geneMEAL - 90s hip-hop and beyond

Rottin Razkals - Oh Yeah!

2012-01-21T14:59:00.000-05:00

Back in 1994, Rottin Razkals were brought up into the hip-hop game by fellow Illtown, NJ neighbors Naughty By Nature. Any song title with punctuation in it is for reals.

Rottin Razkals - Oh Yeah!:

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Notorious BIG - Real Niggaz Do Real Things Freestyle

2012-01-21T14:35:00.002-05:00

Westcoast B.I.G. definitely beats eastcoast Pac...see below for proof.

Notorious BIG - Real Niggaz Do Real Things Freestyle:

Rate this p.o.s.t.:

Whitey Don - Artical feat. Phife Dawg and Chip-Fu

2011-12-11T11:52:00.000-05:00

Before Whitey Ford there was Whitey Don. He's from Toronto, allegedly, so that's cool. Phife drops one of his best verses here.

"Idiot boy, idiot boy, idiot boy...

Whitey Don - Artical feat. Phife Dawg and Chip-Fu (Original Posse Mix):

...step aside...

Whitey Don - Artical feat. Phife Dawg and Chip-Fu (Steely & Clevie Posse Remix):

...there ain't enough room ta fitcha all in my ride."

Whitey Don - Artical feat. Phife Dawg and Chip-Fu (Niles Posse Remix):

Rate the post, Phife this, Phife that:

Obscure Disorder - 2004 feat. Ill Bill & Goretex

2011-11-20T11:15:00.002-05:00

In 1999, Montreal's own Obscure Disorder dropped their crystal-ball vision of the new millennium with "2004". Clearly, they didn't want to look too deep into the future, but "2004" is a scratch-laden, bass-heavy banger that features cuts from a then-and-still-rising A-Trak, production from his brother and current Chromeo member, Dave 1, and some guest bars by the Non Phixion team.

Somewhere near the intersection of St. Laurent and Des Pins, this one is still making speakers bleed...

Obscure Disorder - 2004 feat. Ill Bill & Goretex:

Rate this post for beat's sake:

No I.D. - State To State feat. Common & Dug Infinite

2011-11-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

No I.D. is currently enjoying something of a resurgence, with Kanye trumpeting his influence as a mentor and producing tracks for Hov's Blueprint 3 LP. Waaaaaay back in 1997, he put out an album called "Accept Your Own & Be Yourself (The Black Album)" which probably didn't sell too many copies but predated the title of Jay-Z's eighth LP by six years. Here's a fellow Chicago MC-assisted highlight:

No I.D. - State To State feat. Common & Dug Infinite:

Rate this post and be yourself:

Guru Presents: IllKid Records

2011-11-19T16:10:00.004-05:00

This compilation was curated by the one and only Guru from Gang Starr circa 1995. Of course, he made sure to put Big Shug on with this project, but he also included a track from Stikken Moov--which I will wager is the only official release from said artist. I traveled far and wide to find this track simply because of the chorus samples:

Stikken Moov - Attack:

Also down with the Gang Starr Foundation, Group Home got some love on this record too. "So Called Friends" manipulates a few rhymes from other GH releases but this could have easily been a bonus cut on the "Livin" Proof" LP so I'm not mad.

Group Home - So Called Friends:

R.I.P Guru. Gang Starr IV life.

UPDATE: I was just rooting through an old bag filled with receipts from the olden days. I know, it's weird--I used to save all my receipts. Anyway, I found indisputable evidence that the Guru Presents: Illkid Records LP cost me a cool $22.99 CAD and was purchased on Dec. 19, 1995 from Downtown Records in Ottawa, ON, Canada. The miracle of paper...

Rate this post, for the Illkid in you:

The East Flatbush Project - Tried By 12

2011-10-30T14:17:00.002-04:00

I've always thought this track had a great beat, and it resurfaced recently during a BET Cypher led by Eminem:

I've never heard anything else from The East Flatbush Project but one classic from 1996 is all they needed...

The East Flatbush Project - Tried By 12

Rate this post, if you'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6:

Mike Zoot - Urban Harvest / Midnight Run feat. Tek

2011-10-23T13:06:00.001-04:00

Your guess(whyld) is as good as mine regarding who Mike Zoot is, but I'm pretty sure I ordered this off Sandbox Automatic if the web address from the 12" sticker is any indication. This record was a high-value pick-up as I've referenced before: strong A and B side.

EZ Elpee grabs production credits on the A...

