What’s up y’all? This is ya boy Samfry. It seems like things have been kinda quiet on the local front, so I’m going to discuss a few albums from the past and present that I think you should check for.
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“The Pretty Toney Album” by Ghostface (Def Jam). Wu Tang alumni Tony Starks comes as strong and tenacious as ever on his fourth solo album. This shouldn’t be a surprise in this day and age from a hip-hop artist who has released five consecutive solid albums on major labels, and to do it without sacrificing your integrity is a rarity. Even though I’m not inclined to throw that overused “classic” tag out in regards to this project, it’s damn fuckin’ close. As soon as the CD has time to marinate, it just might become a modern hip-hop classic. This is straight up New York hip-hop at its finest. Songs like “Beat the Clock” has Mr. Starks flexin’ the verbals over a nice ‘70s style string and horn combo. “Biscuits” takes us back to the “Ironman” style, in terms of production and style, and it happens to be my favorite joint on the album. Hey, even the first radio single, “Tush” featuring Missy, is a winner in my book. Even though I’m not much of a fan of Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, this well-crafted beat disguised as a club banger really hits its mark. All in all, Samfry definitely recommends “The Pretty Toney Album.”
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Samfry is really feelin’ the new Erick Sermon single “Relentless.” My man sounds pretty angry on this one, calling out all doubters; he even addressed the gay rumors and the incident in which he allegedly jumped out of an apartment window where a female acquaintance of his was staying. I’m not sure of the release date of his upcoming album on Universal, but I know I’m copping it. Mr. Sermon is a flat out LEGEND in hip-hop. His name isn’t mentioned as much as it should be when discussing the greats of hip-hop.
Let’s do the math...1987, Sermon and partner in rhyme at the time, Parrish “PMD” Smith, known collectively as EPMD, releases their first single, “You’re A Customer” b/w “It’s My Thang” on Fresh Records. In 1988 EPMD’s debut album “Strictly Business” drops, and is soon certified gold status on the strength of their massive single “You Gots To Chill.” In 1989 Erick and Parrish release the incredible “Unfinished Business,” Samfry’s favorite EPMD album, which also certifies as gold on the strength of its first single (“So Wat Ya Sayin”). In 1990 EPMD signs to legendary hip-hop label Def Jam and releases the superb “Business as Usual,” which also went gold. In 1992 they release “Business Never Personal,” their last great album as a collective. 1992 was also the year that Erick and Parrish utilized their production skills to release albums by their protÈgÈs Redman, Das Efx and K- Solo. EPMD produced and were the executive producers of K-Solo’s debut album “Tell the World My Name” two years prior. In the mid-‘90s, EPMD disbanded, with Erick and Parrish releasing solo albums, before they reunited for two more albums as EPMD. It would take a lot more than just a paragraph to chronicle his accomplishments, from Keith Murray to the Def Squad, to Erick and Parrish Making Dollars (EPMD), Mr. Sermon is the muthafuckin’ man, so show some respect, youngin’.
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2004 has been an excellent year for hip-hop so far, with albums like the aforementioned “Pretty Toney Album” and underground favorites like “Madvillainy.” I’m definitely looking forward to upcoming albums from MOP, Nas, E-40, etc. I have a feeling that hip-hop is coming back strong as ever, as evidenced by the newfound mainstream acceptance of quality acts like Kanye West and Dilated Peoples. These days there seems to be something for every taste, and since my tastes run the gamut, I’m happy. So I want to extend a sincere middle finger to all the herbs and naysayers out there who claim hip-hop is dead or is losing steam.
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On May 8 Source of Labor will be performing their last show at the nightspot where it all started, Seattle’s Crocodile CafÈ. They performed their first show back in October of ‘93. Samfry will definitely be in the house to support my man Jonathan “Wordsayer” Moore, whom I’ve known, argued with, got took to the hoop by playing basketball (homie got game), done shows with, etc. over the years. The event will be hosted the J.R Ewing himself, Sir Mix-A-Lot. Seattle’s original b-boy Sugar Bear, from the pioneering Seattle hip-hop group the Emerald Street boys, will be on the ones and twos spinning cuts. Portland’s own Lifesavas will be performing, as well as the New Mexicans. This will be the local show of the year, so make sure y’all show up and support Jon and Source of Labor’s last performance.
Peace, Samfry
hiphop@tabletmag.com
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