Dj Masta: August 2008

Tha Dogg Pound

Real Name:

Daz Dillinger - Delmar Arnaud

Kurupt - Ricardo Brown

Daz Dillinger and Kurupt formed Tha Dogg Pound in 1992. They made their first appearance on Dr. Dre's classic "The Chronic", and it was clear from then that these two complimented each other's skills and techniques and that they would make be tight hiphop team. This was made true by their release "Dogg Food". This album displayed extremely tight rapping skills by both, as well as by Snoop, Hershey Loc, and other guest rappers.Since 1995 they have stayed active with guest appearances and
soundtrack cuts.But don't worry about the future of this Dogg duo: As Daz Dillinger put it in an interview in the Source: "It's me and Kurupt fo' life... I wouldn't want it any other way." Hip-hop has been a lifelong mission for Kurupt.
"Rapping is my life." But while the gift of rhyme has been with him since he was a young boy, Kurupt's rap career didn't take off until, as a teen, he moved to Cali. Wanting to get Kurupt off the streets of his hometown Philadelphia, his mother sent Kurupt to live with his father in Hawthorne, later moving to South Central on his own. It was then that Kurupt hooked up with Snoop Dogg. Soon Kurupt was signed to Death Row Records and dropped lyrics on Dr. Dre's The Chronic and Snoop's Doggystyle. By 1994, he and partner, Daz Dillinger, teamed up as the Dogg Pound and in 1995 released their debut, Dogg Food.As things unraveled at the West Coast powerhouse, Kurupt and future ANTRA CEO Joe Marrone, decided to go it alone and signed a joint-venture deal with A&M Records. The double CD Kuruption was divided into an East Coast disc and a West Coast disc, which included such hits as "We Can Freak It."His latest album "Tha Streetz iz a Mutha" droped November 16.
The project reunites Kurupt with some the West Coast's biggest players Daz Dillinger, Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg. Soopafly and Xzibit. KRS-One along with producers Battlecat and Organized Noize are also in the mix.This year we can expect another tight album to hit the streetz - Space Boogie
is set to be released in early 2001... ...and no matter what you call him, be it Tha Kingpin, Kalhoon, Young Gotti, Ricardo Brown or Kurupt, this is one rapper on a mission. Daz Dillinger was born Delmar Arnaud and raised in eastside Long Beach, California, and is a cousin to Snoop Dogg and Soopafly. Daz became the primary production guru for DeathRow Records. After producing for 2Pac's "All Eyez on Me" and Snoop's "Tha Doggfather", Daz made his solo debut in 1998 with an album titled "Retaliation, Revenge and Get Back", released on Death Row Records.
Lately he dropped an album called "R.A.W." performing himself together with artists like Kurupt, Mark Morrison, Tray Dee and other westcoast rappers. In 2001 Suge Knight dropped the album Tha Dogg Pound 2002 this album was a spoiler album to Kurupts newest album. It is a hot album and includes appearences from Snoop, 2pac, Xzibit, Nate Dogg and Crooked I. The album also has production from Dre and Swizz Beats.
It seems as though the dogg pound will no longer be together due to Kurupt rapping for former label Deathrow. Daz Says it is now the end of DPG 4 life.

Album

Dogg Food Album

Intro
Dogg Pound Gangstaz
Respect
New York, New York
Smooth
Cyco-Lic-No
Ridin', Slipin' and Slidin'
Big Pimpin 2
Let's Play House
I Don't Like to Dream...
Do What I Feel
If We All Fuck
Some Bomb Azz Pussy
A Doggz Day Afternoon
Reality
One By One
Sooo Much Style

D.P.G. - Dillinger & Young Gotti Album

Intro
Dipp Wit Me
We Livin Gangsta Like
Coastin
We About to Get Fucc Up
Gitta Strippin
Work Dat Pussy
Party at My House
You're Jus a B.I.T.C.H.
Treat Her Like a Lady
At Night
Best Run
Shit Happens
My Heart Don't Pump No Fear
There's Someway Out
Here We Are/Go Killem
I'ma Gangsta
How Many?
C-Walkin Cha Cha Cha
D.P.G.
Outro

