- BONUS EPISODE!!! Favorite 90's Hip-Hop Posse Cuts
In a bonus episode, B. Cox sorts through some of his favorite and memorable hip-hop posse cuts of the 1990s.
*We did not include Wu-Tang Clan and its individual members' albums that could have memorable posse cuts as we determined that they could warrant a standalone bonus episode in the future. Stay tuned!*
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Show Notes
High Snobiety: The 25 Best Rap Posse Cuts of All-Time https://www.highsnobiety.com › 25-best-rap-posse-cuts
Pitchfork: The History of Posse Cuts in 5 Songs https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/1302-the-history-of-the-posse-cut-in-5-songs/
Trapital: Why Rappers Stopped Making Remixes and Posse Cuts https://trapital.co/2019/05/03/why-rappers-stopped-making-remixes-and-posse-cuts/
RockTheBells: A History Of The Posse Cut https://rockthebells.com/articles/best-posse-cuts/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy23m | Mar 13, 2023 - Little Brother: The Listening (2003). They Called Next... (feat. Chris "Kinetik" Mitchell)
B. Cox is joined by Chris Mitchell (Kinetik) of the Breaking Atoms Podcast to review Little Brother's classic debut studio album The Listening as it turns 20. The group, which was formerly made up of the trio of emcees Phonte and Big Pooh and producer 9th Wonder, met as students on the campus of North Carolina Central University. They bonded over their shared love and passion of hip-hop and formed a collective with other North Carolina college students who were hip-hop artists and producers which would become known as the Justus League.
Pooling together their resources and creativity, the trio started recording their debut album. After working their local hip-hop scene and the college radio circle in their home state of North Carolina, the group signed its record deal with ABB Records and gained a sizable fanbase, following and a community online though forums such as their own Justus League The LAWN, OkayPlayer and other hip-hop sites. Boosting the groups popularity was the skills and creativity Phonte and Pooh and the soulful sample based production of 9th Wonder that drew comparisons in tenor and tone to predecessors such as groups from the collectives the Native Tongues and Soulquarians. Over 65 minutes and utilizing a concept used frequently in hip-hop, the album is presented through the lens of a radio station broadcast schedule, WJLR, presenting all of the tropes of terrestrial radio complete with skits and fictional disc jockeys which accompanied the album's tracks.
While the album had no major singles or sales numbers to report, its legend has been boosted by their niche, but loyal fanbase that has followed them since the beginning. The album has been deemed an underground and indie hip-hop classic and the launching pad of a group that has had a successful, yet complicated two decades in the industry.
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Show Notes
Passion Weiss: The Oral History of The Lawn (by Chris "Kinetik" Mitchell)
https://www.passionweiss.com/2022/03/24/the-oral-history-of-the-lawn/
Albumism: Little Brother's Debut Album "The Listening" Turns 20 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/little-brother-debut-album-the-listening-album-anniversary
Pitchfork: Little Brother "The Listening" Review
https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/little-brother-the-listening/
GQ: Little Brother Looks Back On 20 Years Of "The Listening"
https://www.gq.com/story/little-brother-the-listening-album-20-years
HipHopDX: Little Brother on 'The Listening' at 20 & Marauding For Ears
https://hiphopdx.com/news/little-brother-the-listening-20-year-intervew
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy1h 2m | Feb 27, 2023 - Digable Planets: Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space) (1993). Slick Reborn...
B. Cox looks back at hip-hop trio Digable Planet's debut album Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space) as it turns 30. The Brooklyn-based group made up of emcees Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler, Mariana "Ladybug Mecca" Vieira and Craig "Doodlebug" Irving met through what seemed to be fate in the late 80s. After signing to Pendulum Records in 1992, they began crafting their debut album under the production supervision of Butterfly and the likes of Shane "The Doctor" Faber and Mike "Lanching An Attack" Mangini.