Mike Zoot - Urban Harvest:

...while Da Beatminerz handle the boards for the B, letting Smif 'n Wessun's AKA Cocoa Brovaz's Tek drop a few bars like a clumsy Fort Knox employee:

Mike Zoot - Midnight Run feat. Tek:

Rate this post, if you eat good and smoke good:

Charli Baltimore - Stand Up feat. Ghostface

2011-10-23T12:51:00.000-04:00

File this one under "faded female sexed-up rappers": Charli Baltimore was one of several late 90s MCs who rode the marketing wave of hip-hop's then emerging mass-market popularity, and quickly proceeded to disappear. At least she got a solid RZA beat from her 15 minutes.

Charli Baltimore - Stand Up feat. Ghostface (prod. RZA):

Sadly, the best thing about her was her name, which she lifted from Gena Davis' character in "Long Kiss Goodnight." This film contains one of Samuel Jackson's best scenes of his career, when he gets kicked out a moving vehicle by Davis, rolls on to the pavement and nonchalantly lights up a cigarette while continuing to just lie there in the street.

Rate this post, if you want everybody to stand on up:

Show and AG - Next Level (Showbiz and DJ Premier mixes)

2011-10-09T12:30:00.001-04:00

This duo always seemed to be a consistent 3rd to the higher profile partnerships of Guru and Premier and Pete Rock and CL Smooth. But when they wanted to, they could bring it.

Show and AG - Next Level (Show's Version):

DL Link

And to show (pun alert!) there were never any hard feelings, they let Primo rework this track:

Show and AG - Next Level (Premier's Nytyme Remix):

DL Link

P.S. Premier's version enjoys hall-of-fame status on my playlist; I still listen to it regularly.

Rate this post, if all you see is blinkin' lights, track boards and phat mics...

Jemini The Gifted One - Funk Soul Sensation / Brooklyn Kids

2011-10-09T12:14:00.002-04:00

This was Jemini's (he's since dropped the "The Gifted One") debut 12" in 1995; he'd later re-surface in the early 2000s on Lex Records. Anyway, "Funk Soul Sensation" was a minor stab at a party single with a dual-voice-theme-from-one-MC, similar to B.I.G.'s "Gimme the Loot."

Jemini - Funk Soul Sensation:

The B-side's "Brooklyn Kids" garnered a few more spins for me at least, and definitely made a compelling case for the untouchable legacy of said borough's youth. Plus, Jem shouts-out Canarsie near the end of the track. If you ask me, Canarsie never gets enough shout-outs.

Jemini - Brooklyn Kids:

Rate this post, if that's how it was and this is how it is:

Organized Konfusion - Stress (Remix)

2011-10-09T11:58:00.001-04:00

When I bought O.K.'s "Stress: The Extinction Agenda" CD in 199whenever, this remix was NOT on it. Shame on me for assuming the remix version was the original. This 12" came to my rescue though...

Organized Konfusion - Stress (Large Professor Remix):

Rate this post, to relieve some stress:

The Roots - Proceed II, IV and V

2011-08-20T12:02:00.000-04:00

Since their emergence circa 1993, The Roots remain untouched as the best live band group in hip-hop. You could probably drop the "best live band" part and still be accurate. Once these guys started, they never stopped.

"Proceed"--the second single off their debut LP "Do You Want More?!!!??!" (don't come at me with "Organix" talk)--enjoyed several reworks. Five to be exact. From a random draw, you get three of them here. The rest will follow in another post.

The Roots - Proceed II:

The Roots - Proceed IV (AJ Shine's w/o a Pause):

The Roots - Proceed V (prod. Da Beatminerz):

Rate this post, if Jimmy Fallon made the smartest late-night house band booking move ever:

Funkmaster Flex - Nuttin' But Flavor / Unbelievable (B.I.G. and Puff Daddy Freestyle Mix)

2011-08-20T11:37:00.002-04:00

What more do you have to say from the photo above? A Tech 1200 turntable outside, a Weeded slip-mat and a phat, gold Rollie.

Flex was getting his all up and down his "60 Minutes of Funk" mixtape LPs. These cuts are from a 12" as he was just beginning to build his artist brand. The gem here is B.I.G and the impresario formerly know as Puff Daddy laying down a freestyle version of "Unbelievable."

Funkmaster Flex - Nuttin' But Flavor (feat. Charlie Brown, Ol' Dirty Bastard and Biz Markie):

DL Link

Funkmaster Flex - Unbelievable (B.I.G. and Puff Daddy Freestyle Mix):

Rate this post, if he'll always be Puff Daddy to you:

Tha Alkaholiks - Likwit / Only When I'm Drunk

2011-08-20T11:27:00.002-04:00

Tha Alkaholics will always be one of my favourite east coast-sounding west coast hip-hop groups, along with Hiero. I saw Tha 'Liks at a show many years ago and J-Ro was wearing a seemingly homemade, sparkly white t-shirt with the visages of fallen hip-hop MCs. I approached him afterwards and tried to buy it off him. Nothing doing.

