In my post about Akinyele’s classic debut album, I mentioned that “unlike Nas, Akinyele lived up to the hype”. While such a comment might seem to be a textbook example of attention-seeking behaviour, it’s a point that I’m more than happy to qualify. (more…)

Did anyone notice in that dope NORE interview that’s been doing the rounds lately (actually it’s old and was done by Life Sucks Die magazine) that amongst his promotion of anti-social behaviour and his own unique brand of straight-up Ignorance, he cited Akinyele’s Vagina Diner as his all-time favourite rap album? That comment alone was almost enough to forgive that Melvyn Flint shit.
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Just saw a mention of the PHANJAM album over at Cocaine Blunts & Hip Hop Tapes, which also featured a link to the Krown Rulers site….I can’t believe those kids are still making records. At least I’ve finally found somewhere that stocks the “Paperchase” CD. Now all I need is the tape! The thing that bugs me about the PHANJAM album is that Ced Gee and Kool Keith are listed as the producers on the two Krown Rulers cuts (“Kick The Ball” and “B-Boy Document”), but when the same songs appeared on the “Paperchase” LP they were credited to “Dave from Tuff Crew”. But according to their bio, DJ Jazzy Jeff did the two (uncredited) “Kick The Ball” remixes on the album? Anyone who knows the story behind that piece of worthless trivia let me know. It should also be noted that rocking armour, Medievil-style on your cover is not a good look…even in ’89. Maybe Grand Pubah and DJ Royal Rocker watched Excalibur a few too many times.
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First things first….the term “mixtape” needs to to be updated. There is neither “mixing” nor “tape” involved in the glut of promotional CD’s flooding the internet, chain stores and bootleg card tables around the globe. Yes, it’s an obvious and much-laboured point but one that nevertheless needs to be addressed. XXL review “bootlegs”, but these are not necessarily the same thing. While it’s appropriate for crudely made “Best of” compilations, the term certainly doesn’t apply to corporate releases like Fabolous’ “Street Dreams Pt. 2″, which even had print ads.
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