Using the resources available to them in two makeshift studios in apartments, Butterfly and his cohorts utilized samples from jazz records exclusively, gleaning from Butler's father's collection of jazz records. What followed suit was a project filled with lively jazz notes and deep bass complimented by crisp drum patterns and percussion. This provided the landscape for the three emcees to spit lyrics based around politics, freedom, explorations of expression, black culture and fringe philosophical views with dexterity.
Over 57 smooth, yet captivating minutes, the trio developed a unique sound in a hip-hop year full of groundbreaking material. The album's lead single "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)" became a top 15 Billboard Hot 100 hit and is the group's signature song. It garnered the group a Grammy in 1994 for Best Rap Performance by A Duo or Group. The album was certified gold and served as the introduction to this unique trio that would have a successful, yet brief time in the spotlight.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Digable Planets Reachin' ( A New Refutation of Time and Space) Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
Pitchfork: Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space)
https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/digable-planets-reachin-a-new-refutation-of-time-and-space/
ClassicAlbumSundays: Forgetting Classic: Digable Planets (A New Refutation of Time and Space).
RiotFest: Cool Like Dat? Check Out Where the Digable Planets Samples Came From
https://riotfest.org/2018/08/17/digable-planets-reachin-samples/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy32m | Feb 20, 2023 - 50 Cent: Get Rich Or Die Tryin'. Hip-Hop's Lazarus Comes Forth...
B. Cox & J. Owe review 50 Cent's explosive debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin' as it turns 20. After a successful run as a protege of Run DMC's Jam Master Jay, the Queens youth turned drug dealer turned emcee was set to make his mark after series of setbacks including being shot multiple times, being dropped by his label while having his debut album scrapped and being blacklisted from the industry. After getting back on his feet and releasing several independent mixtapes, his free agency prompted one of the rap game's most competitive bidding wars. Dr. Dre and Eminem emerged victorious, signing him to a $1 million deal to Shady Records and Aftermath Entertainment and prepared to record his debut album.
Working under the masterful guidance and tutelage of Dre and Eminem, the album was also boosted by production from the likes of several standout producers such as Sha Money XL, J-Praize, Rockwilder, Megahertz, Dirty Swift, Mike Elizondo, Darrell "Digga" Branch and others. The multi-layered, multi faceted production approach was the perfect soundtrack behind 50s trademark voice that laced the tracks with a mix of wittty bars and gritty street tales. He was also assisted with features from the likes of Eminem, Nate Dogg and his fellow G-Unit comrades Lloyd Banks, Young Buck and Tony Yayo.
The debut week was massive, selling over 870,000 copies, becoming at the time the biggest debut for a hip-hop album ever. the album was boosted by many singles, including the Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles "In the Club" and "21 Questions" along with the Top 10 hit "P.I.M.P". "In the Club" became one of the most successful hip-hop and crossover singles in the 2000s. The album would also become RIAA-certified 9x platinum. It has led to 50 Cent being one of the most successful hip-hop artists of all time and led to his additional successes in branding, entertainment and liquor manufacturing among many other ventures.
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Show Notes
Crack Magazine: The undeniable impact of 'Get Rich Or Die Tryin'" https://crackmagazine.net/article/long-reads/retrospective-get-rich-die-tryin/
OkayPlayer: The secret history of 50 Cent's "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'" https://www.okayplayer.com/originals/secret-history-50-cent-get-rich-or-die-tryin-lp.html
PassionWeiss: The Diamond In The Dirt-50 Cent's 'Get Rich Or Die Tryin' Turns 20 https://www.passionweiss.com/2023/01/31/the-diamond-in-the-dirt-50-cents-get-rich-or-dyin-turns-20/
HipHopXXIV: 50 Cent Responds to Jay-Z's 20 Year Old Warning https://hiphopxxiv.com/50-cent-responds-to-jay-zs-20-year-old-warning/
Rock The Bells: Classic Albums: 50 Cent 'Get Rich Or Die Tryin'' https://rockthebells.com/articles/classic-albums-get-rich-or-die-tryin-by-50-cent/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy35m | Feb 6, 2023 - BONUS EPISODE: "Pop Culture Corner" Hip-Hop Fashion In The 90s
In a special bonus edition of Pop Culture Corner, B.Cox explores the dynamics of the many layers and styles of hip-hop and urban fashion in the 90s. After experiencing a very colorful and avant garde fashion sense in the 80s, the hip-hop and urban music scene in the 1990s was defined by three segments: (1) The elite and luxury fashion brands that dominated the fashion world whose status symbols found its niche among artists and their fans (2) the mainstream brands that the hip-hop community embraced a small, but popular segment of the culture overall; and (3) the upstart hip-hop based brands that were created by the culture for the culture, while fully embracing all it had to offer.
