Section 1 -- One HardC.O.R.E. Vol. 1, Issue 7 7/22/93 **the alt.rap underground special** Table of Contents Section Contents Author ---- -------- ------ 1 Contents 2 Da 411 - 3 Lyrics - Rap Is an Art dwarner@journalism.indiana.edu 4 Review - Y'all So Stupid gt7214b@prism.gatech.edu 5 Lyrics - Drop the Gun Virginia.A.Reed@Dartmouth.EDU 6 Review - Capital Tax juonsteve@bvc.edu 7 Article - Atlanta Hip-Hop gt7214b@prism.gatech.edu 8 Lyrics - Studio Smokers wwhitfie@AFIT.AF.MIL juonsteve@bvc.edu 9 Lyrics - A Walk Through The Masta Ace Valley Section 2 -- Two The C.O.R.E. creed We at C.O.R.E. support underground hip-hop (none of that crossover bullshucks). That means we also support the 1st Amendment and the right to uncensored music. I'm audi 5 to my doghouse! "I got more rhymes than Madonna gets dick" KRS-One : I Get Wrecked Asalaam Alaikum from MC Flash X Section 3 - Three "Rap Is An Art" written by David J. Warner Rap is an art that started in the streets. Rap is an art of poetry on top of beats. Rap is an art, and I start from the heart to take my part. That's when I drop a trump card. A dope beat and bass that's bound to make your day. Word is born, spoken by David J., another rap artist coming fresh on the scene. I'm not a wrapper; that's a whole different thing. A wrapper's what you put on food so it won't go stale, or you put it on a gift for sale. You'll notice it's also spelled differently, too. It starts with a 'W'. It won't trouble you to remember this the next time you talk about hip hop and watch me turn the jam out. I'm not trying to rule. I'm just playing my part, and yes, I am an artist because rap is an art. Rap is an art that's bound to last forever. Rap is an art, not a commercial endeavor. I've heard the commercialized, and I can do without it. Some say it's all commercial. Why do I doubt it? That's the clan that flashed in the pan, went for self for the wealth, and left the talent in a trash can. I'm not a factory scab, boy, I'm the artisan. You try to do me? I aim like a marksman. Takin' out the suckers just like the 808, then I set 'em straight, and show 'em how to create a dope set of tracks on wax that just kick the facts, and papes are made in large stacks. They may come close, but yo, I won't sweat, 'cause if they keep frontin', they still get no respect. So why you dis me by sayin' you climbed the chart? You ain't got no rap, 'cause rap is an art. I know there will be some who still try to dis just because I say rap is an art, but they miss the point, the idea, or the mark I hit, while all of their arguments are full of nothing but misconceptions and pre-conceived notions that we swear, sell drugs and put bullets in motion. Most of us aren't like NWA. It's just the stickers on our records made it seem that way. I say, "Hey, that ain't the way I play." I don't make a dope jam and then throw it away with these gangsta gank moves, that ain't my groove. I roll smooth, 'cause I don't got nothin' to prove. I just drop rhymes, drop styles, and drop the knowledge, wreck shop, non-stop, on stage and in college. So don't try to check the lighter attribute. I may like the Blue Devils, but I'm not David Duke. It's funny. When a rap artist sheds some positive light, the media doesn't think it's right to devote newshole to an equality goal, but mention "Cop Killer" and the press starts to roll. It's time to band together and show we have heart. Without it, rap is sure to fall apart. So don't waste time trying to chart. Concentrate on the rap itself, 'cause rap is an art. Section 4 -- Four Martin Kelley Review: Y'all So Stupid -- "Van Full of Pakistan" Produced by Spearhead X Rowdy Records/Arista Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Introducing the Atlanta group Y'all So Stupid. This is the debut album from the kids who used to dish the "Bullshit" (one of their old performance cuts). The LP is in there as far as I'm concerned; as a hip-hop head from Atlanta who has performed with these guys around town and seen them grow as artists. However, I think that I'm biased in their favor in that respect; as opposed to some of my fellow local artists who are biased against this album for that very same reason: they have hit nationally while some of us are still strugglin' in the BASSment. Now I've got some personal beefs (minor) with Y.S.S., but I'm proud of their success just the same, and I hope they do very well. I think that