2002 Album

Intro
Roll Wit Us
Just Doggin'
Smoke
Gangsta Rap
10 Til Midnite
Livin Tha Gangsta Life
Don't Stop
Change the Game (Remix)
Crip Wit Us
What Cha About
Your Gyrlfriend 2
Feels Good
Way Too Often
It'z All About That Money
Every Single Day

D.P.G. - The Last of Tha Pound Album

Don't Stop, Keep Goin'
It Ain't My Fault
What Yard People Say
School Yard
Got to Get it Get It
Some Likk Coochie & Some Likk Dick
Stories of Hoez We Know
Jakkmove
We R Them Dogg Pound Gangstaz
Started

D.P.G. - Dillinger and Young Gotti II: The Saga Continues Album

The Saga Continues...
DPGC Muzic
Blast 'Em Up (Skit)
Cuz I'm a Gangsta
Hittin' Donutz in Tha Streetz
Say It
We Gitt
U Remind Me...
Make Me a Believer
I Luv When You
What You Gone Do?
Push Bacc
Ride & Creep
Outro (Feels Good to be a Dogg Pound Gangsta)

Cali Iz Active Album

Cali Iz Active
Kushn N' Pushn
Sittin on 23'z
Stop Lyin'
It's Craccin All Night
Slow Your Roll
Heavyweights
Keep it Gangsta
Hard on a Hoe
It's All Hood
Faknass Hoes
Don't Sweat It
Make Dat Pussy Pop
Thrown Up Da C
Face 2 Face
She Likes Dat

Dogg Chit Album

Get Out My Way
I'll Bury Ya
Everybody
Anybody Killa
Mo Murder
Vibe
Can't Get Enough
Dat Ain't My Baby
This Gangsta Chit Iz Ourz
1 N 1 Out
Where U From
Throw Ya Hood Up
It'z a Good Azz Day
Pull Ya Drawz Down
Blast on 'Em
Bucc 'Em
Blaze it Up

Daz Dillinger - Retaliation, Revenge and Get Back Album

Intro/Gang Bangin Ass Criminal
It's Going Down
Playa Partners
It Might Sound Crazy
Our Daily Bread
In California
Initiated
Oh No
Retaliation, Revenge and Get Back
O.G.
Baby Mama Drama
Only For U
Ridin' High
The Ultimate Come Up
Thank God For My Life
Outro/Why Do We Bang

Kurupt - Kuruption (Disc 1) Album

This One's for U
Make Some Noise
Put That on Something
Play My Cards
We Can Freak It
Fresh
C-Walk
Ho's a Housewife
Can't Let That Slide
That's Gangsta
Ask Yourself a Question
Another Day

Kurupt - Kuruption (Disc 2) Album

It's a Set Up
Light Shit Up
Game
Gimmewhutchagot
If You See Me
The Life
No Feelings
It's Time
I Wanna
Who Do U Be?
We Can Freak It (NY Remix)

Kurupt - Tha Streetz Iz a Mutha Album

I Call Shots
Loose Cannons
Who Ride Wit Us
Represent Dat G.C.
Welcome Home
Tequilla
Trylogy
Neva Gonna Give it Up
Tha Streetz Iz a Mutha
Ya Can't Trust Nobody
It Ain't About You
Girls All Pause
Your Gyrlfriend
Ho's a Housewife
I Ain't Shit Without My Homeboyz
Step Up
Live on the Mic
Callin' Out Names

Daz Dillinger - R.A.W. Album

Super Cuz
Street Gangs
What Cha Talkin Bout
This Iz Not Over..
One Nine 99
Who's Knoccin' At My Door
When Ya Least Expect It
What it Iz
I'd Rather Lie 2 Ya
On Tha Grind
If U Want This Pussy
Your Girlfriend 2
R.A.W.
It'z All About That Money
Movin' Around
U Ain't Know'n
Agony
Feels Good
My System
Baccstabber
Super Cuz

Daz & JT the Bigga Figga - Long Beach 2 Fillmore Album

What You Gone Do
Playing Hard
Street Life
One Nine
Fillmore
Game For Sale
Think Smart
Still Hustlin'
Nothing But the Dogg
Ain't Nothing Changed
Long Beach 2 Fillmore
No Love

Kurupt - Smoke Boogie: Space Oddessey Album

Blast Off (Intro)
Space Boogie
Hate On Me
On Da Grind
It's Over
Can't Go Wrong
On, OnSite
Sunshine
The Hardest Mutha Fuckaz
Gangsta's
Bring Back That G Shit
Lay it On Back
Just Don't Give a Fuck
At it Again
Kuruption
Fuck Da World
The Life I Live
Bitches