Drink up...

Tha Alkaholiks - Likwit:

Then, suffer the consequences...

Tha Alkaholiks - Only When I'm Drunk:

DL Link

Rate this post, if you noticed Tha Alkaholiks "Daaamn!" 12" vinyl cover over there on the right:

Jeru The Damaja - East New York Stalks / Friend Or Foe

2011-08-06T17:09:00.001-04:00

At a Jeru concert circa 2006, I bumped into him in the crowd during the opener. In true weirdo fan fashion, I recited a line from 1997's "East New York Stalks" to him: "Jeru is back/You should all be concerned..." To which he immediately rhymed back: "...With shit so hot, it give fake Rastas a perm."

He seemed pleasantly surprised that I had chosen a relatively obscure track of his to geek out on. Jeru is cool dude.

Jeru The Damaja - East New York Stalks:

Jeru The Damaja - Friend Or Foe:

Rate this post, if ya name ring bells from Brooklyn to Ghana:

WC and the Maad Circle - West Up! (feat. Ice Cube and Mack 10)

2011-07-30T22:02:00.002-04:00

I emailed Dubb-C about posting this track and he never responded. Still, it's dope.

WC and the Maad Circle - West Up! (feat. Ice Cube and Mack 10):

Rate this post, if the sun rises in the East but it sets in the West:

Mama Mystique - Tremendous (feat. Q Ball and Curt Cazal)

2011-07-30T21:57:00.000-04:00

I have no clue who these people are, but I'm pretty sure it's 90s hip-hop because there's a simple if not effective Lil' Kim sample for the chorus, and because I bought it in the 90s.

Mama Mystique - Tremendous (feat. Q Ball and Curt Cazal):

Rate this post, if your style is tremendous:

Dead Prez - Sellin' D.O.P.E.

2011-07-30T21:48:00.001-04:00

Dead Prez managed to get a track on the "Slam" Soundtrack in 1998. May as well have been on the "Highschool High," "Sunset Park," "Bulworth," or "Soul In The Hole" soundtrack. All the same. Record labels/Hollywood were in love with rap then.

Dead Prez - Sellin' D.O.P.E.:

DL Link

Rate this post, if you consider Scarface and George Bush equals:

De La Soul - Itzsoweezee + Stakes Is High Remix

2011-07-28T21:35:00.001-04:00

De La Soul polled so well in geneMEAL's nonexistent monthly reader's poll, we're posting more from the trio. These dudes have been in the game for decades and having seen them live a few times, I can testify that they are among the best to rock a show. OK, maybe The Roots just edge them out for top hip-hop live-show spot.

It's great that longevity still stands for something. Keep it gene.

De La Soul - Itzsoweezee (Album version):

De La Soul - Itzsoweezee (De La Soul Remix):

De La Soul - Stakes Is High (Remix prod. J Dilla and feat. Mos Def and Truth Enola):

Rate this post, if it's gettin' hot this year-a:

Channel Live - Mad Izm + Reprogram

2011-07-23T19:03:00.000-04:00

KRS-One really threw Hakim and Tuffy (the two dudes who make up Channel Live) a bone when he laced them with the beat for "Mad Izm." However, he made sure he got his by basically rhyming all over the track and stealing the spotlight. And well he should have: he sounds like a viciously hungry gazelle on this.

Channel Live (feat. KRS-One) - Mad Izm:

The B-side features a heavier cut in "Reprogram." Like with "Mad Izm," KRS-One keeps a close eye on the duo by providing the production, and scratching his own vocals for the chorus.

Channel Live - Reprogram

No doubt, the Blastmaster's back was aching after he finished carrying these guys.

Rate this post if you're heated, like wearing a sweater, at the Equator:

Big L - Ebonics + Size 'Em Up

2011-07-16T12:48:00.002-04:00

I have a Black Star t-shirt that I ordered off Sandbox Automatic many years ago. On the back it reads "It's Kind Of Dangerous To Be An Emcee" in reference to their first single "Definition" and lists some of the better-known and more obscure hip-hop figures who've passed on.

Until I thoroughly inspected the list of names two minutes ago, I had always thought Big L was included, but he's not. This basically confirms the t-shirt was issued sometime before he was tragically shot and killed in February of 1999.

This is the first post involving Big L's contribution to the game, but won't be his last.