the album is good. H2O, Logic, and Uncle Buk gots skills and 1/2, wild energy and enthusiasm to go along with that. The latter is probably what got them the deal; they used to be hyped live but I haven't seen them perform since January of 1992 at Georgia Tech's Rapfest '92. Their beats are OK, I like some of them more than others. The most striking thing though is the consistency of this album. This isn't a bad album that has one or two dope cuts and drops into the dumpster of bad skits (though there are a couple) and booty tracks. Instead this album starts out with "Introduce Me," which does indeed introduce the crew and their style. From there, it continues at that same level, at the same intensity, at the same beats per minute, at the same number of lines per verse, well not quite like that. However, I'm hinting at what might keep people from considering this a good album... once you've heard one Y.S.S. cut you've heard them all so to speak. There's little variation from one track to the others, just different rhymes. I hope this review isn't confusing you. I still say thumbs up! But, that's just my opinion and like I said it may be biased. So if you have heard the singles and like them, and want to hear them tackle subjects like bootleggin of tapes "Bootleg Breakdown" or white girls acting black "Dirt Road White Girl" or gettin' blunted "The Plant" or observations on the black community "Family Tree" or just plain flauntin' their skills "On and On" then as Dres would say "Pick it up!" peace, Martay Section 5 -- Five Alex Reed Drop The Gun by LX Drop the gun, your the one, get it outta my face Nobody see nobody hear, there will be no case Thinkin' hard about the trigger, and how he might have pulled it Thinkin' hard about the hollow tipped bullet So put it down, hear the sound as you kick the books Feel the pain, heavy chain, it was me you forsook Cause when judgement day comes around The only thing left will be the echo of the sound The sound of shells raising Hell on the floor The sound of Mr. Sandman knock-knockin' on the door The sound of one as all, and all as one The sound of bullets in the air; Drop the Gun verse two: To fine tune my engine, to hold the nine Everything is like a painting, it's all in line End of the world, I suppose it's all true Now pull back the blade, and so it makes two When it comes for your head, move outta the way Cause you might get hurt In the alley in the back road down All they found was the hitman's paydirt Drop the gun verse three: It all comes to mind when you think of the peril, Lookin' down the jet black tubing of the barrel My heart beats with power, liberty in the South You gotta act with your nine, and think with your mouth That shot was meant for you so come in from the cold Think about what you're doin', you're sellin' your soul You go all too fast and fall into the crease So put down the gat, cause here come the police It's curtains for the G who's in the glass bubble The bullet comes around and the bullet means trouble Turn around, look down at the man you stung Cause now he's dead, really dead, come on, Drop The Gun. Section 6 -- Six Steve Juon Capital Tax - The Swoll Package Rating: 4.5 out of 6 "The Swoll Package" is a slice of cherry pie... good crust on the ends but DOPE juicy filling in the middle. For example: "Mista Wonka", the 2nd cut, has good rhymes paired with slightly better than average beats; the same can be said of Poet Treeman, the 3rd to last cut. Such songs could themselves be compared to mashed potatoes: tasty, filling, but rather unexciting. What redeems this "package" is the unexpectedly good cherry filling. Indeed, many of this mid-tape songs blend lyrics and groove so well that they are destined to become hip-hop classics. Among those that I would choose is the poweful "I Can't Beleive It" and the stomping funk of "Can You Dig It". Now it's not enough to have good beats and lyrics; ya gotta be able to flow your rhymes or it won't work (for more 411 check Isbell's review of Main Source). Fortunately, frontman TMD is not lacking in ability; also, his vocal pitch and inflection are unique. I do realize that some people will find the spoken word choruses dominant on "The Swoll Package" annoying. I admit some more variety in this area would in future be appreciated. However, it doesn't truly fuck up any of the songs. I would even argue that it adds flavor on some cuts (Can You