Daz & JT the Bigga Figga - Game For Sale Album

Independent Babble
I'm a Boss
They Know
Makin' Moves
Balled Out
Change the Game (Remix)
Game 4 Sale
I Ain't Tryin' to Hear It
Southern Expozure
Lovin' It
Sweet Love
Geez to Get
Who Got My Back
Snitchaz
It Ain't For Play
What We Came Fo'

Daz Dillinger - This is the Life I Lead Album

Intro - DPGC 4 Life
Drama
Ain't That Somethin
Bitch Bitch Bitch Make Me Rich
Keep it Gangsta
I Live Every Day Like I Could Die That Day
Load Up
Run Tha Street
We Do This Passion
Redrum Galour
This is the Life I Lead
Outro - DPGC 4 Life
Keep it Gangsta (Remix) - Bonus

Daz - DPGC: U Know What I'm Throwin' Up Album

Big Snoop Dogg Intro
I'll Beacho Azz
Public Service Announcement
U Ain't Shit
WBALLZ Interlude
Dogg Catcha
Skit
All Night Long
It's Dat Gangsta Shit
Skirt Out
Skit
Don't Stop
Skit
Can't Stop That Gangsta Shit
Skit
Deez Niggaz Trippin'
Introduction 2 Mayhem
WBALLZ Interlude
Round N Round We Go
DPGC: U Know What I'm Throwin' Up
Skit
Ain't Nothin' But a Gangsta Party 2
Skit
I Got Dat Fire
Yeah Cuzz
World So Cold
A Message to Ricardo Brown
Skit
Who Dem Niggaz
Let's Roll
A Message From Delmar Arnaud

Daz Dillinger - Tha Dogg Pound Gangsta LP Album

That's the Way We Ride
Do You Think About
Everybody Givin' it Up
N the Yard (Interlude)
Nothin' Can Stop Us Now
Do U Know
The Funeral (Skit)
Fucc Dreamin' the Same Dream
My Mama Said...
My Ambitionz Az a Ridah
Hey How Ya Doin'
Come Close
Rocc Wit Daz
Bomb Azz Pussy 2005
Nigga Gotta Hustle it Up
Gittin' Buccwild
Get a Dose of Dis Hot Ish
Tha Dogg Pound Gangsta
Fuck Tha Police 2005

Daz Dillinger - Gangsta Crunk Album

Intro (Penitentiary Chances)
Now Dat's Gangsta
It All Goes Down (Skit)
We Mean Bizniz
Put'n it Down (Skit)
We Gon' Sho U
I'm Lookin for Dat Gangsta Bitch
Can I Bounce Dat
Bigg O' Butt
Tow Up From Tha Flo' Up
Run Up & Git Dun Up
It's Time to Ride on 'Em
A License to Kill

Kurupt - Against Tha Grain Album

Intro
Speak on It
Anarchy '87
Throw Back Muzic '86
Deep Dishes
Stalkin
Can U Feel It
Slide N Slide Out
I'm Back
Jealousy
Tha Past
My Homeboys (Back to Back)
Bullshit & Nonsense
Calico
Hustlin
It's a Wrap
You Fuckin With the Best
Outro

Daz - So So Gangsta Album

Thang on My Hip
On Some Real Shit
Rat a Tat Tat
Weekend
DPG Fo' Life
Badder Than a Mutha
Money on My Mind
Strizap
Dangerous
All I Need
The One
Dat's Dat Nigga

Daz - Gangsta Party Album

Intro
About That
Gangsta Shit
Gettin' Money
That's Deep
Is This What U Want?
Caught Up in Tha Game
Get Ya' Pistol
Gangsta Party Pt. 2
Guns Will Blow
Tell Me What U Want
Do What the Fuck I Wanna
Start a Problem
All About Da Money
Smoke That Weed

Daz Dillinger - Only on the Left Side

Squeeze
I'm From the Hood
Only on Tha Leftside
My Summer Vacation
Meal Ticket
I'm Tha Dopeman
Blaze Up Tha Weed
W-Ballz 187.4
Dip Drop Stop Dip
This How We Do It
Do Yo Thang
Thiz Weekend
Me & My Cuzzin
Regretz
Who I Be
My Wayz R Shady
Thiz How We Live

