DJ Premier's popular web-series, So Wassup?, continues with his latest tribute to the floppy disc... this time breaking down the making of his popular track, "Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers" from 1995. Gonna take you back to Brooklyn... Spike Lee's film, Clockers - As Premo tells it, Spike reached out for a Part 2 with Jeru, Chubb Rock and O.C. of D.I.T.C. After seeing the film, DJ Premier crafted the beat for the soundtrack. He thought about sadness and what goes on in the neighborhood. The disc says, "Crooklyn Dodgers II" before it was called "Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers" to separate it from the original with Buckshot, Special Ed and Masta Ace. From the piano, strings and bell, Premo felt he captured the emotion and essence + the bounce to his drums. The video was shot in Fort Greene, Brooklyn and as they say, the rest is history. Check out Premier's full video episode below...
For close to 10 years, D.I.T.C. members Show, his longtime partner, A.G. (short for Andre the Giant), Lord Finesse, Fat Joe, Diamond, Buckwild (all of whom hail from the Bronx, NY), Brooklyn's O.C., and the recently murdered Harlem rhyme slinger supreme, Big L, have individually garnered accolades for their superior lyrical and/or production gifts. But besides Fat Joe's gold-selling Don Cartagena (Atlantic, 1998), street acclaim hasn't translated into record sales. "Not [achieving] what we were supposed to has taught us to stay on top of our business," blasts A.G. His man Show claims that it was a lack of organization and resources on the part of labels like Wild Pitch, Chemistry, and Pay Day that hindered D.I.T.C.'s individual success. "We felt it would make a greater impact if all of us put our ideas together, and everybody came with their different styles," Show says. And he tells no lies: Not since the rise of Staten Island, NY's Wu-Tang Clan has there been a collective that could come close to the Shao Lin Swordsman's concentrated can of whup ass. When it comes to the stock market of beats, lyrics, and flow, D.I.T.C. stand taller than the World Trade Center's twin towers. Just peep songs like the felicitous, guitar-guided "Foundation" and the bouncy, video-game-effects-bleeping, Big L-fronted "Thick." Yet as D.I.T.C. vie to become hip hop's first family, things are a little bittersweet. "I wish he were still around," says Show of his fallen compadre. "He's on most of the album, and I think about him every time I hear those songs." Fear not, Show, Big L is probably looking down, smiling, watching his crew's evolution from ghetto superstars to household names. - Next (Vibe, December 1999). No doubt, one of the greatest crews in Hip-Hop history! Below is a playlist with some of my favorite joints from the Diggin' in the Crates crew! I'll add more songs later.
Emphasizing the value of art over commerce with an assured probity seldom demonstrated by his contemporaries, O.C.'s debut album, Word...Life, was a spirited boon to hip-hop purists that had been searching for an icon to articulate their ideology. Rare had an MC preached the importance of street credibility and ghetto gold with a blatancy as evident as O.C. did on "Time's Up." Strangely, his meager commercial success seemed to strengthen his underground support and, for better or worse, he became the purist's model spokesman. Three years later, and facing the litmus test of his sophomore album, O.C. responds on his second single, "Far From Yourz," in a way not even his most devout fans would expect: the female crooning of R&B singer Yvette Michelle. Whether you view it as a either soulful shading or an attempt at greater appeal, one thing is certain on Jewelz: O.C. is hardly compromising his MC abilities or selling out. While his first album was an exorcism of personal beliefs-memories of growing up, expositions on inner ideologies-his second album is more of an exercise in pure skill. For the most part, O.C. doesn't have anything to say that carries the same weight as "Time's Up," but you're drawn to the ways he says it. Brimming with East Coast-style musical textures, the Lord Finesse-produced title track and the Buckwild-blessed "The Chosen One," elicit the same type of emotive spirit found on album one, but it's the cuts like the DJ Premier-produced "M.U.G." (with Freddie Foxxx), and "My World," that are indicative of O's new steelo: non-stop, bending lyrical rhapsodies. Although Jewelz doesn't possess the conceptual glue necessary to hold this album together, O.C.'s ability to captivate a listener with the purity of his delivery is what drives this album. Unlike most rappers, he is a skilled wordsmith with a sincere dedication to his craft. Still shining and still climbing. - The Source (9/97). I still love this album, revisit it below...
The original 3.5 mic-review in The Source (September, 1997)...
