April 05, 2014

M.O.P. "To The Death" (The Source, 1994)

M.O.P. Mash Out Posse Cassette To The Death 1994
M.O.P. To The Death Album Review The Source

'To The Death' is the debut album from M.O.P. (Lil' Fame & Billy Danze), released in April 1994 via Select Street Records. With the lead single 'How About Some Hardcore' & the DJ Premier remix to 'Rugged Neva Smoove,' the underground got put on to the Mash Out Posse real quickly. A Vibe article in 2000 describes M.O.P’s sound as ‘sniper-sharp vocal deliveries, big bottom production, and anthemic choruses ideal for stadium-size appreciation.' The article also targeted the hypocrisy of underground fans that helped catapult the careers of many of M.O.P.'s biggest collaborators, but don't know M.O.P.'s catalog (outside the singles) nearly as well. On production, all tracks on the album were handled by DR Period, except one, which was produced by Silver D. In later years, Lil' Fame's production would be another tool in M.O.P.'s arsenal, especially on 'Cold As Ice' off the 'Warriorz' LP. He's actually a pretty dope DJ too, I've watched him spin and I was always amused that this laid back guy would turn into one of the most aggressive lyricists our culture has ever known, lol. In their ongoing 20+ year career, they have given us quality hip-hop time and again: 'World Famous,' 'Stick To Ya Gunz,' 'Ante Up,' 'Cold As Ice,' 'Handle ur Bizness,' and so much more. The album review from The Source is above and M.O.P.'s "To The Death" album from '94 is below, revisit it today...