B. Cox takes a look at most memorable brands that defined the 90s hip-hop and R&B fashion scene and the impact it had on other fashion brands willing to compete and the consumers who sought them.
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Show Notes
High Snobiety: The Trends and Brands that Defined 90s Hip-Hop Fashion
https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/90s-hip-hop-fashion/
Culture Vulturez: Top 20 Urban Fashion Brands of the 1990s and 2000s
https://www.kulturevulturez.com/top-hip-hop-clothing-brands/
Complex: From NIke To Nautica, Here are the 90s Brands that Defined The Decade
https://www.complex.com/style/the-best-brands-of-the-90s/
BET: 25 Hip-Hop Clothing Brands that you may have forgotten about
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy29m | Jan 30, 2023 - The Year That Was...2003
B. Cox reflects on the year that was 2003. In a year that saw Western Powers kick their war against dictatorships in the Middle East into full gear and saw the U.S. biggest state in political turmoil, the music scene was successfully and commercially thriving.
It was highlighted by the emergence of the unlikeliest of superstars in 50 Cent, who served as triumphant comeback story: from underground sensation to on his death bed to global music superstar in the span of two years. Meanwhile, the biggest star in hip-hop, Jay-Z, was planning his exit with his supposed final studio album and farewell tour which was planned to lead to his new life as a record label executive and businessman.
2003 marked a year of great commercial success with tons of hits topping the charts from a multitude of artists over a number of genres. It was the year that the South, namely Atlanta's hip-hop and R&B scene made its strong push towards being the major player it had been threatening to be almost a decade and when international acts and songs from reggae, soca and reggaeton made a huge impression on the American listening public and in the clubs.
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Show Notes
AllHipHop: The REAL REcap-The Best of 2003 News
https://allhiphop.com/features/the-real-rap-recap-the-best-of-2003-news/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy23m | Jan 16, 2023 - The Year That Was...1998
B. Cox looks back at the year that was 1998. As the United States and the world had the new millennium within eye sight, there were uncertain times in the world politically and socially. Admist all the turmoil and uncertainty, the year delivered one of the best combined critical and commercial years for both hip-hop and R&B.
Musically, the year succeed on many fronts as far as radio hits and explosive sales numbers as well as underground success and notoriety beyond the fringes. It also marked a year of balance that hardcore and rugged rap, feel good and luxury rap, and soulful and thought rendering rap all excelled and were recognized.
In R&B, industry veterans coupled with promising upstarts marked a banner year for the genre and as a number of classic and essential albums would shape its direction going into the turn of the century.
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Show Notes
Billboard: Why 1998 Was The Greatest Year of My Hip-Hop Lifetime
https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/1998-greatest-year-hip-hop-essay-datwon-thomas-8458855/
Medium: Revisiting the Hip-Hop Class of '98
https://medium.com/the-passion-of-christopher-pierznik-books-rhymes/revisiting-the-hip-hop-class-of-1998-1955b6e974e3
OkayPlayer: September 29, 1998 was Rap Music's Last Greatest Release Date
https://www.okayplayer.com/originals/september-29th-1998-greastest-day-rap-music-outkast-jay-z-black-star.html
SoulInStereo: Why 1998 Was A Game Changing Year for Hip-Hop and R&B
http://www.soulinstereo.com/2018/04/why-1998-was-a-game-changing-year-for-hip-hop-rb.html
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy26m | Jan 9, 2023 - The Year That Was...1993
B. Cox reflects on the year that was 1993; a year that saw the election of a generational U.S. president, two sports dynasties repeating their excellence, a unthinkable terrorist attack that shook the nation as well as a monumental year in hip-hop and R&B with a number of classics that would leave their marks on not just music, but pop culture overall.