DMX

Real Name: Earl Simmons

Date Of Birth: December 18, 1970

Place Of Birth: Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Following the deaths of Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G., DMX took over as the reigning, undisputed king of hardcore rap. He was that rare commodity: a commercial powerhouse with artistic and street credibility to spare. His rapid ascent to stardom was actually almost a decade in the making, which gave him a chance to develop the theatrical image that made him one of rap's most distinctive personalities during his heyday. Everything about DMX was unremittingly intense, from his muscular, tattooed physique to his gruff, barking delivery, which made a perfect match for his trademark lyrical obsession with dogs. Plus, there was substance behind the style; much of his work was tied together by a fascination with the split between the sacred and the profane. He could move from spiritual anguish one minute to a narrative about the sins of the streets the next, yet keep it all part of the same complex character, sort of like a hip-hop Johnny Cash. The results were compelling enough to make DMX the first artist ever to have his first four albums enter the charts at number one.
DMX was born Earl Simmons in Baltimore, MD, on December 18, 1970. He moved with part of his family to the New York City suburb of Yonkers while still a young child. A troubled and abusive childhood turned him violent, and he spent a great deal of time living in group homes and surviving on the streets via robbery, which led to several run-ins with the law. He found his saving grace in hip-hop, starting out as a DJ and human beatbox, and later moved into rapping for a greater share of the spotlight, taking his name from the DMX digital drum machine (though it's also been reinterpreted to mean "Dark Man X"). He made a name for himself on the freestyle battle scene and was written up in The Source magazine's Unsigned Hype column in 1991. Columbia subsidiary Ruffhouse signed him to a deal the following year and released his debut single, "Born Loser." However, a surplus of talent on the Ruffhouse roster left DMX underpromoted, and the label agreed to release him from his contract. He issued one further single in 1994, "Make a Move," but was convicted of drug possession that same year, the biggest offense of several on his record.
DMX began to rebuild his career with an appearance on one of DJ Clue?'s underground mixtapes. In 1997, he earned a second major-label shot, with Def Jam, and made a galvanizing guest appearance on LL Cool J's "4, 3, 2, 1." Further guest spots on Mase's "24 Hours to Live" and fellow Yonkers MCs the LOX's "Money, Power & Respect" created an even stronger buzz, and in early 1998, he released his debut Def Jam single, "Get at Me Dog." The song was a gold-selling smash on the rap and dance charts and paved the way for DMX's full-length debut, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, to debut at number one on the pop charts. Produced mostly by Swizz Beatz, who rode the album's success to a lucrative career of his own, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot earned DMX numerous comparisons to 2Pac for his booming, aggressive presence on the mic and went on to sell over four million copies. Not long after the album's release in May 1998, DMX was accused of raping a stripper in the Bronx but was later cleared by DNA evidence. He went to make his feature film debut co-starring in Hype Williams' ambitious but unsuccessful Belly.
Before the end of 1998, DMX completed his second album and a pending buyout of Def Jam pushed the record into stores that December. Featuring a controversial cover photo of the rapper covered in blood, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood entered the charts at number one and eventually went triple platinum. The following year, DMX hit the road with Jay-Z and the Method Man/Redman team on the blockbuster Hard Knock Life tour. During a tour stop in Denver, a warrant for his arrest was issued in connection with a stabbing, of which he was later cleared; another incident occurred in May, when he was accused of assaulting a Yonkers man who'd allegedly harassed his wife (the charges were once again dropped). More serious charges were brought that summer, when DMX's uncle/manager was accidentally shot in the foot at a New Jersey hotel. Police later raided DMX's home and filed animal cruelty, weapons, and drug possession charges against the rapper and his wife; he eventually plea-bargained down to fines, probation, and community service. In the midst of those difficulties, the Ruff Ryders posse -- of which DMX was a core, founding member -- released a showcase compilation, Ryde or Die, Vol. 1. With contributions from DMX, as well as Eve, the LOX, and multiple guests, Ryde or Die, Vol. 1 debuted at number one in the spring of 1999, further cementing DMX's Midas touch.
Toward the end of 1999, DMX released his third album, ...And Then There Was X, which became his third straight to debut at number one. It also produced his biggest hit single since "Get at Me Dog," "Party Up (Up in Here)," which became his first Top Ten hit on the R&B charts. The follow-ups "What You Want" and "What's My Name?" were also quite popular, and their success helped make ...And Then There Was X the rapper's best-selling album to date, moving over five million copies. During its run, DMX returned to the big screen with a major supporting role in the Jet Li action flick Romeo Must Die. In the meantime, he was indicted by a Westchester County, NY, grand jury on weapons and drug charges in June of 2000. He also entangled himself in a lengthy legal battle with police in Cheektowaga, NY (near Buffalo), when he was arrested in March for driving without a license and possession of marijuana. He missed one court date, and when he turned himself in that May, police discovered more marijuana in a pack of cigarettes the rapper had brought with him. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 days in jail, and his appeal to have the sentence reduced was finally denied in early 2001. After stalling for several weeks, he turned himself in and was charged with contempt of court. He was further charged with assault when, upon learning he would not be let out early for good behavior, he allegedly threw a food tray at a group of prison officers. He later bargained the charges down to reckless assault and paid a fine, and accused guards of roughing him up and causing a minor leg injury.
Not long after DMX's release from jail, his latest movie, the Steven Seagal action film Exit Wounds, opened at number one in the box office. DMX also contributed the hit single "No Sunshine" to the soundtrack and signed a multi-picture deal with Warner Bros. in the wake of Exit Wounds' success. With his legal problems finally resolved, he returned to the studio and completed his fourth album, the more introspective The Great Depression. It was released in the fall of 2001 and became his fourth straight album to debut at number one. Although it went platinum quickly, it didn't have the same shelf life as his previous releases. In late 2002, DMX published his memoirs as -E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX and also recorded several tracks with Audioslave (i.e., the former Rage Against the Machine). One of their collaborations, "Here I Come," was featured on the soundtrack of DMX's next film, a reunion with Jet Li called Cradle 2 the Grave. The film opened at number one upon its release in March 2003, and its DMX-heavy soundtrack debuted in the Top Ten. Grand Champ was released six months later, followed by 2006's Year of the Dog... Again. Just prior to that album's release, his revealing BET reality program made its debut. A compilation titled Definition of X: Pick of the Litter was issued in June 2007. Steve Huey, All Music Guide.