Massive collection of rare songs, unreleased demos, remixes, mixtape exclusives and freestyles from DITC’s own legendary O.C. With 7 solo and 6 collaborative albums under his belt, Mr. Omar Credle compiles some of his best but hard-to-find work including many classic recordings spanning from his first demo recordings in the early 90’s, all the way into his seasoned sounds during the early 00’s. Of course, all of his Diggin’ In The Crates cohorts pop up here including the late great Big L, along with his Organismz Crew (a la Organized Konfusion and Mr. Complex). With 51 tracks, this compilation is intended to quench the thirst of any die hard O.C. or DITC fan, and bring to light many sought-after cassette dubs that now have been digitally remastered. Listen to The O-Zone Files below...
After decades in the game, it's safe to say that legendary D.I.T.C. member O.C., alongside East New York DJ and producer PF Cuttin of Blahzay Blahzay, have always been consistent with delivering classic material to the masses. O.C. and PF Cuttin have finally decided to get together to drop a collaborative project entitled “Opium.” The 9-track banger will bring you back in time to the era of block parties and of stunts, blunts and hip-hop; to remind you what the good old days sounded like. The version available now on PF Cuttin's Bandcamp includes several of the original instrumentals so I've updated this post. You can stream Opium below to dig into some dope beats and rhymes...
O.C.'s debut album, Word...Life, is full of surreal compositions, optimistic arguments, and mature production by DJ Buckwild (from the Diggin' in the Crates crew). There will be complaints that O.C.'s beats aren't as aggressively hyped-up, but that's the point: The rhythms are primitively full yet uncluttered, creating the perfect backdrop for O.C.'s lyrics. On his first single, "Time's Up," he says, "My album will manifest many things that I saw, did, I heard about / Or saw firsthand / Never word of mouth." His voice masterfully grasps the progressively looped beat and rocks you to the sampled Slick Rick chorus: "There time's limited / Hard rocks too." Originally aimed at the underground, the release of this single last fall sent shock waves through the hip hop nation and raised the ante for pretenders posing in a "B-boy stance" without rhyming. O.C. is no longer in the shadows of his "lyrical sparring partners," Organized Konfusion (he costarred on their 1992 single "Fudge Pudge" and freestyles with them frequently). Now he's out in front. And the image O.C. projects in his lyrics is the same one he maintains in his daily travels: straight-up soul power and an aura of strength fortified with knowledge. But who could be a true artist without the experience of pain? The song "Born 2 Live," dedicated to O.C.'s deceased friend Mike Boogie, offers a view of how children come to perceive death. Other songs range from avoiding stupid troublemakers ("Let It Slide") to the self-explanatory "Ma Dukes," which features his mother flexing her strong voice. Well-expressed emotions and a whole slew of funky musical elements help make O.C.'s album a treat for those who appreciate the real." - Next, Vibe Magazine (February, 1995). Listen to Word...Life below...
"Apathy (Demigodz, Army of the Pharaohs) and O.C. (D.I.T.C. - Diggin' In The Crates) combine forces to form 'Perestroika', a supergroup inspired by the cold war being waged on the rap industry. Anti-mainstream propaganda has become a bit of a cliche, so instead of speaking out against the unflattering direction that today's hip hop music has gone in, Apathy and O.C. have taken action by building a pillar in the ruins of what's left of true school hip hop. Picture the first time you heard Wu-Tang Clan's debut album "Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers" and were immediately swept up in to a dark Kung Fu movie, with the sound effects and painted visuals - "Perestroika" is intended to have the same effect... except it transports you to Cold War, Soviet Russia. From the Kremlin, to small villages affected by the economically devastating times of Perestroika, this album is a salute to the underdog and all those who are able to survive the coldest winters. Not entirely conceptual however, the album allows both wordsmiths to flex their greatest strengths over solid head-nodding East Coast-styled production. Showing up for the cause, guests Celph Titled, Slaine, Marvalyss, Kappa Gamma and Jus Cuz add to the palate alongside production that is mostly handled by Apathy, with MoSS and Illinformed (The Four Owls) contributing tracks as well. In a time of worldly political conflict and scandals, this project plays as the perfect soundtrack to the madness." - Apathy
"In 1994, underground champ O.C. licked off a shot at the industry with his now classic single "Time's Up," taking heads to task for seeking mass appeal. He followed it up months later with the stirring debut album Word...Life, which was met with tremendous critical acclaim but few record sales. After a three-year hiatus (broken only by his appearance on the second Crooklyn Dodgers record, "Crooklyn Dodgers 2") due to the collapse of his former record label, Wild Pitch, O.C. has returned to drop some gems on 'em - or, to be more precise, Jewelz. No longer rocking the how-many-words-can-I-fit-in-one-measure? flow, O.C. now rides the beat at a more natural pace, sinking into the groove comfortably. Where Word...Life was underground angst, Jewelz is melodic contentment. Having enlisted the talents of DJ Premier, the Beatminerz, Lord Finesse, Buckwild, O.Gee, and Showbiz, O.C. can lay claim to having one of the tightest production teams ever assembled."