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Show Notes
Vibe: 1993: The Year That Hip-Hop and R&B Conquered The World
https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/1993-the-year-hip-hop-and-rb-conquered-the-world-397576/
Medium: November 9th, 1993: Hip-Hop's Creative Apex
https://keithdevlin.medium.com/november-9th-1993-hip-hops-creative-apex-7118a55df362
NPR: Eight Million Stories: Hip-Hop in 1993
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy20m | Jan 2, 2023 - 2022 Year-End Review & Wrap Up: '92, '97 & '02
In the last episode of the year, B. Cox gives The Vault's rankings for the top hip-hop & R&B albums reviewed from 1992, 1997 and 2002 to put a bow on what has been another busy and memorable year for the podcast.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy20m | Dec 26, 2022 - Dr. Dre: The Chronic (1992). "Welcome To Death Row..."
B. Cox and J. Owe look back at Dr. Dre's transcendent debut album The Chronic as it turns 30. After spending half a decade as the architect and chief producer for both NWA and Ruthless Records, Dr. Dre split in 1991 to help co-found Death Row Records with Marion "Suge" Knight with the backing of Interscope Records. As their prime producer and executive, the record label would become a symbol of power and success in the 1990s, starting with his debut album.
Using techniques of producing beats over sampled funk records, deep bass and transformative melodies, the album is credited by many as not originating, but popularizing the "G-Funk" sound that became the label and southern California's hip-hop's identity.
Assisted by the likes of a young rap phenom Snoop Doggy Dog, RBX, Daz and Kurupt of the Dogg Pound and Lady of Rage among others, the Dr. also lent his own vocals as a signature defining moment for his career assisted by the pen of Snoop and also the legendary D.O.C., who was relegated to writing after his traffic accident prematurely ended his promising career on the mic. The result was an album full of legendary bars and quotables that would become a part of hip-hop and pop culture lexicon.
The album was backed by three Billboard top ten singles : the classics "Nuthin But a G Thang", "Dre Day" and "Let Me Ride". Certified triple platinum, The Chronic has been universally acclaimed as both a foundational album of West Coast hip-hop, the hip-hop genre overall and a culture-shifting supernova that few albums have been able to match in terms of quality and impact since.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Dr. Dre's 'The Chronic' Turns 30 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/dr-dre-the-chronic-album-anniversary
EurWeb: Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" Turns 30
https://eurweb.com/2022/dr-dres-the-chronic-turns-30/
HipHopHero: 30 years of 'The Chronic': Dr. Dre's exceptional debut album
https://hiphophero.com/30-years-of-dr-dre-album-the-chronic/
MusicMusingsAndSuch: Celebrating An Iconic and Complex Debut Album: Dr. Dre's "The Chronic"
Billboard: Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" Turns 30. Every Song Ranked From Worst To Best.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy35m | Dec 19, 2022 - Nas: God's Son (2002). "It Get's Personal..."
B. Cox reviews Nas' sixth studio album God's Son as it turns 20. Capping off a productive year, the Queens emcee released his third project in 12 months following up the classic album Stillmatic and the compilation of unreleased tracks The Lost Tapes. It was seen as a continuation of his "comeback". He dealt with problems and distractions during the recording of the album, including his continued beef with Jay-Z and the death of his mother earlier in the year due to cancer. Despite the setbacks, he released an album that was largely critically acclaimed with production from the likes of Salaam Remi, Alchemist, Ron Brows, Chucky Thompson, Agile, Eminem and Alicia Keys.