Dig It would not be as fun without that shout). It's really up to you... if you can't tolerate a few average songs (and/or vocal choruses) then don't pick it up. But if you do pass on it you are missing some DAMN GOOD cherries! Asalaam Alaikum, MC Flash X Section 7 -- Seven Martin Kelley The Atlanta Scene This summer hasn't been too kind for Atlanta's Hip-Hop artists in the duo or group categories. ...and the nominees for worst break-up of a good hip-hop duo or group are: Too Krazy and Tribal Science. The winner is... Tribal Science! By a long shot. Too Krazy locally known for being the "Big Joshes", they get props from Y'all So Stupid in their new album. They have split for what I assume can be called "creative differences". Krazy Bam, the lead rapper, is now solo and has performed recently at a few Hip-Hop shows doing the Too Krazy material without his ex-partner Krayhun (pronounced Crayon). Tribal Science on the other hand was scheduled to appear together at the same show that Krazy Bam made his solo debut. Now the group had canceled their appearance beforehand but the very night of that show marked their violent break-up. I won't go into details but it is safe to say that B-right and Red Baron won't be kissing and making up anytime soon. The group had been having many internal problems for a long time but they had always gotten over them. This time though I'm confident that it is over. The group name may still be used by B-right as he is currently working on his own material. It seems that all these breakups occur in two here in Atlanta; because last year in the early summer two groups who were though to be on the bubble of a breakthrough (just as Too Krazy and Tribal Science were) K-I-N and Reign of Terror both dissolved around the same time. However, their demises didn't take on such volatile characteristics as these new break-ups. Slightly related to hip-hop, the producer team of L.A. Reid and Babyface is rumored to be redefining their relationship. This came as a surprise to me since I recently ate lunch with L.A. at a N.A.R.A.S. seminar and there was no hint of any problems with his relationship with Babyface. But of course, even if there were problems, L.A. wouldn't let the car out of the bag so to speak. It would be a shame if the team does indeed break-up because they have done so much to bring attention to the music scene here in Atlanta, and if they should part I'm sure that Atlanta will miss the synergy that is created by the team's presence alone. I guess I should run down the rumor mill of possible deals for the local acts. Gena Si Qua is rumored to be negotiating with a few big labels for a deal. You might have heard the name Gena Si Qua if you watched last year's Billboard Music Awards as Boyz II Men shouted out to them right after they thanked God. The reason for this is that they are now managed by Wanya the youngest member of Boyz II Men. So you may be seeing a single or something from them soon as they are being courted by the majors. An independent deal was apparently struck by the Project Boyz and Third Eye records and their album is said to be already out. I haven't seen it yet but that isn't surprising knowing how hard it is for an independent label to get good distribution. Please don't blame Atlanta for the bass crazy although we probably deserve it. I'm sure all of you have heard the "Whoot!..." and "Whoomp!..." versions of "...there it is" and both of these Top 20 Pop songs were recorded here in Atlanta (though Whoot! is by Miami's 95 South) along with the "Roxanne" of the 90's bass craze "Daisy Dukes" by Duice. Billboard has even called Atlanta the new Bass capital of America. Thanks a lot! However, if you read this report you should know that there is real hip-hop here in Atlanta. In other news, Snoman is currently recording his solo album for Conquest/Ichiban records. You can peep three of Snoman's cuts on the Conquest of a Nation compilation album. Snoman ain't hardcore or soft and he's not even really on an underground style but he definitely is unique and has clever rhymes. I recently caught him performing and he had the crowd in control. also, the Natural from New York, her single and video "To The" was released around November of '92 was recently in Atlanta working on tracks for her debut album with none other than the infamous East Coast Tribe. B-right and Transcribe are both going to produce tracks for the