ALBUM

It's Dark and Hell is Hot Album

Intro
Ruff Ryder's Anthem
Fuckin' Wit' D
The Storm (Skit)
Look Thru My Eyes
Get At Me Dog
Let Me Fly
X-is Coming
Damien
How's it Goin' Down
Mickey (Skit)
Crime Story
Stop Being Greedy
ATF
For My Dogs
I Can Feel It
Prayer
The Convo
Niggaz Done Started Something

Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood Album

My Niggas
Bring Your Whole Crew
Pac Man - skit
Ain't No Way
We Don't Give a Fuck
Keep Your Shit the Hardest
Coming From
It's All Good
The Omen
Slippin'
No Love 4 Me
Dogs For Life
Blackout
Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood
Heat
Ready to Meet Him

...And Then There Was X Album

The Kennel (Skit)
One More Road to Cross
The Professional
Fame
Alot to Learn (Skit)
Here We Go Again
Party Up
Make a Move
What These Bitches Want
What's My Name?
More 2 a Song
Don't You Ever
The Shakedown (Skit)
D-X-L (Hard White)
Comin' For Ya
Prayer III
Angel
Good Girls, Bad Guys

The Great Depression Album

Sometimes
School Street
Who We Be
Trina Moe
We Right Here
Bloodline Anthem
Shorty Was Da Bomb
Damien III
When I'm Nothing
I Miss You
Number 11
Pull Up (Skit)
I'ma Bang
Pull Out (Skit)
You Could Be Blind
The Prayer IV
A Minute For Your Son
Next Out the Kennel
Problem Child
Usual Suspects (Part 2)

Grand Champ Album

Dog Intro
My Life
Where the Hood At
Dogs Out
Get it on the Floor
Come Prepared (Skit)
Shot Down
Bring the Noize
Untouchable
Fuck Y'all
Ruff Radio (Skit)
We're Back
Ruff Radio 2 (Skit)
Rob All Night (If I'm Gonna Rob)
We Go Hard
We 'Bout to Blow
The Rain
Gotta Go (Skit)
Don't Gotta Go Home
A'Yo Kato
Thank You
The Prayer V
On Top (Bonus Track)

