Time to take all you young whippersnappers to school and give some ageing b-boys out there a much needed flashback to hip-hop’s better days.
Ok so maybe that last bit is a matter of personal opinion but it’s undeniable that the ‘Golden Era‘ of hip hop did yield some legitimate hits that have stood the test of time. What is also true is that these records weren’t made with laptops and iPods in mind. So grow a set, take off your headphones, plug in your speakers and play them LOUD:
Its got to be the bass line that gets most people with this one but don’t overlook those amazing drums or just how snugly Rakim’s trademark flow sits in the mix. Theme for the 90’s flick of the same name, the sense of urgency throughout does the job and takes you right into the fast paced street life it depicts. All from the comfort of your armchair.
Download: Eric B & Rakim – Juice (Know The Ledge)
09 Juice – Know The Ledge.mp3′
Brooklyn duo Smif-n-Wessun (aka Cocoa Brovaz) put his out on an unofficial 12 inch shortly after being dropped from Priority. It never got an official release due to the blatantly illegal Super Mario sample but it did gain classic status when a select few DJ’s started rinsing it for years afterwards.
Download: Cocoa Brovaz – Super Brooklyn
Eazy-E (RIP) wasn’t exactly remembered for his lyrical abilities but his output is a guilty pleasure I know I’m not alone with. Whether he’s your cup of tea or not one thing is for sure – this track knocks. Especially at high volume. Sparse production with booming 808 kick drums and a tight little Whodini sample – perfect for playing in your car with your best gangsta face on.
Download: Eazy-E – Boyz n Tha Hood
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I LOVE this track from Original Flavor, one of my all time favourites. The beat is the kind of simplistic genius synonymous with the best of 90’s hip hop. Lyrically everyone shines but, hate him or love him, you gotta admit that Jay-Z verse is the killer and it’s definitely worth a rewind or two.
Download: Original Flavor – Can I Get Open
Z.mp3′
This party break from DJ K-Gee made me go nuts when I heard it in a club in the late 90’s so I’ve always been on the look out for it and I finally bagged the 12″ not long ago. You can still find the vinyl but it isn’t anywhere online as an MP3 so I guess that makes it an exclusive? It’s ripped directly from vinyl and comes complete with crackles but if you ask me that just makes it all the better. DJ K-Gee
Download: DJ K-Gee – Uptown Flava
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