project. I'm not sure what label is going to put it out because several have shown interest, but she's got mad skills and hip-hop runs in her family. Her brothers are Disco Dave and MixMaster Mike from the Legendary Crash Crew and her nephew is Nastee from Trendz of Culture. A group called 9mm (pronounced nine double M) is getting a lot of local press because they combine gangster rap with dancehall. Also getting mad play on Album 88's Rhythm and Vibes Show (10 P.M. - 2 A.M. Sunday nights, 88.5 FM if you're in town sometime) is an MC that goes by the name of Forty or 40, take your pick, but he's got skills, a good voice, and nice production so I wouldn't be surprised if he does some serious work in the months to come. Well that's it for now. I'm gone. peace and love, Martay Section 8 -- Eight Walter D. Whitfield (#1) -- Dirty Mack Steve Juon (#2) -- MC Flash X Studio Smokers (Light That Shit Up?!) Verse One (#2) Mista Grimm go ahead take another toke It's your own business if you choke That's how ya roll a blunt, that's how ya roll a blunt So light that shit up, cause I don't give a fuck Yeah Redman you can feel real high But if I smoked the shit I would probably die Just don't make me give the shit a try If I did do it I'd do it for real Not to gain mass appeal You know these people are so hypocritical That's why I'm cynical Dr. Dre said it best, I don't smoke weed or sess But now he loves the mess He stepped up dedicated an LP to Chronic The tape was phat but it still don't redeem it Or Dre for not being true Now how the hell we know who is the real you? Does the real you puff and pass to the next man Or did you front positivity for cash in the hand Or are you fakin your love for ganja? We just want to know where you're coming from This is a warning Dre, come correct Or we'll snap your motherfucking neck Verse Two (#1 and #2) #2 - This is how I see it! A few dope crews #1 - are doing chronic (madness) Cause, they think they dope, but a joint is a spliff. But, Mr., Record, Executive, thought it was cool, having blunted up rappers excuse me, niggas for fools. so go ahead homie, take another hit yeah, (brief enhale) the mutha fuckin chronic!!! #2 - So convinced, #1 - was the jacker to the Jane. #2 - a madd new single, #1 - plus a little bit a fame. dumb stupid kid, rollin kinda major with a little bit gold and a fly skypager Verse Three (#1) a years gone by and everythings changed lookin all broke up like a house of pain now ya through, feelin kinda blue, talkin bout the one that flew over the cookoo's nest but look at yo'self boy you're a mess. record company wont touch ya with a 10 foot pole. bitches lookin at ya while your being pimped like a ho. from top of the crop to the bottom of the pit now look at what Mr. Record Executive done did. turn yo ass out like a two but trick and ya still wanna smoke the mutha fuckin CHRONIC!!! Section 9 -- Nine Masta Ase - A Walk Thru the Valley As I walk through the valley of one eighty-seven land No matter what state, what city, what town I can see there's no place to run, no place to hide I could be in the crosshairs of somebody, somewhere I wanna ask why... But I ain't got time for that I gotta keep movin on Or be the next one to die I walk through the valley of no-man's land Sayin peace, slappin fives and holdin up those two fingers To the many nine millimeter automatic pistol toting young men that roam everywhere I wonder what will be the next small incident That will cause one of them to pull out And spray bullets recklessly in every direction Will my grandmother be on her way to the store For a loaf of bread and a TV Guide at that very moment As I walk through the valley at night I'm thinkin, "I don't know that brother walkin across the street in the black hoodie, so he may be a threat to me" He's thinkin, "I don't know that brother walkin across the street in the blue hoodie, so he may be a threat to me" What's goin through out minds as we reach down into our waistlines And pull out the tools, the heaters, the slaps the pistols, the gats the jammies, the grips with the clips All placed there purposely by them "Here niggaz, sixteen shooter made specially just for you" What goes through our minds at that moment when a brother's at the other end of our barrel About to catch a hot piece of steel And take his last breath What goes through our minds What's goin through our minds As we walk through the valley