Bay Area Classics - Volume 3
This edition of BAC inadvertently turned into an Oakland/Vallejo party. Next time I'll be sure to diversify a little better. I decided to add a video this time as well. God bless YouTube.
"Playah's Mode (Street Remix)" - Young Lay
Lay was an extremely promising rapper. Unfortunately he was riddled with problems which sidetracked his career including being shot, being locked up, his baby being kidnapped, the mother being murdered, etc... Dude just could never get to a settled place in his life to really have a chance to blow up which he had the talent to do. As far as I know he's locked up right now. The original version of "Playah's Mode" is on his amazing debut, Black 'n Dangerous on Young Black Brotha/Atlantic. This remix came off of a promotional cd for the single which also included a few other mixes, an instrumental and an acappella. Without question, Khayree is one of the dopest producers ever.
"For All Yall" - No The Piper, ???, Danesha
No The Piper was never really a huge name in Bay Area rap, but you can find him on a handful of releases from the mid '90s. I'm pretty sure he released a solo album back then as well, but I don't have it. It's just recently come to my attention (thanks to seen510 over at the bay is in the area) that he now fronts Flipsyde which is a rock/rap group on Interscope Records. Their song, "Someday" is even the goddamn theme song for the upcoming Olympics. Suck on that. I have no idea who the second rapper on this track is as he's not listed in the credits. "For All Yall" is from a compilation called The Gruuvelyne Connection-Tyme II Ryde which was released in 1997 on Gruuvelyne Records. The comp was entirely produced by the Whooride (Mike D and Sonny B) who were behind a ton of great tracks from Oakland in the mid '90s.
"Ham Samiches & Coup DeVilles" - E-40 featuring Big Gipp (Goodie Mob), Big Boi (Outkast)
This baby was on the advance copy of Loyalty & Betrayal that Jive Records sent me, but for whatever reason it didn't make the final cut. There's a couple other tracks on there that also didn't make the retail album, but this is the most interesting one. Unfortunately there was no additional info with the advance copy so I have no idea who produced this damn song or anything. Just listen to it.
"3 Strikes" - Askari X featuring Seagram, 3xKrazy, Bad-N-Fluenz, Mr. Ill, The Delinquents, Mike Mike Ansar Moe
Remember "Ward Of The State"? That was a pretty damn big song for Askari X back in like '92 or something. On his 1995 album, Message To The Black Man, on Slow Motion Records he dropped "Ward Of The State II" which is another good one. Askari's militant stance may turn most off from his music, but if you can get past that then you will hear some quality music on the whole album including this gem. The order of "3 Strikes" is ???, Seagram, Keak Da Sneak (3XKrazy), ???, G-Stack (The Delinquents), Askari X, ???, Big V (The Delinquents), Agerman (3XKrazy) and ???. Obviously the question marked spots belong to Bad-N-Fluenz (Rappin' Ron & Ant Diddley Dog), Mr. Ill and Mike Mike Ansar Moe. Problem is I'm too lazy right now to compare the voices on this song to other songs with those artists so I have no idea who is who. Sorry. This is another produced by the Whooride.
"V-A-L-L-E-J-O" - Game Related
This song is good, but more than anything I just REALLY enjoy the production that K-Lou brought to the table. I wish we still had people using this kind of sound out here in the Bay. Musically, the old production of people like K-Lou, Mike Mosley, Studio Ton, etc... shits on the majority of what's being served up out here now. This track is from the 1996 album from Game Related titled, Soak Game. Released on Big K Records originally, it was picked up by a semi-big label called Robbins Entertainment and re-released later that year. Some songs from the OG version were cut from the Robbins Entertainment re-release. "V-A-L-L-E-J-O" was one of the tracks. It's not bad at all so I'm not sure why it was cut. In fact, it's one of the better tracks from the original. K-Lou was so fuckin' funky back then. I haven't heard anything about these guys in years other than the fact that Potent C put out a solo album called Potent Reality in 1999. And just recently I know he has recorded a couple songs at my boy Rhythmx's studio. You can buy the original version of Soak Game at Rapbay and the re-release at Robbins Entertainment.