The album featured three singles: the street anthem "Made You Look", the children inspired "I Can" and "Get Down". It was certified platinum and is often cited as Nas' most personal and candid album.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Nas' God's Son turns 20 | Album Anniversary
https://albumism.com/features/nas-gods-son-album-anniversary
BBC: 16 Albums That Define 2002
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ClfdFXPBSnc7s4cMBrjl4G/16-albums-that-define-2002
FocusOnHipHop: Album Review | Nas - God's Son
https://focushiphop.com/2016/06/26/album-review-nas-gods-son/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy30m | Dec 12, 2022 - The Pharcyde: Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde. "California Dreamin..."
B. Cox looks back at The Pharcyde's debut classic album Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde as it turns 30. In the midst of a genre shift of power over their home base of California, the former dancers turns emcees and producers released their debut album to little fanfare, but would become recognized in the industry for their easy going and humorous style.
Produced entirely by group member J-Swift, the group (also made up of members Slimkid3, Bootie Brown, Fatlip and Imani) provided audiences of a view of living in Southern California that was noticeably different in tenor and landscape than most of their counterparts in 1992.Using humor, witty banter, clever bars with bravado laced with references of sex, weed and female entanglements catered to an audience seeking an alternative to the party and gangster rap that made West Coast hip-hop popular.
The album released two notable singles: the wise-crack song "Ya Mama" and the classic single "Passin' Me By", which has become their more recognizable track to date. While not a commercial success, the album was critically acclaimed and largely credited along Freestyle Fellowship's To Whom It May Concern and Del the Funky Homospaien's I Wish My Brother George Was Here with helping to popularize the West Coast alternative hip-hop scene which helped lead to the success and visibility of later acts such as Hieroglyphics, Jurassic 5, Blackalicious, Dilated Peoples and more.
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Show Notes
Albumism: The Pharcyde's "Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
Medium: BackSpin- Pharcyde "Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde"
Anywhere The Dope Go: The Pharcyde: Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde-Throwback Thursday Review
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy28m | Nov 28, 2022 - Ice Cube: The Predator (1992). Behind Enemy Lines...
B. Cox reviews Ice Cube's third album The Predator as it turns 30. In the midst of the one most prolific and successful runs in hip-hop history stretching back his days as with NWA, the soon-to-be West Coast icon created and released his album in the time of transition of turmoil. Hip-Hop acclaim and recognition was beginning to spread its sphere of influence out to the West Coast. to mirror this rise in the commercial success of West Coast hip-hop was great angst. The album was completed in the heat of the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict, which sparked the now infamous 1992 L.A. riots, further fueling political and racial tensions.
Not to be dismayed, Cube pressed on to continue his holy trinity of LPs, combining yet again with longtime collaborator Sir Jinx and also new production teammates in DJ Pooh and DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill. Over hard hitting and consistent production filled in with cuts of news footage and commentary that reflected times, he packaged the perfect combination of lyrics that reflected his political mindstate amidst the turmoil, told gangsta tales and told stories of what life like was in like in black Los Angeles.
The album was critically acclaimed and was certified double platinum and featured two Cube standout singles: "Check Yourself" and the classic "It Was A Good Day", which has garnered the respect and adulation of hip-hop fans 30 years after its release.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Ice Cube's 'The Predator' Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/ice-cube-the-predator-album-anniversary
Brooklyn Radio: #30thAnniversary: Ice Cube "The Predator"
http://brooklynradio.com/30thanniversary-ice-cube-the-predator/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy28m | Nov 21, 2022 - Sean Paul: Dutty Rock (2002). Dancehall Moves Past Stage One
B. Cox and J. Owe review reggae superstar Sean Paul's classic sophomore album Dutty Rock as it turns 20. After a fairly successful debut album Stage One two years prior, Paul sought to capitalize on what was a burgeoning and receptive dancehall market in the United States since the turn of the new millennium. Working with an all-star cast of producers including legendary duos in Steely & Clevie and the Neptunes, Sly Dunbar, Lloyd "King Jammys" James, Delly Ranks, Mark Ronson and Scott Storch and toasting with his trademark basso voice over a slew of riddims that would become staples over the next couple of years, the album captured the attention of dancehall lovers and of newcomers into the genre in U.S. and worldwide.
