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.

Da Beatminerz "Stifled Creativity" (Album Stream)

Da Beatminerz defined the dark, gritty sound of underground Hip-Hop in the '90s. Formed in 1992 by brothers Walter “Mr. Walt” and Ewart “DJ Evil Dee” Dewgarde, the production duo pioneered Hip-Hop's brooding vibes, a tonal shift that came with the release of Black Moon's classic debut album Enta Da Stage. As producers of the seminal 1993 project in its entirety, Da Beatminerz set a precedent for hardcore Hip-Hop. Their sample-heavy, gutter tracks laced with heavy basslines, and hard kicks and snares helped reshape the music genre. Da Beatminerz continued to refine their distinct sound and identity with countless classic records for other artists and two albums of their own (2001’s Brace 4 Impak and 2004’s Fully Loaded w/ Statik) over the course of their illustrious 30-year career. Stifled Creativity is the duo’s first full-length album in 20 years. “We started working on this album in 2009... We had one focus and the focus was to stick to our core sound. We just wanted to bring back our traditional way of attempting a classic album. Everybody has their own type of hip hop that they love. Well, this is ours.” - Mr. Walt. Stream their new album below...

Black Moon "Enta Da Stage" (30th Anniversary Mix by Filthy Rich)

30 years of Black Moon's Enta Da Stage! I [still] remember being in the basement of my boy Chris' spot in Queens, and his older brother pulling out this cassette tape! While it was many of the remixes that from vinyl and maxi-singles that added life to this project, the full LP version is still incredibly dope on its own merit. Wreck and Nervous had shit on lock and can't front on Weeded Records neither. Props to Toronto's DJ Filthy Rich for unveiling this 30th anniversary mix and sharing the following message, "The LP was one of the bricks in the foundation for the Golden Era of east coast hip-hop. Da Beatminerz raw, dusty beats created a unique sound that became the signature of the Boot Camp Clik. This album was very influential to me, so I've decided to put together this mixtape tribute to the NYC legends. Remixes, blends, party breaks, OG samples & B-Sides." Torre Pentel on the comic art above. Dig into another really dope tribute mix from DJ Filthy Rich below...

Additional images because why the hell not...

Smif-N-Wessun "Dah Shinin' Originals" (Mix by DJ Big Texas)

DJ Big Texas released this mix on January 10th 2015, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Smif-N-Wessun's debut album, Dah Shinin'. Flipping through various album samples and vocals from Smif-N-Wessun's classic debut, this is a fine mix to revisit from DJ Big Texas. Upon its release in 1995, Smif-n-Wessun's Dah Shinin' was unfortunately swept aside by the popular onslaught of the Notorious B.I.G. and the Wu-Tang Clan. That's too bad, because the group's album is a masterpiece of New York City crime rap. The stars of the album aren't really the two MCs, Tek and Steele, but the Beatminerz production team. They were responsible for the groundbreaking tracks on Black Moon's Enta da Stage, the album on which Smif-n-Wessun made their debut, and they continued their strong track record on Dah Shinin'. Da Beatminerz craft their songs with deep, fluid basslines and moody jazz samples. On Smif-n-Wessun's debut, they created a series of hazy soundscapes perfect for the group's brand of lyrical mayhem. Their smoked-out rhymes match the beats perfectly. Indeed, few hip-hop albums offer such a unified coherent effort. Dah Shinin' is certainly Smif-n-Wessun's strongest album, and it represents da Beatminerz's high point as well. - AllMusic. Dig into DJ Big Texas' sample mix below, and also revisit the album and various promo items in the archives...

Book Of Rhymes Podcast: Black Moon (Episode 1)

Book of Rhymes is a brand new podcast, hosted by Donwill of Tanya Morgan and executive produced by Classic Material and Mika. For their debut episode, the Book of Rhymes podcast sits down with the legendary hip-hop crew, Black Moon. Helping to define the sound of Hip-Hop - especially in New York City - during the Golden Era, they discuss their early singles; their debut album "Enta Da Stage" with Nervous Records, as well as Duck Down Records and their overall impact on music culture. Peace to Evil Dee, Buckshot, 5ft MC, and of course the OG, Mr. Walt, and Dru-Ha. 