And here's a classic video for you...
"I Got 5 On It (Remix)" - Luniz featuring Dru Down, Richie Rich, E-40, Shock G, Spice 1
The best parts of this video to me are Dru Down's Shirley Temple locks and seeing Captain Save-A-Hoe (aka Crazy Ass Kevin Dixon) walking around in his cape. Good flashback video.
"Playah's Mode (Street Remix)" - Young Lay
Lay was an extremely promising rapper. Unfortunately he was riddled with problems which sidetracked his career including being shot, being locked up, his baby being kidnapped, the mother being murdered, etc... Dude just could never get to a settled place in his life to really have a chance to blow up which he had the talent to do. As far as I know he's locked up right now. The original version of "Playah's Mode" is on his amazing debut, Black 'n Dangerous on Young Black Brotha/Atlantic. This remix came off of a promotional cd for the single which also included a few other mixes, an instrumental and an acappella. Without question, Khayree is one of the dopest producers ever.
"For All Yall" - No The Piper, ???, Danesha
No The Piper was never really a huge name in Bay Area rap, but you can find him on a handful of releases from the mid '90s. I'm pretty sure he released a solo album back then as well, but I don't have it. It's just recently come to my attention (thanks to seen510 over at the bay is in the area) that he now fronts Flipsyde which is a rock/rap group on Interscope Records. Their song, "Someday" is even the goddamn theme song for the upcoming Olympics. Suck on that. I have no idea who the second rapper on this track is as he's not listed in the credits. "For All Yall" is from a compilation called The Gruuvelyne Connection-Tyme II Ryde which was released in 1997 on Gruuvelyne Records. The comp was entirely produced by the Whooride (Mike D and Sonny B) who were behind a ton of great tracks from Oakland in the mid '90s.
"Ham Samiches & Coup DeVilles" - E-40 featuring Big Gipp (Goodie Mob), Big Boi (Outkast)
This baby was on the advance copy of Loyalty & Betrayal that Jive Records sent me, but for whatever reason it didn't make the final cut. There's a couple other tracks on there that also didn't make the retail album, but this is the most interesting one. Unfortunately there was no additional info with the advance copy so I have no idea who produced this damn song or anything. Just listen to it.
"3 Strikes" - Askari X featuring Seagram, 3xKrazy, Bad-N-Fluenz, Mr. Ill, The Delinquents, Mike Mike Ansar Moe
Remember "Ward Of The State"? That was a pretty damn big song for Askari X back in like '92 or something. On his 1995 album, Message To The Black Man, on Slow Motion Records he dropped "Ward Of The State II" which is another good one. Askari's militant stance may turn most off from his music, but if you can get past that then you will hear some quality music on the whole album including this gem. The order of "3 Strikes" is ???, Seagram, Keak Da Sneak (3XKrazy), ???, G-Stack (The Delinquents), Askari X, ???, Big V (The Delinquents), Agerman (3XKrazy) and ???. Obviously the question marked spots belong to Bad-N-Fluenz (Rappin' Ron & Ant Diddley Dog), Mr. Ill and Mike Mike Ansar Moe. Problem is I'm too lazy right now to compare the voices on this song to other songs with those artists so I have no idea who is who. Sorry. This is another produced by the Whooride.
"V-A-L-L-E-J-O" - Game Related
This song is good, but more than anything I just REALLY enjoy the production that K-Lou brought to the table. I wish we still had people using this kind of sound out here in the Bay. Musically, the old production of people like K-Lou, Mike Mosley, Studio Ton, etc... shits on the majority of what's being served up out here now. This track is from the 1996 album from Game Related titled, Soak Game. Released on Big K Records originally, it was picked up by a semi-big label called Robbins Entertainment and re-released later that year. Some songs from the OG version were cut from the Robbins Entertainment re-release. "V-A-L-L-E-J-O" was one of the tracks. It's not bad at all so I'm not sure why it was cut. In fact, it's one of the better tracks from the original. K-Lou was so fuckin' funky back then. I haven't heard anything about these guys in years other than the fact that Potent C put out a solo album called Potent Reality in 1999. And just recently I know he has recorded a couple songs at my boy Rhythmx's studio. You can buy the original version of Soak Game at Rapbay and the re-release at Robbins Entertainment.
