#333 SAGE FRANCIS
"THE TIME OF MY LIFE"
2000
You gotta be a real Sage head to know this one from his early days of hustling and touring his ass off. This gem was yanked off of his Still Sick compilation series. The self-proclaimed "thinking man's thinking man," Sage's insane talent as an emcee is on full display here. New record coming out this year. Be on the lookout.
You gotta be a real Sage head to know this one from his early days of hustling and touring his ass off. This gem was yanked off of his Still Sick compilation series. The self-proclaimed "thinking man's thinking man," Sage's insane talent as an emcee is on full display here. New record coming out this year. Be on the lookout.
#332
MIGHTY CASEY
"ONE NIGHT STAND"
2003
2003
No-harm, no-foul chronicle of little-known Mighty Casey's exploits. For some reason, I'm thinking this is a purely fictional account, but notable nonetheless.
#331
PAUL WALL
"SITTIN' SIDEWAYZ"
2005
Ever since the first time I heard it, I liked this song. People fronted hard on Paul, but this song, to me, perfectly blended together the slow-and-low Houston rap sound and that sleazy, slobbery south-Texas summer heat.
Ever since the first time I heard it, I liked this song. People fronted hard on Paul, but this song, to me, perfectly blended together the slow-and-low Houston rap sound and that sleazy, slobbery south-Texas summer heat.
#330
SMIF-N-WESSUN
"SOUND BWAY BUREILL"
1995
Probably not the popular favorite from Dah Shinin', but this Boot Camp banger had that signature low-end thud and is the perfect East Coast record.
#329
NON PHIXION
"THE FULL MONTY"
2000
Non Phixion released recorded this single for the Defenders of the Underworld compilation on Battle Axe. This would be the first time I would actually hear Non Phixion on record and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Excellent material.
#328
SHABAAM SAHDEEQ
"PENDULUM"
1998
This rarity from the pre-Rawkus heyday finds gifted and horribly-overlooked Shabaam flowing nicely over Abbey Road-era Beatles. It's a beautiful thing. Shabaam' s still a name you'll only hear mentioned in circles of snobby elitists like myself.
#327
TYPICAL CATS
"EASY CAUSE IT IS"
2004
I seriously thought the big break had arrived for the Cats when I first heard this record, but sadly, they're still rocking the independent circuit like true champs. This, the first single off their second full-length project, is as pure and slammin' as independent hip hop gets. Hardly typical.
#326
THIRSTIN HOWL III
"I STILL LIVE WITH MY MOMS"
1998
The poor man's Redman, Thirstin's inability to thrive financially as a rapper leads to this account of a rapper on the heels of blowin', but just needing another month of free rent. Thirstin's a lo-life, yeah, but make no mistake: the dude spits heat. Classic Thirstin material here.
#325
THE MISSION
"IT'S THE..."
2001
The Mission always managed to ride right below the radar of even the independent realm, but this beautifully-crafted song is the Mission in prime form with their refreshing-organic approach to hip hop production. Recommended for fans of the Roots--if you can find it, of course.
#324
OH NO
"THE RIDE"
2004
"The Ride" finds Stones Throw's Oh No bobbin' and weavin' and making a case for himself as a legitimate artist rising from the tall shadows of his heady labelmates. Incredible synth work rounds out this hardcore headnodder.
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