"One bangin' little ditty off Jewelz is "M.U.G.," featuring a sedated Freddie Foxxx and a beautiful flute/piano loop courtesy of Primo. Another highlight is "Dangerous," in which O.C. and fellow Diggin' In The Crates crew member Big L melt all snail MCs with their salt-ass rhymes: "I made this cheese / It didn't grow on trees / Can you hold somethin'? / Sure, you can hold on these." The tightest joint on Jewelz, though, is the Finesse-produced title track in which O.C. analyzes where he's been, where he's at, and where he's going. Song for song, O.C. falters only once, on "Far From Yours" with Yvette Michelle... but I guess the Biz was right: "This is something for the radio." Thankfully, O.C. is still concerned with the decline of rap music, only now he's stopped criticizing and has started to lead by example, unveiling one of the most finely polished Jewelz this year has seen. I just hope other rappers have enough sense to follow him." - Vibe, Magazine (September, 1997).
Another Happy Born Day shout-out, this one goes out to Bushwick, Brooklyn's own O.C.; the Starchild, from the Diggin' In The Crates crew. With raw energy and sophisticated rhymes, O.C. has been a dominant presence in Hip-Hop for over 25 years! On his classic single, 'Time's Up,' O.C. told us "My album will manifest many things that I saw, did, or heard about / All told first hand / Never word of mouth" and he delivered a classic with 'Word...Life;' in a year with some of the fiercest competition in Hip-Hop history. What's better, you could argue that his sophomore album, 'Jewelz,' was an even better album than his debut. Further along in his catalog is the slept-on gem, 'Starchild,' which (I think) was released in Japan, and of course, the collaborative album with Apollo Brown, 'Trophies,' which seemed like an unlikely pairing ... until you clicked play. Add to it 'Fudge Pudge,' 'Back To The Grill,' 'Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers,' the work with D.I.T.C. and you'll see his footprints are all over some of the best music to come from Hip-Hop's storied history. With an album coming with Apathy as the group Perestroika + more, his legacy has more chapters to come. Now ... Do not adjust your screen ... It's about to be on! ... "Their time's limited, hard rocks too!"
"Hip hop veteran O.C. is back with his first full-length album release since his #1 selling "Trophies" with producer Apollo Brown. O.C., hailing from the legendary hip hop crew D.I.T.C. (Diggin in the Crates Crew: Lord Finesse, O.C., Diamond D, Showbiz & AG, Buckwild, Fat Joe & Big L), once again delivers an album guaranteed to leave even the most critical hip hop fan fully satisfied. With production from some of the industry's newest superstars as well as contributions from long time hip hop veteran producers, this album blends the wisdom and skill of one of hip hop's most talented MC's with the modern sounds of top notch production. O.C.'s previous albums, "Word... Life" and "Jewelz" are both considered to be classic albums, both ranking in most hip-hop historians top 10 albums of all time lists. "Same Moon Same Sun: 1st Phase" is an anticipated classic that should equal or surpass the accolades from O.C.'s previous classics. With lyrics that explore everything from what qualities constitute a "Good Man" to the current state of domestic and world politics, O.C. offers something for everyone." Listen to the latest 14-track offering from O.C. below...
The legendary Diggin’ In The Crates crew are back in the studio - their own studio at that - and the result is their first new album in 15 years! 15 tracks deep, the album features lyrics and production by all members of the crew, including a few new affiliates. Highlights include a return to the microphone by Lord Finesse on the banger “Rock Shyt”, Fat Joe returning to this legendary Bronx crew and DJ Premier production on “Connect 3.” The album was designed to be the first of many new releases coming out of their new headquarters and label, DITC Studios. You can order the Deluxe Edition via Fat Beats, but you know how I feel about album samplers, so check it out below + Put an L up for Big L - may he Rest In Peace. Great to see the D.I.T.C. crew back together.
Much respect to Boogie Blind of the world famous X-excutioners. This is his "Definitive D.I.T.C." mix, showing love to one of the greatest all-star crews, Diggin In The Crates. A double-CD mix, Definitive D.I.T.C. runs through over 50 tracks, including joints from Diamond D, Showbiz & AG, Big L, O.C., Fat Joe, Buckwild, Lord Finesse, some posse cuts and random features thrown in for good measure. With a catalog as extensive as the Diggin in The Crates crew, it's hard to catch it all, but this is no doubt a phenomenal mix by one of Hip-Hop's greatest DJs. Props to DJ E-Feezy for the stream below, check his page for lots more content. Big L, Rest In Peace! Listen to the mix below...
