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The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast is a show hosted by 'Xennial' music fans that grew up during hip-hop's golden era of 1990s and the boom of the early 2000s. We review classic hip-hop, R&B and reggae albums 20, 25 and 30 years after their release to give our reflections and to see if they still stand the test of time. It's a personal perspective on classics from a fresh point of view.
Also includes:Bonus segments guest interviews with artists, critics, fellow creators & influencers.Round table discussions around classic music topics.Head-to-Head artists catalog debates.
- 208 - Bonus Episode: Caribbean American Heritage & Identity (w/ Ann-Marie Maloney)
Taking a little bit of a shift away from the norm, B. Cox sits down for a candid chat with educator, author/poet and inspirational speaker Ann-Marie Maloney (of About This Life Podcast) for a conversation centered around Caribbean-American culture, heritage and identity. They talk about their specific Caribbean backgrounds, their shared experiences living dual lives as individuals of Caribbean Heritage in American life, the unique markers of the cultures in food, music, dance and the overall struggles, challenges and triumphs endured by the preceding generations that led us them here to carry the banner and weight of the culture in an ever-changing society.
Show Notes
Ann-Marie's Website and info about her upcoming book "It Soon Come"
About This Life Podcast (Preview) on YouTube
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyFri, 04 Sep 2026 - 207 - T.I.-King (2006): A Royal Charge To The Throne
After a lengthy absence, B. Cox returns to review hip-hop legend T.I.'s explosive fourth album King as it turns 20.
After stepping onto the scene and making himself known with his debut album, 2001's I'm Serious, the Atlanta rap star made further waves and saw larger success with his sophomore and junior albums, 2003's Trap Muzik and 2004's Urban Legend, respectively. He was looking to take the next step with this effort and make a claim as the professed "King Of The South" at a time when Atlanta hip-hop made its way to being at the epicenter of the industry. The album featured an all-star cast of producers and featured artist. It was produced by the likes of DJ Toomp, Mannie Fresh, Jus Blaze, The Neptunes, Kevin Mack, Nick Fury, Kevin "Khao" Cates and Swizz Beatswhile featuring artists such as UGK, Young Jeezy, Common, Young Dro, B.G., Young Buck, Pharrell and Jamie Foxx among others.
The album's release coincided with the release three days later of the feature film and cult classic ATL, which was T.I.'s feature film debut and it also served as the de facto soundtrack. The album had four power-packed singles including the smash lead single "What You Know", which served as the movie's default theme. It was a huge success commercially, selling over 500,000 units the first week and is RIAA-certified 2x platinum. It solidified T.i. as a megastar and a major player in not only Atlanta's rap atmosphere, but the industry at-large for years to come.
Show Notes
OkayPlayer: The Once and Expeditious King: T.I. on 'King' 20 Years Later, His Latest Album and More
Yahoo: T.I. says it's 'wild to think that' his album 'King' is 20 years old
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/t-says-wild-think-album-100000151.html
WSB 95.5 Atlanta Talk & Music: Atlanta icon T.I. celebrates 20th anniversary of King album and its undeniable impact
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 11 May 2026 - 206 - Common: Be (2005). Coming Home Is Always GOOD
B. Cox reviews Common's classic sixth album Be as it turns 20. In light of the commercial failure and mixed critical reviews, Common found some common ground in aligning with fellow Chicago hip-hop royaltyKanye Westand his GOOD Music imprint on Geffen Record. A former pupil of No. ID, who produced the majority of Common's second and third albums (Resurrection and One Day It'll All Make Sense, respectively), West proved to be a good match to get Common back on tracks and back to his hip-hop roots in the Windy City.
Largely solely produced by West (with minor assists from J. Dilla, James Poyser and Karriem Riggins), Common showcased in depth lyricism marked by poignant stories about life in Chicago and themes of the streets, love, feminism, ambition and knowledge of self. Joined by collaborators such as The Last Poets, John Mayer along with label mate John Legend and West himself, the album was a well layered effort that served towards Common's strengths.
The album featured many singles, highlighted by "The Corner", "Go!" and "Testify". The album was Common's 2nd album to be certified gold and is often thought to be his "comeback album". It is also regarded along with Like Water For Chocolate as his best work.
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Show Notes
OkayPlayer: Common's 'Be' Getting 20th Anniversary Re-Release with 11 New Tracks
https://www.okayplayer.com/common-be-20th-anniversary
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 19 May 2025 - 205 - Common: Like Water For Chocolate. The Souls of Black Folks
B. Cox returns with a look back at Common's landmark fourth album, Like Water For Chocolate as it turns 25.
After his breakthrough sophomore album 1994's Resurrection and his acclaimed third album 1997's One Day It'll All Make Sense, the Chicago emcee picked up his roots and moved to New York City and linked up with Questlove, The Roots and other creatives who were working within the Electric Lady Studios. There he collaborated with the aforementioned, D'Angelo, super producer DJ Premier, musicians such as keyboardist James Poyser, famed bass player Pino Palladino and horn legend Roy Hargroveamong others. The catalyst for this collaboration, however, came from producer Jay Dee (bka J Dilla) who produced the lion's share of the album's tracks.
The album was widely acclaimed up on release. It is has been RIAA certified gold and is considered along with 2005's BEas is his best work.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Common's "Like Water For Chocolate" Turns 25 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/common-like-water-for-chocolate-album-anniversary#google_vignette
Stereogum: 'Like Water For Chocolate' Turns 20
https://www.stereogum.com/2077724/common-like-water-for-chocolate-review/reviews/the-anniversary/
Grammy | Q&A: Common Tells Stories Behind 'Like Water For Chocolate'
https://www.grammy.com/news/qa-common-tells-stories-behind-water-chocolate-its-20th-anniversary
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As we open 2025 to continue Season 7, B. Cox reviews The Game's debut album The Documentary as it turns 20. After coming up with a rough upbringing which led him to gang life, the drug game and shooting that left him in a coma, the Compton native embarked on a journey to become a rap star, studying the classic albums of his youth and adolescence as a blueprint to pattern himself after. After he got started and released mixtapes on Get Low Records with Bay area star, JT the Bigga Figga, he was discovered by Dr. Dre who signed him to Aftermath and he was placed with G-Unit Records and partnered with 50 Cent.
His debut album was a costly experiement, but one that was destined to make a mark. An all-star cast of producers (Dre, Timbaland, Just Blaze, Scott Storch, Kanye West, Hi-Tek, Eminem, Mark Elizondo and more) laced his freshman effort with a fresh sound for a West Coast Emcee. Paired with Game's flow and reality rap bars that spoke of his hard knock life, ambitions and dreams, it made for a true soundtrack of what the new West Coast hip-hop scene would like in this era.
The album was boosted several successal chart topping signals, most notably "How We Do", "Hate It Or Love It" (both featuring 50 Cent) and the Kanye West produced "Dreams". In total 5 singles all saw at least some success with the best charging the album towards a double platinum effort within two years. It has sold over 5 million copies worldwide and is recognized by many as The Game's best work and a notable album in the 21st century West Coast hip-hop scene.
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In the long awaited premiere of Season 7, B. Cox kicks things off by going "Back To the Vault" and looking back 25 and 30 years to four original album reviews covered in the first season: 1994's Notorious B.I.G.'s debut classic Ready to Die and Scarface's classic third album The Diary as well as 1999's Mos Def's (nka Yasiin Bey) Black On Both Sides and Pharoahe Monch's Internal Affairs. He looks to see what, if anything has changed his opinion about these albums and how their standing in the game is now as opposed to our first look five years ago.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyThu, 14 Nov 2024 - 202 - Da Brat: Funkdafied (1994). A Platinum Plaque Fit For A Lady.
In our Season 6 finale, B. Cox is joined by Mac from MacTasticTV to review Chicago lady emcee Da Brat's debut album Funkdafied as it turns 30. Hailing from the west side of "The Chi", Da Brat got her chance at a deal when she won a Chicago rap contest and met the teen group Kriss Kross, who were signed to Jermaine Dupri's So So Def record label based in Atlanta. At the urging of the group, Dupri listened to her music and signed her to a deal.
The debut album, produced entirely by Dupri, is packed with funk based beats driven by heavy bass lines and punctuated by Da Brat's sharp witted rhymes and barbs on record. The short album was carried by two popular radio singles: The title track "Funkdafied" featuring Dupri and "Give It To You".
The public took to Da Brat and what she had to offer. The album went platinum making her the first solo female emcee to achieve that feat, setting the stage for the rest of the decade and other female counterparts who would follow in her footsteps. It is also the first major rap album from a rap artist from Chicago that broke into mainstream success.
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Show Notes
Medium: Revisiting Da Brat's Groundbreaking 'Funkdafied'
https://medium.com/micro-chop/revisiting-da-brats-groundbreaking-funkdafied-3d618b603dcb
Albumism: Celebrating 30 Years of Da Brat's Debut Album 'Funkdafied'
https://albumism.com/anniversaries/da-brat-funkdafied
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyTue, 02 Jul 2024 - 201 - Bone Thugs N Harmony: Creepin On Ah Come Up (1994). The Last Disciples of Eazy
B. Cox is joined by Mac of MactasticTV to review Bone Thugs N Harmony's debut EP Creepin On Ah Come Up as it turns 30.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyTue, 11 Jun 2024 - 200 - Jeru The Damaja: The Sun Rises In The East (1994).
B Cox reviews Jeru The Damaja's classic debut album The Sun Rises In The East As It Turns 30.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyTue, 21 May 2024 - 199 - OutKast's Southernplayaisticadillacmuzik Turns 30
B. Cox reflects on OutKast's classic debut album Southernplayaisticadillacmuzikturning 30 in the aftermath of the passing of Rico Wade, Dungeon Family leader and 1/3 of the production trio Organized Noize, which produced the album in full. He also examines how OutKast's emergence in the Atlanta rap changed the scene of the city and the region forever and also how the industry and the audience nationwide would pay attention to what "the South had to say"
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 22 Apr 2024 - 198 - Nas's Illmatic (1994) Turns 30 (feat. TROY Podcast)
B. Cox is joined once again by Miguel and Christina of TROY Podcast to discuss Nas's iconic debut album Illmaticturning 30. They discuss its standing among hip-hop's all-time great albums, how it affected Nas's career in the aftermath, some of the most memorable bars and their favorite songs.
To listen to our 2019 review of Illmatic at 25, please listen here!
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 15 Apr 2024 - 197 - Pop Culture Corner! Above The Rim (1994) at 30
B. Cox is joined by special guests Christina & Miguelof TROY (They Reminisce Over You) Podcastto discuss the cult-classic basketball film Above The Rim as it turns 30. Written by Barry Michael Cooper and the late director Jeff Pollack, the film starred the likes of Duane Martin, Leon, the late Tupac Shakur, Marlon Wayans and the late Bernie Mac among others in a tale a high school basketball star who is caught between two worlds and must make the best choice for his future. The film became a cult classic and also served a launching pad for many of the stars in to continued success in film and television.
The trio also discuss the critically acclaimed motion picture soundtrack released on Death Row Records. It featured artists such as Shakur, Warren G, the late Nate Dogg, SWV, 2 II None, Naughty By Nature, Al B. Sure, H-Town, Tha Dogg Pound and Lady of Rage among many more. The soundtrack was also wildly commercially successful, becoming double platinum certified and being recognized as one of the best black and urban film soundtracks of the 90s.
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Show Notes
SPIN: Above The Rim at 30: Warren G Talks About making Hip-Hop Best Film Soundtrack
Medium: Above The Rim: A 30-Year Old Classic Basketball Movie That Continues To Captivate Audiences
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B. Cox and Domo review Usher's Confessions as it turns 20. After his successful third album 8701, Usher underwent a number of changes in his life including his breakup from his girlfriend Chili from TLC and he was soon to become a father. In crafting his follow up, he wished to craft an album that was a well rounded album that touched man influences: from traditional classic R&B, throwback R&B, jazz and hip-hop.
He worked with all star cast of producers and writers. Among them were Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, Dre & Vidal, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Lil'Jon, Just Blaze, Robin Thicke, Sean Garrettamong others. He also has high profile features from the likes of Ludacris and Alicia Keys.
Noted for its powerful punch, consistency and star power, the album was a monumental success. It was powered by five singles: "Yeah!" with Lil Jon and Ludacris, "Burn", "Confessions Pt. II", "My Boo" with Alicia Keys and "Caught Up". The former 4 were all #1 hits on the Billboard Top 100. The album was also boosted by fan favorite album cuts such as "Superstar", "Bad Girl", "Can You Handle It" and "Seduction" (from the expanded version.
Since being released, it's been RIAA certified 14x platinum and is the best selling album by a black artist in the 21st century and is routinely discussed among fans and critics alike as both Usher's magnum opus and one of the best R&B albums of all-time.
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Show Notes
Shatter The Standards: Reflecting On 20 Years of Usher's "Confessions"
https://www.shatterthestandards.com/p/reflecting-on-20-years-of-ushers
Metro UK: Usher's "Confessions" Is The Greatest R&B Album Of All Time
https://metro.co.uk/2024/02/11/ushers-confessions-greatest-r-b-album-time-20248757/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 18 Mar 2024 - 195 - Gang Starr: Hard To Earn (1994). Operation Mass Appeal
B. Cox reviews Gang Starr's classic fourth album Hard To Earn as it turns 30. After the critical success of 1992's Daily Operation, Guru and DJ Premiertook a brief hiatus to pursue individual projects. Guru launched his Jazzmatazz series and Premier became one of the most sought after producers in industry, working with the likes Jeru the Damaja, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas and KRS-One. Coming back to record their fourth, the group wanted to prove that they were versatile and wanted to show that they could stray from their jazz-sampled sensibilities on their previous album and could rock with a different sound.
Heavily involved with the project was the Gang Starr Foundation, a collective that was aligned with the duo that included the likes of Jeru, the hip-hop duo Group Home, Big Shug, Freddie Foxx (Bumpy Knuckles), Afu-Raamong others. The project featured Jeru, both Lil Dap and Melachi the Nutcrackerand Big Shug. Unlike Daily Operation, the album was produced under a wider variety of musical influences.
The album featured two classic singles: "DWYCK" with hip-hop duo Nice & Smooth (which was supposed to be originally on Daily Operation and "Mass Appeal". The album was critically acclaimed upon release and reestablished Gang Starr as a force within hip-hop. It also served as a forerunner to a number of different albums over the next 18 months that were credited as being pivotal to the New York hip-hop scene being a power center once again in the hip-hop landscape.
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Show Notes
UDiscoverMusic: "Hard To Earn": Gang Starr's Statement of Purpose
https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/gang-starr-hard-to-earn-feature/
Albumism: Gang Starr's 'Hard To Earn' Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/gang-starr-hard-to-earn-turns-25-anniversary-retrospective
Billboard: DJ Premier talks about Gang Starr's 'Hard To Earn' 25 Years Later: "That Album, I Had A Chip On My Shoulder"
https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/gang-starr-moment-of-truth-dj-premiere-interview-8501991/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 04 Mar 2024 - 194 - Eminem: The Slim Shady LP (1999). The Age of Slim Shady Begins
B. Cox and Domo review Eminem's sophomore album The Slim Shady LP as it turns 25. The now legendary emcee was just a little know upstart white rapper from Detroit when he blew up the underground scene by tearing through the '97 Rap Olympics. Despite losing in the finals, the word was out. After recording The Slim Shady EP, the tape made its way around the circuits and found its way on the desk of Dr. Dre, who promptly signed him and to Aftermath Records. The two clicked and got to work on his album.
Overseen by Dre, who also produced a couple of tracks on the album, it served the world's introduction to Eminem and what would become his famous alter-ego -- Slim Shady. In this character and slipping in between his actual persona of Marshall Mathers, he juxtaposed his rhyming with clever wordplay and "rhyme bending" to create adequate rhyme scenes. Inside of those lyrics were rife with shocking one-liners, verses and songs: topics on everything from depression, dark humor, drug use, addiction, disdain for his daughter's mother and outlandish and controversial sayings that would become the hallmark of his early career. His rhyme style made him among the elite; his topics and subject matter made him vulnerable, controversial and hated all at the same time.
The album was backed by three main singles -- the two most popular being "My Name Is..." and the Dr. Dre duet "Guilty Conscience". The album was a huge success, selling almost 7 million records and would be the beginning of him being the biggest music star in the game just four years later and the greatest selling rap artist of all time.
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Show Notes
"The Slim Shady LP" Eminem's Warning Shot at Hip-Hop
https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/the-slim-shady-lp-eminem-album/
The Ringer: Eminem has been America's Nightmare for 20 Years
https://www.theringer.com/music/2019/2/20/18232748/eminem-slim-shady-lp-20th-anniversary
Albumism: Eminem's 'The Slim Shady LP' Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/eminem-the-slim-shady-lp-turns-20-anniversary-retrospective
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 19 Feb 2024 - 193 - Zhané: Pronounced Jah-Nay (1994). "Gonna Make You Move & Groove"
B. Cox is joined once again by Van Everette of The Scenario Radio Show to review 90s R&B duo Zhané's debut album Pronounced Jah-Nay as it turns 30. The two vocalists, Renee Neuville and Jean Norris, met each other while students at Temple University and while they had two different backgrounds when it came to singing, they would find a medium that would make them a cohesive act. After linking up with power players in Philly DJ Jazzy Jeffand The Fresh Prince (Will Smith) and doing a showcase that caught some eyes and ears, they were taken under the tutelage of Naughty By Nature producer KayGee and were signed to Motown Records.
Combining their many musical inspirations and influences, the group put out a very fun, yet mature sounding album. It was backed by their intriguing and smooth harmonies and deft songwriting over a variety of beats crossing many genres. The album was boosted three singles: the classic party jam "Hey Mr. DJ", "Groove Thing" and "Sending My Love".
