The U.N. "World Domination" (Mixtape, 2001)

The U.N. was a Long Island-based group consisting of Dino Brave, Mike Raw, Laku and Roc Marciano, whom had just separated from Busta Rhyme's Flipmode Squad to focus on The UN at the time. Having first appeared on Pete Rock's Petestrumentals album in 2001, the group had a solid co-sign entering the game with two cuts on what was otherwise an instrumental album from Pete Rock. As we awaited their debut LP, which would later be titled "UN or U Out" on Carson Daily's 456 Entertainment, a slept-on mixtape called "World Domination" was released (bootlegged?) also in 2001. The street album/mixtape featured the cuts off Petestrumentals, as well as unpolished versions of tracks that would later appear on the LP, exclusive freestyles, tracks and remixes. Both the mixtape and LP raised their popularity in the streets, but gained very little mainstream attention. The UN also presented Roc Marciano's "Strength And Honor" mixtape independently in 2004, which kicked off with his self-produced "L.I. Stand Up;" a stand-out track in his catalog. Roc Marci re-emerged in 2010 with Marcberg, one of the rawest and grittiest albums of this generation, and created a sound coming out of New York that has carried its trend to the present day. On a somber note, I received a text earlier today that said that Mike Raw had passed away, so I wanted to share this project in his memory. His raspy delivery and solid production were integral pieces of The UN's appeal. Uniondale, Long Island stand up! Rest In Peace, Michael Marr aka Mike Raw! Listen below...

The U.N. "UN Or U Out" (Mass Appeal, 2002 + Album Stream)

Ten years after its initial and highly slept-on release, Fat Beats Records & Frozen Files are proud to present the first-ever reissue of UN Or U Out, the classic debut album from The UN. Consisting of Roc Marciano, Dino Brave, Mike Raw, and Laku, the UN first emerged on Pete Rock’s 2001 Petestrumentals album, a primarily instrumental release including two tracks - “Nothing Lesser” and “Cake”, both featuring vocals by The UN. At the time, the group hadn’t performed live and never had major prior releases, although Roc Marciano had already made his name as a member of Busta Rhymes’ Flipmode Squad. Pete Rock fans were at first perplexed by the vocal appearance of an unknown group. Yet Pete Rock not only had the confidence and foresight to introduce the four MCs, he also furthered the collaboration, making it full circle by lending production on “Game of Death (G.O.D.)” , “Avenue” and “Ain’t No Thang” on UN or U Out. The album remains a timeless listen, a deeply succinct homage to New York’s bygone era of gritty boom-bap, made with tasteful nods to Queensbridge’s cold-steel aesthetic. Coupled with the article in Mass Appeal above from 2002, this should catch you up on what The UN were bringing to the table + some background on Roc Marci.