Straight Gangsterism

“Gangsta (Put Me Down)” is an overlooked joint that appears on the Geto Boys 1998 album Da Good, Da Bad & Da Ugly. It features Beyonce and, former Destiny’s Child, LaTavia Roberson on the hook and video. I wasn’t a big fan of it ten years ago, but after listening to it again, it’s not a bad commercial single. Both ‘Face and Willie D had strong performances.

That whole album was a bit of dissapointment to me. It’s predecessor, 1996′s The Resurrection, was a masterpiece. Bushwick Bill had fallen out with Rap-A-Lot and was absent from this release. Facemob’s DMG was supposed to be his replacement, but ended up appearing on only 4 tracks.  Had he been on more songs, it would have been a better album. DMG is such a strong MC. This album was essentially a showcase of the Rap-A-Lot 2000, featuring appearances by Yukmouth, the Outlawz, Dorcacell, Tela and other of their late 1990s signees. If you notice, the video features Tyrin Turner who starred as Caine in the film Menace II Society. Well Turner, under the name Caine, was signed to Rap-A-Lot as an artist around this time. He appears on the album’s opening track “Dawn 2 Dusk.” I don’t know whatever came of that. He wasn’t that bad.

*Chunk Deuce*

Classic song and classic video from two of the best to ever do it, Scarface and Ice Cube. “Hand of the Dead Body” is from Scarface’s masterful The Diary (1994) album. At a time when gangsta rap was being attacked from many angles, ‘Face and Cube fire back on those attempting to silence their voices.

By the way, Ice Cube was unstoppable when he had the ‘fro and the beard. Angry Black Man to the fullest!

Scarface/Ice Cube & Devin “Hand of the Dead Body”

Peace

Z-Ro does it again. Most artists wouldn’t even waste time and money on a video like this. You know it has too much substance for B.E.T. or MTv to playing. Z-Ro, Mya, and Mr. Boomtown behind the camera. What more can you want? If you haven’t done so, go cop Z-Ro’s Crack and Assholes By Nature It Is What It Is. Neither have left my deck since their releases. Props to Cocaine Blunts for putting me on to the video.