The album was certified platinum and things appeared to be on the up and up for the duo. However, they released only one other album, 1997's Saturday Night, to less acclaim and fanfare before splitting up. Nonetheless, they made their mark on 90s R&B with their debut which continues to be brought this day as a highlight in 1994.
Check out Van Everette and The Scenario Radio Show
https://www.thescenarioradioshow.com/
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Show Notes
UDiscoverMusic: Pronounced Jah-Nay: How Zhané Made A Name For Themselves
https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/pronounced-jah-nay-zhane-album/
Grammys: 'Pronounced Jah-Nay at 25': Zhané's Renee Neuville and Jean Norris look back at their classic R&B debut
Albumism: Zhané's Debut Album "Prounounced Jah-Nay" Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospective
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 12 Feb 2024 - 192 - Kanye West-The College Dropout: A Birth Within "The Dynasty"
In our premiere of Season 6, we welcome Van Everettefrom The Scenario Radio Show review Kanye West's debut classic album The College Dropout as it turns 20. After serving in the background as a producer for many of Roc-A-Fella Records best albums through the early 2000s, the Chicago-based producer took his turn as a feature act. The album was recorded over a four year period from 1999 to 2003 and is constructed during the period of many memorable moments of his life, including his near-catastrophe car accident.
For his debut effort, West produced the entire album himself and also enlisted the likes of many talented artists and musicians: Jay-Z, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, Luda, Freeway, Consequence, GLC, Syleena Johnson, John Legend, Miri Ben-Ari, J. Ivy and the Boys Choir of Harlem. Mixing his unique production style that was dubbed "chipmunk soul", he impressed with his depth, wittiness and more than capable rhymes and flow as he talked the rap game, life, expectations, insecurities, injustices and more.
The album was backed by many notable singles including the debut "Through The Wire", the R&B collabo "All Falls Down" featuring Syleena Johnson, the moving "Jesus Walks" and his first #1 Billboard single "Slow Jamz" featuring Jamie Foxx and Twista. The album was certified 4x platinum and is noted as both the launching West's legendary recording career and also a iconic album of a new movement in the new millenium.
Check out Van Everette and The Scenario Radio Show
https://www.thescenarioradioshow.com/
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Show Notes
Stereogum: The College Dropout Turns 20
https://www.stereogum.com/1661202/the-college-dropout-turns-10/reviews/the-anniversary/
Vibe: Kanye West's Engineer Breaks Down Kanye West's Classic -- From An Engineer's Perspective
https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/kanye-west-the-college-dropout-oral-history-486239/
Medium: A Love Letter to The College Dropout
https://medium.com/@derekxu/album-review-the-college-dropout-b17714567f1e
Albumism: Kanye West's 'The College Dropout' Turns 15 | Anniversary Retrospective
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 05 Feb 2024 - 191 - 2023 Year End Review: '93, 98 & '03 Rankings
In the last episode of the year, B. Cox and J.Owe give their personal rankings and honorable mentions for hip-hop and R&B albums for the 1993, 1998 and 2003.
A reminder that next year, we will be moving to a seasonal format. The new season launches February 2024!
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyTue, 26 Dec 2023 - 190 - DMX: Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (1998). The Era of X
B. Cox and J Owe look back at the late DMX's second studio album Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood as it turns 25. After setting the industry on fire during the previous year and a half and the explosive success of his debut It's Dark and Hell Is Hotearlier in the year, the Yonkers emcee was taking full advantage of his star while on fire. Less than seven months from his debut's release and about a six weeks from the release of his acting debut in the hood drama Belly, he released his sophomore album before the end of year.
In a slight change from It's Dark, he employed more production from Swiss Beatz, whose production made up the majority of the album. While a few songs took a more commercial approach than those in the debut, the rest of the album lined up with what his persona and style came to embody. His lyrics were candid, personal, raw and unapologetic and his theme was a bit more spiritual as well. He collaborated with the likes of fellow Yonkers and Ruff Ryders affliates the LOX, Drag-On, Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z and even rock star Marilyn Manson.
The album featured his signature song "Slippin" and also "No Love 4 Me". The album debuted as #1 on the Billboard 200 and also was certified triple platinum. He became the 2nd artists to have two albums released in the same year debut as #1, the other being the late Tupac Shakur in 1996.
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Show Notes
The Fader: The True Story of How "Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood" was made
https://www.thefader.com/2016/12/04/dmx-flesh-of-my-flesh-oral-history-ruff-ryders
DJBooth: DMX's "Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood" Is A Timeless Christmas Miracle
https://djbooth.net/features/2018-12-22-dmx-flesh-of-my-flesh-christmas-miracle-20-year-anniversary
UDiscoverMusic: "Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood": DMX's Great Hip-Hop Disruption
https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/dmx-flesh-of-my-flesh-blood-of-my-blood/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 18 Dec 2023 - 189 - Jay-Z: The Black Album (2003). "On that note, I'm leavin' after this song"
B. Cox reminisces about Jay-Z's eight album The Black Album as it turns 20. Heading into this album, it was being touted as Jay-Z last album as he was to "retire" to take up the mantle of president of Def Jam Records after the album was released. The news and fallout from it lead to a acrimonious split of the three founders and owners of Roc-A-Fella Records: Jay, Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. The news of Jay-Z's impending retirement while he was still on top of his game in every aspect, raised the profile of this album to another level.
Teaming up with an all-star cast of producers, it was an epic album to say goodbye: mainstays Just Blaze, Kanye West, the Neptunes, Timbaland were on board to produce songs along with newcomers 9th Wonder and the Buchanansalong with industry veterans DJ Quik and Rick Rubin. Focusing on his last album, Jay-Z toed the line of lyrically exclaiming his career in review as proud veteran while simultaneously giving us his trademark varied flow and style to show he could still make a hit and be hungry. Noted in the album is a more mature and at peace vibe from Jay-Z as he celebrated and reflected.
The album was boosted by three singles: "Change Clothes" feat. Pharrell Williams, "Dirt Off Your Shoulder" and "99 Problems". The anticipation and acclaimed pushed the album to triple platinum certification. It is noted along with 1996's Reasonable Doubtand 2001's The Blueprint with being Jay-Z's classic albums. The album was also supported by a documentary feature film Fade To Black, which chronicled Jay-Z's "farewell" concert at Madison Square Garden in 2004.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Jay-Z 'The Black Album' Turns 20 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/jay-z-the-black-album-anniversary
GRAMMY Awards: 8 Ways Jay-Z's 'The Black Album' Changed Hip-Hop
https://www.grammy.com/news/jay-z-the-black-album-changed-rap-game-hip-hop-anniversary
Andscape: The enduring allure of Jay-Z's 'The Black Album'
https://andscape.com/features/jay-z-the-black-album-anniversary/
Capital Xtra: Jay-Z: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Black Album
https://www.capitalxtra.com/artists/jay-z/lists/the-black-album-facts/dangermouse-the-grey-album/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 27 Nov 2023 - 188 - Snoop Doggy Dogg: Doggystyle (1993). It's More Than Hype...
B. Cox and J. Owe look back at at the momentous occasion of Snoop Doggy Dogg's classic debut album Doggystyle as it turns 30. Fresh off the heels of his breakthrough performance on several tracks on Dr. Dre's The Chronic released not even a year prior, he set to set the game on fire with what was, to that point, the most highly anticipated debut for a new hip-hop artist. Working hard with Dr. Dre and a handful of fellow Death Row Records collaborators such Daz and Kurupt of Tha Dogg Pound, Lady of Rage, the DOC, RBX, Warren G and Nate Dogg, the young Long Beach emcee was looking to top all expectations bestowed upon him.
In spades, he delivered. Along a three hugely successful singles in "Who Am I? (What's My Name?)", "Gin and Juice" and "Doggy Dogg World", Snoop dropped 54 minutes of G-Funk laced fire with his trademark, lazy, yet casual and sharp flow and lyrics that served as the backdrop to a growing hip-hop and pop culture phenomenon. His infectious hooks, what would be become classic and quotable bars, the outlandish and even vulgar skits and humor all made the album a a part of popular culture and lexicon and still lingers to this day. It all played a part of a dominant two-to-three years of Snoop being recognized as the hottest rapper in the game and one of the biggest stars in music.
The debut numbers were unprecedented. It sold over 800K its first week and by the end of the year, it was approaching 2 million records sold. As of today, it stands as 7x RIAA platinum certified. It is widely known today as such: 1) The biggest and most anticipated debut album of any hip-hop album that exceeded such hype 2) One of the most influential albums of any genre released in the last 30 years and 3) Universally accepted as a classic, a West Coast living landmark and legacy that defined 90s West Coast hip-hop and the success of Death Row Records at its peak.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Snoop Dogg's Debut Album 'Doggystyle" Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/snoop-dogg-debut-album-doggystyle-album-anniversary
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 20 Nov 2023 - 187 - A Tribe Called Quest: Midnight Marauders (1993). "Linden Boulevard Represent, Represent..."
The crew reviews A Tribe Called Quest's classic third album Midnight Marauders as it turns 30. Off the heels of their groundbreaking sophomore debut, 1991's The Low End Theory, the group rebounded to put through what many to believe to be their most cohesive work yet. After famously making the low end of bass their calling card and backdrop of the jazz sampled beats, the momentum continued with group member Q-Tip working with legendary engineer Bob Power to leave the resonant noise from their samples, creating a grittier and harder sound.
Over 14 tracks, Q-Tip and Phife Dawg expertly spit and trade clever, biting and, at times, fun and hilarious bars. The album spawned two classic singles which stand out as the groups best: "Award Tour" and "Electric Relaxation", both which received heavy radio play and still are wildly popular today. 30 years later, this album is marked as a crown jewel of a trilogy of Tribe's first three albums and has been noted a keen sonic influence to the groups successors--in spirit and practice
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Show Notes
Albumism: A Tribe Called Quest's "Midnight Marauders" Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/a-tribe-called-quest-midnight-marauders-album-anniversary
The Daily Beat: 30 Years Ago, A Tribe Called Quest's "Midnight " Changed Hip-Hop
https://www.thedailybeast.com/a-tribe-called-quests-midnight-marauders-turns-30
The Grio: Symphonic Sampling: A Tribe Called Quest's 'Midnight Marauders" and Wu-Tang Clan's 'Enter the Wu-Tang"
HipHopDX: A Tribe Called Quest Celebrates 30 Years of 'Midnight Marauders" with New Merch
https://hiphopdx.com/news/tribe-called-quest-midnight-marauders-30th-anniversary-merch
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 13 Nov 2023 - 186 - Wu-Tang Clan: Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993). "The Rugged Lands of Shaolin"
The crew reviews the almighty Wu-Tang Clan and their iconic classic debut album Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) as it turns 30. After doing what seemed the impossible to assemble a supergroup of emcees hailing from Staten Island and Brooklyn, the collective gained major notoriety with their debut single "Protect Your Neck". Word and a buzz began to grow.
The group, which was lead by creative guidance of executive producer and member RZA, drew acclaim for their unique approach to hip-hop music: Utilizing a martial arts motif gained from 70s kung-fu flicks and legends mixed with rugged street tales from the 90s New York City and a mixture of gems of knowledge and Supreme Mathematics from the Five Percent Nation (which many of the group were members), they excelled of their raw lyrical ability over dusty, yet refined soul samples with a heavy dose of hard percussion. Critics and fans all over were amazed.
The album featured the fellow singles that were noteworthy: the timeless "C.R.E.A.M (Cash Rules Everything Around Me)" and the cult classic hit "Could It Be So Simple". Supporting these singles were a strong a set of album tracks that became almost as recognizable and classic as their radio worthy counterparts. As of 2023, it is almost 4x platinum and been recognized by many publications and organizations as one of the best 20 hip-hop albums of all-time. In 2022, it was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". It is also noted as an album that was the backbone of the East Coast hip-hop renaissance of the mid 90s along with Enta Da Stage, Illmatic, Ready To Die, The Sun Rises In The East and others.
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Show Notes
The Conversation: 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" Turns 30
Albumism: Wu-Tang Clan's Debut "Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
NPR (All Things Considered): Revisiting "Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" 30 Years Later
https://www.npr.org/2023/11/05/1210800438/revisiting-enter-the-wu-tang-36-chambers-30-years-later
HypeBeast: RZA Announces "(36 Chambers) 30th Anniversary Shows
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 06 Nov 2023 - 185 - Black Moon: Enta Da Stage (1993). "Straight from Crooklyn...better known as Brooklyn"
B. Cox and J Owe look back at Black Moon's debut classic album Enta Da Stage as it turns 30. The Brooklyn trio made up of DJ/producer DJ Evil Dee and emcees Buckshot (fka Buckshot Shorty) and 5ft began their journey in high school, shopping around demos and looking for a deal. Impressed by the group, they signed with Nervous Records and was given the green light to record their first single "Who Got Da Props?".
Featuring smooth samples with crisp drums and impeccable cuts, the album spun tales of life in Brooklyn and with Buckshot and 5 ft expertly wordsmithing pictures that painted a dark picture for listeners and observers.
Featuring the likes of future Boot Camp Clik mates Smif-N-Wessun, Dru Ha and Havoc from an also upcoming rap group Mobb Deep, the album featured a similar motif and sound like other groundbreaking New York-based rap albums like Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, Midnight Marauders,The Sun Rises In The East, Ready to Die and Illmatic over the next 12 months that have been credited with helping to bring a focus and emphasis back to East Coast hip-hop in the midst of a dominant West Coast run.
The album, while not selling well commercially, was widely acclaimed by fans, particularly underground heads and the media alike. It is consistently listed one of the best albums in the phenomenon that was 1993 in hip hop and also noted as of the most influential hip-hop albums of the 90s.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Black Moon's 'Enta Da Stage' Turns 30
https://albumism.com/features/black-moon-debut-album-enta-da-stage-album-anniversary
Medium: 30 Years for Black Moon's 'Enta Da Stage': A Game Changer For Hip-Hop
HipHopDX: Duck Down Records Founders Buckshot ad Dru Ha Reflect 'Enta Da Stage' 25 Years Later
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 23 Oct 2023 - 184 - OutKast: Aquemini (1998). "Until They Close The Curtain..."
B. Cox and J. Owe look back at OutKast's classic third album Aqueminias it turns 25. After the success of their sophomore album, 1996's ATLiens, Andre and Big Boi both had major life events that affected their outlooks and artistry, included breakups and the start of fatherhood. Given more creative license, the group sought to take even more control of the production of their third album.
The album was largely self-produced along with contributions from Mr. DJ and their mentors Organized Noize. It featured guest appearances from Raekwon, George Clinton, fellow Dungeon Family members from Goodie Mob, Sleepy Brown, Cool Breeze, Witchdoctor, Big Rube and Erykah Badu. The album explored themes of the duality of the two emcees through their respective Zodiac signs (Big Boi's Aquarius and Andre's Gemini) and how they interpreted the same set of circumstances in everyday life. Both emcees were heavily influenced by music of their predecessors in Motwon and Stax Records as well as progressive rock and soul.
The album was backed by three singles, the most successful being the funky, yet controversial "Rosa Parks". It was praised for its intricate and cutting lyricism, storytelling and imagery along with its vivid production. The album received the coveted 5-Mic rating in The Source and has been certified double platinum, cited as the duo's best work and one of the best albums of the decade regardless of region.
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Show Notes
OutKast's "Aquemini Turns 25 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/outkast-aquemini-album-anniversary
Rock & Roll Globe: 'Return of The G': OutKast's 'Aquemini' at 25
https://rockandrollglobe.com/rap/return-of-the-g-outkasts-aquemini-at-25/
Rock The Bells: OutKast's 'Aquemini' at 25: A Look Back At One of Music's Greatest Albums
https://rockthebells.com/articles/outkast-aquemini-25-year-anniversary/
Billboard: OutKast "Aquemini Is the Pinnacle of the Duo's Art
https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/outkast-aquemini-anniversary-8477481/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 09 Oct 2023 - 183 - Jay-Z: Vol. 2...Hard Knock Life (1998). Superstardom Awaits
B. Cox and Domo review Jay-Z's third album Vol. 2...Hard Knock Life as it turns 25. Looking to improve on his commercial success from Vol. 1...In My Lifetime, Jay-Z looked to bring on new producers to give his album the commercial shine without the sound being overglossed. In for this album, production wise was the likes of Swizz Beats and Timbaland to go along with mainstays DJ Premier, Irv Gotti, Erick Sermon and others. The album featured a distinct commercial sound more appropriate for his flow and style as well as the trademark gritty beats and street tracks that was a hallmark of his style from his debut.
On Vol. 2, Jay also showed how versatile his flow was, showing that he could rap four different ways on four different radio smashes. The album featured four singles: "Can I Get A..." featuring Amiland Def Jam labelmate Ja Rule, the 'Annie' sample assisted banger "Hard Knock Life", "Money, Cash, Hoes" featuring DMX and "Nigga Who, Nigga What?" featuring his mentor Big Jaz (Jaz-O). All singles saw considerable commercial success and became drivers for the album to become his best selling album to date at almost six million copies. It is credited as the album that propelled Jay-Z to becoming a hip-hop superstar and would set the table for a three year run that would solidify his status as the best rapper in the game.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Jay-Z's Vol. 2...Hard Knock Life Turns 25 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/jay-z-vol-2-hard-knock-life-album-anniversary
"Hard Knock Life": How Jay-Z Completed his Journey From Rags To Riches
https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/vol-2-hard-knock-life-jay-z/
American Urban Radio Networks: Beyond A Reasonable Doubt: Jay-Z's "Vol. 2...Hard Knock Life" Turns 25
https://aurn.com/beyond-a-reasonable-doubt-jay-z-vol-2-hard-knock-life-25-years-later/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 02 Oct 2023 - 182 - Souls Of Mischief: '93 Til Infinity (1993). "This is how we chill..."
