Smif-N-Wessun "Dah Shinin'" (You Better Wrekonize!, 1995)

Brooklyn: Population 2,231,000. The New York City borough is a veritable capital of hip hop culture, with high profile residents including Digable Planets, MC Lyte, Jeru the Damaja, the Notorious B.I.G., Gang Starr, The Fugees and Black Moon. The latest b-boys to stomp out of this rap mecca and make a move on the rap scene in their unlaced Timberlands are rappers Tek and Steele, better known as Smif-N-Wessun. Their biggest hit, "Bucktown," is a pseudonym for the music hotbed. "The environment of Brooklyn has always been to take what you need to succeed," says Steele. Like the Wu-Tang Clan of Black Moon, Smif-N-Wessun's style is strictly hardcore. Typical of West Coast rap, the cuts on Dah Shinin' (Nervous), their first album, are heavy on lyrics and light on R&B backbeats. Dah Shinin' debuted at number one on the rap chart in its first week of release. The hit "Bucktown" jacked the rap charts for a solid month. Keeping it real is a philosophy Tek and Steele picked up from their mentors in Black Moon. The duo get to perform as guest MCs on Black Moon's Enta Da Stage and open for Black Moon and Das EFX on their nationwide tour. Their opportunity to "shine" in that tour precipitated the album's title, Dah Shinin'. Summing up their style, Steele says, "We're just conversatin', speakin', talkin', puttin' facts into a rhyme so that they sound good to the ear.  

Bucktown, the breakout single by Smif n Wessun of Brooklyn, NY, is one of those songs that rips into radio by sheer force of popular demand, bucking expectations and giving new meaning to the term "pop music." But "Bucktown" is no novelty, and its proud descriptions of Brooklyn as "home of the original gun clappers" sure isn't pop in the usual sense. The track has an underproduced skeletal appeal; the terse, muscular rhymes by 21-year-old rappers Tek and Steele are as compelling as they are simple and grim. "Bucktown" took off so briskly, selling 75,000 copies in just three weeks, that the duo was a long way from having a full-length album completed to cash in on the single's obvious appeal. "The inspiration for the song was straight-up Brooklyn, USA," says Steele. "Bucktown is everywhere. We've been to places like Missouri, and we can tell you it's the same shit goin' on as we see in Brooklyn." As far as explaining the song's runaway success, Steele says, "I think if the idea could be bottled, then everybody would be making hit jams and selling 75,000 in one week. We're just representing ourselves, and people pick up on it. That's why we say, 'All heads recognize real heads on the rise.' This is classic New York City hip-hop! Continue to revisit Dah Shinin' below...

Additional Reviews: The Source, OneNut, Vibe, Rap Pages. Art by Danial Kelly.

Don't Be a Menace to South Central... (Vibe Magazine, Jan. 9, 1996)

Shawn and Marlon Wayans's new spoof, Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, parodies the recent deluge of in-da-'hood flicks, while the film's soundtrack has a loose "Can't we all just get along?" - type theme. A compilation of songs from some of R&B's and hip-hop's most popular artists, Don't Be a Menace packs a loaded 17 tracks. Talented artists like R. Kelly and the Wu-Tang Clan reveal few surprises, but what they do - being a sex man, going lyrically buckwild - they do practically to perfection. The opening track is the Wu's hectic "Winter Warz," wherein the Shao Lin champs spout ghetto madness over RZA's hazy, nonmelodic production. By the end of the soundtrack, though, their contribution is balanced by the Island Inspirational All-Stars' lite gospel track, "Don't Give Up." Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s Little Kim indirectly puts Jodeci's wailing pleas for sex ("Give It Up") in check with her sharp, cool-as-a-cucumber delivery on "Time to Shine." And R. Kelly proves he's the perfect renaissance man with his production of the Isley Brothers' mellifluous "Let's Stay Together," as well as his seductive "Tempo Slow." It's when artists are placed together, though, that the soundtrack becomes disappointing. Things just get awkward. Keith Murray and Lord Jamar accompany Texas's UGK in "Live Wires Connect," and the East Coasters overwhelm a weak, pseudo-G funk track. And when Luke joins Doug E. Fresh for "Freak It Out," a New York-style party chant, Mr. Campbell takes too long to warm up. The soundtrack for Don't Be a Menace probably won't help many menaces to society get along with folks any better. But the collection is filled with bouncing production, new-fashioned love songs, and even some old-school flavor--maybe it will at least get the boyz and girlz in the 'hood to dance. - Vibe Magazine, March 1996. The single version for "Renee" by Lost Boyz (not featured on Legal Drug Money) and Mona Lisa's "Can't Be Wasting My Time" - in addition to the classic verse from Cappadonna on "Winter Warz" - made this totally worth coppin' back in 1996. Revisit the Don't Be a Menace OST below...

