April 05, 2016

Baron Ricks "Rags To Riches / Harlem River Drive" (12", 1998)


This is a really dope 12" from Baron Ricks, who was 1/2 of the group Call O' Da Wild. Baron was down with Soul Assassins and the lead single, "Rags To Riches" had production from DJ Muggs as well as features from B-Real (Cypress Hill) and Chace Infinite (Self-Scientific). The B-Side banger "Harlem River Drive" boasts production from The Alchemist - executive produced by Muggs - which makes sense since we know Alchemist had been down with Soul Assassins through his earlier group, The Whooliganz. Despite all the West Coast affiliations, Baron Ricks was obviously from Harlem, NY and the record was mixed in New York at the legendary D&D Studios. Baron Ricks was featured heavily on Cypress Hill's "IV" album in 1998 too, which was probably his biggest look. The Call O' Da Wild records (3x 12" that I recall) were released prior to his solo work and each of them is worth digging up and listening to. The track "Clouds of Smoke" was also featured on the Bad Boys Soundtrack in 1994. For now, dig into the full "Rags to Riches" and "Harlem River Drive" 12" below...