B. Cox and J.Owe look back at Oakland rap group Souls of Mischiefdebut album 93 Til Infinity as it turns 30. In the midst of a coastal emergence and commercial recognition in both southern California and the Bay-Area, the teenage group became major players in the Oakland underground scene. After their demos became the talk of certain rap circles and their music was circulated on the legendary "Wake Up Show" with Sway and Tech, the group secured a record deal and started working on their debut album.
As a part of the alternative hip-hop collective Heiroglyphics, the album wa entirely produced by group member A-Plus and collective members, Domino, Jay Biz, Casual and group founder Del the Funky Homosapien. Utilizing mainly jazz records from record label CTI Records, the album featured looped jazzy melodies with menacing, but smooth bass tones and snapping drums to give the album its underground feel. The four emcees (Phesto, Opio, Tajaialong with A-Plus) impressed with their versatile flows, timely punchlines and skilled wordplay. In a step away from their mainstream contemporaries, the album featured every many topics such as neighborhood violence, the importance of safe sex, exploitation and hanging out.
The album featured three singles, the most popular being the classic title track that reached the Top 20 of the Hot Rap Singles and the Top 100 of the Billboard charts. While the album did not have great mainstream success, the album and the ever popular title track have risen in recognition and popularity in the three decades since its release, with many marking it as a landmark underground release and underground West Coast hip-hop classic.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Souls of Mischief Debut Album '93 Til Infinity Turns 25 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/souls-of-mischief-debut-album-93-til-infinity-album-anniversary
Columbus Free Press: Bus Stile Activities: Souls of Mischief "'93 Til Infinity"
WGBH Radio: Souls Of Mischief Tajai Massey On The Lasting Power of "'93 Til Infinity"
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 25 Sep 2023 - 181 - BONUS EPISODE: September 29, 1998 (9-29-98). A Day To Go Down In History
In this bonus episode, B. Cox looks back at one of the greatest and consequential hip-hop release dates on the last 25 years: September 29, 1998. On this date, five highly anticipated hip-hop albums hit the stores: Jay-Z's Vol 2...Hard Knock Life, Outkast's Aquemini, A Tribe Called Quest's The Love Movement, Black Star's Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are... and Brand Nubian's comeback album Foundation. Each album had its reasons among fans to be highly anticipated. B. Cox looks into these reasons and what atmosphere was like trying acquire all of these releases despite them all being released the same day.
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Show Notes
OkayPlayer: September 29, 1998 Was Rap Music's Last Great Release Date
RockTheBells: RTB Rewind: The Greatest Release Day In Hip-Hop History
https://rockthebells.com/articles/sept-29-1998-greatest-release-day-in-hip-hop-history/
The Ringer: Was September 29, 1998, the Greatest Rap Album Release Day Ever?
https://www.theringer.com/music/2018/9/28/17911990/september-29-1998-greatest-rap-album-release-day
Level Man: Sept 29, 1998's Iconic Rap Albums, Ranked
Hip-Hop DX: Is September 29, 1998 Still Hip-Hop's Greatest Day?
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 18 Sep 2023 - 180 - Lauryn Hill: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998). Beyond Our Wildest Dreams
B Cox reviews Lauryn Hill's classic debut album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hillas turns 25. After a a breakout classic album The Score with The Fugees and a worldwide successful tour, the singer-emcee found herself at a crossroads as she found herself not only in a new relationship with Rohan Marley, but also pregnant. During pregnancy, she took a hiatus from touring and recording and spent time writing for what would be her debut album. After giving birth to her son Zion, she began the process of putting together her album with musicians, vocalists and producers at work to help craft her vision. The album was recored partially in New York, with the rest of the album being recorded in Kingston, Jamaica at Tuff Gong studios.
Utilizing all of her talents, Hill presented the world with her version of her vision, an hour plus opus that covered all of her talents and passions: emceeing, singing, writing and producing. The fusion of sounds of hip-hop, R&B, neo-soul and reggae made for a unicorn of an album. Her themes touched on love, heartbreak, disappointment, confusion and exultation around relationships. Joining her on this album would be the company of fellow legends: guitarist Carlos Santana, Mary J. Blige, D'Angelo as well as featured artists and musicians and producers such as Che "Che Guevera" Pope, James Poyser, "Commissioner" Gordon Williams and John Legend among others.
The album featured up to six singles which became staples of the album: "Lost Ones", "Ex-Factor", "Doo Wap (That Thing)", "Everything Is Everything", "Nothing Even Matters", "For Zion". The album was an immediate commercial and critical success, becoming multiple platinum by the end of the millennium and winning five Grammys at the 1999 Grammy Awards. It is now RIAA-certified diamond and has sold over 20 million copies worldwide. While it remains her only studio album, it continues to reverberate today with its legacy and it often sighted on many lists as one of the greatest music albums of all-time.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Lauryn Hill's debut album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" Turns 25 | Album Anniversary
The Grio: The Gospel According To Lauryn Hill
The Root: The Evolution of Lauryn Hill
https://www.theroot.com/the-evolution-of-lauryn-hill-1850768001
EuroNews: How Lauryn Hill Revolutionized Hip-Hop 25 Years Ago
BET: 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" Turns 25
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 28 Aug 2023 - 179 - Tha Alkaholiks: 21 & Over (1993). "Likwit" Hip-Hop from L.A.
B. Cox reviews West Coast hip-hop trio Tha Alkaholiksdebut album 21 & Over, as it turns 30. The trio, made up of emcees Tash, E-Swift and J-Ro, formed in the late 1980s and were mentored by legend King Tee. After signing to Loud/RCA, the group started recording their debut album. The album would be a compact, but power-packed 35 minute effort that introduced this eclectic, but a serious group of emcess to the hip-hop game.
The group's style, which was based around a fun-loving times filled with drinks, weed smoking and partying, was not of the slapstick or parody type of music that many thought it would be. Going more of the route of some of the West Coast contemporaries like Cypress Hill, Pharcyde and Souls of Mischief, the 'Liks' sound featured hard hitting and funky sample based beats with capable emceeing while maintaining a feel good vibe.
The album featured the likes of Field Trip, Threat, the duo Lootpack (a young MadLiband Wildchild) from Stones Throw Records, and King Tee himself. The group and King Tee produced the majority of the album with E-Swift taking charge of much of the production credits. While none of the albums three singles charted on the Hot 100, they did catch on on the Hot Rap and R&B Charts and the group would gained a cult following in the coming years among West Coast fans and eventually worldwide due to their fun-loving demeanor while displaying a high level of emceeing and beats that could get the parties rocking or heads nodding.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Tha Alkaholiks Debut Album '21 & Over' Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospective
Time Is Illmatic: Tha Alkaholiks: 21& Over
https://timeisillmatic.me/2017/06/02/tha-alkaholiks-21-over-august-24-1993/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 21 Aug 2023 - 178 - BONUS EPISODE: Hip-Hop Celebrating 50 Years-A Perspectiv
B. Cox pays homage to hip-hop as it turns 50 years old. For much of the year, the recognized beginning of the genre, culture and societal phenomenon called hip-hop has been celebrated, lauded and congratulated worldwide for changing the world as we see it. He goes over a brief history of hip-hop's beginnings, the different periods we've experienced over 50 years and how the music, culture and trends have change with them.
He also goes over his favorite hip-hop album by decade with some honorable mentions and also outlines the most tragic losses and deaths that hip-hop has faced each decade.
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Show Notes
Yahoo: Hip-Hop Turns 50: How a musical genre became a cultural
Vanity Fair: Fifty Years of Hip-Hop In a World That Could Not Exist Without It
https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2023/06/hip-hop-50-years
Economic Times: Hip-Hop Turns 50: From humble beginnings in the Bronx to global fame
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyTue, 15 Aug 2023 - 177 - Toni Braxton: Toni Braxton (1993). "There Can Only Be One..."
B. Cox and Domo fondly recollect on Toni Braxton's classic self-titled debut album as it turns 30. The Maryland native, who started in an R&B group with her now famous sisters, made her name first known after her standout performances on the wildly popular Boomerang Original Soundtrackthe previous year with her debut on "Love Shoulda Brought You Home" and "Give U My Heart" featuring Babyface. Signed to LaFace Records, she began recording her debut album under the tutelage of Babyface and Antonio "LA" Reid as well as a group of dedicated writer and producers in what would be the young label's biggest project yet.
The anticipation over Braxton, her smooth contralto voice with dynamic range that brought her immediate comparisons to Anita Baker, her look and the anticipation over what her debut album was overwhelming. The album was released not long after her first single "Another Sad Love Song", which reached the Top 10 of the Billboard R&B and top 100 charts. The next single, the mega ballad, "Breathe Again" was an even bigger hit, charting in the top five of both charts as well. The next two years would see the R&B radio stations littered with her singles from this album as she became superstar within the genre.
The album garnered Braxton three Grammys for Best New Artists (1993) and back to back wins for Best R&B Vocal Performance (1994, 1995). She also won two American Music Awards in 1994 and another in 1995. The album has been RIAA certified 6 times platinum and has sold 10 million copies worldwide and is credited with making Braxton a choice solo act in the R&B genre for the rest of the decade.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Toni Braxton's Eponymous Debut Album 'Toni Braxton Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/toni-braxton-eponymous-debut-album-anniversary
BET: Five Reasons Why Toni Braxton's Debut Is Still A Classic 30 Years Later
Shondaland: Classic Rewind-30 Years of 'Toni Braxton'
https://www.shondaland.com/inspire/a44477970/classic-rewind-30-years-of-toni-braxton/
Toni Braxton's Debut Turns 25: Ranking All Of The Tracks
https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/toni-braxton-debut-ranking-tracks-8465382/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 24 Jul 2023 - 176 - Maxwell: Embya (1998). "Drown Deep In Love..." (feat. Alise and JR of The R&B Reps)
B. Cox is joined once again by Alise and JR of the R&B Representers to reminisce on Maxwell's sophomore album Embrya as it turns 25. After amazing the music industry with his classic debut Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite just two years earlier, the prodigious soul singer linked back up with producer and musician Stuart Matthewman, just as he he had on Urban Hang Suite, looking to push the envelope stylistically than he had on his debut. In a departure of the more acoustically melody drive jazz sound of Urban Hang Suite, Embrya featured more thick bass heavy grooves with atmospheric tones and sounds to express themes of love from a spiritual perspective it. He also tapped into an "underwater" theme that inspired both the title and the sonic quality of the album.
Upon release, the album had mixed reviews with some critics praising Maxwell's artistic expression and lyrical expansion while many other critics slammed the album and questioned whether Maxwell was throwing away the recipe, style and quality which made him a star on Urban Hang Suite. Nonetheless, fans made it a commercial success as it was certified platinum, driven by the lead single "Luxury: Cococure" .
In the following years, critics softened their stance on the albums production and themes, citing the album as a forward-thinking project that was initially misunderstood, but became a early adopter in sounds and moods of "alternative" R&B acts and styles that would emerge later in the new millennium would mirror closely. It is also mentioned as his most stylistically creative album and one of his most personal albums.
Catch Alise and JR of the R&B Representers!
Web: www.rnbreps.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rnbreps
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rnbreps
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RBRepresenters
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Show Notes
Albumism: Maxwell's 'Embrya' Turns 25 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/maxwell-embrya-album-anniversary
TheGrio: The life aquatic, 25 Years of Maxwell's "Embrya"
https://thegrio.com/2023/06/30/the-life-aquatic-25-years-of-maxwells-embrya/
SoulInStereo: 1998 Rewind: Maxwell's 'Embrya'
https://www.soulinstereo.com/2023/06/1998-rewind-remembering-maxwells-embrya.html
Augusta Chronicle: Maxwell Stays Timeless with Tour, ;Embrya' Reissue
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 17 Jul 2023 - 175 - Tony! Toni! Tone!: Sons Of Soul (1993). The Journey Takes You There...
B. Cox reviews Tony! Toni! Tone!'s classic third album Sons of Soul as it turns 30. After their mega hit sophomore album, 1990s The Revival, the group and this album continued on its predecessors success with experimentation on their sound. Seeking different sound without a change in musical philosophy, the album featured the group's signature soul roots from Oakland, but also interpolated hip-hop drums and elements into some tracks, utilizing the Akai MPC60 and E-mu SP-1200 to create drum loops. Their main objective for this album was to pay homage to the soul acts that inspired them in a new school way with new school flavor.
The other influence in this album is the Caribbean and West Indian musical and cultural roots. The group recorded and produced a large part of the album in the Caribbean island of Trinidad at the Caribbean Sound Basin recording complex. While in Trinidad, they were exposed to many aspects of island culture, including the reggae and soca party scenes and block parties with sound systems with thousands of locals. This influenced their music and sound on a few tracks and even featured local Trinidadian artist General Grant.
The album featured five singles including the standard "Anniversary", "If I Had No Loot", "Lay Your Head On My Pillow" and the island inspired "Slow Wine". The album charted for 43 weeks on the Billboard 100 and was certified double platinum. The work was a commercial and critical success and was noted for being a bridge between hip-hop and R&B in a manner that was equally respected by both genres.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Tony! Toni! Tone!'s 'Sons Of Soul' Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/tony-toni-tone-sons-of-soul-album-anniversary
San Antonio Observer: Tony! Toni! Tone! - Sons Of Soul Turns 30
https://saobserver.com/?p=20843
TheGrio: 93 'til Infinity: A very teenage story about Tony! Toni! Tone!'s 'Sons Of Soul' Album
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 10 Jul 2023 - 174 - (BONUS EPISODE) The Red-Hot Reggae Summer of '03 feat. Kahlil Wonda of Reggae Lover Podcast
In this bonus episode, B. Cox is joined by Kahlil Wonda (Reggae Lover Podcast & Highlanda Sound System) to discuss dancehall reggae in the summer of 2003 and how several hit songs and artists happened to cross over into the American and international market to huge success. It was a phenomenon that had been on the build for almost a decade culminating in a summer 20 years ago that was heavily influenced by dancehall on the radios and in the club scene. Reggae artists and acts like Sean Paul, Elephant Man, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Wayne Wonder, T.O.K. and other soca artists like Rupee and Kevin Lyttle were the all-star cast that lead the charge.
They both give personal and anecdotal reflections of that time period, the riddims that dominated the genre, the artists that benefitted the most from this explosion, how it helped and also helped the reggae music genre and ultimately what it meant for culture in the years and decades that followed after it.
Follow Kahlil Wonda, RLP and HSS
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Show Notes
Reggae Lover Podcast: Best Big Dancehall Riddims of the 2000s. From March 6, 2022.
https://redcircle.com/shows/reggae-lover/ep/bb43a2a8-b11a-4e1a-b04c-47ae6248601b
Billboard: The Diwali Riddim: Creator Steven "Lenky" Marsden Explains How a Beat Nobody Wanted Became the Sound of 20033
LA Times: Riding the reggae wave. From May 22, 2003
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-may-22-wk-pop22-story.html
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 19 Jun 2023 - 173 - Brandy: Never Say Never (1998). The Next Level
B. Cox and Domo review Brandy's classic sophomore album Never Say Neveras it turns 25. After her smash eponymous debut album helped make her a household name among R&B fans, Brandy began to diversify her portfolio as an entertainer, starring her own sitcom Moesha, the Cinderella remake and I (Still) Know What You Did Last Summer. In late 1997, she began recording her second album now linked with an upcoming producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. Jerkins along with his production and writing team of his brother Fred, Harvey Mason, Jr, Lashawn Daniels as well other writers and producers David Foster, Marc Nelson and Diane Warren among others, set to craft a new sound for the maturing Brandy.
Jerkins and his versatile production style proved to be a match for Brandy and her now mature and powerful voice and his production and writing team helped build an album that reflected Brandy's life, struggles and innermost thoughts. He also encouraged her to co-write a few of the songs, which made the project that much more candid and well rounded. The final product was something far beyond what fans or critics could dream of.
The album featured up to seven singles, most notably two #1 Billboard Hot 100 hits "The Boy Is Mine: featuring fellow R&B singer Monica and "Have You Ever?" and the top 20 hits "Angel In Disguise" and "Almost Doesn't Count". The album has been certified 4x platinum and has sold 16 million copies worldwide. It is Brandy's best-selling album to date and is recognized as her best and most influential work.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Brandy's 'Never Say Never' Turns 25 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/brandy-never-say-never-album-anniversary
Vibe: Alex Vaughn Remakes "Almost Doesn't Count" for 'Never Say Never' 25th Anniversary
https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/alex-vaughn-pays-tribute-to-brandy-never-say-never-1234764027/
BET: Brandy's "Never Say Never" Was A Semi-Confessional Executed To Perfection
https://www.bet.com/article/y4e2n0/brandy-never-say-never-retrospective-25th-anniversary
The Urban Journal: Essential Albums: Brandy's "Never Say Never" At 25
https://urbjournal.com/brandy-never-say-never/
OkayPlayer: Brandy Talks 20 Years of "Never Say Never"
https://www.okayplayer.com/originals/brandy-interview-never-say-never-20-years-later-okayplayer.html
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 12 Jun 2023 - 172 - Pop Culture Corner! Menace II Society...30 Years Later
In a bonus segment of "Pop Culture Corner", B. Cox & J. Owe look back at Menace II Society as it turns 30.
The film starred Tyrin Turner, Larenz Tate, Jada Pinkett Smith, Charles S. Dutton and rapper MC Eiht among others, It was directed by brothers Allen and Albert Hughes. The cult classic, whose story about young black men struggling to overcome their environment, became an instant hit within the young black, urban and hip-hop communities. Featuring a raw, violent and gripping tale of hood life in Watts, the movie is referenced alongside Boyz N The Hood some of the best movies in black cinema in the 90s.
