Rap-A-Lot Records Reissues
Vaunted hip-hop label Rap-A-Lot Records is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and in conjunction with that they have reissued two classic albums from their archives, from Scarface and Geto Boys.
Scarface - The Diary - (2-LP, Red Vinyl, Remastered)
In keeping with the name of the album, the music here is presented in "pages" instead of sides, and Page A begins with the sublime, orchestrated instrumental "Intro," a serene interlude before all hell breaks loose. The calm is quickly shattered as Scarface absolutely seethes on "The White Sheet," an expletive-laden rap about gang violence that is nothing short of horrifying. More of that attitude bursts forth on "Jesse James," a braggadocio-filled cut about a ruthless killer who likens himself to the legendary outlaw. Page B begins with "G's," a cut that is more melodic and good to sing along to without having to be overly angry; also on the side are another understated cut "I Seen a Man Die" and the bouncy, somewhat trip-hoppy "One." The highlight of Page C is "Hand of the Dead Body" with guest Ice Cube, an R&B-flavored groove that is in part about how the powers that be tried to censor, if not completely do away with Scarface's music. Among the four tracks on Page D is "Ease Up Now," a bonus track that was not on the original 1994 release. Topping off the package are a booklet with all the lyrics and a glossy photo that was a promotional tool for the original release. Several varieties of the reissue are available including a picture disc.
Geto Boys - We Can't Be Stopped - (2-LP, Metallic Blue Vinyl, Remastered)
Truly a classic,
We Can't Be Stopped went Platinum and was voted one of the 100 Best Rap Albums of All Time by Pitchfork and is considered one of hip-hop's most-influential albums. The group had various lineups over the years; for this 1991 release the lineup was Bushwick Bill, Willie D and Scarface. In a bit of an unusual format, each member had three solo songs on the effort while the remainder of the cuts featured all three members. Most fans will remember the album's biggest hit, "Mind Playing Tricks on Me," a lengthy and smooth groove that explores how paranoia is a big part of any gangsta's life. But there are plenty of other fun cuts here, like "Chuckie" which compares a gangsta's life to that of Chucky from the horror movies, the misogynistic "I'm Not a Gentleman," the ominous album opener "Rebel Rap Family" and of course the title cut. And "don't say I didn't warn ya," the fierce "Homie Don't Play That" is here too. Listening to the 14 cuts here fans can easily hear how this album from the Houston trio influenced tons of artists that followed.
We Can't Be Stopped is essential for rap fans and hip-hop heads. Available in half a dozen different versions and rabid fans will want to have them all.
