after listening to “Black Steel..” for the 4th time while writing this up, I’m not sure who I’ll vote for until I push the button.

Prediction: I think PE will pull this out because it’s PE, but this better be close.

JVC Force – Strong Island Vs Eazy E – Boyz N The Hood

The Match Up
I remember first hearing of JVC Force from reading the “shout outs” on liner notes from tapes back in the day. It seemed like they were mentioned on almost all the tapes I liked back in the day, yet I didn’t see them on “Yo!”. That made them more intriguing to me. I had more neighborhood record store order me a copy of the tape. The stand out track from that tape was “Strong Island” although I never held them in the same class as some of the other classics out there during that time. It’s a strong jam though and deserved more credit than it got.

“Boyz N The Hood” is one of those jams that some of us remember where we were at the first time we heard it. Not only is this song a classic song, it’s one of extreme importance. It basically ushered in the “Gangsta” era. It covered what people in the west coast were doing. Eazy wasn’t a great MC, but he was perfect for this song. It’s fairly common knowledge that Ice Cube wrote this song, but E did the joint in a way that made you feel like your homeboy was doing it.

Trav’s Pick: Boyz N The Hood, easily

Prediction: Boyz N The Hood just holds too much importance not to go on to the next round.

Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five – The Message Vs MC Shan – The Bridge

The Match Up
One could argue that “The Message” maybe the single most important song ever made in hip-hop. Before “The Message”, hip hop was all about fun and partying. Once Flash and the boys dropped “The Message”, the game would forever be changed. I doubt many youngsters realize the importance of this joint.

“The Bridge” also holds an important place in hip-hop history. It marks the start of the “Queens/Bronx” wars and the battle between BDP and the Juice Crew. I’ve never been the biggest Shan supporter, but this is by far his best song he ever did.

Trav’s Pick: I might like “The Bridge”, but I can’t argue with “The Message”, which truly might be the most important song in the culture.

Prediction: I think everyone is smart enough to realize “The Message” needs to move on.

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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

The 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.

One of the reasons I grew to love hip-hop was “Licensed To Ill”. It would be probably be the third of fourth 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

The Match Up

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.

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

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 different, 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 probably shouldn’t be allowed to vote in this since the Juice Crew is my favorite crew 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 this 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

Matchup

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

The Match Up
I 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 majority of the match-ups of “old school” against “new school” of the 80’s. These two joints were 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

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