http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog Latest news from Classic Material en Classic Material Copyright 2020 2020-11-11T19:53:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/krs_one_krs_one_25th_anniversary Release date: 10th October 1995 Label: Jice / RCA Producers: DJ Premier, Big French Productions, KRS-One, Norty Cotto, Showbiz, Diamond D Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “KRS-One is the eponymous second studio album by hip hop artist KRS-One, it was released on October 10, 1995.” Additional info: - The album comes in at #10 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1995. - The single ‘MCs Act Like They Don’t Know’ comes in at #11 on Ego Trip’s Top 40 Rap Singles of 1995 - The tracks ‘MCs Act Like They Don’t Know’ and ‘Represent the Real Hip Hop’ appear on our 1995 Rap Megamix. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Spotify / Youtube Purchase: Discogs 2020-11-11T19:53:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/king_tee_at_your_own_risk_30th_anniversary Release date: 2nd October 1990 Label: Capitol Records Producers: DJ Pooh, King Tee, Bilal Bashir, J.R. Coes, Bronick Wrobleski, E-Swift, DJ Aladdin Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “At Your Own Risk is the second studio album by American West Coast hip hop artist King Tee. It was released on October 2, 1990 via Capitol Records. Production was handled by several record producers, including DJ Pooh, E-Swift, Bilal Bashir, Bronick Wrobleski, J.R. Coes, DJ Aladdin, and King T himself. It also features guest appearances provided by Ice Cube and Breeze on the album’s final track “Played Like a Piano”. The album spawned four singles: “Ruff Rhyme (Back Again)”, “Diss You”, “At Your Own Risk” and “Played Like a Piano”, which were later included on the rapper’s greatest hits album titled Ruff Rhymes: Greatest Hits Collection. The album peaked at number 175 on the US Billboard 200 and number 35 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Its single “Ruff Rhyme (Back Again)” peaked at number 18 on the Hot Rap Songs.” Additional info: - The album comes in at #19 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1990. - The track ‘Played Like a Piano’ appears on our Classic Material 1990 Mixtape. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Youtube / Spotify Purchase: Discogs 2020-11-10T17:59:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/mobb_deep_the_infamous_25th_anniversary Release date: 25th April 1995 Label: Loud / RCA Producers: Mobb Deep / Q-Tip Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “The Infamous (stylized as The Infamous…) is the second studio album by the American hip hop duo Mobb Deep. It was released on April 25, 1995, by Loud Records. The album features guest appearances by Nas, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and Q-Tip, who also contributed to its production and mixing. Most of the leftover songs from the album became bonus tracks for Mobb Deep’s The Infamous Mobb Deep album (2014). Upon its release, The Infamous achieved notable commercial success, debuting at number 15 on the US Billboard 200 and number 3 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums charts. On June 26, 1995, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).The album produced four singles; “Shook Ones (Part II)”, “Survival of the Fittest”, “Temperature’s Rising”, “Give Up the Goods (Just Step)”; the first three singles achieved varying degrees of chart success, with “Shook Ones (Part II)” being the most successful. The album’s dark, haunting style, defined by its evocative melodies, rugged beats, and lyrics dealing with crime in inner city neighborhoods, reflected the destitute side of New York’s urban landscape in a manner that received special recognition and critical praise. Along with albums such as Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), Illmatic and Ready to Die, The Infamous is widely credited as a major contributor to the East Coast Renaissance. Furthermore, the album is credited with helping to redefine the sound of hardcore hip hop, using its production style, which incorporated eerie piano loops, distorted synthesizers, eighth-note hi-hats, and sparse filtered basslines.” Additional info: - The album comes in at #2 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1995. - The single ‘Shook Ones Part II’ comes in at #1 on Ego Trip’s Top 40 Rap Singles of 1995 - The track ‘Shook Ones Part II’ appears on our 1995 Rap Megamix. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Spotify / Youtube Purchase: Discogs 2020-04-26T14:48:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/big_l_lifestylez_ov_da_poor_dangerous_25th_anniversary Release date: 28th March 1995 Label: Columbia Producers: Buckwild, Lord Finesse, Showbiz, Craig Boogie Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous is the debut studio album by American hip hop artist Big L. Released March 28, 1995 on Columbia Records, it is Big L’s only album to be released during his lifetime. Recording sessions took place primarily at Powerplay Studios in Queens, New York in mid-to-late 1994. Production was handled by Buckwild, Lord Finesse, Showbiz and Craig Boogie. The album debuted at number 149 on the US Billboard 200 and number 22 on R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, but did not chart internationally. Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous spawned three singles: “Put It On”, “M.V.P.”, and “No Endz, No Skinz”, the first two both peaked within the top 25 on the US Hot Rap Tracks and Hot Dance Singles Sales. Upon its release, the album received positive reviews from music critics, earning praise for Big L’s lyricism and wordplay, and is now considered by many fans as a classic album. As of August 2000, the album has sold 200,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.” Additional info: - The album comes in at #25 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1995. - The track ‘Put It On’ (released as a single the year prior) appears on our Classic Material 1994 Mixtape. - The track ‘Put It On’ appears on our 1994 Rap Megamix. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Spotify / Youtube Purchase: Discogs 2020-04-04T14:40:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/ol_dirty_bastard_return_to_the_36_chambers_the_dirty_version_25th_anniversa Release date: 28th March 1995 Label: Elektra Producers: RZA, True Master, 4th Disciple, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Ethan Ryman, Big Dore Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version is the solo debut album of American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Ol’ Dirty Bastard, released March 28, 1995 on Elektra Records in the United States. It was the second solo album, after Method Man’s Tical, to be released from the nine-member Wu-Tang clan, following the release of their debut album. Return to the 36 Chambers was primarily produced by RZA, with additional production from Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and affiliates True Master and 4th Disciple. The album features guest appearances from Wu-Tang members GZA, RZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah and Masta Killa, as well as several Wu-Tang affiliates and Brooklyn Zu. Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version peaked at number seven on the Billboard 200 and number two on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album sold 81,000 copies in its first week, and was certified Platinum in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on March 26, 2019. Upon its release, the album received positive reviews from most music critics, with many complimenting Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s bizarre lyrical delivery and RZA’s eerie production. The album was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 1996 Grammy Awards.” Additional info: - Watch Amazon Music’s Return to 36 Chambers 25th Anniversary Mini Documentary - The album comes in at #4 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1995. - The single ‘Brooklyn Zoo’ and ‘Shimmy Shimmy Ya’ appear at #4 and #36 Ego Trip’s Top 40 Rap Single of 1995. - The track ‘Shimmy Shimmy Ya’. appears on our 1995 Rap Megamix. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Spotify / Youtube Purchase: Discogs 2020-03-31T18:08:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/above_the_law_livin_like_hustlers_30th_anniversary Release date: 20th February 1990 Label: Ruthless Records Producers: Above the Law, Dr Dre, Laylaw Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “Livin’ Like Hustlers is the debut album by American hip hop group Above the Law. It was released on February 20, 1990 via Ruthless Records, and an advanced promo cassette version was released two months earlier. The ten track record featured a guest performance from N.W.A on “The Last Song”, as well as audio production by Dr. Dre. In addition, Eazy-E served as executive producer of the album. It peaked at number 14 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and number 75 on the U.S. Billboard 200. The album included two hit singles “Murder Rap” and “Untouchable”, which both charted at number one on the Hot Rap Songs. Its lead single, “Murder Rap”, also peaked at number 41 on the Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales and later was featured on the fictional radio station Radio Los Santos in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas as well as the 2009 film Pineapple Express. “Freedom Of Speech” appeared on the soundtrack to the 1990 Christian Slater film Pump Up The Volume. In 1998, the album was selected as one of The Source’s 100 Best Rap Albums Ever.” Additional info: - The album comes in at #12 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1990. - The singles ‘Murder Rap’ and ‘Untouchable’ come in at #26 and #39 respectively on Ego Trip’s Top 40 Rap Singles of 1990. - The tracks ‘What Cha Can Prove’ appears on our Classic Material 1990 Mixtape. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Youtube / Spotify Purchase: Discogs 2020-02-20T23:06:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/lord_finesse_dj_mike_smooth_funky_technician_30th_anniversary Release date: 6th February 1990 Label: Wild Pitch Producers: DJ Premier, Diamond D, Showbiz, DJ Mike Smooth Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “Funky Technician is the debut album of American hip hop artists Lord Finesse and DJ Mike Smooth, released in 1990 on Wild Pitch Records. Production was handled by Smooth, former label-mate DJ Premier, and future Diggin’ in the Crates Crew-members Diamond D and Showbiz. In 1998, the album was selected as one of The Source’s 100 Best Rap Albums. In 2008, the album was re-released on Wild Pitch Records.” Additional info: - The album comes in at #15 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1990. - The single ‘Strictly for the Ladies’ comes in at #24 on Ego Trip’s Top 40 Rap Singles of 1990. - The tracks ‘Strictly for the Ladies’ and ‘Bad Mutha’ appear on our Classic Material 1990 Mixtape. - The track ‘Strictly for the Ladies’ appears on our 1990 Rap Megamix. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Youtube / Spotify Purchase: Discogs 2020-02-09T20:41:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/the_roots_do_you_want_more_25th_anniversary Release date: 17th January 1995 Label: DGC / Geffen Producers: The Grand Negaz, Questlove, Kelo, A.J. Shine, Black Thought, Rahzel Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “Do You Want More?!!!??! is the second studio album by American hip hop band The Roots, released January 17, 1995 on DGC Records. The band’s major label-debut, it was released two years after their independent debut album, Organix (1993). Do You Want More?!!!??! has been considered by critics as a classic of hip hop jazz. In 1998, the album was selected as one of The Source’s 100 Best Rap Albums. On November 2, 2015, twenty years after its release, the album was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America for shipments of 500,000 units in the United States. The master tapes for the album, including some unreleased tracks, were destroyed in a fire at the Universal Studios back lot in 2008.” Additional info: - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Spotify / Youtube Purchase: Discogs 2020-01-19T20:19:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/smif_n_wessun_dah_shinin_25th_anniversary Release date: 10th January 1995 Label: Wreck Producers: Da Beatminerz Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “Dah Shinin’ is the debut album from American East Coast hip hop duo Smif-N-Wessun. Members Tek and Steele made their debut previously on Black Moon’s classic 1993 album Enta Da Stage. Dah Shinin’ was noted for its hardcore lyrical content and production, which was handled by Da Beatminerz members DJ Evil Dee, Mr. Walt, Rich Blak and Baby Paul. The album marked the arrival of Hip Hop supergroup, the Boot Camp Clik, a prominent rap crew of the 1990s. The group includes Black Moon member Buckshot, Heltah Skeltah and O.G.C., as well as Tek and Steele. All members make an appearance on the posse-cut “Cession at da Doghillee”. The album has gone on to sell over 300,000 copies in the United States, and includes the underground single “Bucktown”. In 1998, the album was selected as one of The Source’s 100 Best Rap Albums. The album’s cover draws its inspiration from Roy Ayers Ubiquity’s 1972 album He’s Coming..” Additional info: - The album comes in at #9 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1995. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Spotify / Youtube Purchase: Discogs 2020-01-12T11:47:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/queen_latifah_all_hail_the_queen_30th_anniversary Release date: 28th November 1989 Label: Tommy Boy Producers: DJ Mark the 45 King, Louis ‘Louie Louie’ Vega, KRS-One, Daddy-O, Prince Paul Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “All Hail the Queen is the debut album by hip hop artist Queen Latifah, released on November 28, 1989, under Tommy Boy Records. The album was unusually successful for a hip hop record at the time, buoyed by the single “Wrath of My Madness”, and was certified gold in July 1990. The feminist anthem “Ladies First” (with Monie Love) remains one of Latifah’s signature songs. All Hail the Queen peaked at #6 and #124 on the Billboard Top Hip Hop/R&B Albums and Billboard 200 charts, respectively. “Mama Gave Birth to the Soul Children” peaked at #14 in the UK. In 1998, the album was selected as one of The Source’s 100 Best Rap Albums. It was also featured in Robert Dimery’s 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. In 2008, the single “Ladies First” was ranked number 35 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs Of Hip Hop..” Additional info: - The album comes in at #12 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1989. - The single ‘Dance for Me’ comes in at #33 on Ego Trip’s Top 40 Rap Singles of 1989. