January 17, 2017

Street Smartz 'Problemz' b/w 'Metal Thangz' (12", 1996)

Street Smartz Problemz Metal Thangz Pharoahe Monch O.C.

Tru Criminal Records had a hold on the underground with a handful of great 12" releases between '96-02. The label put out joints from Ak Skills, God Sunz, F.T., Tonedeff, and Street Smartz, who have a record we'll be discussing today. In 1996, Street Smartz (DJ Buda, F.T., DJ KO & Syx) put out the ‘Problemz’ 12” with an ill B-Side, ‘Metal Thangz,’ featuring O.C. and Pharoahe Monch. They had 3-4 12” releases in the 90s and their own careers outside the group. There was also a Tru Criminal Records EP that had a couple extra joints from Street Smartz, Ak Skills and God Sunz. 'Problemz' was produced by Buckwild and 'Metal Thangz' was done by OGee of D.I.T.C. The record was featured in The Source's Sure Shot Singles, which gave it some extra buzz, but it's still mostly known and celebrated in the underground as a must-have! Listen to the Problemz & Metal Thangz 12" below.