The soundtrack, featuring many artists such Ant Banks, UGK, Brand Nubian, DJ., Quik, Pete Rock & CL Smooth Spice 1 and Too $hort, featured the Billboard Top 100 singles "Trigga Gots No Heart" (Spice 1) and "Streiht Up Menace" by movie co-star MC Eiht. The soundtrack was certified platinum and is recognized as one of the best hip-hop based soundtracks of the decade.
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Show Notes
Yahoo: "Menace II Society" At 30: The racial reason the street drama was modeled after Goodfellas.
RockTheBells: Menace II Society Turns 30-6 Dope Songs From The Soundtrack
https://rockthebells.com/articles/rtb-rewind-menace-ii-society-turns-30/
'Menace II Society': The Relevance of The Gangsta Movie 30 Years Later
https://fanfare.pub/menace-ii-society-and-the-gangsta-film-30-years-later-b2c84c9d21ae
MXDWN: Life In The Hood. Looking Back at 'Menace II Society'
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 29 May 2023 - 171 - DMX: It's Dark And Hell Is Hot (1998). The Dark Man Cometh
B. Cox and J. Owe review DMX's classic debut album It's Dark And Hell It's Hotas it turns 25. After spending years in the underground and paying his dues on the scene, the late Yonkers emcee burst onto the public scene in 1997 with a string of high profile and powerful feature verses for the likes of LL Cool J, the LOX and Ma$e. Signed to Def Jam as a part of their "revival", he sought to bring a street edge back to hip-hop, which was trending fully into the commercial and corporate era.
Produced mostly by Dame Grease, but assited by the likes of Irv Gotti, PK, Swizz Beatz and Waah, the album featured dark and menacing production that was also featured anthem worthy music. Lyrically, DMX provided us a glimpse into his soul; crafting a perfect kaleidoscope of his world: street and hardcore songs, party anthems, dark and menacing tracks, candid and introspective moments as well as the occasional dose of spirituality-which would be his hallmark. While not described as lyrically adept, this combination as well his superior flow, voice and command of his audience's emotions is what made him an instant success. It featured the likes of his Yonkers compatriots The LOX, Kasino, Ma$e, Faith Evans and Ruff Ryders emcee Drag-On.
The album feature four singles: "Get At Me Dog","Stop Being Greedy", "Ruff Ryders Anthem" and "How It's Going Down" with all of them having the rare distinction of charting in the Billboard Top 100. The album was certified four times platinum and began an 18-month period where he stood on top of hip-hop as the biggest and most successful star in the game.
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Show Notes
Albumism: DMX's Debut Album "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot" Turns 25 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/dmx-debut-album-its-dark-and-hell-is-hot-album-anniversary
Time: How DMX's "It's Dark And Hell Is Hot" Changed The Course of Hip-Hop Forever
https://time.com/5952926/dmx-legacy-hip-hop/
HotNewHipHop: DMX's "Its Dark and Hell Is Hot" Turns 25
https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/675227-dmx-its-dark-and-hell-is-hot
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyTue, 16 May 2023 - 170 - BONUS EPISODE: "Cards, Dominoes, Drinks & Smoke" Albums That Defined A Generation
In a bonus episode of "Cards, Dominoes, Drinks & Smoke", B. Cox muses on the albums from 1993, 1998 and 2003 that could qualify as albums that "defined a generation". On the heels of the announcement of WMX's inaugural season of the visual podcast "Iconic Records: Albums That Defined A Generation" covering the Notorious B.I.G's classic album Life After Death, he wonders if there were albums in the aforementioned year that would be deserving of it's own series chronicling how it shifted the culture for a generation.
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AllHipHop: 1993 Hip-Hop: The 10 Best Hip-Hop Albums from 20 Years Ago
https://allhiphop.com/features/1993-hip-hop-the-10-best-rap-albums-from-20-years-ago/
Complex: September 1998: Celebrating Hip-Hop's Real Golden Era
https://www.complex.com/music/2013/09/celebrating-hip-hops-real-golden-era
DefineARevolution: The Year In Hip-Hop: 2003
http://www.definearevolution.com/2016/03/the-year-in-hip-hop-2003.html
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 01 May 2023 - 169 - Big Pun: Capital Punishment (1998). Big Dreams To Big Things
The crew talks the late Big Pun's debut classic Capital Punishment as it turns 25. After making waves in the underground and on the Beatnuts "Off the Books" the previous year, the Bronx-bred Puerto Rican emcee lead off with this massive debut. Touting a ferocious multisyllabic rhyme still dressed with punchlines, humor and swagger, he sought to achieve a first: become the first Latino rapper with an album sporting a platinum plaque.
The album was produced by a capable committee producers including JuJu and V.I.C from the Beatnuts, Young Lord, Frank Nitty, Rocwilder, dead prez, RZA, Showbizand others. The album had a healthy feature lineup including the likes of Black Thought, Prodigy, Inspectah Deck, R&B singers Miss Jones and Joe, Busta Rhymes, Noreaga and fellow Terror Squad members Fat Joe, Cuban Linx, Triple Seis and Armageddon.
Powered by the three singles, including the crossover smash hit "Still Not A Player" featuring Joe, the album was certified platinum. It is often credited as the best hip-hop album produced by a Latino rapper and also noted as one of the best lyrical performances by an emcee on an album of the 1990s.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Big Pun's Debut Album 'Capital Punishment Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospective
TheBoomBox: How Big Pun's 'Capital Punishment' Established Him As A Cultural Icon
https://theboombox.com/big-pun-capital-punishment-established-cultural-icon/
RockTheBells-Classic Albums: Big Pun "Capital Punishment"
https://rockthebells.com/articles/classic-albums-capital-punishment-big-pun/
Define A Revolution: Retrospective: Big Pun's "Capital Punishment"
http://www.definearevolution.com/2016/04/retrospective-big-puns-capital.html
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 24 Apr 2023 - 168 - Onyx: Bacdafucup (1993). Hoodies, Timbs and Bald Heads
B. Cox reviews Onyx's classic debut album Bacdafucup as it turns 30. After linking up with the late Jam Master Jay of Run DMC fame, the Queens group signed to his label JMJ Records. Under his watchful eye and tutelage, they recorded their debut album. The then-quartet made up of Fredro Starr, the late Big DS, Sonsee (aka Sonny Seeza or Suave) and Sticky Fingaz sought to bring their style of rugged hardcore hip-hop to the forefront. Punctuated by a high energy, rambunctious and in your face style with aesthetics marked by their trademark street look: hoodies, fatigues, Timberland boots and bald heads, they ushered in a musical and fashion style that gave them their unique selling proposition.
Produced mostly by Queens producer Chyskillz and his converted jazz notes to rugged out to meet the group's style, the album featured two hit singles: the hardcore anthem "Throw Your Guns" and the crossover classic "Slam" an high energy anthem that reached No. 4 on the Billboard 100 and has become a staple in popular culture, advertisements and campaigns in the 30 years since its release.
The album was certified platinum and is recognized as one of the best albums of 1993 and an album that is known for popularizing a particular style of rapping and performing as well as rugged street fashion.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Onyx's Debut Album 'Bacdafucup' turns 30
https://albumism.com/features/onyx-debut-album-bacdafucup-album-anniversary
EverythingIsNoise: A Scene In Retrospect: Onyx - Bacdafucup
https://everythingisnoise.net/features/a-scene-in-retrospect-onyx-bacdafucup/
Rock The Bells: Bacdafucup: Onyx, Jam Master Jay and the Bald Head Invasion
https://rockthebells.com/articles/onyx-jam-master-jay-and-the-bald-head-invasion/
HipHopDX: Onyx Announce 'Bacdafucup' 30th Anniversary Tour with R.A. The Rugged Man
https://hiphopdx.com/news/onyx-bacdafucup-anniversary-tour-ra-rugged-man-tickets
Rock The Bells: Onyx Talks 30 Years of 'Slam': 1993 Was Definitely The Best Year For Hip-Hop
https://rockthebells.com/articles/onyx-slam-30-year-anniversary-interview/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 17 Apr 2023 - 167 - Goodie Mob: Still Standing (1998). Born and True to Atlanta
B. Cox and J. Owe take a look back at Goodie Mob's sophomore album Still Standing as it turns 25. Three years after their landmark classic debut album Soul Food, the Atlanta quartet of Big Gipp, Khujo, T-Mo and CeeLo Green was still on a mission to let the world know about life in the "Dirty South". Despite releasing their album in a southern hip-hop arena that was dominated at the time by their New Orleans counterparts from No Limit, the Mob was ready to show the world that they were a testament to their album title.
The album was again produced by the production trio and their Dungeon Family mentors Organized Noize, with CeeLo and T-Mo providing produciton assistance as well of the likes of Mr. DJ, DJ Muggs, Craig Love and Dave Whild. The album also featured fellow Dungeon family members and affliates in Withdoctor, Lil Will, Chiefton and Backbone.
The album spawned two singles: "They Don't Dance No Mo" and "Black Ice" featuring OutKast. Despite the decreased attention and hoopla as compared to their debut, the album was fairly successful being certified gold and stands as one of hip-hop's strongest sophomore albums following a classic debut.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Goodie Mob's 'Still Standing' Turns 25 | Annivesary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/goodie-mob-still-standing-album-anniversary
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 10 Apr 2023 - 166 - Gang Starr: Moment of Truth (1998). Holding The Torch High
B. Cox reviews hip-hop duo Gang Starr's fifth album Moment of Truth as it turns 25. After a four year hiatus from their acclaimed 4th album 1994's Hard To Earn, Guruand DJ Premierreturned to to the lab to craft their latest album among a changing landscape. Hip-hop, once thought to be a fringe fad when they debuted and when they first left, was now starting to explode commercially and was being sought after beyond the urban communities and into corporate America. In between albums, the two had their share of work and turmoil. Guru recorded another installment of his famed Jazzmatazzseries and also faced two different pending legal charges and battled some personal demons, while Premier became a recognized as one of the top producers in the game by producing for multiple acts during the break, but suffered some losses of loved ones during this time as well.
The break and the adversity both men during it faced fueled their latest effort; crafting a well balanced and rounded out piece that reflected everything which made Gang Starr one of the best groups of their time. Guru's lyrics and emceeing rose to yet another level with his wisdom and experiences of the past few years driving his narrative to sights not seen before with Premier's beats meeting his mate's effort to a cinematic, with a Premier-type grit that served the soundtrack well. They were joined by a wide variety of featured guests such Inspectah Deck, M.O.P, Scarface, Freddie Fox, Big Shug, Shiggy Sha, a young G-Dep and singers K-Ci and JoJo. The combination led to arguably the group's most candid and complete work to date.
The album featured three singles: "You Know My Steez" "Royalty" and "The Militia". Despite with no major charting singles, the album was certified gold and stands as a contender for the crown jewel of the legendary duo's catalog.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Gang Starr's 'Moment of Truth' Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/gang-starr-moment-of-truth-album-anniversary
RockTheBells: Gang Starr's 'Moment of Truth' at 25
https://rockthebells.com/articles/gang-starr-moment-of-truth-turns-25/
Glide Magazine: 25 Years Later: Revisiting Gang Starr's Locked In "Moment of Truth"
https://glidemagazine.com/289978/25-years-later-revisiting-gang-starrs-locked-in-moment-of-truth/
Ambrosia For Heads: DJ Premier speaks About How Real Moment of Truth was Hip-Hop and Gang Starr
https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2018/04/gang-starr-moment-of-truth-making-of-interview-video/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 03 Apr 2023 - 165 - BONUS EPISODE!!! Favorite 90's Hip-Hop Posse Cuts
In a bonus episode, B. Cox sorts through some of his favorite and memorable hip-hop posse cuts of the 1990s.
*We did not include Wu-Tang Clan and its individual members' albums that could have memorable posse cuts as we determined that they could warrant a standalone bonus episode in the future. Stay tuned!*
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Show Notes
High Snobiety: The 25 Best Rap Posse Cuts of All-Timehttps://www.highsnobiety.com › 25-best-rap-posse-cuts
Pitchfork: The History of Posse Cuts in 5 Songshttps://pitchfork.com/thepitch/1302-the-history-of-the-posse-cut-in-5-songs/
Trapital: Why Rappers Stopped Making Remixes and Posse Cutshttps://trapital.co/2019/05/03/why-rappers-stopped-making-remixes-and-posse-cuts/
RockTheBells: A History Of The Posse Cuthttps://rockthebells.com/articles/best-posse-cuts/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 13 Mar 2023 - 164 - Little Brother: The Listening (2003). They Called Next... (feat. Chris "Kinetik" Mitchell)
B. Cox is joined by Chris Mitchell (Kinetik) of the Breaking Atoms Podcastto review Little Brother's classic debut studio album The Listening as it turns 20. The group, which was formerly made up of the trio of emcees Phonteand Big Pooh and producer 9th Wonder, met as students on the campus of North Carolina Central University. They bonded over their shared love and passion of hip-hop and formed a collective with other North Carolina college students who were hip-hop artists and producers which would become known as the Justus League.
Pooling together their resources and creativity, the trio started recording their debut album. After working their local hip-hop scene and the college radio circle in their home state of North Carolina, the group signed its record deal with ABB Records and gained a sizable fanbase, following and a community online though forums such as their own Justus League The LAWN, OkayPlayer and other hip-hop sites. Boosting the groups popularity was the skills and creativity Phonte and Pooh and the soulful sample based production of 9th Wonder that drew comparisons in tenor and tone to predecessors such as groups from the collectives the Native Tongues and Soulquarians. Over 65 minutes and utilizing a concept used frequently in hip-hop, the album is presented through the lens of a radio station broadcast schedule, WJLR, presenting all of the tropes of terrestrial radio complete with skits and fictional disc jockeys which accompanied the album's tracks.
While the album had no major singles or sales numbers to report, its legend has been boosted by their niche, but loyal fanbase that has followed them since the beginning. The album has been deemed an underground and indie hip-hop classic and the launching pad of a group that has had a successful, yet complicated two decades in the industry.
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Show Notes
Passion Weiss: The Oral History of The Lawn (by Chris "Kinetik" Mitchell)
https://www.passionweiss.com/2022/03/24/the-oral-history-of-the-lawn/
Albumism: Little Brother's Debut Album "The Listening" Turns 20 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/little-brother-debut-album-the-listening-album-anniversary
Pitchfork: Little Brother "The Listening" Review
https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/little-brother-the-listening/
GQ: Little Brother Looks Back On 20 Years Of "The Listening"
https://www.gq.com/story/little-brother-the-listening-album-20-years
HipHopDX: Little Brother on 'The Listening' at 20 & Marauding For Ears
https://hiphopdx.com/news/little-brother-the-listening-20-year-intervew
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 27 Feb 2023 - 163 - Digable Planets: Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space) (1993). Slick Reborn...
B. Cox looks back at hip-hop trio Digable Planet's debut album Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space)as it turns 30. The Brooklyn-based group made up of emcees Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler, Mariana "Ladybug Mecca" Vieira and Craig "Doodlebug" Irving met through what seemed to be fate in the late 80s. After signing to Pendulum Records in 1992, they began crafting their debut album under the production supervision of Butterfly and the likes of Shane "The Doctor" Faber and Mike "Lanching An Attack" Mangini.
Using the resources available to them in two makeshift studios in apartments, Butterfly and his cohorts utilized samples from jazz records exclusively, gleaning from Butler's father's collection of jazz records. What followed suit was a project filled with lively jazz notes and deep bass complimented by crisp drum patterns and percussion. This provided the landscape for the three emcees to spit lyrics based around politics, freedom, explorations of expression, black culture and fringe philosophical views with dexterity.
Over 57 smooth, yet captivating minutes, the trio developed a unique sound in a hip-hop year full of groundbreaking material. The album's lead single "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)" became a top 15 Billboard Hot 100 hit and is the group's signature song. It garnered the group a Grammy in 1994 for Best Rap Performance by A Duo or Group. The album was certified gold and served as the introduction to this unique trio that would have a successful, yet brief time in the spotlight.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Digable Planets Reachin' ( A New Refutation of Time and Space) Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
Pitchfork: Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space)
https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/digable-planets-reachin-a-new-refutation-of-time-and-space/
ClassicAlbumSundays: Forgetting Classic: Digable Planets (A New Refutation of Time and Space).
RiotFest: Cool Like Dat? Check Out Where the Digable Planets Samples Came From
https://riotfest.org/2018/08/17/digable-planets-reachin-samples/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 20 Feb 2023 - 162 - 50 Cent: Get Rich Or Die Tryin'. Hip-Hop's Lazarus Comes Forth...
B. Cox & J. Owe review 50 Cent's explosive debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin' as it turns 20. After a successful run as a protege of Run DMC's Jam Master Jay, the Queens youth turned drug dealer turned emcee was set to make his mark after series of setbacks including being shot multiple times, being dropped by his label while having his debut album scrapped and being blacklisted from the industry. After getting back on his feet and releasing several independent mixtapes, his free agency prompted one of the rap game's most competitive bidding wars. Dr. Dreand Eminememerged victorious, signing him to a $1 million deal to Shady Records and Aftermath Entertainment and prepared to record his debut album.
Working under the masterful guidance and tutelage of Dre and Eminem, the album was also boosted by production from the likes of several standout producers such as Sha Money XL, J-Praize, Rockwilder, Megahertz, Dirty Swift, Mike Elizondo, Darrell "Digga" Branch and others. The multi-layered, multi faceted production approach was the perfect soundtrack behind 50s trademark voice that laced the tracks with a mix of wittty bars and gritty street tales. He was also assisted with features from the likes of Eminem, Nate Dogg and his fellow G-Unit comrades Lloyd Banks, Young Buck and Tony Yayo.