Flamboyant for life:

Big L - Ebonics:

Big L - Size 'Em Up:

DL Link

Rate this post, if "hit you on the hip" still means page you:

Blahzay Blahzay - Pain I Feel + Good Cop Bad Cop

2011-07-08T15:51:00.001-04:00

Out of nowhere, Blahzay Blahzay took 90s hip-hop by storm with their 1996 beast-of-a-track, "Danger." When their LP dropped, "Pain I Feel" was a solid follow-up single which captured the same cut-n-paste-cool-samples-for-the-chorus style as its predecessor.

These days, "Pain I Feel" actually gets more play in my iTunes than "Danger"...always fun to see which tracks stand the test of time, eh?

Blahzay Blahzay - Pain I Feel:

Looking back, it was great that the B-side track would inspire the title for one of the highest grossing Canadian films of all-time...

Blahzay Blahzay - Good Cop Bad Cop:

Rate this post, blah blah blah:

Busta Rhymes - Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See + Remix

2011-07-06T18:35:00.003-04:00

While "Woo Hah" was an incredible lead single for "The Coming" LP, I always thought Busta's lead single, "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See", for his 2nd LP "When Disaster Strikes" was equally impressive--if only because it proved that he could tone down his crazy-freak-out persona and still make a banger. This was Busta Rhymes evolving.

On the UK version of this 12" single, we get, of course, the title track in its original form...and don't act like you don't/didn't call it "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes CAN See." We all do/did:

Busta Rhymes - Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See:

As well, the flip side showcases what I assume to be a remix of British origins. This track worked, in large part, because the original clocked in at just over 3 minutes. Translation = Desert Eagle Discs really had moxy when they added over 2 minutes to their version:

Busta Rhymes - Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See (Desert Eagle Discs Remix feat Kwesi Be):

With this track Busta created a cop's and/or robber's anthem all-in-one. You crazy, Buss.

NOTE: All links for EVERY track profiled on this blog have been restored by hand, DL Links and all. Enjoy!

Rate this post, if your hands are where your eyes could see now:

Meccalicious - Hope The World Don't Stop + How You Feel

2011-06-30T17:13:00.003-04:00

Original photo from: www.djbackmix.com
Manipulation by: me!

Meccalicious (or Mecalicious if you go by how this bootleg record spelled his name) was/is down with Pete Rock--producer of both of these tracks. I know, I've mentioned Pete Rock over the last few posts, but that is purely coincidental. Both beats (and flows) are fresh, and would be all the doper had the mixing and mastering of this mysterious 12" been handled properly (where was Bob Power when we needed him?).

As such, I really had to step in the lab to tighten these up, since, without getting too technical (not that I would know how), the A-side was treble-heavy (but carries some great Nas and Buckshot samples)...

Meccalicious - Hope The World Don't Stop (prod. Pete Rock):

DL Link

...while the B-side was bass-heavy with a lovely side of noise:

Meccalicious - How You Feel:

Both cuts are vintage Pete though, piano-loops and all. In my opinion--regardless of the bootleg mastering--he kept it gene.

Rate this post, if your new nickname is (insert name here)licious:

Akinyele and Sadat X - Loud Hangover + Remix

2011-06-29T11:31:00.001-04:00

There are days when I listen to "Loud Hangover" and think, "how come Akinyele and Sadat X never made an album together?" And then I think, "it could still happen...I mean, if Pete Rock and Smif-N-Wessun can do it!"

Eventually though, I return to reality and come to grips with the difficulties involved in bringing such a preposterous idea to fruition: Flex would probably want in, and Yvette Michele would have to be salvaged from the abyss of 90s-R&B-Singers-On-Hip-Hop-Tracks-Who-Thought-Their-Future-Was-Set, and then Steve Rif would have to be called, etc. Mission impossible.

Let us bask in past glory, whilst...keeping...it...gene.

Akinyele and Sadat X - Loud Hangover (Original Radio Edit):

Akinyele and Sadat X feat. Yvette Michele - Loud Hangover (All-Star Remix):

NOTE: Certain files on this site have expired; I'm working to revive them. Unacceptable!

Rate this post, for Pete's sake:

Funkdoobiest - Rock On Remixes

2011-06-21T17:12:00.007-04:00

Purchasing Funkdoobiest's "Brothas Doobie" CD was one of several "hey, the video version of this song is not the version on the album" moments I incurred during my 90s hip-hop binge. This is not be confused with the "hey, the lead album single isn't on the vinyl LP" moment I had when I bought Smif-N-Wessun's "Dah Shinin'" LP and "Let's Git It On" was inexcusably absent.

Regardless, I picked up the "Rock On" 12" and low and behold, the video version AKA the Buckwild remix was present and accounted for. With four versions of this track, surely you'll find one that satisfies. Do check out the video (link above), if watching an MC rap with his hands amuses you. Keep it gene.