The original album Vibe review and additional promo items are below...

Skillz "2025 Rap Up" (Happy New Year!)

What began in the early 2000s as a clever year-in-review record gradually became something fans came to expect — a lyrical snapshot of the year’s biggest moments across music, pop culture, politics, and everyday life. While many artists have attempted similar concepts, Skillz’s Rap Ups stand apart because they balance humor, critique, and perspective without feeling disposable or gimmicky. "2025 Rap Up" continues that lineage, but with a noticeable shift in tone. This year’s installment is explicitly dedicated to “my brother D’Angelo” (R.I.P.), and that dedication shapes the entire record. Skillz raps over D’Angelo’s “Lady,” a choice that immediately sets this version apart from past Rap Ups. The smooth, soulful feel of the original track slows the pace and gives the song a more reflective atmosphere. Skillz still touches on familiar Rap Up territory — notable events from the year, cultural shifts, moments that dominated conversation — but the approach feels less like rapid-fire commentary and more like considered reflection. The humor is still present, but it lands alongside fatigue, awareness, and perspective rather than punchline overload. The dedication to D’Angelo adds another layer. Whether interpreted as a personal loss, a close relationship, or a symbolic tribute, the intent is clear: "2025 Rap Up" is carrying something personal. That weight shows up in the restraint of the performance and the decision to let the beat breathe rather than overwhelm it with density. The result is a record that feels less about racing through headlines and more about acknowledging the emotional residue left behind by the year. We needed this one, thanks Skillz! Now, go ahead and watch/listen to the "2025 Rap Up." R.I.P, D'Angelo. Happy New Year!

Nas & DJ Premier "Light-Years" (Album Stream)

GRAMMY-Award winning rap icon Nas and DJ Premier —two of the most influential and revered figures in hip-hop history—have released their highly anticipated collaborative album Light-Years. After decades of anticipation, Light-Years is a 30-year working legacy reborn. Nas and DJ Premier’s partnership is embedded in the DNA of Hip-Hop. Their origin story began in 1994 with Illmatic, which resulted in hits such as “N.Y. State Of Mind,” “Memory Lane” and “Represent.” Illmatic helped establish Nas as a generational talent and furthered Premier’s then burgeoning legacy. Their chemistry deepened over the next decade through classics like “I Gave You Power,” 2nd Childhood,” “Nas Is Like” and “N.Y. State Of Mind Pt. II.” Spearheaded by Mass Appeal’s groundbreaking Legend Has It..., a series celebrating and spotlighting some of the most important and influential Hip Hop artists of all time, the series has gifted a year long run of historic releases from culture defining artists including; Slick Rick, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, Big L & De La Soul. With Light-Years, Nas and DJ Premier deliver the grand finale to close out the legendary series where their undeniable synergy remains elusive. In 2006, Nas and DJ Premier appeared on the cover of Scratch Magazine, teasing a joint project that again refueled fan frenzy and two decades worth of anticipation. Last year, Nas and Preem linked up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Illmatic with the release of a new track, “Define My Name,” where they first announced their landmark collaborative album. Light-Years is a true testament to both artists' influence, legacy and the timelessness of the music they create together. Listen to Nas & Preemo's album Light-Years below...

You can cop the vinyl, cassette and CD from Fat Beats, HERE.