Black Moon "Enta Da Stage" (Complete Edition)

Brothers Lyrically Acting Combining Kicking Music Out On Nations. 'Enta Da Stage' is a pioneering album in NY hip-hop history. When asked in The Source back in '93, Buckshot had this to say: 'This album was created on vibes, how we feel, how we see life from our point of view. It's a state of mind, it's about bein' real relaxed, real calm, real subtle, showing things for what they is, analyzing it and then mastering it on wax ... We ain't coming half-assed.' Now in it's 23rd year, Fat Beats has released the Complete Edition, which features 6xLPs, 3xCDs or 3xCassettes - each edition includes the album, remixes, and instrumentals. I'm coppin' the cassettes, but I do want the vinyl, too! Does Fat Beats have an alumni discount code I can use? lol Much respect to DJ Jab, Pres. at Fat Beats!

Shadez Of Brooklyn "Change" (12", 1996)

This is a really dope 12" from Shadez of Brooklyn on Pandemonium Wrekordz in 1996. It's a AA-Side single, both tracks "Change" and "When It Rains It Pours" are super dope with production from Da Beatminerz. The Shadez crew repped out of Bushwick, Brooklyn and consisted of Chocolate Tye, Tee Black, Reverend Al and Rambo. Da Beatminerz handled the production on three 12" releases between 1996-1998, all of which were released on Pandemonium Wreckordz. In 2010, Chopped Herring Records pulled tracks from their catalog and released a dope "Pandemonium EP" that I recommend you pick up. In the meantime, you can listen to the 12" below and if you can dig up a copy, there's a nice Tape Sampler from '96 I'm looking for and will share when I get my hands on it.

Black Moon "Buck 'Em Down" Remix (Review, 1994)

"Buck 'em Down" was the fourth and final single released from Black Moon's debut album "Enta Da Stage." It was released a full 2 years after the debut single, "Who Got Da Props" hit back in '92. Black Moon shifted the sound in New York with this album and controlled underground radio during its run. The Source reviewed the single in November '94, saying: "Black Moon picks up right where it left off last time - full of potent power and mind-expanding thrills. The superb last single - "I Got Cha Opin" b/w "Killin' Every N!gga" - was really Black Moon's best work to that point, perfecting the sometimes uneven production on the debut LP and clearing the way for pure brilliance on the beats and lyrics. This new single elevates Buckshot into the realm of the very few MCs who consistently set trends on the mic. Cold as ice, yet contemplative and keen, Buckshot has complete command of the track guiding his vocal chords through a melodic delivery thick with verbal gymnastics. The track is a true remix, a clear improvement on the original. Evil Dee and Mr. Walt have positioned the thumping beat out front, while a subtle bass and guitar linger in the back. At the end of the cut, the kick and snare drop out and the underlying sample runs on with the hi-hats - a tasteful and soulful touch." The 12" came with the dope "Murder MCs" on the B-side. Watch the video below.

Save a copy of the original review in The Source below...

Black Moon "I Got Cha Opin" (The Source, 4/94)

The advert boasts "the new single from the album "Enta Da Stage," remixed by Da Beatminerz. Also featuring "U Da Man" remix and a brand new cut, not on the album, "Killin Every N!gga." This 12" was released at end of March in 1994 and was the third 12" used to promote their debut album on Wreck Records. Once again, the group had the support of The Source, coming through with a review of the release, saying "Five-FT, Evil Dee and Buckshot prove that the album was just the beginning of their madness as they return to burn with an action-packed new single. Now, some of you might be wondering why Black Moon felt compelled to do a remix, because just about every track on their album was slammin. Well, let's just say that Black Moon are one of the few groups who understand the notion of giving the fans a lil' extra and leave it at that." Not only is the remix of "I Got Cha Opin" a total musical reconstruction that features a new string heavy beat and flowing Barry White-inspired arrangement, but there are all new lyrics to boot. Needless to say it's more than worth your attention." - The Source, 4/94. This is probably my favorite remix from the entire "Enta Da Stage" project. I always loved the line "I’m coming to you from the underground with Thunder sound / Number one question: “Yo, how can I be down?” There was pride in the sound they were creating out of NY at the time. Check out the music video for the single version below...