Funkdoobiest - Rock On (LP Version):

Funkdoobiest - Rock On (Buckwild Remix):

Funkdoobiest - Rock On (J&B Version):

Funkdoobiest - Rock On (Club Version):

P.S. "What The Deal" from the "Brothas Doobie" LP was my jam.

Rate this post, for its tight prose:

Casual - That's How It Is (Disseshowedo Mix)

2011-06-17T14:32:00.001-04:00

I still regularly spin Casual's "Fear Itself" LP, from which this single was taken. To me, it's one of the most consistent products ever to come out of the Hieroglyphics camp; this dropped in 1993, when Hiero was in its prime (think Del's "No Need For Alarm" LP).

I GIMP-shopped the above 12" cover to include the back-cover's call-to-action stamp, alerting all those hip-hop heads to give Hiero a shout if they were dissatisfied with then-current competitive offerings. I dare anyone to give that number a call today.

Lastly, I saw Hiero perform in 1998 in Montreal. My strongest memory from the show, aside from the music, was how increasingly drunk Casual became as the concert progressed. By the end, he just swayed back and forth. Classic Hiero.

The LP version of "That's How It Is" was produced by Del...

Casual - That's How It Is:

DL Link

While the remix was produced by the man himself...

Casual - That's How It Is (Disseshowedo Mix):

DL Link

Del for the win on this 12". But valiant attempt by Casual, especially since he re-recorded his verses and changed up some of the lyrics. Keep it gene.

Rate this post, if it's sunny where you are:

Saukrates - Action / Action Remix

2011-06-14T11:33:00.006-04:00

This is the first post highlighting some 90s hip-hop of Canadian origin. Saukrates, a felon, has been a mainstay on the Canadian hip-hop scene since I used to hurry home after high school to watch "RapCity" on Much Music. Along with Kardinal Offishall, @BiggSoxx continues to garner international acclaim while still managing to nurture the local hip-hop scene in Toronto and beyond. In an interview on his website, he even gives "one love to Trois-Rivières." That's amazing. And if you know where that is, even better.

Regarding the dopeness scale, I continue to flip-flop between the original version...

Saukrates - Action (Raw Mix):

...and the remix as to which ranks higher. I warn you: deciding for yourself will be difficult.

Saukrates - Action Remix (Raw Mix):

Rate this post, if your mouse works:

Redman - Rockafella Remix / I C Dead People

2011-06-09T12:27:00.003-04:00

This 12" single for "Rockafella" by Redman was one of the first records I ever bought, along with Pete Rock & CL Smooth's "Take You There" 12". Obviously, it was a helluva day. I was going to post some ol' Casual, but in honor of Redman and Naughty By Nature's concert in Paris recently, I thought some Reggie Noble would do everybody some good. Keep it gene.

Redman - Rockafella:

The remix was produced by Erick Sermon, and proves how different a track can sound when you don't sample Leon Haywood...

Redman - Rockafella (Remix):

As a little bonus, I though I'd throw in the following Redman banger, a Haley Joel Osment-approved homage to certain fallen rappers...

Redman - I C Dead People feat. Notorious B.I.G., Big Pun, 2Pac, Big L (prod. Eminem):

And finally today, the original sample from "Rockafella" by Leon Haywood. I think it was nice of Dr. Dre to leave a few drops of sample magic after murdering this for "Nuthin' But A G Thang."

Leon Haywood - I Want To Do Something Freaky To You:

Rate this post, if you dare (iz a darkside):

Luniz - I Got 5 On It (Clean Bay Ballas Remix)

2011-06-06T14:49:00.004-04:00

When I picked up this record in '95, I had no clue what "having 5 on it" even meant. I did, however, recognize that this was one of the smoothest rap tracks I had ever laid ears on--and still is today. "I Got 5 On It" along with the Luniz' other jam-of-the-day "Playa Hata" still enjoy prime positioning in my "Rap acts named after Canadian coin nicknames" playlist on iTunes.

Check out the original Clean Weedless Mix for some amusing edits...

Luniz - I Got 5 On It (Clean Weedless Mix):

...and then get into the posse-cut remix, featuring several Bay Area ambassadors:

Luniz - I Got 5 On It (Clean Bay Ballas Vocal Remix feat. Dru Down, Richie Rich, E-40, Shock G and Humpty Hump, Spice-1):

I mean, Spice-1. Can you believe that? Keep it gene, Spice.

The Beatnuts - Off The Books Remix / R. U. Ready II / Get Funky Remix / Let Off A Couple II

2011-06-01T14:55:00.007-04:00

The Beatnuts are among my Top 5 favorite hip-hop groups of all-time, and I'm not just saying that because I bought their t-shirt direct from Psycho Les after a show circa 1996. (In the old days, artists had to hustle.)

