Da Storm was the 4th album released on Duck Down Records, and was the least popular of those 4 records (Black Moon?s Enta da Stage, Smiff-n-Wessun?s Dah Shinin? and Heltah Skeltah?s Nocturnal. Surprisingly, it?s probably my go to album from the Boot Camp Click. It?s better produced than Enta?, tighter and more focused than Dah Shinin?, and more exciting than Nocturnal. The title of the album (and so bad it?s good album cover) perfectly describes Da Storm?s gloomy soundscapes, and of course there are samples of actual storms on some tracks. It?s nothing too deep, but these guys understand atmosphere, and whether it?s Evil Dee or Mr. Walt, the Beatminerz production team provide those thumping, ominous beats for the entire record. The 3 rappers pretty much just talk shit (their lyrics aren?t on Heltah Skeltah?s level, but better than Tek & Steele imo), it?s either lyrical stuff or street shit, but they never get too personal or go too far into detail. Starang stands out the most, he pretty much barks out his metaphors and quotable catchphrases, Louisville Slugger has the higher pitched voice that gives off sort of a combustible anxiety, and he?s my favorite. Top Dog?s register lies somewhere in between the other two, and he?s not the best. They flow off of one another very well, and big part of their style lies in how they reference each other?s names (and other Boot Camp affiliates) in their bars, gives it a family vibe even though the other BCC members voices are sorely missed on this record. One of the more underrated mid 90?s East Coast records.
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