The debut week was massive, selling over 870,000 copies, becoming at the time the biggest debut for a hip-hop album ever. the album was boosted by many singles, including the Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles "In the Club" and "21 Questions" along with the Top 10 hit "P.I.M.P". "In the Club" became one of the most successful hip-hop and crossover singles in the 2000s. The album would also become RIAA-certified 9x platinum. It has led to 50 Cent being one of the most successful hip-hop artists of all time and led to his additional successes in branding, entertainment and liquor manufacturing among many other ventures.
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Show Notes
Crack Magazine: The undeniable impact of 'Get Rich Or Die Tryin'"https://crackmagazine.net/article/long-reads/retrospective-get-rich-die-tryin/
OkayPlayer: The secret history of 50 Cent's "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'"https://www.okayplayer.com/originals/secret-history-50-cent-get-rich-or-die-tryin-lp.html
PassionWeiss: The Diamond In The Dirt-50 Cent's 'Get Rich Or Die Tryin' Turns 20 https://www.passionweiss.com/2023/01/31/the-diamond-in-the-dirt-50-cents-get-rich-or-dyin-turns-20/
HipHopXXIV: 50 Cent Responds to Jay-Z's 20 Year Old Warninghttps://hiphopxxiv.com/50-cent-responds-to-jay-zs-20-year-old-warning/
Rock The Bells: Classic Albums: 50 Cent 'Get Rich Or Die Tryin''https://rockthebells.com/articles/classic-albums-get-rich-or-die-tryin-by-50-cent/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 06 Feb 2023 - 161 - BONUS EPISODE: "Pop Culture Corner" Hip-Hop Fashion In The 90s
In a special bonus edition of Pop Culture Corner, B.Cox explores the dynamics of the many layers and styles of hip-hop and urban fashion in the 90s. After experiencing a very colorful and avant garde fashion sense in the 80s, the hip-hop and urban music scene in the 1990s was defined by three segments: (1) The elite and luxury fashion brands that dominated the fashion world whose status symbols found its niche among artists and their fans (2) the mainstream brands that the hip-hop community embraced a small, but popular segment of the culture overall; and (3) the upstart hip-hop based brands that were created by the culture for the culture, while fully embracing all it had to offer.
B. Cox takes a look at most memorable brands that defined the 90s hip-hop and R&B fashion scene and the impact it had on other fashion brands willing to compete and the consumers who sought them.
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Show Notes
High Snobiety: The Trends and Brands that Defined 90s Hip-Hop Fashion
https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/90s-hip-hop-fashion/
Culture Vulturez: Top 20 Urban Fashion Brands of the 1990s and 2000s
https://www.kulturevulturez.com/top-hip-hop-clothing-brands/
Complex: From NIke To Nautica, Here are the 90s Brands that Defined The Decade
https://www.complex.com/style/the-best-brands-of-the-90s/
BET: 25 Hip-Hop Clothing Brands that you may have forgotten about
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 30 Jan 2023 - 160 - The Year That Was...2003
B. Cox reflects on the year that was 2003. In a year that saw Western Powers kick their war against dictatorships in the Middle East into full gear and saw the U.S. biggest state in political turmoil, the music scene was successfully and commercially thriving.
It was highlighted by the emergence of the unlikeliest of superstars in 50 Cent, who served as triumphant comeback story: from underground sensation to on his death bed to global music superstar in the span of two years. Meanwhile, the biggest star in hip-hop, Jay-Z, was planning his exit with his supposed final studio album and farewell tour which was planned to lead to his new life as a record label executive and businessman.
2003 marked a year of great commercial success with tons of hits topping the charts from a multitude of artists over a number of genres. It was the year that the South, namely Atlanta's hip-hop and R&B scene made its strong push towards being the major player it had been threatening to be almost a decade and when international acts and songs from reggae, soca and reggaeton made a huge impression on the American listening public and in the clubs.
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Show Notes
AllHipHop: The REAL REcap-The Best of 2003 News
https://allhiphop.com/features/the-real-rap-recap-the-best-of-2003-news/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 16 Jan 2023 - 159 - The Year That Was...1998
B. Cox looks back at the year that was 1998. As the United States and the world had the new millennium within eye sight, there were uncertain times in the world politically and socially. Admist all the turmoil and uncertainty, the year delivered one of the best combined critical and commercial years for both hip-hop and R&B.
Musically, the year succeed on many fronts as far as radio hits and explosive sales numbers as well as underground success and notoriety beyond the fringes. It also marked a year of balance that hardcore and rugged rap, feel good and luxury rap, and soulful and thought rendering rap all excelled and were recognized.
In R&B, industry veterans coupled with promising upstarts marked a banner year for the genre and as a number of classic and essential albums would shape its direction going into the turn of the century.
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Show Notes
Billboard: Why 1998 Was The Greatest Year of My Hip-Hop Lifetime
https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/1998-greatest-year-hip-hop-essay-datwon-thomas-8458855/
Medium: Revisiting the Hip-Hop Class of '98
https://medium.com/the-passion-of-christopher-pierznik-books-rhymes/revisiting-the-hip-hop-class-of-1998-1955b6e974e3
OkayPlayer: September 29, 1998 was Rap Music's Last Greatest Release Date
https://www.okayplayer.com/originals/september-29th-1998-greastest-day-rap-music-outkast-jay-z-black-star.html
SoulInStereo: Why 1998 Was A Game Changing Year for Hip-Hop and R&B
http://www.soulinstereo.com/2018/04/why-1998-was-a-game-changing-year-for-hip-hop-rb.html
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 09 Jan 2023 - 158 - The Year That Was...1993
B. Cox reflects on the year that was 1993; a year that saw the election of a generational U.S. president, two sports dynasties repeating their excellence, a unthinkable terrorist attack that shook the nation as well as a monumental year in hip-hop and R&B with a number of classics that would leave their marks on not just music, but pop culture overall.
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Show Notes
Vibe: 1993: The Year That Hip-Hop and R&B Conquered The World
https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/1993-the-year-hip-hop-and-rb-conquered-the-world-397576/
Medium: November 9th, 1993: Hip-Hop's Creative Apex
https://keithdevlin.medium.com/november-9th-1993-hip-hops-creative-apex-7118a55df362
NPR: Eight Million Stories: Hip-Hop in 1993
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 02 Jan 2023 - 157 - 2022 Year-End Review & Wrap Up: '92, '97 & '02
In the last episode of the year, B. Cox gives The Vault's rankings for the top hip-hop & R&B albums reviewed from 1992, 1997 and 2002 to put a bow on what has been another busy and memorable year for the podcast.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 26 Dec 2022 - 156 - Dr. Dre: The Chronic (1992). "Welcome To Death Row..."
B. Cox and J. Owe look back at Dr. Dre's transcendent debut album The Chronicas it turns 30. After spending half a decade as the architect and chief producer for both NWA and Ruthless Records, Dr. Dre split in 1991 to help co-found Death Row Records with Marion "Suge" Knight with the backing of Interscope Records. As their prime producer and executive, the record label would become a symbol of power and success in the 1990s, starting with his debut album.
Using techniques of producing beats over sampled funk records, deep bass and transformative melodies, the album is credited by many as not originating, but popularizing the "G-Funk" sound that became the label and southern California's hip-hop's identity.
Assisted by the likes of a young rap phenom Snoop Doggy Dog, RBX, Daz and Kurupt of the Dogg Pound and Lady of Rage among others, the Dr. also lent his own vocals as a signature defining moment for his career assisted by the pen of Snoop and also the legendary D.O.C., who was relegated to writing after his traffic accident prematurely ended his promising career on the mic. The result was an album full of legendary bars and quotables that would become a part of hip-hop and pop culture lexicon.
The album was backed by three Billboard top ten singles : the classics "Nuthin But a G Thang", "Dre Day" and "Let Me Ride". Certified triple platinum, The Chronic has been universally acclaimed as both a foundational album of West Coast hip-hop, the hip-hop genre overall and a culture-shifting supernova that few albums have been able to match in terms of quality and impact since.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Dr. Dre's 'The Chronic' Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/dr-dre-the-chronic-album-anniversary
EurWeb: Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" Turns 30
https://eurweb.com/2022/dr-dres-the-chronic-turns-30/
HipHopHero: 30 years of 'The Chronic': Dr. Dre's exceptional debut album
https://hiphophero.com/30-years-of-dr-dre-album-the-chronic/
MusicMusingsAndSuch: Celebrating An Iconic and Complex Debut Album: Dr. Dre's "The Chronic"
Billboard: Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" Turns 30. Every Song Ranked From Worst To Best.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 19 Dec 2022 - 155 - Nas: God's Son (2002). "It Get's Personal..."
B. Cox reviews Nas' sixth studio album God's Son as it turns 20. Capping off a productive year, the Queens emcee released his third project in 12 months following up the classic album Stillmaticand the compilation of unreleased tracks The Lost Tapes. It was seen as a continuation of his "comeback". He dealt with problems and distractions during the recording of the album, including his continued beef with Jay-Z and the death of his mother earlier in the year due to cancer. Despite the setbacks, he released an album that was largely critically acclaimed with production from the likes of Salaam Remi, Alchemist, Ron Brows, Chucky Thompson, Agile, Eminem and Alicia Keys.
The album featured three singles: the street anthem "Made You Look", the children inspired "I Can" and "Get Down". It was certified platinum and is often cited as Nas' most personal and candid album.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Nas' God's Son turns 20 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/nas-gods-son-album-anniversary
BBC: 16 Albums That Define 2002
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ClfdFXPBSnc7s4cMBrjl4G/16-albums-that-define-2002
FocusOnHipHop: Album Review | Nas - God's Son
https://focushiphop.com/2016/06/26/album-review-nas-gods-son/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 12 Dec 2022 - 154 - The Pharcyde: Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde. "California Dreamin..."
B. Cox looks back at The Pharcyde's debut classic album Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde as it turns 30. In the midst of a genre shift of power over their home base of California, the former dancers turns emcees and producers released their debut album to little fanfare, but would become recognized in the industry for their easy going and humorous style.
Produced entirely by group member J-Swift, the group (also made up of members Slimkid3, Bootie Brown, Fatlip and Imani) provided audiences of a view of living in Southern California that was noticeably different in tenor and landscape than most of their counterparts in 1992.Using humor, witty banter, clever bars with bravado laced with references of sex, weed and female entanglements catered to an audience seeking an alternative to the party and gangster rap that made West Coast hip-hop popular.
The album released two notable singles: the wise-crack song "Ya Mama" and the classic single "Passin' Me By", which has become their more recognizable track to date. While not a commercial success, the album was critically acclaimed and largely credited along Freestyle Fellowship's To Whom It May Concern and Del the Funky Homospaien's I Wish My Brother George Was Here with helping to popularize the West Coast alternative hip-hop scene which helped lead to the success and visibility of later acts such as Hieroglyphics, Jurassic 5, Blackalicious, Dilated Peoples and more.
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Show Notes
Albumism: The Pharcyde's "Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
Medium: BackSpin- Pharcyde "Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde"
Anywhere The Dope Go: The Pharcyde: Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde-Throwback Thursday Review
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 28 Nov 2022 - 153 - Ice Cube: The Predator (1992). Behind Enemy Lines...
B. Coxreviews Ice Cube's third album The Predator as it turns 30. In the midst of the one most prolific and successful runs in hip-hop history stretching back his days as with NWA, the soon-to-be West Coast icon created and released his album in the time of transition of turmoil. Hip-Hop acclaim and recognition was beginning to spread its sphere of influence out to the West Coast. to mirror this rise in the commercial success of West Coast hip-hop was great angst. The album was completed in the heat of the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict, which sparked the now infamous 1992 L.A. riots, further fueling political and racial tensions.
Not to be dismayed, Cube pressed on to continue his holy trinity of LPs, combining yet again with longtime collaborator Sir Jinx and also new production teammates in DJ Pooh and DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill. Over hard hitting and consistent production filled in with cuts of news footage and commentary that reflected times, he packaged the perfect combination of lyrics that reflected his political mindstate amidst the turmoil, told gangsta tales and told stories of what life like was in like in black Los Angeles.
The album was critically acclaimed and was certified double platinum and featured two Cube standout singles: "Check Yourself" and the classic "It Was A Good Day", which has garnered the respect and adulation of hip-hop fans 30 years after its release.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Ice Cube's 'The Predator' Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/ice-cube-the-predator-album-anniversary
Brooklyn Radio: #30thAnniversary: Ice Cube "The Predator"
http://brooklynradio.com/30thanniversary-ice-cube-the-predator/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 21 Nov 2022 - 152 - Sean Paul: Dutty Rock (2002). Dancehall Moves Past Stage One
B. Cox and J. Owe review reggae superstar Sean Paul's classic sophomore album Dutty Rock as it turns 20. After a fairly successful debut album Stage One two years prior, Paul sought to capitalize on what was a burgeoning and receptive dancehall market in the United States since the turn of the new millennium. Working with an all-star cast of producers including legendary duos in Steely & Clevie and the Neptunes, Sly Dunbar, Lloyd "King Jammys" James, Delly Ranks, Mark Ronson and Scott Storch and toasting with his trademark basso voice over a slew of riddims that would become staples over the next couple of years, the album captured the attention of dancehall lovers and of newcomers into the genre in U.S. and worldwide.
The album featured five very successful singles: "Gimme Tha Light", "Like Glue", "Get Busy", "Baby Boy" featuring Beyonce and "I'm Still In Love With You" featuring Sasha. Each single was wildly successful on the dancehall charts an also had crossover success in the US Billboard Hot 100 charts. It has been certified platinum and is credited with making dancehall reggae a mainstay in radio, dance floors and clubs and also for inspiring a style that helped to influence reggae music and its offspring for the next decade.
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Show Notes
Jamaica Observer: Two Decades of Dutty Rock
https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/two-decades-of-dutty-rock/
KS 95: "Get Busy" Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Sean Paul "Dutty Rock"
https://www.ks95.com/get-busy-celebrating-the-20th-anniversary-of-sean-pauls-dutty-rock/
Billboard: The Dancehall Album Heard Round the World
https://www.billboard.com/music/features/sean-paul-dutty-rock-interview-1235047662/
ThisIsDig: 'Dutty Rock' How Sean Paul Took Dancehall to the Mainstream
https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/dutty-rock-sean-paul-album/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 14 Nov 2022 - 151 - Jay-Z: In My Lifetime, Vol. 1: The Upstart Stakes Claim as Heir to the Throne
B. Cox looks back at Jay-Z's second studio album In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 as it turns 25. After a critical, yet not lucratively commercially, success of his classic debut Reasonable Doubt the previous year, the Brooklyn emcee looked to elevate his game and take the spot as the "King of New York" after the death of his fellow Brooklyn emcee and friend the Notorious B.I.G. that March.
While sticking with previous collaborators producers DJ Premier and Ski, the sophomore album also featured production from a litany of new collaborators including Nashiem Myrick, Amen-Ra,Stevie J, Teddy Riley, D-Dot and others. The album features his signature flow over about tales off lavish life, hustling, street life and ills of ghetto life mix all together seamlessly.
The album features many singles that many fans point to as Jay-Z favorites such as "A Million and One Questions", "Street Is Watching", "Imaginary Players" and "Where I'm From". The album also features tracks with more of a commercial feel such as "Sunshine" featuring Foxy Brown and Babyfaceand "The City Is Mine" featuring BlackSTREET. Some say that it was an effect of the "Jiggy" era coming into success earlier in the year as a means for Jay to achieve better commercial success than his debut. Some fans lamented that those and others like it on the album made the album inconsistent.
The album was certified platinum began a run in which Jay-Z would become the biggest rapper in the game by the beginning of the new millennium.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Jay-Z's In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/jay-z-in-my-lifetime-vol-1-album-anniversary
Nuance Magazine: Throwback Thursday: In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 by Jay-Z (25th Anniversary)
Complex: Jay-Z Admits His In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 Album "Haunts" Him
https://www.complex.com/music/jay-z-admits-second-album-in-my-lifetime-vol-1-haunts-him
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 07 Nov 2022 - 150 - SWV: It's About Time (1992). "Take It To Tha Bridge'..." (feat. Alise & JR of R&B Reps) **Special Guest Appearance by album producer Brian Alexander Morgan!!!**
B. Cox is joined by NaturallyAliseand JR of the R&B Representers to review SWV's debut classic album It's About Time as it turns 30. The crew is also joined with a very special guest appearance by Brian Alexander Morgan, one of the album's principal producers and co-writers.
As R&B continued its evolution in the early 90s, the trio from NYC burst onto the scene with a jam packed album of hits and a long list of singles that would keep their album in the public consciousness for years until their next effort. Formed by Cheryl "Coko" Gamble, Tamara "Taj" George (nee Johnson) and Leanne "LeeLee" Lyons, the group started in gospel, but soon transitioned to R&B.
The majority of the album was primarily produced and co-written by singer and producer Morgan. It also featured production from Genard Parker, Michael Brown, Saphreem King and Donald "Dee" Bowden. It's legendary run included seven singles, including the #1 R&B ballad "Weak", top R&B hit "I'm So Into You", "Right Here", "Downtown", "Anything" and the Morgan vocally-assisted "You're Always On My Mind".
The album was certified triple platinum and has been considered a staple of the greatness of 90s R&B music. SWV would go on to release many albums and reunited to tour after taking long hiatus in new millennium, having influenced a great deal of their contemporaries and successors with the sound of their debut effort.
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Show Notes
Albumism: SWV's Debut Album "It's About Time" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/swv-debut-album-its-about-time-album-anniversary
Essence: An SWV Biopic Is In The Works
https://www.essence.com/entertainment/swv-biopic-movie/
UrbanBridgez: UB Celebrates 30 Years of SMV's "It's About Time"
https://urbanbridgez.com/2022/10/27/ub-celebrates-30th-anniversary-of-swvs-its-about-time/
Sterogum: The Number Ones- SWV "Weak"
https://www.stereogum.com/2174931/the-number-ones-swvs-weak/columns/the-number-ones/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 31 Oct 2022 - 149 - BONUS EPISODE! Pop Culture Corner! "Brown Sugar" at 20
In this bonus segment of Pop Culture Corner, B. Cox looks back at that the black romantic comedy that was Brown Sugar as it turns 20. The film, which co-starred Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs, as lifelong friends who fell in love with hip-hop (and each other) as kids, now complicated by their careers and current choice in romantic partners. As hip-hop once intercepts in their lives and brings them closer together, it also brings their relationship into focus. The film also co-starred hip-hip icons Queen Latifah and Mos Def alongside Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe.
