Da Youngsta's 'The Aftermath' (4/20/93)

The Aftermath is the sophomore album from Philly group, Da Youngsta's; it was released on this day in 1993 via EastWest Records. The trio consists of 2 brothers, Taji & Qu'ran, and their cousin Tarik. The Aftermath was their breakthrough album, featuring Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Treach, and production by The Beatnuts, Pete Rock, Kay Gee, Marley Marl and DJ Premier. I still have the original press kit, which at the top says, "F*ck what ya heard", and launches into a bio that probably should've been rewritten: "Nothing lasts forever and the curfew-fearing Youngsta's of last year are now stayin' up as late as they want, puttin' pen to paper, getting down with the pros, and are ready to take their props." Tarik adds, "You'd be surprised how much you can mature in a year ... especially in the record business." That's true. Prepping fans for a shift in content, Da Youngsta's returned with shaved heads and Treach writing and featuring on the lead single 'Crewz Pop' going at Kris Kross. Follow-up singles were 'Iz U Wit Me' produced by Pete Rock and lastly, 'Wild Child,' which didn't connect as a single. Their 3rd album, 'No Mercy,' dropped in '94 with a heavier influence from Marley Marl & K-Def, bringing the sound they brought to Lords of the Underground. Listen below...

Da Youngsta's "I'll Make U Famous" (The Source, 1996)

"Growing up is hard to do, just ask Da Youngsta's. Five years and three records ago, the threesome from Philly entered the hip-hop universe with a pugnacious, precocious sound that made up for whatever it lacked in maturity with a vibrant, infectious enthusiasm that embraced the group's youth. But on I'll Make You Famous - released by the venerable, independent Philadelphia rap label, Pop Art Records - Qur'an, Tarik and Taji are out to let you know they ain't no kids no more, despite the fact that all three are still under 20. Da Youngsta's are now to be known as the Illy Funkstas, and their first album as such seems intent on proving the importance of the distinction. This time around, 17-year Qur'an and company focus on the big boy concerns of swinging to survive, whether it's on the street, the mic or in the bedroom. The title single is a made-for-radio cruisin' jam that speaks on the pleasures the Funkstas have to offer the ladies. "Bloodshed and War," featuring Mobb Deep, teams the trio with one of their bigger influences in yet another hip-hop ode to the business of the street corner. "Verbal Glock" highlights the maturing confidence the group has in their ability to take on all MC comers..." The rest of the review is mixed and speaks to the pitfalls in the album, saying "it lacks the elusive flava that makes good beats great records." That's a fair take, few people would call this a classic. Watch the video for their title track since the album isn't available.

You can check out the full review down below...