Erick Sermon "Dynamic Duo's Vol.1" (Album Stream)

Erick Sermon, one-half of the legendary duo EPMD, isn’t reinventing himself here — he’s reminding people what chemistry sounds like when it’s real. Dynamic Duo’s Vol. 1 is built around partnerships, not just features, and that distinction matters. This isn’t a random guest list. It’s a deliberate look at how collaboration has powered hip-hop across eras, from groups that helped define the culture to newer alliances that still move with purpose. The album rolls out alongside the video for “Sidewalk Executives” featuring M.O.P., and the pairing makes perfect sense. It’s gritty, direct, and rooted in that hard-earned New York energy both sides are known for. That tone carries throughout the project, which pulls together a wide range of voices — Redman, Method Man, Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg, Public Enemy, Cypress Hill, Tha Dogg Pound, Salt-N-Pepa, Heltah Skeltah, 38 Spesh, Conway the Machine — without it ever feeling cluttered or nostalgic for nostalgia’s sake. The centerpiece is “Test Me,” the first new EPMD record in over a decade. No announcement energy, no victory lap — just two veterans picking the conversation back up where they left it. That alone tells you what kind of album this is. Sermon has said the project challenged him creatively, forcing him to think like a producer and a curator, and that comes through. Dynamic Duo’s Vol. 1 isn’t about reminding people how long he’s been here. It’s about showing that the right partnerships still matter — and always have. More volumes are planned, but Vol. 1 stands on intent alone, marking another chapter in a career that’s never relied on shortcuts. Listen to the Green Eyed Bandit's Dynamic Duos below...

Brother Ali "Brother Minutester: The Uskudar Sessions" (Album Stream)

It started a decade ago as a creative exercise to hype up new projects on social media. These self-produced one-minute freestyles, constructed a few bars at a time without pen or paper, were only meant to be an artistic escape. But the deeply personal stream of consciousness series, "Brother Minutester", developed into a prolific chapter in Brother Ali‘s creative catalog. Brother Ali reminds us that sometimes the most powerful move an artist can make is to slow the world down and speak softly — trusting that the right listeners will lean in. Volume 2; called the Uskudar Sessions features 16 tracks - each one to two-minutes long, and can be streamed below. I'm still a huge fan!

Anti-Lilly & Phoniks "All Good Things" (Album Stream)

There’s a certain kind of album that doesn’t demand attention — it meets you where you are. All Good Things by Anti-Lilly & Phoniks is exactly that type of record. Quietly powerful. Thoughtful. Built for late nights, long walks, and moments when you need something honest playing in the background — not background music, but companion music. Phoniks handles the boards with a soft but confident touch. The production is soulful without being heavy-handed — warm samples, gentle drum patterns, and a dusty jazz feel that nods to boom-bap tradition while staying comfortably modern. Nothing here is rushed or overcrowded. The beats breathe. They give space for reflection. You can feel the care in the sequencing — like the album was meant to be played straight through, not cherry-picked. And Anti-Lilly fits this sound perfectly. His delivery is conversational, almost diaristic. Anti-Lilly leans into clarity, vulnerability, and self-awareness. He talks about growth, anxiety, creative doubt, love, gratitude — the kind of internal conversations most people have but don’t always articulate well. What makes All Good Things stand out is its emotional sincerity. There’s optimism here, but it’s earned — not forced positivity. Anti-Lilly acknowledges the lows alongside the highs, understanding that both are part of the same journey. The album feels like a checkpoint rather than a victory lap — a moment to pause, reflect, and keep moving forward. Tracks flow naturally, each one building on the last without dramatic swings. It’s cohesive, calming, and deeply human. The title says it all — not as an ending, but as a reminder that moments, phases, and feelings all pass… and that’s okay. Anti-Lilly & Phoniks deliver another record that feels genuine, comforting, and should absolutely stay in rotation. Dig into their new album All Good Things below...

Donnie Propa "Straight From The Crate Cave: Wu-Tang Clan" (Mix)

UK's Donnie Propa is back again with his latest installment in the Straight From The Crate Cave series -- this time he pays tribute to the Shaolin swordsmen, Wu-Tang Clan. His mix includes gems from Wu-members like Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Cappadonna, U-God, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, GZA, RZA, Method Man, Wu-Syndicate, Killah Priest, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Killarmy and more. Essentially all 9 core members and various Wu-Tang affiliates. In traditional style, Donnie Propa completes the mix utilizing 100% vinyl, giving it that classic feel. The mix is available digitally and on cassette HERE.