It featured cameos and interviews with many hip-hop artists and personalties like Pete Rock, De La Soul, Black Thought, Questlove, Kool G Rap, Russell Simmons, Fabolous, Angie Martinez, Slick Rickand much more. Believed to be hip-hop's first rom com of the 21st century, it was a cult success; grossing $28 million against an $8 million budget. The original soundtrack featured the Grammy award winning track "Love of My Life (An Ode To Hip-Hop)" by Erykah Badu feat. Common.
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Show Notes
Essence: Brown Sugar Turns 20: See the Cast Then and Now
https://www.essence.com/entertainment/brown-sugar-20-see-the-films-cast-then-and-now/
Essence: Sanaa Lathan Reflects on Brown Sugar for Film's 20th Anniversary
https://www.essence.com/entertainment/sanaa-lathan-brown-sugar-feature/
Andscape: 20 Years Later 'Brown Sugar' Is Still Helping Fans Fall In Love
https://andscape.com/features/20-years-later-brown-sugar-is-still-helping-fans-fall-in-love/
Refinery29: Brown Sugar Is Still Just As Sweet The First Time We Fell In Love With It
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/11/10710486/brown-sugar-movie-rewatch
RockTheBells: Love And Hip-Hop: 20 Years of Brown Sugar
https://rockthebells.com/articles/love-and-hip-hop-20-years-of-brown-sugar/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyTue, 25 Oct 2022 - 148 - Rawkus Presents: Soundbombing (1997). The UnderGround Moves As One
B.Cox looks back at underground powerhouse label Rawkus Records and their first major compilation album Soundbombing, which turns 25. After releasing Company Flow's now legendary debut LP Funcrusher Plus earlier in the summer, the label released the compilation with previously released 12" singles in mixtape format. Mixed, scratched and hosted by DJ Evil Dee of Da Beatminerz and Black Moon, the album introduced us to future prominent emcees such as Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def),Talib Kweliand Shabaam Sahdeeq and producers such as Hi-Tek, Nick Wizand Shawn J. Period. Sticking to their underground roots with he mixtape format, Rawkus sought to appeal to their underground base and wanted to capitalize on the success that Company Flow had with their debut that summer.
While the album did not chart commercially, it made its buzz in the underground with DJs and fans. Several songs are considered underground classics and the release started a run of compilation releases including the beginning of the Lyricist Lounge series and the continuation of Soundbombing series. It also led to the formation of two groups that would have great success: Black Star (Def and Kweli) and Reflection Eternal(Kweli and Hi-Tek); all which helped Rawkus to achieve rare success both in the underground and limited success commercially.
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Show Notes
The Hundreds: Counting Down Our 10 Favorite Rawkus Records Albums
https://thehundreds.com/blogs/content/counting-10-favorite-rawkus-records-albums
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 17 Oct 2022 - 147 - Redman: Whut? Thee Album (1992). "And Introducing From Tha Bricks..."
B. Cox reviews Redman's debut album Whut? Thee Album as it turns 30. After starting his career as a DJ for DoItAll For Lords of the Underground, a chance encounter withe EPMD, led the young Newark emcee on a path that would make him one of the best and most respected emcees of all-time. After appearing at shows with EPMD as a member of their clique The Hit Squad, Redman featured on three tracks on their fourth and fifth albums. After securing his record deal with Def Jam, he got to work on his debut album.
The album was largely self-produced by Redman, with loose supervision by Erik Sermon. Over 21 tracks, he provides hardcore rhymes mixed with comedic bars and hilarious skits. Providing deft emceeing and splendid production as a first time producer of an album, it laid the groundwork for what would become a steller 30+ year career in the industry.
The album released three singles: "Time 4 Sum Aksion", "Tonight's The Night" and "Blow Ya Mind".
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Show Notes
Albumism: Redman's Debut Album "Whut? Thee Album" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/redman-debut-album-whut-thee-album-anniversary
BrooklynRadio: #30thAnniversary: Redman "Whut? Thee Album"
http://brooklynradio.com/30thanniversary-redman-whut-thee-album/
Classic Hip-Hop Magazine: How Classic is Redman's "Whut? Thee Album"? | Album Review
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 10 Oct 2022 - 146 - Janet Jackson: The Velvet Rope (1997). What Lies Beneath...
B. Cox takes a look at R&B and pop icon Janet Jackson's sixth studio album The Velvet Rope, as it turns 25. On the heels of negotiating and signing the biggest record label contract in history and her successful album tour from her fifth album Janet, the superstar suffered a nervous breakdown. Plagued depression driven by childhood issues, body dysmorphia, eating disorders and troubles in her not-yet-public marriage, she took time to regroup and decided to open up her very private life and explore this issues on record.
Working with longtime collaborators, the production duo of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, she wrote the album with her then-husband Rene Elizondo. Within the 22 tracks, she explored issues such as same sex relationships, self doubt, accountability, domestic violence, AIDS, LGBTQ issues, loneliness, despair and redemption. While not initially embraced by the critics, the album was a boom commercially, being certified triple platinum and selling over 8 million copies worldwide. Two of its singles, "Together Again" and "I Get Lonely" placed within the Billboard Top 100 Top 5 with "Together" reaching the No. 1 spot for two weeks.
Since its release, critics and fans alike praised Jackson for her transparency, vulnerability and strength in addressing such hot issues, while also lauding the production and lyrics. The album has been called everything from her magnum opus to one of the most important musical works on the 1990s -- regardless of genre.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Janet's Jackson's 'The Velvet Rope' Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-20-years-of-janet-jackson-the-velvet-rope
The Things: What Janet Jackson Revealed About Herself On 'The Velvet Rope" Album
https://www.thethings.com/what-janet-jackson-revealed-about-herself-on-the-velvet-rope-album/
The BoomBox: 'The Velvet Rope was a Challenging Record' My Conversation with Jimmy Jam
https://theboombox.com/velvet-rope-was-a-challenging-record-my-conversation-with-jimmy-jam/
Nylon: 20 Years Later, Janet Jackson's 'The Velvet Rope' Still Deserves Praise.
https://www.nylon.com/articles/janet-jackson-velvet-rope-20th-anniversary
25YearsLater: The Velvet Rope: The Queen of R&B's Magnum Opus
https://25yearslatersite.com/2022/02/15/the-velvet-rope-the-queen-of-rbs-magnum-opus/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 03 Oct 2022 - 145 - BONUS EPISODE: Relics of The Past! "The CD Book"
In this bonus segment of Relics Of The Past, B. Cox looks back on a vital part of every hip-hop head's car journey in the 90s and 2000s: the CD binder aka "The CD Book". He explains the different types of books that existed, how each user would organize their binder and what the experience was to hold multiple CDs literally at an arms reach while in your ride.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 19 Sep 2022 - 144 - BONUS EPISODE! September 16, 1997: Best R&B Release Week of the 90s???
In a bonus episode, B.Cox looks back on what he thinks may be the greatest R&B release week of the 1990s: September 16, 1997. During that release week, four classic and essential albums graced the store shelves and stereos everywhere: Mariah Carey's Butterfly, Usher's My Way, Jon B's Cool Relax and the Soul Food Soundtrack.
Each album would be become multi platinum albums and have huge commercial success with monster singles. This lead to the rise to iconic status of Carey, the start of superstardom for Usher, a model of consistency for Jon B and helped make Soul Food the cult classic as a movie that is deserved to be.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 12 Sep 2022 - 143 - Bonus Episode: "The Vault" Turns 3! A History, Memories and Some Flowers
B. Cox commemorates The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast on its third anniversary. It's been a long journey in the three years since the first episode posted highlighting Mobb Deep's Murda Muzik. He gives a basic history on how the show became into existence, the challenges through COVID and his most memorable moments while recording. He also takes some times to give shout outs and thanks to the many podcasters and content creators who were guests on the show as well others who supported.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 29 Aug 2022 - 142 - Clipse: Lord Willin' (2002). "You Know What I Keep In The Lining..."
B. Cox looks back at Virginia rap duo Clipse's major label debut album Lord Willin' as it turns 20. The group, made up of brothers Gene "Malice" and Terrence "Pusha T" Thornton grew up in Virginia Beach and were close associates of producer Pharrell Williams growing up. After securing their first record deal with Elektra Records in 1996, their first album Exclusive Audio Footage which was scheduled to come out in 1999, was shelved when their first single failed to catch onto the charts.
In 2001, Pharrell, then a successful producer as one-half of The Neptunes (with Chad Hugo), signed Clipse to his Star Trak Imprint. With an album completely produced by the Neptunes, Malice and Pusha T spit hard life tales of hustling and drug dealing over the innovative production. The first single "Grindin" became their most recognizable hit and became a classic known for its infectious drums and the duo's street wise hustle lyrics.
The album was certified gold and established Clipse as an up and coming group to watch out for. It also helped to establish a new brand of "coke rap" in the 2000s that would become popularized and continued by some of their contemporaries later in the decade.
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Show Notes
Sterogum-Lord Willin' Turns 20
https://www.stereogum.com/2196772/clipse-lord-willin-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/
Soul In Stereo: Ranking the Best Songs on Clipse's "Lord Willin'"
http://www.soulinstereo.com/2022/08/ranking-the-best-songs-on-clipses-lord-willin.html
Genius: Ever Since "Lord Willin'", Clipse Have Been Grappling With The Sins Of Their Past
https://genius.com/a/ever-since-lord-willin-clipse-have-been-grappling-with-the-sins-of-their-past
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 22 Aug 2022 - 141 - O.C.: Jewelz (1997). "Mush" Makes Sure of No Sophomore Slump.
B. Cox reviews Brooklyn and Diggin in The Crates (DITC) emcee O.C.'s second album Jewelz as it turns 25. After his critically acclaimed 1994 debut album Word...Life, O.C. took to the road to tour exclusively for almost three years. When he returned to the booth to record his sophomore album, he did so with an all-star cast of producers. Along with the returning DITC crew member BuckWild, who contributed production heavily on his debut, he also welcomed the likes of heavyweights DJ Premier, Mr. Walt from The Beatminerz, DJ Ogee and fellow DITC affiliates Showbiz and Lord Finesse.
Featuring a slightly grittier sound than the jazz infused sound of his debut, O.C. spit his expert storytelling narratives and flexed his lyrical prowess with guest spots from Freddie Foxx, R&B singer Yvette Michele and the late great Big L, who was also a fellow DITC crew member. The album featured one single, "Far From Yours" with Michele, which reached #81 on the Billboard Hot 100.
While not commercially successful, the album has been hailed as both an underground and cult classic and further solidified respect for OC as a lyricist and artist as he avoided the dreaded "sophomore slump."
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Show Notes
O.C.'s 'Jewelz' Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-20-years-of-oc-jewelz
Ambrosia For Heads: O.C. "Jewelz" Turns 20: It May Be The True Diamond In His Discography
https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2017/08/oc-jewelz-is-a-great-hip-hop-album/
WesCheddar: Interview with O.C.-Jewelz at 20
https://westcheddar.com/2020/08/19/the-making-of-jewelz-with-o-c-2017/
O.C. feat. Yvette Michele "Far From Yours" Music Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMk7gELBhro
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 15 Aug 2022 - 140 - Scarface: The Fix (2002). Face-Boss, Griot, OG, Legend
B. Cox reviews Scarface's classic 7th album The Fix as it turns 20. After leaving long time label Rap-A Lot, the Houston veteran emcee moved to Def Jam South as their president, but was coaxed into releasing first and only studio album while on the label. Assisted by an all-star production cast that included himself, Kanye West, Nottz, the Neptunes, Mike Dean and T-Mix, he spit his customary commanding flow telling both cautionary tales and warnings against those who opposed him. However, Scarface also took the time to reflect on his spirituality and what his relationship with God did for him during hard times.
He was also had an all-star slate of guest appearances, headlined by the likes of Jay-Z, Beanie Siegel, Nas, Kelly Price, WC and Faith Evans. The album was powered by two now-classic singles: "Guess Who's Back" and "My Block".
The album is considered one of Scarface's finest works and is considered to be one of the best albums of the 2000s.
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Show Notes
Stereogum: "The Fix" Turns 20
https://www.stereogum.com/2195283/scarface-the-fix-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/
Albumism: Celebrating 20 Years of Scarface's "The Fix" | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/celebrating-20-years-of-scarface-the-fix-album-anniversary
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 08 Aug 2022 - 139 - EPMD: Business Never Personal (1992). It Was All Good...Until It Wasn't
B. Cox reviews EPMD's fourth album Business Never Personalas it turns 30. After three successful albums that carried them through the peak of hip-hop's golden era, EPMD released their fourth album and seemed primed for success well into the 90s.
The album is packed into less than 40 minutes of funky, but thumping production by the group with two singles: "Crossover" and the posse cut "Head Banger" which featured fellow Hit Squad members K-Solo and newcomer Redman. The album went gold and is considered by some to be the group's third classic album, and by others a return to their roots of their freshman and sophomore albums.
The success would not be long lived. Due to tensions over financial improprieties and accusations that Erick Sermon sent burglars to rob Parrish Smith's home, the group split shortly after the album, pursuing solo careers, before reuniting in 1997 for a new album.
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Show Notes
Albumism: EPMD's fourth album "Business Never Personal" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/epmd-business-never-personal-turns-30-anniversary-retrospective
HipHopScriptures: EPMD's "Business Never Personal" Album Anniversary
https://www.hiphopscriptures.com/blog/2022/7/30/epmds-business-never-personal-album-anniversary
Medium: Funk Loops, Turmoil and Reconciliation: EPMD's "Business Never Personal" Turns 30...
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 01 Aug 2022 - 138 - Mary J. Blige: What's the 411? (1992). The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Gets Crowned
B. Cox looks back at Mary J. Blige's debut classic album What's the 411? as it turns 30. As the youngest signee of Andre Harrell's Uptown Records, the New York-born singer was brought under the tutelage of producer and executive Sean "Diddy" Combs for debut album. Utilizing samples of popular hip-hop records from the 80s matched with drums to complement the sweet vocals of Blige, she burst onto the scene with three smash singles in the summer of 1992. Working with the likes of Cory Rooney, Dave "Jam" Hall, Mark Morales and Devante Swing, the album shot to the top of the charts. The unique sound, coupled with Blige's persona, fashion and relatability, earned Blige her first nickname: "The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul".
The album was certified triple platinum and won Blige Best New R&B Artist and Best R&B album at the 1993 Soul Train Music Awards. It was the start of a now 30 year career that has seen 14 albums all crack the Billboard 200 top 10 and also credited with making the marriage of hip-hop and R&B one of "real love"
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Show Notes
Albumism: Mary J. Blige's Debut Album "What's the 411?" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective=
https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-30-years-of-mary-j-blige-debut-album-whats-the-411
Music Musings & Such: Show It Some Love: Mary J. Blige's "What's the 411?" At Thirty
https://www.musicmusingsandsuch.com/musicmusingsandsuch/2022/6/25/feature-show-it-some-real-love-mary-j-bliges-whats-the-411-at-thirty
The Boombox: Mary J. Blige's "What's the 411?" Changed the Landscape of 1990s R&B
https://theboombox.com/mary-j-bliges-what-the-411-re-shaped-the-landscape-of-1990s-rb/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 25 Jul 2022 - 137 - BONUS EPISODE! 25 Years of Company Flow's Funcrusher Plus (1997)
In a bonus episode, B. Cox looks back at the impact and legacy of Company Flow's debut studio album and underground classic Funcrusher Plusas it turns 25. After negotiating a group friendly deal with Rawkus Records, the Brooklyn trio of Bigg Jus, El-P and Mr. Lencrafted a debut that featured an unconventional production and rhyme style over 73 minutes that served as the launching pad for the brief success of Rawkus and also the blueprint for underground hip-hop for the next decade.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Company Flow's Debut Album "Funcrusher Plus" Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-20-years-of-company-flow-funcrusher-plus
PopMatters: Company Flow "Funcrusher Plus"
https://www.popmatters.com/110482-company-flow-funcrusher-plus-2496076296.html
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 18 Jul 2022 - 136 - Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott: Supa Dupa Fly (1997). A Sonic Adventure...
B. Cox looks back at Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott's debut album Supa Dupa Fly as it turns 25. After spending the beginning part of her career with Devante's Swing Mob Records with her girl group Sista (which never materialized an album), she linked up with childhood friend and producer Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley from Virginia and began collaborating producing and writing songs, most notably for Aaliyah's smash One In A Millionalbum in 1996.
After signing with Elektra Records and starting her own label, Goldmind, the two recorded and produced Missy's debut in only two weeks. What resulted was a platinum selling album that featured two successful singles, "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" and "Sock It 2 Me" with equally visually catchy videos to accompany them.
Missy unique and unorthodox rapping style, voice, mannerism coupled with her singing talents and mixed Timbaland's futuristic beats that combined unique melodies, rapid drums and deep bass lines served as a template for both of their careers over the next quarter century. It made Missy a star that would cross over in to pop and mainstream success and Timbaland one of the best and well respected producers in the industry.
