Review Summary: Gravediggaz are known to many as the founders of the Rap subgenre "Horrorcore". This near classic shows some serious talent of this group of MCs.
6 Feet Deep is the debut offering from Horrorcore four piece Gravediggaz. The group features legendary producer/rapper extrodinaire RZA, most known for his classic work as a member of NY hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, along with Prince Paul, The Gatekeeper and The Grym Reaper. This album is held by many to be one of the earliest offerings under the Horrorcore genre tag and is also considered to be one of the most timeless releases the genre has to offer. It's appeal is widespread compared to most other things that have come out of the Horrorcore movement and partially due to RZA's involvement has a reach that goes far beyond the confines that a typical Horrorcore album would fall into.
After the brief, tone setting intro "Constant Elevation" kicks in immediately with The Gatekeeper showcasing his far from traditional rap cadence. Alongside his unique approach the RZA follows suit with his equally, if not more obnoxious manic flows. The tracks flies by and gives an adequate idea of what to expect from this classic record. "Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide" comes after and it features an amazing beat that will stick with you long after it comes to a close.
The beats here are a massive factor that separate this album from the pack. RZA is a complete mastermind when it comes to hip-hop production and his work history does nothing but show that he's more than earned his place at the top tier of that realm.
Most of the songs have a couple lines that get stuck in your head and its very easy to sing along with. They can make just about anything catchy like, "G to the R to the A to the V, E to the D to the I to the G ,G to the A to the zig zag Z, GRAVEDIGGAZ NIGGA 6 FEET DEEP!", everytime I hear that I feel like I have to sing along. The songs typically stick to the themes of killing, insanity, and getting high.
While the oddball approach from the rappers here might not be everyone's cup of tea it really tends to work well in making the subject matter spread throughout the album more believable. The MCs sound like a true group of psychotic individual that fled the mental hospital and quickly found the nearest studio and took control at gunpoint to make the recording of 6 Feet Deep possible. The production, although calculated, does somewhat seem like it stumbled out of a slightly fractured mind.
There is quite a bit of profanity in the lyrics, and the lyrical themes throughout are quite dark. The macabre tone of "1-800 Suicide" stands out for sure. The track runs down miscellaneous ways to take your own life and details the methods certain individuals used. "2 Cups of Blood" is a short bit sweet hardcore rap cut with a slight horror themed twist to it. Easily one of my favorites the album has to offer despite it coming to a close right when it's really finding it's groove. "Diary of a Madman" is another highlight here and an amazing example of story telling perfection within the Horrorcore style.
Overall I give this album 4.5 out of 5. When it comes to Horrorcore this album is an essential listen to those looking to get into the style. It sits nicely alongside the other classics of the genre with other artists like Ganksta NIP, Esham, Brotha Lynch Hung, ICP and X-Raided. The production here is damn near perfection and shows a fairly diverse pallette for the ear whether it be the smooth bassline on "1-800 Suicide", the delirium inducing oddness of the title track, or the hypnotic keys on "Constant Elevation". Between the sick beats and the strange, aggressive delivery from the MCs this is not an album you will soon forget. No filler to be found here. Just the pure essence of the darker realms of hip-hop. A must listen for fans of the genre and easily one of the best projects to come from the whole Wu movement. Check it!!!
