No doubt some wiseguy is sure to complain that most of these “aren’t off the top of the dome”.¹ Other than being the most annoying mixtape guy of all-time, DJ Clue had his moments, especially when it came to spotlighting street-level up-and-comers like The LOX, who were capable of some pretty nice shit in their younger days² The other problem with these guys is that they often have awful taste in beats, so when you get to hear them over something dope³ it really stands out. Plus I keep reading about how gully Sheek Louch is, if that matters to anyone.

Here are a couple of good examples of how D-Block used to get down, over Primo’s “Next Level” Nyte Time Remix⁴ for the “Chest 2 Chest Freestyle” and then rocking over Gangstarr‘s “You Know My Steez” beat. Sadly, Clue still feels the need to yell his name out periodically, but what can you do?⁵

p.s. XXL Mag can’t see me when it comes to my footnote game.⁶

DJ Clue featuring The LOX - Chest 2 Chest Freestyle

DJ Clue featuring The LOX - Primo Freestyle

1. 1. The definition of “freestyle” is something that nobody has given a shit about for the past ten years, but it was once a hotly-contested issue as to whether or not you had to improvise to call it a freestyle. My answer to that is: It’s not called “Top Of The Dome Friday”, now is it?
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2. 2. Not that they can’t hang today, but their albums are always pretty shitty and I still haven’t forgiven then for guesting on “Jenny On The Block” and that horrible Mariah shit.
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3. 3. Such as Alchemist‘s “We Gon’ Make It” or Premier’s “Don’t None of Y’all Better” from the first Jadakiss LP.
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4. 4. Show & AG‘s awesome first single from the “Goodfellas” album.
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5. 5. Well, if you’re name’s DJ Kay Slay you put him in a yoke.
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6. 6. Although Kris Ex pioneered that shit, I’m making it official – none of that square brackets nonsense over here.
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