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Show Notes
The Ringer: How Missy Elliott brought 'Supa Dupa Fly' to Life.
https://www.theringer.com/2021/7/15/22578525/how-missy-elliot-brought-supa-dupa-fly-to-life
High Snobiety: 20 Reason's Why Missy Elliot's "Supa Dupa Fly" Is Still the Best 20 Years On
https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/missy-elliott-supa-dupa-fly/
RockTheBells: Classic Albums-Supa Dupa Fly
https://rockthebells.com/articles/classic-albums-supa-dupa-fly-by-missy-elliott/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 11 Jul 2022 - 135 - The Summer of '02: Nelly Rises, The 'A' Girls Sizzle, Cam Takes Charge, Grindin' Like Clipse
In a bonus episode, B. Cox looks back 20 years ago to the Summer of 2002. It was a summer packed with hit songs that would become classics. Among the memorable tracks that would populate this soundtrack would be Nelly's two massive #1 Hot 100 hits: "Hot In Herre" and "Dilemma" featuring Kelly Rowland. The two songs spent a combined 17 weeks atop the charts. Also dominating the summer was R&B singer Ashanti, who brought in the summer with her #1 single "Foolish", but also contributed on key singles such as "What's Love" with Fat Joe and "Down 4 U" featuring Murder Inc.
The rest of the summer featured other hits from the likes of Big Tymers, Cam'Ron, Clipse, Amerie and N.O.R.E. Coupled with the beginning of the emergence of dancehall reggae on the charts by the end of the summer, it made for a memorable soundtrack.
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Show Notes
2000s Throwbacks: Songs of Summer 2002: Nelly's "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma"
https://2000sthrowbacks.com/article/songs-summer-2002-nelly-hot-herre-and-dilemma
Mic: Amerie's "Why Don't We Fall In Love" turns 15: An Oral History of the R&B summer anthem
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 04 Jul 2022 - 134 - Boomerang: Original Soundtrack (1992). Music To Our Ears (feat. Charlee D.)
B. Cox welcomes back in Charlee D of the Word To The Mutha Podcast to the show to review the original soundtrack to the black romantic comedy Boomerang. The film starring an all-star cast of Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry, Robin Givens, David Alan Grier, Martin Lawrence, Chris Rock and the late Eartha Kittand John Witherspoon, was a huge hit grossing over $160 million in the summer of the 1992.
The film was accompanied by an equally powerful all-star soundtrack released on LaFace Records. The album was executive produced by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Antonio "LA" Reidand featured contributions from artist such as Boyz II Men, PM Dawn, Johnny Gill, TLC, A Tribe Called Quest and the introduction to an artist the public would be very familiar with over the coming years -- Toni Braxton.
The soundtrack featured a few classic singles: the mega hit by Boyz II Men "End Of The Road", which broke a Billboard Hot 100 record for consecutive weeks at #1, "Love Should Have Brought You Home Last Night" by Toni Braxton, and "I'd Die Without You" by hip-hop/R&B group PM Dawn.
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Show Notes
Albumism: 100 Greatest Soundtracks of All-Time-Boomerang
https://albumism.com/lists1/100-greatest-soundtracks-of-all-time-boomerang
Word To The Mutha Podcast: Ep. 20-Boomerang
https://wordtothemutha.podbean.com/e/epi-20-the-boomerang-soundtrack/
The BoomBox: Love Shoulda Brought You Home
EurWeb: Babyface Remembers The Natural Evolution of "Boomerang"
https://eurweb.com/2017/11/30/babyface-remembers-natural-evolution-boomerang-soundtrack/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 27 Jun 2022 - 133 - Capone-N-Noreaga: The War Report (1997). The Unlikely Classic
B. Cox commemorates Capone-N-Noreaga's debut album The War Report as it turns 25. In the midst of an identity crisis for New York rap, the two Queens natives arrived on the scene - unheralded, yet determined. After appearing the "Unsigned Hype" section of The Source Magazine in 1995, the duo was signed to a record label and began recording their debut. In the midst of recording, Capone was jailed for a parole violation, leaving Noreaga to finish the album. Assisted with features by the likes of Juice Crew veteran Tragedy Khadafi, Imam T.H.U.G,and Mobb Deep with a Who's Who's of hip-hop producers (Six July, Nashiem Myrick, Lord Finesse, Clark Kent, Marley Marl, Havoc, Naughty Shorts, EZ Elpee, Charlemagne), the album featured haunting, gritty and hypnotic beats over lyrics that told tales of street life and urban decay.
The appeal of the group to underground and hardcore hip-hop fans alike lead to a cult success of the album. Despite no charting singles or widely circulated music videos, the album was certified gold. Since its release, it has been credited as an album that reasserted the identity and sound of New York hip-hop, laid the groundwork for the success of many who followed after it and has now been hailed as a classic - even from the most unlikely of circumstances.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Capone-N-Noreaga's Debut Album "The War Report" turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-25-years-of-capone-n-noreaga-the-war-report
The BoomBox: Capone-N-Noreaga's "The War Report" Brought Listeners to the Frontlines of the streets
https://theboombox.com/capone-n-noreagas-the-war-report-20-years-later/
Vibe: 20 Years Later: A Ranking of Capone-N-Noreaga's Classic Debut "The War Report"
https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/capone-n-noreaga-the-war-report-20-years-519554/
WhatWentRight: What Went Right With...The War Report by Capone-N-Noreaga?
https://whatwentrightwith.com/2017/06/17/what-went-right-with-the-war-report-by-capone-n-noreaga/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 20 Jun 2022 - 132 - Pete Rock & CL Smooth: Mecca and The Soul Brother (1992). "Before The Shift...A Cultural Force"
B. Cox & J. Owe look back on Pete Rock & CL Smooth's debut album Mecca and The Soul Brother as it turns 30. After jumping on the scene the previous year with their EP All Souled Out, the producer-emcee duo made their splash into the mainstream with an unforgettable debut. Powered by Rock's production which was a combination of smooth jazz, soul and funk records over snapping drums and vocal breaks over CL Smooth's smooth, yet witty bars, the album helped to close a chapter of transition in hip-hop with a soft landing.
Led by their iconic single "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y)", a dedication to fallen comrade Troy Dixonof Heavy D & the Boyz aka "Trouble T-Roy", it was a largely successful album despite heavy bootlegging. Over the years, the album has been noted both as a foundational album for the "golden era" of hip-hop and one of best hip-hop albums of all-time. T.R.O.Y. remains in high regard and one the few songs in the discussion for best hip-hop songs of all-time.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Pete Rock & CL Smooth's "Mecca and The Soul Brother" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
PopThruster: Pete Rock & CL Smooth's "Mecca And The Soul Brother"
Medium: BackSpin: Pete Rock & CL Smooth "Mecca and The Soul Brother (1992)"
Foxy 99: "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)" is still relevant at 30.
https://foxy99.com/2022/06/09/they-reminisce-over-you-t-r-o-y-is-still-relevant-at-30/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 13 Jun 2022 - 131 - Wu-Tang Clan: Wu-Tang Forever (1997). The Clan Is Back To Stay...
B. Cox and J. Owe look back at rap super group's Wu-Tang Clan's second album Wu-Tang Foreveras it turns 25. In the almost four years since they burst on the scene with their classic debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the collective of emcees continued to have an impact on the industry with a number of acclaimed to classic solo LPs by group members, Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, GZA and Ghostface Killah.
As a part of RZA's "Five Year Plan" for the group, the double album dropped at a critical time in hip-hop, reeling from the deaths of Tupac Shakur and the Notorious BIG. Featuring production the aforementioned producer and group member Inspectah Deck, Wu affiliates 4th Disciple and True Master, the album featured a gritty, yet more polished set of beats with a non-stop lyrical assault over almost two hours.
The album was certified 4x Platinum, which is their best selling album to date, and solidified Wu-Tang as a force heading into the new millennium.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Wu-Tang Clan's "Wu-Tang Forever" Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-25-years-of-wu-tang-clan-wu-tang-forever
The Ringer: Atomic Bombast: "Wu-Tang Forever" And The Apex of The Most Monumental Rap Group of All-Time
https://www.theringer.com/2022/6/3/23152769/wu-tang-forever-25th-anniversary
Hip-Hop DX: Wu-Tang Clan Celebrate 25th Anniversary of "Wu-Tang Forever" with Special Edition on Vinyl
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 06 Jun 2022 - 130 - Eminem: The Eminem Show (2002). Marshall's Goes Live -- From His Perspective
B Cox reviews Eminem's fourth album The Eminem Show as it turns 20. On the heels of two massively successfully albums in The Slim Shady LP and The Marshall Mathers LP, Eminem sought to take a different approach on his latest effort. Taking over the production reins in this album, Eminem brings us a closer look into his personal life and the turmoil that surrounded it. While he gave us full glimpse of his Slim Shady alter-ego in his past efforts, the album gives us a more mature and transparent view of the Detroit superstar. Talking about his impact on the hip-hop game and pop-culture, his controversial lyrics, family and relationship issues and the occasional laugh, Mathers delivers on showing the game there was more to him than shock bars and controversial statements.
As of now, the album has sold more than 12 million copies domestically and 27 million copies worldwide becoming one of the best selling albums of all time -- of any genre.
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Show Notes
Stereogum: The Eminem Show Turns 20
https://www.stereogum.com/2187999/the-eminem-show-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/
Audacy: Run That Back: Eminem's 'The Eminem Show' Turns 20
https://www.audacy.com/music/pop/run-that-back-eminems-the-eminem-show-turns-20
It's Just Trav: The Eminem Show Album Turns 20 Today
Complex: 'The Eminem Show' 20th Anniversary Expanded Edition Arrives With 18 Bonus Tracks
https://www.complex.com/music/the-eminem-show-20th-anniversary-expanded-edition-18-bonus-tracks
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyTue, 31 May 2022 - 129 - Super Cat: Don Dada (1992). "Wild Apache" Reigns (featuring Kahlil Wonda of Reggae Lover Podcast)
B. Cox is joined by Kahlil Wonda of the Reggae Lover Podcast(and Highlanda Sound System) to review dancehall deejay Super Cat's major label debut album Don Dada as it turns 30. After mixing it up in Jamaica in the sound system scene and growing "dancehall" scene in the mid-to-late 80s, Super Cat traveled to New York to sign a deal with Columbia Records, becoming one of the first reggae dancehall acts to sign with a major US label.
A key artist and influencer in a scene that was growing in popularity in the United States, the artist also known as "Wild Apache" flexed his keen lyrical prowess, smooth flow and unique voice while assisted by producers the like of the reggae duo Steely and Clevie and featured artist such as hip-hop artist Heavy D and reggae singer Frankie Paul.
The album features many dancehall classic singles such as "Ghetto Red Hot", "Dolly My Baby" and "Nuff Man Ah Dead" as well a host of other lesser known dancehall hits. Due to his major label status and standing among reggae tastemakers in Jamaica and the United States, this lead to a number of collaborations with hip-hop acts like Mary J. Blige, Puff Daddy and the Notorious B.I.G.; primarily remixes to "Ghetto Red Hot" and "Dolly My Baby" which catered to the American crowd. After this album, Super Cat would continue recording music and eventually landed a mega crossover hit with rock band Sugar Ray in "Fly" in 1997.
This album is credited with helping to raise the profile of dancehall reggae to a mostly American black popular music audience in the early 90s and helped make it a viable genre commercially in the United States.
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Show Notes
AllMusic: Super Cat: Don Dada (1992) Album Credits and Review
https://www.allmusic.com/album/don-dada-mw0000071371
Highlanda Sound: Super Cat Take Center Stage (Super Cat Mix)
https://highlanda.net/2014/09/08/super-cats-career-highlighted-in-new-mix/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 16 May 2022 - 128 - Musiq: Juslisen (2002). Soulchild...Slight Return
B. Cox and Domo look back on Musiq's (previously known as Musiq Soulchild) second studio album Juslisenas it turns 20. Not even two years after his wildly successful debut album Aijuswanaseing was released, the Philadelphia soul singer was back at it to eclipse his previous effort. Teaming back up with the likes of producers Carvin & Ivan, Dre & Vidal, James Poyser, Vikter Duplaixand 88-Keys among others, his sophomore debut was jam packed with a variety bag of soulful goodness, featuring Musiq's relatable lyrics and tailor made vocals to match the unique soundtrack.
The album opened up #1 on the Billboard 200 and featured two Top 5 R&B chart singles, "Halfcrazy" and "Dontchange". It's credited as further solidifying Musiq as an artist with staying power, who would remain a player through the rest of the decade.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Musiq Soulchild's "Juslisen" Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/musiq-soulchild-juslisen-turns-20-anniversary-retrospective
'Juslisen': Musiq's 2002 Album Still Drives Listeners 'Halfcrazy'
https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/musiq-soulchild-juslisen-review/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 09 May 2022 - 127 - Gang Starr: Daily Operation (1992). A Workman's Approach to the Underground
B. Cox reviews hip-hop duo Gang Starr's third album Daily Operation. After their critical and commercial breakthrough with their sophomore album Step In The Arena the year before, Guruand DJ Premier sought out to capitalize on their notoriety and recognition within hip-hop circles while staying true to the underground. Featuring appearances by the likes of Jeru the Damaja and Lil' Dap (soon of Group Home fame), the album was driven by a more lyrically confident, yet introspective, confident Guru and the jazzy yet hard hitting production of an improving DJ Premier.
Though the album did not attain the commercial success of a RIAA certification, it has been hailed by critics and fans alike as another album pioneering both jazz infused hip-hop and a leading influence on the New York and East Coast underground scene in the early 1990s.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Gang Starr's "Daily Operation Turns 25" | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-25-years-of-gang-starr-daily-operation
Rock The Bells: Classic Albums: Daily Operation by Gang Starr
https://rockthebells.com/articles/gang-starr-daily-operation/
The Boom Box: 25 Years Later: Gang Starr's "Daily Operation Forged A Path For Hardcore Individuality
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 02 May 2022 - 126 - Mary J. Blige: Share My World (1997). On the other side of darkness...light.
B. Cox and Domo review Mary J. Blige's pivotal third album Share My Worldas it turns 25. After a three-year hiatus from her sophomore album My Life and a split from producer, manager and mentor Sean "Diddy" Combs, the annointed "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" reemerged on a new label and with a change in sound. After suffering from clinical depression and bouts with drugs alcohol, Blige made an effort to clean up her life and found a renewed focus on her music.
Departing working with Diddy for the first time, she served as co-executive producer with Steve Stoute and worked with producers such as the Trackmasters, Rodney Jerkins, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Bryce Wilson. She also had features with the likes of Nas, Lil' Kim, the LOX, Kelly, George Benson and Roy Ayers. With a more optimistic outlook on life, she set out to prove that she had range beyond just hip-hop themed beats and tracks and that she could be a convential R&B songrtress as well.
The album was her first to debut as #1 on the Billboard Hot 200 chart in the US and reached the Top 10 in several other countries. It has been certified triple platinum and is considered as the project that helped her cross over into mainstream success.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Mary J. Blige's "Share My World" Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-25-years-of-mary-j-blige-share-my-world
Rated R&B: Revisting Mary J. Blige's Album "Share My World" 25 Years Later.
https://ratedrnb.com/2022/04/revisiting-mary-j-blige-album-share-my-world/
Essence: What Mary J. Blige's 'Share My World' Means To Me 25 Years Later
Audacy: Run That Back: Mary J. Blige-Share My World
https://www.audacy.com/music/hip-hop-r-b/run-that-back-mary-j-bliges-share-my-world-turns-25
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 25 Apr 2022 - 125 - Adriana Evans: Adriana Evans (1997). A Lost Treasure Through Time.
B. Cox reviews R&B singer Adriana Evans self-titled debut album Adriana Evansas it turns 25. The daughter of jazz singer Mary Stallings, Evans emerged in the mid-90s featuring on her future collaborator and producer (and also future husband) Jonathan 'Dred' Scott's 1994 album Breakin' Combs. After starting with Capitol Records when she started recording her debut, she landed on hip-hop powerhouse label Loud Records to finish and release her album. Working with Scott and musician and arranger Rastine Calhoun III, the album featured 12 tracks of power packed music; featuring a blend of jazz and classic soul music with contemporary R&B and hip-hop serving as the soundtrack to her sweet yet powerful vocals. The album featured two singles: "Seeing Is Believing" and "Love Is All Around" which both charted on the Billboard R&B charts.
Unfortunatey, due what seems to be a lack of substansial promotion and marketing from the label and a release that was timed during a explosively successful year in the R&B game, her debut went largely unnoticed from the masses, aside from a group of dedicated fans who praised the album's content her effortless vocal abilities. After taking a hiatus from the music industry following her debut, she emerged seven years later after a sabbatical in Brazil and released four more albums after fading from the public eye after 2012.
In her absence in the public eye, her debut album has attracted a cult following in the years gone by. Fans continue to praise the album and even a quarter of century later, it is still being discovered by fans every day. Due to the album not being available on streaming services, physical copies are a commodity and widely sought after; making the album one of the rarest finds on the secondary market.
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Show Notes
Discogs: Adriana Evans-Adriana Evans (1997). Release Info
https://www.discogs.com/release/1570592-Adriana-Evans-Adriana-Evans
The R&B Representers: Catch That! Episode 21: Dart Adams-Adriana Evans self titled debut
Sinematic06 Youtube Page: Adriana Evans Planet Groove BET Live in Washington D.C. 1997 Part 1 and Part 2
GFM Podcast Network: Adriana Evans Interview (2011)
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5jUxyG0QSFybkYRGjQuS2e
Facebook: Adriana Evans at the SF Jazz Center (circa 2017-One of her latest known taped live performances)
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1429905660386329
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyTue, 19 Apr 2022 - 124 - Das Efx: Dead Serious (1992). Ciggedy-Coming Straight From The Sewer...
B. Cox and J. Owe review Das Efx's innovative debut album Dead Serious as it turns 30. After meeting as students as Virginia State University in the late 80s and being discovered by EPMD during a talent show, the duo of Dray and Skoob set out to make a splash in the industry with their unique stream of consciousness flow and their style of "sewage language" aka "the iggity flow". The album spawned the #1 rap chart and Top 100 hit "They Want Efx" and another #1 rap chart hit "Mic Checka".