The album featured five very successful singles: "Gimme Tha Light", "Like Glue", "Get Busy", "Baby Boy" featuring Beyonce and "I'm Still In Love With You" featuring Sasha. Each single was wildly successful on the dancehall charts an also had crossover success in the US Billboard Hot 100 charts. It has been certified platinum and is credited with making dancehall reggae a mainstay in radio, dance floors and clubs and also for inspiring a style that helped to influence reggae music and its offspring for the next decade.
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Show Notes
Jamaica Observer: Two Decades of Dutty Rock
https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/two-decades-of-dutty-rock/
KS 95: "Get Busy" Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Sean Paul "Dutty Rock"
https://www.ks95.com/get-busy-celebrating-the-20th-anniversary-of-sean-pauls-dutty-rock/
Billboard: The Dancehall Album Heard Round the World
https://www.billboard.com/music/features/sean-paul-dutty-rock-interview-1235047662/
ThisIsDig: 'Dutty Rock' How Sean Paul Took Dancehall to the Mainstream
https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/dutty-rock-sean-paul-album/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy31m | Nov 14, 2022 - Jay-Z: In My Lifetime, Vol. 1: The Upstart Stakes Claim as Heir to the Throne
B. Cox looks back at Jay-Z's second studio album In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 as it turns 25. After a critical, yet not lucratively commercially, success of his classic debut Reasonable Doubt the previous year, the Brooklyn emcee looked to elevate his game and take the spot as the "King of New York" after the death of his fellow Brooklyn emcee and friend the Notorious B.I.G. that March.
While sticking with previous collaborators producers DJ Premier and Ski, the sophomore album also featured production from a litany of new collaborators including Nashiem Myrick, Amen-Ra,Stevie J, Teddy Riley, D-Dot and others. The album features his signature flow over about tales off lavish life, hustling, street life and ills of ghetto life mix all together seamlessly.
The album features many singles that many fans point to as Jay-Z favorites such as "A Million and One Questions", "Street Is Watching", "Imaginary Players" and "Where I'm From". The album also features tracks with more of a commercial feel such as "Sunshine" featuring Foxy Brown and Babyface and "The City Is Mine" featuring BlackSTREET. Some say that it was an effect of the "Jiggy" era coming into success earlier in the year as a means for Jay to achieve better commercial success than his debut. Some fans lamented that those and others like it on the album made the album inconsistent.
The album was certified platinum began a run in which Jay-Z would become the biggest rapper in the game by the beginning of the new millennium.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Jay-Z's In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/jay-z-in-my-lifetime-vol-1-album-anniversary
Nuance Magazine: Throwback Thursday: In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 by Jay-Z (25th Anniversary)
Complex: Jay-Z Admits His In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 Album "Haunts" Him
https://www.complex.com/music/jay-z-admits-second-album-in-my-lifetime-vol-1-haunts-him
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy33m | Nov 7, 2022 - SWV: It's About Time (1992). "Take It To Tha Bridge'..." (feat. Alise & JR of R&B Reps) **Special Guest Appearance by album producer Brian Alexander Morgan!!!**
B. Cox is joined by NaturallyAlise and JR of the R&B Representers to review SWV's debut classic album It's About Time as it turns 30. The crew is also joined with a very special guest appearance by Brian Alexander Morgan, one of the album's principal producers and co-writers.
As R&B continued its evolution in the early 90s, the trio from NYC burst onto the scene with a jam packed album of hits and a long list of singles that would keep their album in the public consciousness for years until their next effort. Formed by Cheryl "Coko" Gamble, Tamara "Taj" George (nee Johnson) and Leanne "LeeLee" Lyons, the group started in gospel, but soon transitioned to R&B.
The majority of the album was primarily produced and co-written by singer and producer Morgan. It also featured production from Genard Parker, Michael Brown, Saphreem King and Donald "Dee" Bowden. It's legendary run included seven singles, including the #1 R&B ballad "Weak", top R&B hit "I'm So Into You", "Right Here", "Downtown", "Anything" and the Morgan vocally-assisted "You're Always On My Mind".
