I Miss 90s Hip-Hop Vol.3
First half of 1991 (January-June)
Gang Starr finally showed its true worth
With the emergence of artists like A Tribe Called Quest, the hip-hop scene of the 1990s, which had been making major strides, underwent further evolution in 1991.
Gang Starr debuted with their first album, "No More Mr. Nice Guy," released in 1989, but it was their second album, "Step In the Arena" (released January 15th), that showcased their true brilliance. The rock-solid combination of producer DJ Premier and Guru, one of the key figures who shaped the sound of 90s hip hop, was already perfected on this album, leaving behind hip hop classics such as the title track "Step In The Arena," "Just To Get A Rep," "Who’s Gonna Take The Weight?," and "Check The Technique."
Gang Starr - Step In The Arena
Gang Starr "Just To Get A Rep"
Gang Starr - Who's Gonna Take The Weight?
It was also in this year that Pete Rock, one of the representative hip-hop producers of the 90s alongside DJ Premier, debuted with his first EP, "All Souled Out" (released on June 25th), as Pete Rock & CL Smooth. Although this EP can be seen as a preview before the release of their critically acclaimed debut album, Pete Rock's production skills were already outstanding, with tracks like "The Creator" being undeniably cool.
Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth "The Creator"
De La Soul's second album, "De La Soul Is Dead" (released May 14th), can also be considered an album that symbolizes the atmosphere of this era. After achieving a massive hit with their 1989 single "Me, Myself And I," they brought new values to hip-hop. However, as the album title "De La Soul Is Dead" suggests, they significantly changed their previous image with this work. While including party tunes like "A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays" featuring a guest appearance by Q-Tip, they achieved significant growth as artists by adding dark and serious elements throughout the album.
De La Soul "A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays"
De La Soul - Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)
Though not part of the Native Tongues collective, which included De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest, KMD emerged as an artist with a similar vibe, gaining attention with their debut album, *Mr. Hood*, released on May 14th. One of their members, Zev Love X (later known as MF Doom), had already made a name for himself through his feature on 3rd Bass's "The Gas Face." KMD showcased their distinct style not only through the high quality of their self-produced tracks but also with lyrics brimming with humor and intelligence, incorporating themes of racism and political messages.
KMD Peachfuzz
KMD "Who Me?"
The further evolution of gangsta rap
Up to this point, all the works have been by New York artists, so let's shift our focus to the LA scene. In this year, DJ Quik, who had a significant impact on the West Coast hip-hop scene not only as a rapper but also as a producer, made his debut with his first album, *Quik Is The Name* (released January 15th). He created a new benchmark for gangsta rap while depicting his hometown of Compton from a different perspective than N.W.A and others. In particular, "Tonite" from this album is a masterpiece said to have laid the foundation for G-funk.
DJ Quik "Born And Raised In Compton"
DJ Quik "Tonite"
Ice-T's 4th album, "O.G. Original Gangster" (released May 14), the work of a West Coast stalwart who has been active as a rapper since the early 80s, can also be said to be a work that further evolved gangsta rap. The combination of Ice-T's rap with the solid, heavy tracks produced by DJ Aladdin on "New Jack Hustler," the theme song for the movie "New Jack City" in which Ice-T himself acted, and the title track "O.G. Originall Gangster," shows the gravitas unique to a veteran. Furthermore, the album includes the song "Body Count" by the heavy metal band of the same name, fronted by Ice-T himself, who would go on to officially debut later, boldly breaking the boundaries of hip-hop.
Ice-T "New Jack Hustler"
Ice-T "O.G. Original Gangster"
While N.W.A. is undeniably the group that spearheaded the gangsta rap movement, their second album, *Niggaz4Life* (released May 28th), ultimately became the group's final album. While Dr. Dre's sound production undoubtedly evolved compared to their previous work, and there are excellent tracks like ’Appetite For Destruction" and "Alwayz Into Somethin'," which were released as singles, the impact of Ice Cube's departure is undeniable, and the charm of their rapping style certainly diminished.
N.W.A. "Appetite For Destruction"
NWA 'Alwayz Into Somethin'"
New movements from across the United States
As the hip-hop scene spread, centered around New York and LA, Ed O.G. emerged from Boston, which is close to New York. His first album, "Life Of A Kid In The Ghetto" (released March 5), released under the name Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs, with production by Audio Two's Special K and Teddy Ted, was a perfect fit. The single "I Got To Have It" became a smash hit. Furthermore, the classic "Be A Father To Your Child," sampling Roy Ayers' "Searching," sparked discussion with its novel and moving lyrics about the feelings of becoming a father to a child. Ed O.G. continues to be an active rapper to this day.
Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs "I Got To Have It"
Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs "Be A Father To Your Child"
From Louisiana, the originator of the Dirty South, Master P, makes his debut with his first album, "Get Away Clean," released on February 12th. While he truly shines from the mid-90s onwards, his raw style, distinct from both the East and West coasts, hints at the beginning of a new movement.