The project went platinum and Das Efx's style was considered influential and was co-opted by many of their contemporaries.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Das Efx's debut album "Dead Serious" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-30-years-of-das-efx-dead-serious
Rock The Bells: "Straight From The Sewers": The Grimy Verbal Virtuosity Of Das Efx
https://rockthebells.com/articles/das-efx-dead-serious-anniversary/
Rock The Bells: Classic Albums: 'Dead Serious' by Das Efx
https://rockthebells.com/articles/das-efx-dead-serious/
TV One: Celebrating 30 Years of Das Efx
https://tvone.tv/106619/celebrating-das-efx-on-the-30th-anniversary-of-their-debut-album/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 11 Apr 2022 - 123 - En Vogue: Funky Divas (1992). Giving You Something You Could Feel...
B. Cox briefly looks back at En Vogue's second album 1992's Funky Divas. On the heels of their successful debut 1990s' Born To Sing, the Oakland based R&B quartet (Dawn Robinson, Maxine Jones, Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron) came out blazing with their 2nd album which eclipsed their debut. Teaming up once again with producers and songwriters Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster, the group scored a commercial hit with the album, placing scoring two Billboard R&B and Soul #1 hits in "Never Gonna Get It" and "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" and selling 3.5 million copies in the U.S.
Upon its release in 1992, the album recieved mixed reviews from the critics, but since then, it has garnered more widespread acclaim and praises for its vocal excellence and production depth. It is the group's best selling album to date.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Never Gonna Get It: Celebrating 30 Years of En Vogue's "Funky Divas" | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-30-years-of-en-vogue-funky-divas
This is Dig: En Vogue Celebrates 30 Years of Funky Divas
https://www.thisisdig.com/en-vogue-celebrate-30-years-of-funky-divas/
Audacy: Run That Back: En Vogue's "Funky Divas" Turns 30
https://www.audacy.com/music/hip-hop-r-b/run-that-back-en-vogues-funky-divas-turns-30
Music Musings and Such: Free Your Mind: En Vogue's Funky Diva's at Thirty
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 04 Apr 2022 - 122 - A Word On Arrested Development: 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days In the Life Of... (1992)
B. Cox looks back and briefly reminisces about hip-hop group Arrested Development debut album 3 years, 5 Months and 2 Days In The Life Of... as it turns 30. In the midst of a shift in tone in hip-hop where gangster hip-hop and conscious hip-hop were delintating their lines in the sand, the Atlanta-based group emerged as an alternative to the gangster trend that was on the rise.
Combining hip-hop, R&B, soul, funk, jazz and poetry, the group addressed issues such as crime, black unity, homelessness and more with Afrocentricity and a call for revolution as their linchpin. The collective scored three Top 10 hits in the iconic singles "Tennessee", "People Everyday" and "Mr. Wendall" on the way to 6 million copies sold and two Grammy awards in 1993.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Arrested Development's "3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days In The Life Of..." Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective.
Music Musings and Such: People Everday: Arrested Development's "3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days In The Life Of..." At Thirty
Medium: Arrested Development Celebrated Life. Hip-Hop Left The Party Early.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 28 Mar 2022 - 121 - Notorious B.I.G.: Life After Death (1997). Biggie's Greatness Lives On After Death
The crew looks back on the Notorious B.I.G's final albumLife After Death. Released as a double disc two weeks after his murder in Los Angeles, Biggie's final studio is a sobering triumph of one hip-hop's greatest emcees. Contining on the excellence from his iconic debut Ready to Die, the Brookylyn emcee put forth on the strongest efforts of the 90s with guest appearances by the likes of Jay-Z, the LOX, Ma$e, 112, BONE Thugs & Harmony, Too Short, Lil Kim and others. The album also featured production from some of the "who-whos" of the game: the Hitmen (Stevie J, Six July, Nashiem Myrick, D-Dot), DJ Premier, Rza, Easy Mo Bee, Clark Kent, Havocand Buckwild.
Already regarded as one of best emcess of all-time, he showed he was capable of emceeing at another level, showcasing deft lyrical ability and solidfying himself as one of the best hip-hop storytellers on multiple tracks. It enjoyed great success, becoming one of the best selling hip-hop albums of all time on way to a diamond platinum RIAA certification.
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Show Notes
Stereogum: Life After Death Turns 20
Albumism: The Notorious B.I.G.'s Life After Death Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-20-years-of-the-notorious-big-life-after-death
SPIN: Notorious B.I.G.'s Life After Death to be Reissued for 25th Anniversary
https://www.spin.com/2022/02/notorious-b-i-g-life-after-death-reissue/
StillCrew: Run That Back: 20 Years Later, Biggie Small's "Life After Death" is still the illest
https://stillcrew.com/notorious-big-life-after-death-album-review-aae76daee379
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 21 Mar 2022 - 120 - Brandy: Full Moon (2002). The Legend of the "Vocal Bible" is Born
B. Cox and Domo review Brandy's 2002 classic third album album Full Moon. After two wildly successful albums and taking a break after her second album which was followed by a nervous breakdown, a relationship breakup and before what was soon to be the birth of her daughter, the vocal prodigy was ready to get back in the saddle. Teaming back up with Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins yet again after their collaboration with her sophomore album Never Say Never, Brandy explored all of the themes that emerged in the shadow of that success; love, romance, heartbreak, trust and misfortune. The album featured a blend of ballad and slow tempo songs and upbeat and catchy songs.
With Darkchild's intuitive production, which fit her like a glove, and her exploration in amazing vocal arrangements and stacking, she emerged from this album with another platinum certification and a new nickname: "The Vocal Bible. The album has since been credited as a work that influenced many of her contemporaries and her successors as a watershed album for R&B in the new millenium.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Brandy's 'Full Moon Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/brandy-full-moon-turns-20-anniversary-retrospective
Rated R&B: Brandy's Groundbreaking Album 'Full Moon' Turns 20: A Retrospective
https://ratedrnb.com/2022/03/brandy-full-moon-album-in-retrospect/
Music Xclusives: Brandy's 'Full Moon': Twenty Years Later
https://musicxclusives.com/index.php/2022/03/05/brandy-full-moon-twenty-years-later/
The Odyssey: How Brandy's 'Full Moon' Made Me Fall In Love With Music
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/brandy-full-moon
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 14 Mar 2022 - 119 - "We'll Always Love Big Poppa" The Murder of the Notorious B.I.G., 25 Years Later
The crew recalls a truly unforgettable and tragic event: the murder of Christopher Wallace bka The Notorious B.I.G. aka Biggie aka Biggie Smalls 25 years ago. His murder sent shockwaves throughout the hip-hop and music industry, only six months after the death of his former friend and rival Tupac Shakur. The crew examines the many theories surrounding Biggie's murder, the events of the night in question, where they were when they head the news and the personal impact that the loss of one of the greatest emcees to touch the mic had on them.
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Show Notes
New York Post: How the Notorious B.I.G. Lives On 25 Years After His Murder
https://nypost.com/2022/03/07/how-the-notorious-b-i-g-lives-on-25-years-after-his-murder/
HoneySuckleMag: Biggie Smalls: Honoring the Notorious One On The 25th Anniversary Of His Death
https://honeysucklemag.com/biggie-smalls-25th-anniversary-music-ready/
Rock The Bells: 25 Years Ago: Remembering Biggie's Final Public Appearances
https://rockthebells.com/articles/biggies-final-public-apperance/
Biography: Inside Biggie Smalls Final Days and Drive-By Murder In Los Angeles
https://www.biography.com/news/notorious-big-murder-final-days
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyWed, 09 Mar 2022 - 118 - TLC: Ooooooohhh...On The TLC Tip (1992). R&B Enters A New Era. (feat. Charlee D.)
B. Cox is joined by Charlee D. of the Word To The Mutha Podcast as they review TLC's debut album, 1992's Ooooooohhh...On The TLC Tip. After forming as a group in Atlanta in the early 90s under the tutelage of writer and producer Dallas Austin, TLC burst on to the scene as a combination of R&B and rap, similar to their contemporaries of Bell Biv Devoe. With three big singles, the group made up of T-Boz, Left Eye and Chili quickly found commercial and critical success. With their inventive fashion and quirky style supplemented by funky and hard hitting hip-hop beats with R&B tunes, they found a supportive audience that crossed over demographics.
With songs that touched on topics such as independence, female empowerment and safe sex, they laid the foundation for a career that would make not only the most successful American female R&B group of the 1990s, but the most successful American female group of all-time -- period.
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Show Notes
Albumism: TLC's Debut Album "Ooooooooh...On the TLC Tip" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-25-years-of-tlc-ooooooohhh-on-the-tlc-tip
Essence: TLC Talks The Making of Their Debut Album
https://www.essence.com/entertainment/tlc-debut-album/
The Quiet Us: Duplicitous Pop: Ooooooh On The TLC Tip 25 Years On
https://thequietus.com/articles/21771-ooooooohhh-on-the-tlc-tip-review-anniversary
Peauxetic Expressions: Oooooh...25 Years On The TLC Tip
https://www.peauxeticexpressions.com/oooohhh-25-years-tlc-tip/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 28 Feb 2022 - 117 - BONUS EPISODE! Relics Of The Past: The High School Freestyle Cypher
In another bonus segment of Relics Of The Past, B. Cox examines briefly yet another staple of the golden era-the freestyle cypher in high school. He recalls how the cypher played a important part in developing different tastes in hip-hop and also how it moved forward the acceptance of the culture in a school where the demographics changed in the mid-to-late 90s.
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Show Notes
Dallas Observer: Before We Tell You About A Release, Let Us Explain What A Cypher Is In Hip-Hop
Critical Improv: Cyphers: Hip-Hop and Improvisation
https://www.criticalimprov.com/index.php/csieci/article/view/3518/3588
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 21 Feb 2022 - 116 - Erykah Badu: Baduizm (1997). Enter The Goddess...
The crew looks back at Erykah Badu's debut album Baduizm. In a what was becoming a burgeoning sub genre of neo soul, the Brooklyn-born, Dallas-raised songtress burse onto the scene with a style not typically seen by R&B ladies during that time. WIth her trademark headwraps and dialed down attire that harkened towards the heyday of Afrocentrism, she blew critics and fans away with music that was equal parts soul, jazz and hip-hop and voice that drew comparisions to the legendary Billie Holiday. Her music touched on topics such as love, despair, insecurity, dilemmas and libertation. Badu's appeal brought her fans from young and old alike.
This album, along with D'Angelo's Brown Sugar and Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite signified a major shift of towards to commercial viability of neo soul acts which would explode in the late 90s into the 2000s.
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Show Notes
Blavity: Happy 25th B-Day to "Baduizm"
Albumism: Erykah Badu's Debut Album "Baduizm" Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-25-years-of-erykah-badu-baduizm
Essence: Erykah Badu on the 25th Anniversary of Baduizm
https://www.essence.com/entertainment/erykah-badu-baduizm-25-years/
Pitchfork: Where Neo-Soul Began: 20 Years of "Baduizm"
https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/1440-where-neo-soul-began-20-years-of-erykah-badus-baduizm/
UDiscoverMusic: Baduizm-The Album That Crowned Erykah High Priestess of Neo Soul
https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/erykah-badus-baduizm/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 14 Feb 2022 - 115 - BONUS EPISODE! Relics of The Past: "The Legend of the Blank Tape"
In a bonus episode of Relics of The Past, B. Cox takes us on a journey back to a staple of those of who came up in the golden era of hip-hop: the blank cassette tape. He talks the role that the blank tape played in fandom, how it served as currency in a segment of society and how it advanced the culture in a time when hip-hop was still in its infancy.
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Show Notes
Genius: Hip-Hop Inventer Peer-to-Peer File Sharing, not Napster
https://genius.com/Shamim-gammage-hip-hop-invented-peer-to-peer-music-sharing-not-napster-annotated
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 07 Feb 2022 - 114 - Camp Lo: Uptown Saturday Night (1997). "Coolie High To El Caminos, Cadillacs & Cool Cats"
B. Cox and J. Owe review the Bronx rap duo Camp Lo's cult classic debut Uptown Saturday Night. After spending the initial parts of their careers together apart, Sonny Cheeba and Geechie Suede rose through the independent rap scene and collaborated with up and coming producer Ski for their debut album. Bolstered by the megahot single "Luchini (This is It)", the group compiled their album highlighted by Ski's mix of funky soulful and suspense filled beats with flows that were smooth and silky, yet stream of consciousness at times. The album flaunted a throwback theme that harkened back to slang and vernacular from the 70s that complimented the laid back, yet sharp deameanor and fashion that Camp Lo possesed.
The album, while not wildly succesful commecial outside of "Luchini", was hailed by critics and fans alike, gaining cult status and has been hailed a classic by many 25 years later.
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Show Notes
Abover Average Hip-Hop: Camp Lo's "Uptown Saturday Night Turns 20
http://aboveaveragehiphop.com/camp-los-uptown-saturday-night-turns-20/
The BoomBox: Camp Lo's "Uptown Saturday Night": A Look Back At An Unsung 90s Classic
https://theboombox.com/camp-los-uptown-saturday-night-a-look-back-at-an-unsung-90s-classic/
Vinyl Me Please: Where Camp Lo Was Coming From
https://www.vinylmeplease.com/blogs/magazine/camp-lo-intro
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 31 Jan 2022 - 113 - BONUS EPISODE! Relics Of The Past: Record Release Tuesdays
In a new bonus episode segement Relics of the Past, B. Cox reminsces about what was the excitement of Record Release Tuesdays. From the late 1980s until 2015, the music industry designated Tuesdays as its Global Release Day; the day that new albums were released. He talks about the hype, anticipation and journey about going to the record/music store on release day and how the day fit into the culture of music (most specifically during the commerical rise and popularization of hip-hop) and fanhood.
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Show Notes
NPR: Why Albums Are Relased on Tuesdays In The U.S.
https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2010/09/08/129725205/why-albums-are-released-on-tuesdays
NPR: Goodbye Music Tuesdays. Starting Today, Albums Come Out On Friday
Rolling Stone: Music Industry Sets Friday At Its New Global Release Day
Vibe: The Record Store. What Used to Be
https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/the-record-store-what-used-to-be-679183/
UpRoxx: Putting Out New Albums on Friday Is Bad, So Let's Move It Back To Tuesday
https://uproxx.com/music/albums-release-date-friday-bad-move-back-to-tuesday/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 24 Jan 2022 - 112 - BONUS EPISODE! Pop Culture Corner: "Juice", 30 Years Later
In a bonus episode of Pop Culture Corner, the crew looks back on the motion picutre Juiceas it turns 30, featuring the film debuts of Omar Epps and the late Tupac Shakur. The film, which also starred Khalil Kain and Jermaine Hopkins, tells a coming of age, yet ill-fated story of four friends in Harlem on a journey for respect on the streets. Featuring a heavy hip-hop influence and score with DJ culture at its forefront, the film also stars music industry stars Cindy Herronof En Vogue and Queen Latifah, with cameos of EPMD, Ed Lover & Dr. Dre, Flex Alexander, Fab 5 Freddy, Treachfrom Naughty By Nature and Special Ed.
It was director Ernest Dickerson's directorial and screenwriting debut. The film became a huge cult hit with the hip-hop fans and has been deemed a hip-hop and hood movie classic.
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Show Notes
Yahoo: 'Juice' at 30: Director Ernest Dickerson Remember Tupac's First Film Role
Yahoo: Omar Epps reveals how he and Tupac ad-libbed through 'Juice' - and the rap hit that was born on set
Irish Film Critic: Director Ernest R. Dickerson's powerful movie 'Juice' Marks It's 30th Anniversary With First Ever Ultra 4K HD Release
Film School Rejects: 'Juice' Remains a Powerful Portrait of Lost Youth
https://filmschoolrejects.com/25-years-later-juice/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 17 Jan 2022 - 111 - The Year That Was: 1997...
As we continue our special preview of what is to come in 2022, B. Cox looks back on the year of 1997. It was a year of a transition of some sorts and and one of tragedy. Three major deaths marked the year. including the murder of the Notorious B.I.G. in March in Los Angeles that shocked the hip-hop world. It also produced some unheralded, yet important classic albums that would help shape where the industry was headed for the rest of decade and into the new millenium.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 10 Jan 2022 - 110 - The Year That Was: 1992...
In a special preview of some what is to come in 2022, B. Cox looks back on the year of 1992, an explosive year of change in American society and hip-hop. It was makred by the chaos of the devestating riots of Los Angeles in the wake of the Rodney King verdict, the introduction of the world to the Dream Team at th 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona an entertaining year in film and a hip-hop scene tha provided thrills and changes that would resonate well beyond the calendar dates.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 03 Jan 2022 - 109 - 2021 Year-End Review & Wrap Up: '91, '96 & '01
In the last episode of the year, the crew takes time to rank the albums reviewed from 1991, 1996 and 2001 to put a bow on what has been a busy and memorable year for the podcast.
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Show Notes
Vanyaland: 91 Classic Albums turning 30 in 2021
https://vanyaland.com/2021/01/04/1991-forever-and-ever-91-classic-albums-turning-30-in-2021/
The Ringer: The 1996 Rap Yearbook
https://www.theringer.com/2021/3/25/22350034/the-1996-rap-yearbook
Complex: The 1996 Project: Looking Back At The Year That Hip-Hop Embraced Success
Medium: Hip-Hop Albums turning 20 in 2021
https://medium.com/clocked-in-magazine/hip-hop-albums-turning-20-in-2021-62c235c164fc
UltraNYC: A Few of Your Favorite Albums Turn 20 in 2021
https://ultranyc.com/20-year-old-hip-hop-albums-2021/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyMon, 27 Dec 2021
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