And here's a classic video for you...
"I Got 5 On It (Remix)" - Luniz featuring Dru Down, Richie Rich, E-40, Shock G, Spice 1
The best parts of this video to me are Dru Down's Shirley Temple locks and seeing Captain Save-A-Hoe (aka Crazy Ass Kevin Dixon) walking around in his cape. Good flashback video.
posted by Doxx at 1:44 PM
8 Comments:
To fill in the question marks in the 3 Strikes order: first is Ant Diddley Dog (crazy verse), second is Mr. Ill, I think 3rd is Rappin' Ron and last Moe (speaking of which, ain't he the one better known as Brotha Moe?) 3 Strikes is probably the sickest bay posse cut. Mostly everybody comes tight as fuck. Best verses: Askari-X, Ant Diddley Dog, Seagram & Keak. Too sick.
No The Piper-For All Y'all-The second rapper's name is Unknown. I like this track. Never heard the No The Piper album (I seen it a few times though), but he got a nice style, definitely mid '90s bayish.
Young Lay's-Playah's Mode Remix-damn, Khayree had it. One of the best producer the bay had. Probably the most underrated on a nationwide level. I remember mainstream rap magazines couldn't even help admitting his beats were riiculously fat when they reviewed YBB albums, even if the rates they gave the albums were way too low. I really liked Young Lay's style. He reminded me of a laid-back playa version of Spice 1 a lot.
Right on folks. Thanks for the info.
About the Brotha Moe thing... It's funny you said that 'cause I listened to his verse a few times and I thought the exact same thing. I'm not sure though.
I really like that No The Piper cut as well. Real smooth shit.
I remember on Brotha Moe's album cover his full muslim name was written, if you found the cover you could confirm if it's him. Pretty sure it is. It would fit, I remember he rapped with Askari-X and it sounds like him.
I didn't comment on that V-A-L-L-E-J-O first because I'd reached my download limit, but yeah, you can instantly recognize a K-Lou record from the mid-90s. Game Related themselves were kinda average to me (meaning I'd like the song a lot more if it was the Funkmobb or the Click rappin on it), but the production made that album worth checking out (I had the re-release myself). And the unreleased E-40 joint would have been a nice addition to the official Loyalty & Betrayal release. It's a little different than the rest of the album, but it's dope. Better than that song with Mystikal.
that 40, Big Gipp and Big Boi song is real cool. did the sample not clear or something? had that made it he would have had damn near the whole south on that album.
I'm working on getting an interview with 40 for the site and I plan on asking him what the hell happened with that song.
Hey Doxx~
Really like your blog mayne, great stuff through and through!
Young Lay is one of my favorites from those days, and seems to get overlooked quite a bit. Dude had that funk. I still bump N' Dis Rap Game off the Mobbin' Thru The Bay ep when I DJ out, shit still knocks! I need to send you out some mixes sometime. email your addy if you're down for that.
djbcause@hotmail.com
Be well,
Josh B
That's funny you mention "N Dis Rap Game" 'cause I almost posted that instead of the track I posted. I actually had Mobbin' Thru The Bay in my hand and was about to make the mp3, but decided to use the other track.
Anyway... Yeah, I'm always open to hear what people got. I'll hit you on the e-mail soon.
Thanks for the props on the blog as well. Much appreciated.
No The Piper-For All Y'all-The second rapper's name is Unknown. I like this track. Never heard the No The Piper album (I seen it a few times though), but he got a nice style, definitely mid '90s bayish.
ok the album of no the piper is called nojokeland.u can see only 2 or 3 videos of this album on you tube.he is produced by Mike D & Sonny B.A great album you felling the touch of dis great producers(night b4,2much 4 u ,last night and da classic for all yall...
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