These cuts are from the "The Spot" EP, which reworked a few of the 'Nuts' better tracks from their self-titled debut (some call it "Street Level") and their "Stone Crazy" LP. If you check out the pic above with a telescope, you can see Psycho Les hiding below street level (word play!) while JuJu checks up on a plant from the first-floor window.

The Beatnuts - Off The Books Remix feat. Big Pun:

The Beatnuts - Let Off A Couple II feat. A.L. and Rawcotiks:

The Beatnuts - R.U. Ready II feat. Grand Puba:

The Beatnuts - Get Funky Remix:

P.S. Yes, a microscopic piece of me died when Al Tariq left the group, but I dug his solo LP "God Connections" and Les and JuJu went on to get a little shine with hits like "No Escapin' This" and "Watch Out Now."

Wu-Tang Clan - Put Your Hammer Down

2011-05-26T20:40:00.001-04:00

In 1998, Funkmaster Flex got his crate-digging paws on a supposed throw-away track from the "Wu-Tang Forever" LP. This one strikes quick, at just over 2 minutes, but manages to cram in the whole Clan (if you count RZA on production) minus Masta Killa and Ol' Dirty. I guess they were sick that day. Shout out to Dave in NYC, who just started to keep it gene.

Wu-Tang Clan - Put Your Hammer Down:

Lauryn Hill - The Sweetest Thing (Mahogany Mix feat. John Forté)

2011-05-25T15:25:00.002-04:00

Poor Lauryn Hill. It's a relatively safe bet that she's destined to perform "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" in its entirety at summer festivals for the rest of her life. It's sad (and incredibly rare) when an artist reaches permanent Vegas show status after one LP (let's not count that 2.0 thing she put out). Family priorities/spiritual exploration aside, she's been treading dangerously close to post-Fugees Pras irrelevancy status for years.

But let us remember the good times: "The Sweetest Thing (Mahogany Mix feat. John Forté)" was a bonus cut off the "Miseducation" LP in the U.S. Fewer still may even recognize it from the Love Jones soundtrack. Who remembers that film? Who remembers soundtracks?

Lastly, the "Theme from S.W.A.T." sample on this was also used by Capone-N-Noreaga on the "The War Report" LP, so that may come in handy at your next trivia night. Keep it gene:

Lauryn Hill - The Sweetest Thing (Mahogany Mix feat. John Forté):

OutKast - Player's Ball Extended Version and Remix

2011-05-19T11:33:00.011-04:00

The Players Ball is an actual annual event held in Chicago every year. How amazing is that? Obviously, if you were planning to visit the Windy City for a Cubs game or to attend an exhibition at the Art Institute, you may want to reevaluate your priorities and get in on this cultural attraction that probably didn't make it into your Frommer's guide book.

While there doesn't appear to be an official PB event in Atlanta, OutKast's 1993 single "Player's Ball" ensures that if one does come to town, an anthem will be ready.

The Extended Version contains a smooth, crooned-out intro...

OutKast - Player's Ball (Extended Version):

DL Link

...while the Remix Version gets right to the point and double-times some of Big Boi and André Benjamin's rhymes, which I thought was a nice production touch by Organized Noize:

OutKast - Player's Ball (Remix Version):

DL Link

Reminder: Grab any mp3s from GeneMeal.com by clicking the "Hulkshare Download" button upon playing any track (if there's an issue, I'll add a "DL Link"). Then, click on the "Download" button below the ads on the Hulkshare page that opens up. Then, keep it gene.

Jay-Z - A Million And One Questions

2011-05-16T17:58:00.003-04:00

In its original form, this was the opening track for Jay-Z's "In My Lifetime, Vol. 1" LP and was spliced with "Rhyme No More." It always annoyed me that the first two minutes of this track were classic (but reserved) DJ Premier production, and then suddenly "Rhyme No More" kicked in for the final minute or so. Thankfully, Roc-A-Fella had the sense to release the vinyl-only Extended Mix, which maintains the "A Million And One Questions" beat throughout.

Some of Jigga's best lines can be found on this, such as the following:

"In the darkest nights / let off my gun for light"
"Live ironic and whatnot / put all that ice on a / face of a watch / just to make it hot"

A slight let-down is that the Extended Mix only came in a Radio version, but it's a small price to pay for Hovah and Primo in their prime. Keep it gene:

Jay-Z - A Million And One Questions (Extended Mix - Radio):

Jay-Z - A Million And One Questions (Extended Mix - Instrumental):

Notorious BIG - Rare and unreleased gems

2011-05-10T12:59:00.006-04:00

We all love us some Notorious BIG. And everybody knows the only thing better than one of his own records is when he drops a verse on someone else's and instantly elevates the caliber of said record yet basically marginalizes any other artist's contribution. Perhaps this is why these records appeared only on bootlegs, at least as far as I know.