Master P - "Get Away Clean"
Speaking of new developments, The Genius (later GZA) also debuted with his album *Words From The Genius* (released February 19th) around this time. Although the album unfortunately fell far short of commercial success, it's likely that the setbacks he experienced at this time were a contributing factor to the later formation of Wu-Tang Clan and his eventual solo success as GZA.
The Genius - "Come Do Me"
In Vol. 2, we featured Monie Love from the Native Tongues collective as a female rapper. Yo-Yo, who also participated in Ice Cube's album "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted," achieved success by presenting a style distinct from conventional female rappers. On her debut album "Make Way for the Motherlode," released on March 19th and produced by Ice Cube and Sir Jinx, she showcases straightforward hip-hop coolness while fully expressing her conscious and feminine charm. This charm is maximized on "You Can't Play With My Yo Yo," featuring Ice Cube.
Yo-Yo "You Can't Play With My Yo Yo"
Further advances by veterans
From here, I'd like to introduce works by artists active since the 80s. Digital Underground's EP "This Is an EP Release" (released January 15th) came out while the excitement from "Humpty Dance," which was featured in Vol.1, was still high. While they continued their P-Funk style from their first album, the EP is full of highlights, such as 2Pac's part in the middle of the main track "Same Song."
Digital Underground - Same Song
Stetsasonic's third album, *Blood, Sweat & No Tears*, released on February 5th and known as their final work as a pioneering hip-hop band, unfortunately doesn't quite reach the heights of their first album *On Fire* or their second album *In Full Gear*, both released in the 80s. However, songs like "Speaking Of A Girl Named Suzy" showcase their signature, supreme groove that only they can deliver, which is truly magnificent.
Stetsasonic "Speaking Of A Girl Named Suzy"
Stetsasonic "No B.S. Allowed"
Released the year after their third album, “Edutainment,” Boogie Down Productions' (BDP) live album "Live Hardcore Worldwide" (released March 12) possessed a high degree of artistic completeness. Compared to the previous work, which also strongly emphasized "educating" people, this album was 100% entertainment, packed with the pure coolness of hip-hop%. It is filled with the charm of BDP and KRS-One, and created solely with microphones and turntables, it is undoubtedly one of the greatest live albums in hip-hop history.
Boogie Down Productions "Criminal Minded (Live)"
Public Enemy, a group that, along with BDP, represented the late 80s hip-hop scene, will release their DJ, Terminator X's solo debut album, ’Terminator X & The Valley Of The Jeep Beets," on May 7th. The album features various rappers on tracks produced by Terminator X, with most of them being unknown. This release was made possible by the momentum of Public Enemy at the time, but the lead track "Buck Whylin'," featuring Chuck D and Sister Souljah, is a must-listen.
Terminator X 'Buck Whylin'"
Chubb Rock, who debuted as a solo artist in ‘87 and had already released two albums in the 80s, saw his biggest hit with his 3rd album, *The One*, released on May 14th. Of the songs on the album, "Treat 'Em Right," which was also released as an EP the previous year, is known as his signature song and I recall it being very popular with dancers at the time.
Chubb Rock - 'Treat 'Em Right"
Chubb Rock "Just The Two Of Us"
A true veteran who debuted in 1980 as a member of Treacherous Three and has been active solo since the mid-80s, Kool Moe Dee released his fourth album, "Funke, Funke Wisdom," on June 11th. Despite being an artist whose style of rap already feels like a relic of a bygone era, his aggressive attitude is truly admirable; he collaborated with Chuck D and KRS-One on tracks.
Kool Moe Dee - Rise 'N' Shine feat. Chuck D. & KRS-One
Launch of a new label
With the business expansion of hip-hop in the 90s, new labels have been launched one after another, and the birth of Hollywood Basic, a label backed by Disney capital, can be considered a symbol of this trend. What's even more surprising is that the label's first release is the EP "Real Deal" (released February 5th) by the group Lifers Group, whose members are all incarcerated.
Lifers Group "Real Deal"
The label S.O.U.L. (Sound Of Urban Listeners) was founded by Hank Shocklee of Public Enemy's production team, Bomb Squad, and others. With the first release being the white group Young Black Teenagers' self-titled album "Young Black Teenagers" (released February 19th), and the second being the James Brown-influenced Son Of Bazerk's "Bazerk Bazerk Bazerk" (released May 14th), both releases felt very much like special projects and unfortunately ended up with disappointing sales.
Young Black Teenagers - Tap the Bottle
Son Of Bazerk "Change The Style"
＜本文終わり＞
Music writer. Began writing in 1996, contributing to publications such as the hip-hop magazine "blast." Moved to Los Angeles in 2003, where they covered the underground hip-hop scene, including artists like Stones Throw, while also writing about fashion, art, and other fields. Returned to Japan in 2015 and continues to work as a writer for various magazines and web media, focusing primarily on hip-hop.