You can save a copy of the original review in The Source below...

Smif-N-Wessun "Dah Shinin" (The Source, 2/95) + Response (4/95)

"After being discovered by Black Moon, and appearing on that group's Enta Da Stage album, Smif n Wessun hit headz with their single "Bucktown," a laidback mixture of rugged lyrics and moody bass. Now they return with their debut album, Dah Shinin'. While every song is appealing due to the group's talent for flowing and their ability to occasionally drop strong lyrics, the album suffers from too many Black Moon-like tracks and sing-song styles that too closely echo Buckshot on "I Got Cha Opin." They begin with a bouncy intro, "Timz N Hood Check," (one of the album's best cuts), and then leap off into criminal-minded freestyles on "Wrektime," "Wontime" and "Wrekonize." For "Sound Bwoy Bureill," they are gun-clappers killing a soundman. "K.I.M." (Keep It Movin') is traditional New York horns and echo. "Stand Strong" tells us it's mad deep in the streets and "Hellucination," despite its promising title, features 'eerie' bass that sounds more like a Spanish soap opera soundtrack."

"Their anthemic "Bucktown" is still the group's bread and butter. Using less forced deliveries, the duo evoke images of Brooklyn housing projects, jeeps cruising by, ciphers of freestyling bluntsmokers, and brothers rolling dice in Bushwick. This was the song that got everybody open; the song that led many people to think that this group's album would be the shit. Instead of sticking to this mode, they leap into tough guy BS and make their album hit a little weaker than it should've. The tracks, by Evil Dee and Mr. Walt, are too similar (dirty, plodding beats and bumpy bass) and make them sound even more like Black Moon proteges. If they were hooked up with more diversified flavors, listeners wouldn't feel deja vu and might be more satisfied." - The Source, 2/95.

Obviously, this was not one of the most favorable reviews. Is it any surprise that Duck Down's Boot Camp Clik wrote a letter to express their displeasure with the review? Let's look back at their response, too... "Over the last few weeks the Boot Camp Clik has had to answer for The Source. The question being asked: "How could Smif-N-Wessun's Dah Shinin' receive 3 mics (February 1995) for one of the phattest albums of the year and find itself with a lower rating than every other album on that page? The Source states itself "These ratings are determined by staff consensus..." yet the staff we have contacted at The Source told us that they had never heard Smif n Wessun's album. Could one Joe Charles determine all by himself, for the hip-hop community, what Da Shinin deserved? If so, it creates a serious problem because The Source is what it is titled: "the source" that tells the hip-hop community what's the haps in hip-hop. HIP-HOP, NOT RAP. By giving Smif n Wessun's Da Shinin 3 mics you are striking a blow to the head of each and every individual who lives for hip-hop. Individuals who have been craving for dirty plodding beats and bumpy bass (the essence of hip hop music production). Originu crooks who can't get enough of street reality lyrics. Originu Headz who recognize that The Source staff now knows that Smif n Wessun's album deserved, maybe not a higher rating, for that is Joe Charles' opinion, but at least a fair shake before their work is to be judged and reviewed for the masses. Joe Charles wipe ya mouf." - 4/95

Black Moon "Who Got Da Props?" (The Source, 2/93)

"Brooklyn's comin' strong with this underground trio. Already bumpin' hard throughout the five boroughs of New York, "Who Got The Props" is what you could call "mellow ruffness" - mellow grooves backed with ruff lyrics. Crew members Evil Dee, 5 F-T, and Buckshot know what it takes to make a hit record. Starting with one of the best basslines of the year, the soothing groove gives way to crisp keyboards and some confident rhymes. Not too hard and not too soft, the jazzy track is perfect for coolin' out. Hoods will love the lyrics ("Ima set it off with one shot / One trigger, one n!gga / Nuff heads drop"), while non-violent types will enjoy the laid-back flow. Either way, it's a hit. You would be advised to scoop this up as you will no doubt be hearing from this talented group in the very near future. Power to the Brooklynites." - The Source, 2/93. Watch the video below...

The original review in The Source (2/93) is below...