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Youtube / Spotify Purchase: Discogs 2019-11-28T11:00:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/redman_dare_iz_a_darkside_25th_anniversary Release date: 22nd November 1994 Label: Def Jam Producers: Erick Sermon, Reggie Noble, Rockwilder Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “Dare Iz a Darkside is the second studio album by American rapper Redman. It was released on November 22, 1994, by Def Jam Recordings. The album debuted at 13 on the US Billboard 200. In January 1995, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), exceeding the sales of 500,000 copies in the United States. The album cover features Redman buried in the ground up to his neck, a reference to the cover of Funkadelic’s 1971 album Maggot Brain. In addition, the song “Cosmic Slop” shares its name with a 1973 Funkadelic album. In 2010, Redman told Vibe Magazine that he never performed any songs from Dare Iz A Darkside in recent years - primarily due to the album being made during one of the dark times in his life. The positive reaction to the album stunned Redman, who said “I was doing a lot of drugs on Dare Iz A Darkside. I have chicks that come up to me and say, ‘Yo, Dare Iz A Darkside is my favorite fuckin’ album, ever.’ I swear, I have not played Dare Iz A Darkside damn near since I did it. Seriously! I was so lost, I was so fucked up during that album”.” Additional info: - The album comes in at #18 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1994. - The singles ‘Rockafella (Remix)’ and ‘Can’t Wait’ come in at #26 and #27 on Ego Trip’s Top 40 Rap Singles of 1994. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Spotify / Youtube Purchase: Discogs 2019-11-24T18:30:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/3rd_bass_the_cactus_album_30th_anniversary Release date: 14th November 1989 Label: Def Jam Producers: Pete Nice, MC Serch, Sam Sever, Prince Paul, The Bomb Squad Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “The Cactus Al/Bum (also known as The Cactus Cee/D and The Cactus Cas/Ette depending on release format) is the debut album by hip hop trio 3rd Bass, released on Def Jam Recordings on November 14, 1989. The album received positive reviews from the hip hop press. It was certified gold by the RIAA on April 24, 1990, the same day as Biz Markie’s The Biz Never Sleeps, which was released two weeks prior to The Cactus Album.The Cactus Album peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Top Hip Hop/R&B Albums chart and at #55 on the Billboard 200 chart. In 1998, the album was selected as one of The Source’s 100 Best Rap Albums. A decade later, Rhapsody included The Cactus Album in its list of “The 10 Best Albums By White Rappers”.” Additional info: - The album comes in at #7 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1989. - The singles ‘The Gas Face’ and ‘Steppin to the AM’ come in at #16 and #23 respectively on Ego Trip’s Top 40 Rap Singles of 1989. - The track ‘Brooklyn Queens’ appears on our Classic Material 1989 mixtape. - The track ‘Brooklyn Queens’ appears on our 1989 Rap Megamix. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Youtube / Spotify Purchase: Discogs 2019-11-18T23:11:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/pete_rock_cl_smooth_the_main_ingredient_25th_anniversary Release date: 8th November 1994 Label: Elektra Producers: Pete Rock Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “Characterized by sultry soul and jazz samples, The Main Ingredient saw a more polished sound than the duo’s debut, building on the praise that they had already garnered. The album is notable for its snappy, crispy drums and extensive use of vocal scratches, usually from songs by Biz Markie. Although missing a centerpiece on the scale of “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)”, the album contains some of the duo’s best known work, in the form of tracks such as the upbeat “In The House”, and the catchy “Sun Won’t Come Out”, which features a lush vocal sample from the song of the same name by Harvey Scales. Continuing a theme initiated by Mecca and the Soul Brother, brief instrumental interludes are placed at the beginning and end of songs. With the exception of just a few tracks, this feature is recurrent throughout the album. In addition, The Main Ingredient saw Rock fleshing out and defining his trademark production style, which is now recognized for often containing smooth basslines, swirling horns, filtered samples, and spacious grooves. The production on this album proved to be influential upon a legion of latter day producers.” Additional info: - The track ‘Take You There’ appears on our Classic Material 1994 Mixtape. - The track ‘Get On The Mic’ appears on our 1994 Rap Megamix. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Spotify / Youtube Purchase: Discogs 2019-11-14T14:50:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/jungle_brothers_done_by_the_forces_of_nature_30th_anniversary Release date: 7th November 1989 Label: Warner Bros. Producers: Jungle Brothers, Kool DJ red Alert Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “Done by the Forces of Nature is the second studio album by American hip hop group Jungle Brothers, released on November 7, 1989 by Warner Bros. Records. Recording sessions for the album took place in 1989 at Calliope Studios in New York City, and production was handled by the Jungle Brothers. It was mixed at Apollo Studios by Kool DJ Red Alert and the Jungle Brothers. The album’s title may refer to a line from the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture, wherein