The album was certified triple platinum and has been considered a staple of the greatness of 90s R&B music. SWV would go on to release many albums and reunited to tour after taking long hiatus in new millennium, having influenced a great deal of their contemporaries and successors with the sound of their debut effort.
Catch Alise and JR of the R&B Representers!
Web: www.rnbreps.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rnbreps
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rnbreps
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RBRepresenters
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Show Notes
Albumism: SWV's Debut Album "It's About Time" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/swv-debut-album-its-about-time-album-anniversary
Essence: An SWV Biopic Is In The Works
https://www.essence.com/entertainment/swv-biopic-movie/
UrbanBridgez: UB Celebrates 30 Years of SMV's "It's About Time"
https://urbanbridgez.com/2022/10/27/ub-celebrates-30th-anniversary-of-swvs-its-about-time/
Sterogum: The Number Ones- SWV "Weak"
https://www.stereogum.com/2174931/the-number-ones-swvs-weak/columns/the-number-ones/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy1h 57m | Oct 31, 2022 - BONUS EPISODE! Pop Culture Corner! "Brown Sugar" at 20
In this bonus segment of Pop Culture Corner, B. Cox looks back at that the black romantic comedy that was Brown Sugar as it turns 20. The film, which co-starred Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs, as lifelong friends who fell in love with hip-hop (and each other) as kids, now complicated by their careers and current choice in romantic partners. As hip-hop once intercepts in their lives and brings them closer together, it also brings their relationship into focus. The film also co-starred hip-hip icons Queen Latifah and Mos Def alongside Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe.
It featured cameos and interviews with many hip-hop artists and personalties like Pete Rock, De La Soul, Black Thought, Questlove, Kool G Rap, Russell Simmons, Fabolous, Angie Martinez, Slick Rick and much more. Believed to be hip-hop's first rom com of the 21st century, it was a cult success; grossing $28 million against an $8 million budget. The original soundtrack featured the Grammy award winning track "Love of My Life (An Ode To Hip-Hop)" by Erykah Badu feat. Common.
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Show Notes
Essence: Brown Sugar Turns 20: See the Cast Then and Now
https://www.essence.com/entertainment/brown-sugar-20-see-the-films-cast-then-and-now/
Essence: Sanaa Lathan Reflects on Brown Sugar for Film's 20th Anniversary
https://www.essence.com/entertainment/sanaa-lathan-brown-sugar-feature/
Andscape: 20 Years Later 'Brown Sugar' Is Still Helping Fans Fall In Love
https://andscape.com/features/20-years-later-brown-sugar-is-still-helping-fans-fall-in-love/
Refinery29: Brown Sugar Is Still Just As Sweet The First Time We Fell In Love With It
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/11/10710486/brown-sugar-movie-rewatch
RockTheBells: Love And Hip-Hop: 20 Years of Brown Sugar
https://rockthebells.com/articles/love-and-hip-hop-20-years-of-brown-sugar/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy37m | Oct 25, 2022 - Rawkus Presents: Soundbombing (1997). The UnderGround Moves As One
B.Cox looks back at underground powerhouse label Rawkus Records and their first major compilation album Soundbombing, which turns 25. After releasing Company Flow's now legendary debut LP Funcrusher Plus earlier in the summer, the label released the compilation with previously released 12" singles in mixtape format. Mixed, scratched and hosted by DJ Evil Dee of Da Beatminerz and Black Moon, the album introduced us to future prominent emcees such as Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def),Talib Kweli and Shabaam Sahdeeq and producers such as Hi-Tek, Nick Wiz and Shawn J. Period. Sticking to their underground roots with he mixtape format, Rawkus sought to appeal to their underground base and wanted to capitalize on the success that Company Flow had with their debut that summer.
While the album did not chart commercially, it made its buzz in the underground with DJs and fans. Several songs are considered underground classics and the release started a run of compilation releases including the beginning of the Lyricist Lounge series and the continuation of Soundbombing series. It also led to the formation of two groups that would have great success: Black Star (Def and Kweli) and Reflection Eternal (Kweli and Hi-Tek); all which helped Rawkus to achieve rare success both in the underground and limited success commercially.