Diggin' in the Crates are to rap as the Portland Trail Blazers are to the NBA - deeper than Bill Gate's pockets and brimming with skills and chemistry. After years of functioning as a loosely knit collective, D.I.T.C. have assumed a Voltron-like formation to create an LP chockful of their widely revered punchlines and metaphors. With Fat Joe, A.G., O.C., and the tragically deceased Big L sharing the majority of mike dity - plus Diamond, Show, Buckwild, and the unfadable DJ Premier behind the boards - it seems that they've got every base covered. From the pounding primo opener, "Thick," to the sobering vinyl-classic closer, "Day One," D.I.T.C. hit like a freight train, crushing all in their path. With knocking drums and somber melodies, the mid-tempo beats on songs like "Champagne Thoughts" perfectly complement the collective's energetic style. Unfortunately, the LP's greatest moments are also its most depressing, as Big L rips verses like, "You frontin' cause yo' whip's a Range / But it's a 4.0 / You nerd n!gga / You heard Jigga Now get yo' change" - begging the painful question, What if? But despite the morbid splendor of L's ultimate glory, D.I.T.C. come correct, adding another solid notch to their belt. - Vibe, March 2000. Revisit the debut LP from Diggin' In The Crates below...
The full review in Vibe Magazine (March, 2000) is below...
"Without question, Bushwick, Brooklyn's O.C. qualifies as one of the most compelling vocalists to emerge from the East Coast underground in recent years. If his guest verses on Organized Konfusion's "Fudge Pudge" only hinted at this MC's potential to make noise, his own recent debut single "Time's Up" was the certified bomb that tore up all competition last summer. As a song that not only spoke to the problems plaguing contemporary hip-hop but also provided its own relentlessly dope musical remedy, "Time's Up" was the rare single that led by example (ie: "Come Clean," "Follow The Leader," "Protect Ya Neck") as it sounded the impeding death knell for "those who pose original but really ain't true." Visuals to the two lead singles and more, continues below...
"On paper, all the elements seem to be here - dope producers (Buckwild, Organized), non-gimmicky subject matter (life and death, wisdom, skills) and of course, O's vocals - but things don't quite take off the way you hope. In contrast to the minimalism of "Time's Up," Word Life favors a smoother soundscape that is generally solid but doesn't always match the excitement of O'd wordplay and delivery.... Of the highlights, "O-Zone" comes closest to recapturing the flavor of "Time's Up," with Buckwild once again nimbly cutting up the chorus of Premier's long lost twin. Head-nodding tracks like "Go Head With Self," "Let It Slide," and the too-brief intro "Creative Control," delivers the goods, while "Pointz Of View" and "Ma Dukes" (featuring the angelically soulful crooning of - you guessed it - O.C.'s mother) round things out effectively on the smooth tip. On these songs and elsewhere, O.C. displays his trademark ability to flip creative perspectives on familiar topics in a manner similar to that of his close associates Organized Konfusion. And eventually it's this lyrical expertise that redeems Word Life despite its initial letdowns. O.C.'s skills leave no doubt that he is an artist who'll continue to be heard from in the future. Hopefully, the tentative first steps of Word Life signal that the best is yet to come." - The Source, November 1994. An underrated GEM!!
You can check out the full from The Source below...
"While the name O.C. is unfamiliar to many, if you put your ear to the pavement, the rumble is evidence of a ticking time bomb set to blow. First off, to clear any misconceptions, O.C. is not the 3rd member of Organized Konfusion, but he rhymed on their '92 track "Fudge Pudge." Now it's O's turn to shine for self on his debut "Time's Up" - a much needed wake-up call for hip-hop's ignorant masses. Musically, producer Buckwild's "bare bones" beat is just that: no flab, no gristle. Just a bass line, some hi-hat & snare, and an ill Slick Rock hook from "Hey Young World." Buck (hip-hop's next star producer) aptly leaves the focus of this track on O's hardcore poetics." Listen below (Updated).
"When O.C. opens with, "You lack the minerals and vitamins / Irons and the niacins / Fuck who that I offend / Rappers sit back I'm 'bout to begin..." - you're immediately pulled into his sphere of influence. O manipulates words to create multi-layer meanings, reflective quotables, and an ominous aura of invincibility. Peep it: "What’s in the future for the fusion in the changer? / Rappers are In danger / Who will use wits to be a remainder? ... Instead of puttin' brain cells to work, they abuse it / Non-conceptual / Non-exceptional / Everybody's either crime-related or sexual ... / For those who pose lyrical / But really ain't true / I feel "Their time is limited, hardrocks too."" Until now, much of O.C.'s rep has been built on underground freestyle tapes that have been floating around like rumors. At long last there is an official intro to this lyrical scientist." - The Source, July 1994