Cue these up and take pleasure when BIG jumps in and goes ham:

Ron G. feat. Notorious BIG, Raekwon, KRS-One, and Killa Sin - Stop The Breaks:

Pudgee feat. Notorious BIG and Lord Tariq - Think Big:

Red Hot Lover Tone feat. Notorious BIG, MOP, and others - For My N!ggaz:

NOTE: Titles could be off slightly; Crib Underground bootleg records were not known for their accuracy! If anyone has more info on these tracks, please leave a comment.

EPMD - Crossover / Brothers From Brentwood L.I.

2011-05-06T17:26:00.004-04:00

From the U.S. to the White Cliffs of Dover, "Crossover" was ironically the only single of EPMD's that went gold. This is also a prize 12" of mine, since it's in mint condish and it contains the non-Business Never Personal LP track "Brothers From Brentwood L.I."

Funny story about EPMD: in 1997, a buddy and I drove 2 hours to see them in concert. Rahzel, then from the Roots, and the Lox were also on the bill, but the Lox never showed. Everything was straight forward, until after the show when we spotted Rahzel walking with some groupies towards a hotel near the concert venue. Being 17 and immature, we pulled over and went to check out the hotel lobby. Sure enough, Parrish Smith (aka PMD) was giving a radio interview to some girl while his "bodyguard" looked on. We chatted with DJ Scratch for a bit, and then eventually got up enough courage to bother Parrish after his interview. We asked him where Erick Sermon was (aka E) and he replied "sleeping." I admit, we were dorks but we were fans, and Parrish was cool about it.

Anyway, the next thing you know, myself, my buddy, Parrish, and his "bodyguard" were seated comfortably in my parent's new Jetta, as I drove us all to a club. Some very nervous and very minor partying ensued for my buddy and I, while Parrish and his boy got their swerve on. We later dropped them back off at their hotel and got a few pics with them--which are now long gone. Lastly, Parrish wrote down a fake phone number on a concert flyer and mentioned that if we were ever in L.I. we could give him a shout. We never were, and we never did. Great night though. Enjoy, and keep it gene:

EPMD - Crossover:

EPMD - Brothers From Brentwood L.I.:

De La Soul - Keepin' The Faith

2011-05-03T21:12:00.008-04:00

It's been a week, which is weak. Laptop died. No, really. Seriously. The (flexi-with-the) tech skills I developed to salvage my hard drive would make a 4-year-old's unlocked iPad blush. Anyway, I'm coloring outside the boundaries of this blog's "About" date description by profiling a classic De La Soul 12" from 1991.

I "won" this record on eBay (what?) in 1999 whilst in Manchester, from a Scottish seller. One of my prize records. Keep it gene:

De La Soul - Keepin' The Faith (Just A Touch Mix):

DL Link

De La Soul - A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays (Ladies Nite Decision):

De La Soul - Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey) (The Gray Mix):

A Tribe Called Quest - Oh My God Remixes

2011-04-26T13:06:00.006-04:00

This is the UK remixes release of "Oh My God" by A Tribe Called Quest. Now, I don't profess to be an authoritative source on UK hip-hop, but having spent a summer in Manchester a few years back, I can tell you they like their UK-version vinyl releases over there. While I did not pick up this record during that stint, I did pick up an official 12" of Outkast's "So Fresh, So Clean" with a Fatboy Slim remix on it (another post, another day). That's just how they role.

Fans of the original LP cut will recognize the extended Master Mix version first and foremost, but the other mixes (by some dude named Tosh, and by CJ Mackintosh--who was/is a resident at Ministry of Sound) are worth a spin. Even if all they do is a) give you an indication of how East Coast rap was interpreted by the British in 1994 or b) make you want to dust off Midnight Marauders for the original, they've done their job.

A Tribe Called Quest - Oh My God (UK Flavour Radio Mix):

A Tribe Called Quest - Oh My God (Red Eye Mix):

A Tribe Called Quest - Oh My God (Master Mix):

A Tribe Called Quest - Oh My God (Organ Mix):

Black Moon - Buck 'Em Down / Murder MC's

2011-04-22T17:54:00.006-04:00

In order to keep it gene on this Easter weekend, I'm giving (the?) Da Beatminerz (aka DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt) some shine since they're streaming DJ sets live all weekend long for their annual Mixmaster's Weekend here: http://www.dabeatminerz.com/.

