Straight Gangsterism » Rap-A-Lot Records

Geto Boys f/Beyonce & LaTavia “Gangsta (Put Me Down)”

Langston — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:41:49 +0000

“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*

Old School Joint: Scarface f/Ice Cube & Devin “Hand of the Dead Body’

Langston — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:21:56 +0000

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 f/Mya “I’m Tired” video

Langston — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:49:26 +0000

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.

Z-Ro “Top Notch” Video

Langston — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:05:28 +0000

Ro asked me if he could make a video about my daily activities. I told him ‘cool’ and don’t even worry about giving me credit. I do it for the love…Just Kidding, but man I love this song and video. Z-Ro continues to put out nothing but heat. Much love to artists who continue to put out real music. Peace

Old School Joint of the Week: Geto Boys “Straight Gangstaism”

Langston — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:14:11 +0000

Geto Boys “Straight Gangstaism” from Til Death Do Us Part (1993).

I jacked the title of my blog straight from this Geto Boys track. I think its an excellent example of why I love old school g-rap. Its vivid, vociferous, articulate, and unapologetic (everthing I want my blog/writings) to be. If you listen to Big Mike’s and 3-2′s verses, you see that gangstas aren’t born in a test tube, like all of us, their lifestyle is the outcome of a process that began before they were even born. This is the video version which includes a dope verse from Scarface.

Peace

Bun B “You’re Everything” Video

Langston — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:46:29 +0000

Bun B’s new video “You’re Everything” featuring Rick Ross, David Banner, Eightball & M.J.G. Second video from Bun B’s II Trill album.

This video is cold. I love the nostalgic feel of it. You don’t get that from too many Southern videos. It offers hip hop fans a peak into the legacy of Texas and southern hip hop. This video has so many of my favorite things: Rap-A-Lot Records, UGK, Astros fitteds, and more! Check it out!

R.I.P. Pimp C

Peace