Krishna says, “Those who are deluded by the illusive power (Maya) of Nature become attached to the work done by the forces of nature”. Done by the Forces of Nature peaked at number 46 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It also received rave reviews from music critics who praised its Afrocentric themes, clever lyrics, house-influenced production, and eclectic sampling of music genres such as jazz, R&B, funk, and African music. Done by the Forces of Nature has been considered a golden age hip hop classic, as well as one of the greatest and influential hip hop albums of all time. In 1998, The Source magazine selected the album as one of its 100 Best Rap Albums.” Additional info: - The album comes in at #3 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1989. - The track ‘U Make Me Sweat’ and ‘Feelin’ Alright’ appear on our Classic Material 1989 mixtape. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Youtube / Spotify Purchase: Discogs 2019-11-10T16:56:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/pharoahe_monch_internal_affairs_20th_anniversary Release date: 19th October 1999 Label: Rawkus Producers: Pharoahe Monch, Lee Stone, DJ Scratch, The Alchemist, Diamond D Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “Internal Affairs is the solo debut from former Organized Konfusion member Pharoahe Monch, released on Rawkus Records and Priority Records. Monch creates a harder sound than heard on the previous Organized Konfusion records. The album spawned the Hot 100 hit “Simon Says”. The album is out of print because of Pharoahe Monch’s refusal to record for the Geffen Records label after Universal Music Group acquired Rawkus Records from Priority. Rawkus, as well as its then-parent label MCA Records, were later folded by the Universal Music Group into Geffen Records.” Additional info: - The track ‘Simons Says’ appears on our Classic Material 1999 mixtape. - The tracks ‘Simon Says’ and ‘Queens’ appear in our 1999 Rap Megamix. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Youtube / Spotify Purchase: Discogs 2019-10-23T21:04:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/mos_def_black_on_both_sides_20th_anniversary Release date: 12th October 1999 Label: Rawkus Producers: Mos Def, Diamond D, Ge-ology, 88-Keys, DJ Premier, Ayatollah, D. Prosper, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Psycho Les, DJ Etch-A-Sketch, David Kennedy Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “Black on Both Sides is the debut studio album by American rapper Mos Def, released on October 12, 1999 by Rawkus and Priority Records. Prior to its recording, Mos Def had collaborated with Talib Kweli for the album Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star in 1998, which raised high expectations for a solo effort by the former. Black on Both Sides features an emphasis on live instrumentation and socially conscious lyrics. On February 2, 2000, the album was certified Gold in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), following sales in excess of 500,000 copies. Talib Kweli (one-half of Black Star with Mos Def), Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes are the only main rappers to be featured on the album. Kweli raps the second and final verse of “Know That”, while Busta goes back and forth with Mos on “Do It Now”. Q-Tip helps sing the chorus on “Mr. Nigga” but doesn’t deliver a verse. The lyrics Q-Tip recites are similar to his previously released lyrics on A Tribe Called Quest’s “Sucka Nigga”. Vinia Mojica (who is known for singing on Native Tongues songs) also sings a duet with Mos Def on the song “Climb”.” Additional info: - The track ‘Mathematics’ appears on our Classic Material 1999 mixtape. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Youtube / Spotify Purchase: Discogs 2019-10-14T22:17:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/ice_t_the_iceberg_freedom_of_speech_30th_anniversary Release date: 10th October 1989 Label: Sire Producers: Ice-T, Afrika Islam Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “The Iceberg/Freedom of Speech… Just Watch What You Say! is the third studio album by American rapper Ice-T, released on October 10, 1989 by Sire Records. The album has an uncharacteristically gritty sound, featuring some of the darkest tracks that Ice-T ever released. The album was released after Ice-T was encountering censorship problems on tour. In The Ice Opinion: Who Gives a Fuck? the rapper states that “People had already told me what I could not say onstage in Columbus, Georgia. You couldn’t say anything they called a ‘swear’ word. You couldn’t touch yourself. They were using the same tactics they used on everyone from Elvis and Jim Morrison to 2 Live Crew”. The album’s cover, featuring a B-boy with a shotgun shoved in his mouth, and two pistols pressed against each side of his head, reflected Ice-T’s experiences with the concept of freedom of speech. “The concept of that picture is, ‘Go ahead and say what you want. But here comes the government and here come the parents, and they are ready to destroy you when you open your mouth’”.” Additional info: - The album comes in at #21 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1989. - The single ‘You Played Yourself’ comes in at #30 on Ego Trip’s Top 40 Rap Singles of 1989. - The track ‘You Played Yourself (DJ Alladin Remix) appears on our Classic Material 1989 mixtape. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Youtube / Spotify Purchase: Discogs 2019-10-13T13:03:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/biz_markie_the_biz_never_sleeps_30th_anniversary Release date: 10th October 1989 Label: Cold Chillin Producers: Biz Markie, Cool V Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “The Biz Never Sleeps is the second studio album by Biz Markie. It was released on October 10, 1989, on Cold Chillin’/Warner Bros. Records and was produced by Biz, his cousin Cool V and seminal producer Paul C, instead of Cold Chillin’ in-house producer Marley Marl. The album proved to be a success, peaking at #66 on the Billboard 200 and #9 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, as well as producing his most famous song and biggest hit, “Just a Friend,” which made it to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on the Hot Rap Singles. The album was certified gold by the RIAA on April 24, 1990. A 2006 Japanese issue includes song “A Thing Named Kim” as track 8. Though out of print for many years, the album was reissued on LP and CD in 2012 by Traffic Entertainment Group.” Additional info: - The album comes in at #10 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1989. - The single ‘Just a Friend’ comes in at #6 on Ego Trip’s Top 40 Rap Singles of 1989. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Youtube / Spotify Purchase: Discogs 2019-10-10T12:30:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/common_resurrection_25th_anniversary Release date: 4th October 1994 Label: Relativity Producers: No I.D, Ynot Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “Resurrection is the second studio album by American rapper Common, then known as Common Sense, released on October 4, 1994 by Relativity Records. It was almost entirely produced by No I.D., who also produced most of Common’s 1992 debut Can I Borrow A Dollar?. The album received critical acclaim, but not a significant amount of mainstream attention. Originally, it was rated 3.5 mics in The Source. However, in 1998, it was selected as one of The Source’s 100 Best Rap Albums . The album is divided into two sections; the “East Side of Stony” (tracks 1-7) and “West Side of Stony” (tracks 8-15). Stony Island Avenue is a street that runs through the South Side of Chicago, where Common was raised. The closing track, “Pop’s Rap” was the first of a series of tracks featuring spoken word and poetry by Common’s father, Lonnie “Pops” Lynn, which Common has used to close several of his albums since. Interlaced throughout the album are short interludes which form a loose narrative concerning day-to-day life on the South Side.” Additional info: - Listen to Chris Read’s 25th Anniversary Mixtape. - The album comes in at #6 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1994. - The single ‘I Used to Love H.E.R’ comes in at #7 on Ego Trip’s Top 40 Rap Singles of 1994. - The tracks ‘I Used to Love H.E.R’ and ‘Resurrection’ appears on our Classic Material 1994 Mixtape. - Common talks to Ebro on Beats1: Interview - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Spotify / Youtube Purchase: Discogs 2019-10-09T20:41:00+00:00 http://www.classicmaterial.co.uk/blog/big_daddy_kane_its_a_big_daddy_thing_30th_anniversary Release date: 19th September 1989 Label: Cold Chillin Producers: Big Daddy Kane, Marley Marl, Mister Cee, Prince Paul, Easy Mo Bee, Teddy Riley Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia): “It’s a Big Daddy Thing is the second full-length album by American rapper Big Daddy Kane. It was released on September 19, 1989. To date, it is his most successful effort commercially, certified gold by RIAA. In character with his first album and many other albums of the day, It’s a Big Daddy Thing branches out into different styles, from battle rhymes to love ballads and more. His later posturing as a self-proclaimed ladies’ man is somewhat foreshadowed by the hit song “Smooth Operator”. Also, one of the songs in the album, “Wrath of Kane,” appears in live performance taken from the Apollo Theater. In 1998, the album was selected as one of The Source’s 100 Best Rap Albums. In 2004, the song, “Warm it Up, Kane” appeared at classic hip hop radio station Playback FM, in the popular video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. In 2008, the single “I Get The Job Done” was ranked number 57 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop.” Additional info: - The album comes in at #4 on Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1989. - The single ‘Smooth Operator’ comes in at #7 on Ego Trip’s Top 40 Rap Singles of 1989. - The tracks ‘Smooth Operator’, ‘Another Victory’ and ‘Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now’ appear on our Classic Material 1989 Mixtape. - Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled. Listen: Youtube / Spotify Purchase: Discogs 2019-09-22T11:00:00+00:00