Black Moon's "Buck 'Em Down" 12" has the title track's remix on it and non-Enta da Stage album track "Murder MC's." Here are two quotes straight from the back of the record cover:

"We've been through many battles, and we lost some soldiers....but the war still goes on!" -- Mr. Walt

"Hey f$ck da wack emcees! Use vynyl like a real DJ should" -- DJ Evil Dee

Obviously, spelling was not Wreck Records' or Duck Down Management's forté (I knew my French keyboard would come in handy some day), but I used to send the label requests for stickers in the mail and they always sent me a boat load. I wonder what Rangers jersey is doing right now?

Keep it gene:

Black Moon - Buck 'Em Down (Da Beatminerz Remix):

DL Link

Black Moon - Murder MC's:

DL Link

Digable Planets - 9th Wonder (Mad Slicker Remixes)

2011-04-21T13:11:00.007-04:00

Myrtle Ave., A-train, got the pick in my hair. What more do you need to say? One of the nicest 90s hip-hop groups to only release two albums, their jazz-influenced sound was a refreshing foil to some of their harder Brooklyn brethren circa 1994 (see B.I.G.'s "Gimme Tha Loot" for starters).

These cuts are from the "Mad Slicker Remixes" 12", which had different vocal arrangements and lyrics for each mix. A few pops here and there from the vinyl transfer, but it's nothing that Ladybug's smoother-than-Gillete-Fusion flow can't overcome. Fact: Possibly the only artist promo pic at the time that included an MC smiling, despite it clearly being a cut-out. You know the good folks at Pendulum Records didn't play that mean mug gangsta grill ish.

Digable Planets - 9th Wonder (Slicker This Year - Amina Mix):

Digable Planets - 9th Wonder (Slicker This Year - Dania Mix):

Digable Planets - 9th Wonder (Slicker This Year - Elaine Brown Album Mix):

Had to add a talking picture to this post. The video is too ill:

Buckwild feat. O.C. and Big Pun - Still Diggin' Composition

2011-04-19T14:04:00.006-04:00

These two tracks are the highlights from producer Buckwild's EP "Still Diggin' Composition." Buck, who also produced O.C.'s classic "Time's Up," laces Omar Credle with what is literally a slow burner. Subsequently, Buck gives this one and only son of Tony's "Capital Punishment" album cut a Bulworth Soundtrack-inspired rework. No word on if Warren Beatty would have appeared in the video, had there been one.

O.C. - Burn Me Slow (prod. Buckwild):

Big Pun - Dream Shatterer (Buckwild Mix):

Masta Ace Incorporated - Sittin' On Chrome Remixes

2011-04-16T15:37:00.016-04:00

Unquestionably, still one of the best songs to blast from your ride (if that's your thing). Check the remixes too, and the previously unreleased "Ya' Hardcore (Trip 2 Albee Sq.)." I have no clue where Albee Square is, but Ace and Co. do their best to ensure no tourists ever visit. OK, OK, I won't go!

Masta Ace Incorporated - Sittin' On Chrome:

DL Link

Masta Ace Incorporated - Sittin' On Chrome (Pitkin Ave Mix):

DL Link

Masta Ace Incorporated - Sittin' On Chrome (Rockaway Ave Mix):

DL Link

Masta Ace Incorporated - Ya' Hardcore (Trip 2 Albee Sq.):

DL Link

Brick City Kids - What What

2011-04-16T14:42:00.012-04:00

Artifacts tried to slide by with a new name...Rawkus was always crafty like that. Production from VIC & JuJu, whom I assume is of Beatnuts fame.

Brick City Kids - Brick City Kids (Street):

Brick City Kids - What What:

Eastern Conference - All In Together / Captivating Cultivating / Know A Little Nigg!*

2011-04-16T09:18:00.012-04:00

Hey! The first post here at GeneMeal. Cool. Eastern Conference was a project led by DJ Mighty Mi. This record is definitely high-value, since there were 3 tracks on the 12" and all three tracks are dope. It's hard to miss with the Snoop sample, and the Tribe sample on your "B sides." Minor gripe: no "street" versions for tracks 2 and 3.

I own two copies of this record, purchased from either Sandbox Automatic or HipHopSite.com waaaaaay back (can't remember exactly). Both sites are still in the game: the former still maintaining an online hip-hop store and the latter having evolved into a daily hip-hop blog.

Enjoy our first step back into the sweet, sweet golden era of rap (a term I will cease to use hence forth).

Eastern Conference - All In Together (Street):

Eastern Conference - Captivating Cultivating (Radio):

Eastern Conference - Know A Little Nigg!* (Radio):