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Show Notes
The Hundreds: Counting Down Our 10 Favorite Rawkus Records Albums
https://thehundreds.com/blogs/content/counting-10-favorite-rawkus-records-albums
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy34m | Oct 17, 2022 - Redman: Whut? Thee Album (1992). "And Introducing From Tha Bricks..."
B. Cox reviews Redman's debut album Whut? Thee Album as it turns 30. After starting his career as a DJ for DoItAll For Lords of the Underground, a chance encounter withe EPMD, led the young Newark emcee on a path that would make him one of the best and most respected emcees of all-time. After appearing at shows with EPMD as a member of their clique The Hit Squad, Redman featured on three tracks on their fourth and fifth albums. After securing his record deal with Def Jam, he got to work on his debut album.
The album was largely self-produced by Redman, with loose supervision by Erik Sermon. Over 21 tracks, he provides hardcore rhymes mixed with comedic bars and hilarious skits. Providing deft emceeing and splendid production as a first time producer of an album, it laid the groundwork for what would become a steller 30+ year career in the industry.
The album released three singles: "Time 4 Sum Aksion", "Tonight's The Night" and "Blow Ya Mind".
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Show Notes
Albumism: Redman's Debut Album "Whut? Thee Album" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/redman-debut-album-whut-thee-album-anniversary
BrooklynRadio: #30thAnniversary: Redman "Whut? Thee Album"
http://brooklynradio.com/30thanniversary-redman-whut-thee-album/
Classic Hip-Hop Magazine: How Classic is Redman's "Whut? Thee Album"? | Album Review
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy26m | Oct 10, 2022 - Janet Jackson: The Velvet Rope (1997). What Lies Beneath...
B. Cox takes a look at R&B and pop icon Janet Jackson's sixth studio album The Velvet Rope, as it turns 25. On the heels of negotiating and signing the biggest record label contract in history and her successful album tour from her fifth album Janet, the superstar suffered a nervous breakdown. Plagued depression driven by childhood issues, body dysmorphia, eating disorders and troubles in her not-yet-public marriage, she took time to regroup and decided to open up her very private life and explore this issues on record.
Working with longtime collaborators, the production duo of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, she wrote the album with her then-husband Rene Elizondo. Within the 22 tracks, she explored issues such as same sex relationships, self doubt, accountability, domestic violence, AIDS, LGBTQ issues, loneliness, despair and redemption. While not initially embraced by the critics, the album was a boom commercially, being certified triple platinum and selling over 8 million copies worldwide. Two of its singles, "Together Again" and "I Get Lonely" placed within the Billboard Top 100 Top 5 with "Together" reaching the No. 1 spot for two weeks.
Since its release, critics and fans alike praised Jackson for her transparency, vulnerability and strength in addressing such hot issues, while also lauding the production and lyrics. The album has been called everything from her magnum opus to one of the most important musical works on the 1990s -- regardless of genre.
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Show Notes
Albumism: Janet's Jackson's 'The Velvet Rope' Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospective
https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-20-years-of-janet-jackson-the-velvet-rope
The Things: What Janet Jackson Revealed About Herself On 'The Velvet Rope" Album
https://www.thethings.com/what-janet-jackson-revealed-about-herself-on-the-velvet-rope-album/
The BoomBox: 'The Velvet Rope was a Challenging Record' My Conversation with Jimmy Jam
https://theboombox.com/velvet-rope-was-a-challenging-record-my-conversation-with-jimmy-jam/
Nylon: 20 Years Later, Janet Jackson's 'The Velvet Rope' Still Deserves Praise.
https://www.nylon.com/articles/janet-jackson-velvet-rope-20th-anniversary
25YearsLater: The Velvet Rope: The Queen of R&B's Magnum Opus
https://25yearslatersite.com/2022/02/15/the-velvet-rope-the-queen-of-rbs-magnum-opus/
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy30m | Oct 3, 2022
