Common "Resurrection" (The Source, 10/94)

"While scores of other MCs are content to stick with the blunts, bitches and firearms routine as their subject matter of choice, Common Sense presents a thinking man's perspective on rhyming that's admirably down-to-earth and free of gimmicks. For a dose of where this brother from the Second City is coming from, check "i used to love h.e.r.," the lead single off his second  LP. When discussing a certain girl he once admired from a distance, eventually became involved with and slowly transform into a show-biz minded ho who forgot where she came from, Common extends the metaphor of hip-hop - as the longtime acquaintance - in a lyrical display that's as impressive as anything in recent memory. A unique variation on the ever-popular "back in the days"-type jam, the song is a potent articulation of what every true hip-hop fan must feel when faced with the sorry state of music today." Once again, check out these dope visuals for the track, cont'd below...

"While "i used to love h.e.r." effectively addresses the dilemma of what hip-hop has become, the rest of Resurrection doesn't always distinguish itself by providing equally slammin' musical solutions. It's not that the smooth keyboard dominated loops (courtesy of fellow Chicagoans No I.D. and YNot) or Common's nasal, off-beat flow are by any means toy. In fact, songs like "Watermelon," "Nothing To Do," and the title track sustain the album's pace nicely. But for all of their consistency, solidness and realistic day-to-day topics, few of the album's songs supply the immediate sonic impact necessary to take matters to the next level. If you can imagine that deeply, thought-out rhymes of 'i used to love h.e.r." over tracks that match the caliber of "They Reminisce Over You," then you'll have an idea of just how far things could have gone here. If Resurrection isn't quite the second coming of original flavor that the title suggests, it isn't for lack of effort, Common Sense's no-bullshit brand of hip-hop may not deliver the superficial thrills others have to offer, but there is no denying the intelligence and heart that guides it. This is one MC who does manage to live up to his name."

Happy Born Day, Black Thought! + Mix

When the discussion of underrated MCs comes up, Black Thought's name is frequently mentioned. And we take that as an insult. It's 2012 (2014), and the Philly bred frontman from The Roots has been slaying every mic in his path for two decades now, in concerts across the world and on over a dozen LPs, without taking a breather. He's even managed to stay relevant with rap purists while holding down a gig on Jimmy Fallon's late night NBC talk show. Tariq Trotter is a one of one in this rap shit. There is no other artist with his stage presence, stamina, versatility, and straight up skills to pay the bills. He's the quintessential master of ceremonies. To celebrate his birthday, UNT gave you a special edition of The 10s titled Thought At Work, because he stays on his job, and doesn't ever let up. He’s a monster live, but his recordings are just as impressive, and he's held his own on tracks with everyone from Big Pun to Ghostface Killah to Mos Def, not to mention his countless classics with The Roots .... next time you want to talk underrated MCs, please leave his name out. Black Thought only belongs in the Top 5 Dead Or Alive discussion moving forward. This mix was originally presented by UpNorthTrips in 2012, with words by Stan Ipcus and mixed by UnitedCrates. Happy Born Day to Black Thought, as well as myself and Kweli. Listen to the mix below... (Updated '21).

Bahamadia "Total Wreck" (Review, 1994)

"Total Wreck" was the first 12" release from Bahamadia's classic album, "Kollage." While the album was released on April 2, 1996, "Total Wreck" dropped back in 1994 with production by Guru of Gang Starr (R.I.P.). The original test press had a sticker on the cover (pictured above), saying "She's dangerous with the one, two, check." The Source (10/94) reviewed the record saying, "Back In Philly, people say that I'm da jawn!" So states Bahamadia(h), the latest MC to burst out the re-invigorated rap music scene in Philadelphia. The city that was once hip-hop's second home experienced a serious falling-off period from '87 to the early '90s. But now things are back on track, and one of the reasons is this gravely-voiced female MC with a metaphysical-dope style. Bahamadia got her break when Guru of Gang Starr heard a taste of her local Philly hit single "Funk Vibe." He was impressed by her rhyme skill and he put her on Gang Starr's self-produced Illkid Records sampler with the intention of building a buzz and eliciting the interest of labels. The tactic worked (as it did with Jeru The Damaja's "Come Clean") and now this sassy lady is positioned to show the world she can flow."

"Total Wreck" is a chunky mid-tempo groove with a crisp snare, precise hi-hats and quick cuts on the hook from DJ Ski (Beatz). Bahamadia sounds like a ruffneck (a la Rage) but her distinctive baritone gives her a unique edge in the crowded world of MCing. Her metaphors are street-smart funny ("The verse stays stuffed like a girl when she's knocked up..." / "I'll burn like a prostitute's genitals"). It's a pretty catchy combination, and with six different versions, there's a mix sure to fit any format." Check out the original video released for Bahamadia's song "Total Wreck" below. 

