Review Summary: recognize any samples yet?
It's all so simple when listening to this LP.You wonder why there are so many terrible hip hop LP's when all you need is a few funky samples,a relaxed flow and a few scratches.It really is that basic sounding and hip hop stripped to its rawest elements.It is however a great record that works because each component is one of the best examples of the art in question.Firstly the beats are sick.A quick look at who is behind the boards reveals why.Diamond D,DJ Premier and Showbiz! You simply cannot go wrong with beat makers of this calibre.There is a raw sound to all three as they were all learning their trade at this stage and were all a little James Brown obsessed but hey that's no bad thing.Secondly DJ Mike Smooth is there to add the atmosphere with well placed cuts.Ah the old days were a DJ was still a valued member of the rap group.Finally the hugely underrated Finesse himself who spends most of the record telling us how wonderful he is.Here's the catch though it never gets repetitive because he has a superb flow, a collection of killer lyrics and a little bit of humour.Made way back in 1990 this does sound a little dated but nostalgia can be a good thing if the product is this fine.