J1K "The Vault Vol.1" (Instrumental Album)

"The Vault Vol. 1" is a collection of twenty of J1K's best stashed and new beats he has been working tirelessly on over the past two years. It is the first of a 3-part series. The Maryland beatsmith adds: "Thank you to the fans for all your support. The MCs who have been on the journey with me. And my beat machine. This tape would not have been possible without you three." Listen below...

Venomous2000 "A Moment To Reflect, Vol.3" (Album Stream)

This 25 track compilation is the culmination of Venomous2000's extensive collaborations and sessions during the years of 2012-2014. The album features production from DJ Manipulator, Trilian, Handbook, and additional production from producers all over the globe. All tracks were mixed and Mastered by Trilian out of Serbia! More to come - in the meantime, listen to the compilation below...

Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are "Black Star" (Rap Pages, 1/99)

"These two cats define the latest trends of lyricism, apparel and a cutting-edge lifestyle in the most prestigious underground circles. This album is nice; maybe the underground's best this year! Kweli is about dexterity, speed and head-twisting lyrics, which, on "Twice Inna Lifetime" (featuring Jane Doe, Punch and Words), ride the pounding bass bass bulges of the track perfectly, or even subtly, as on "Thieves of the Night" produced by 88 Keys: "A lot of cats who buy records are straight broke / But my language be universal, they be reciting my quotes / While R&B singers hit bad notes." From his tackling jaw-action on the revitalized BDP cut titled "Definition" or Slick Rick's "Children's Story." Peep the visuals to their single "Definition" and more, continued below...

"Mos Def, like Q-Tip of Tribe, is armed with a personality that's hard to hate. So are his microphone skills, which appear so flavorful in Caribbean tones and melodic flows at times; on "Brown Skin Lady," produced by J. Rawls, they weigh a ton on the backs of brothers craving girls looking like a casting call for Friends. Together they truly uphold the black, red and green flag in which pride can be savored. Also, DJ Hi-Tek must be commended for his six emancipated productions, of which "RE: DEFinition," "KOS Determination," featuring Vinia Mojica, and "Respiration," featuring Common, evoke a special classy edge and jazzy feel - the narration at the end and beginning of each song is effective along with the rest of the album." - Rap Pages, January 1999. Full review available below.

Deuces Wild: "A Bronx Tale" (Anniversary Mix)

"1993 was a keynote year for the "hip-hop movie." The term, although never officially coined, became a popular when movies such as CB4 and Who's The Man hit the big screen, A Bronx Tale was definitely not one of them. For starters, the movie took place in the the segregated sixties - two decades before hip-hop even took its first breath. There isn't a h movie's score and soundtrack contained no rap music, and remember, this is an era way before the term rapper-turnt-actor became popular. 20 (21) years later its easy to see how hip-hop has adopted A Bronx Tale into the culture. There enough lyric references to go around - vocal samples have been lifted from movies, and a handful of "A Bronx Tale" song/mixtape titles. In the past we've celebrated the important anniversaries of album releases, producer's birthdays, and even movie releases. So without further ado, enjoy this latest mix" - UpNorthTrips (Originally released in 2013), listen to the Bronx mix below...

Souls of Mischief "93 Til Infinity" (The Source, 6/93)

"While the San Francisco Bay and Oakland areas may have been put on the hip-hop map by cries of "b-aitch" and "Hammer Time," those who think that the Oaktown sound is exclusively comprised of "hoe" lyrics, heavy 808 drum kicks and genie pants are in for a rude awakening. From the streets of Oakland come an army of kids sporting 'fros, locks and slick heads, baseball bats and angry grins who are ready to claim a spot on the hip-hop wall of fame by tagging it up with a fat marker - Hieroglyphics '93. Del Tha Funkee Homosapien was the first slang talker to represent for the Hieroglyphic lyrical society. Now come four soulful kids (A-Plus, Opio, Tajai and Phesto) who have a penchant for maiming MCs who doze on their ability to articulate their definitions of self and proclamations of self worth. The title of their debut lets you know right away that these kids plan to be in the game for the long haul. With producers like Del, Domino, Casual and Jay Biz behind the boards the Souls can't lose. True to the Oakland sound, the funk is employed but it's more of an East Coast /  Meters groove than the Zapp or P-Funk flavor that you might be expecting. Still, the bass on most tracks is so deeply inaudible that it can be felt quaking your chest." Cont'd below...

"These kids have so many lyrics it's ridiculous. It would be an insult to try and give a sample of their breathless flow in print. Just imagine a nasal Organized Konfusion with a Daisy Ager's humble sensibility. Because of the weight given to the lyrics, most cuts will be most appreciated in your Walkman rather than in your jeep (just make sure you invest in your headphones that can handle the deep bass). For straight flavor skills check for "Disseshowedo." "Batting Practice," the incredible "Make Your Mind Up," and "That's When Ya Lost," which employs the talents of their potnah, Pep Love. When you combine the album's fifteen fat tracks with its many guest appearances and inevitable B-side remixes, it is clear that the Souls will be a force to be reckoned with from '93 till."