Year of the Dog... Again Album

Intro
We in Here
I Run Shit
Come Thru (Move)
It's Personal
Baby Motha
Dog Love
Wrong or Right (I'm Tired)
Give 'Em What They Want
Walk These Dogs
Blown Away
Goodbye
Life be My Song
The Prayer VI
Lord Give Me a Sign

The Definition of X: Pick of the Litter Album

Prayer III
Ruff Ryders' Anthem
Get At Me Dog
Stop Being Greedy
How's it Going Down
What These Bitches Want
Blackout
What's My Name?
Where the Hood At
Party Up (Up in Here)
X Gon' Give it to Ya
It's All Good
Who We Be
The Rain
Here We Go Again
No Love 4 Me
We Right Here
One More Road to Cross
Slippin'
Prayer (Skit)

De La Soul

Real Name:

Pacemaster Mase - Vincent Mason Jr.

Posdnous - Kelvin Mercer

Trugoy the Dove - David Jude Jolicoeur

At the time of its 1989 release, De La Soul's debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, was hailed as the future of hip-hop. With its colorful, neo-psychedelic collage of samples and styles, plus the Long Island trio's low-key, clever rhymes and goofy humor, the album sounded like nothing else in hip-hop. Where most of their contemporaries drew directly from old-school rap, funk, or Public Enemy's dense sonic barrage, De La Soul were gentler and more eclectic, taking in not only funk and soul, but also pop, jazz, reggae, and psychedelia. Though their style initially earned both critical raves and strong sales, De La Soul found it hard to sustain their commercial momentum in the '90s as their alternative rap was sidetracked by the popularity of considerably harder-edged gangsta rap.
De La Soul formed while the trio -- Posdnuos (born Kelvin Mercer, August 17, 1969), Trugoy the Dove (born David Jude Jolicoeur, September 21, 1968), and Pasemaster Mase (born Vincent Mason, March 27, 1970) -- were attending high school in the late '80s. The stage names of all of the members derived from in-jokes: Posdnuos was an inversion of Mercer's DJ name, Sound-Sop; Trugoy was an inversion of Jolicoeur's favorite food, yogurt. De La Soul's demo tape, "Plug Tunin'," came to the attention of Prince Paul, the leader and producer of the New York rap outfit Stetsasonic. Prince Paul played the tape to several colleagues and helped the trio land a contract with Tommy Boy Records.
Prince Paul produced De La Soul's debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, which was released in the spring of 1989. Several critics and observers labeled the group as a neo-hippie band because the record praised peace and love as well as proclaiming the dawning of "the D.A.I.S.Y. age" (Da Inner Sound, Y'all). Though the trio was uncomfortable with the hippie label, there was no denying that the humor and eclecticism presented an alternative to the hardcore rap that dominated hip-hop. De La Soul quickly were perceived as the leaders of a contingent of New York-based alternative rappers which also included A Tribe Called Quest, Queen Latifah, the Jungle Brothers, and Monie Love; all of these artists dubbed themselves the Native Tongues posse.
For a while, it looked as if De La Soul and the Native Tongues posse would eclipse hardcore hip-hop in terms of popularity. "Me, Myself and I" became a Top 40 pop hit in the U.S. (number one R&B), while the album reached number 24 (number one R&B) and went gold. At the end of the year, 3 Feet High and Rising topped many best-of-the-year lists, including The Village Voice's. With all of the acclaim came some unwanted attention, most notably in the form of a lawsuit by the Turtles. De La Soul had sampled the Turtles' "You Showed Me" and layered it with a French lesson on a track on 3 Feet High called "Transmitting Live From Mars," without getting the permission of the '60s pop group. The Turtles won the case, and the decision not only had substantial impact on De La Soul, but on rap in general. Following the suit, all samples had to be legally cleared before an album could be released. Not only did this have the end result of rap reverting back to instrumentation, thereby altering how the artists worked, it also meant that several albums in the pipeline had to be delayed in order for samples to clear. One of those was De La Soul's second album, De La Soul Is Dead.
When De La Soul Is Dead was finally released in the spring of 1991, it received decidedly mixed reviews, and its darker, more introspective tone didn't attract as big an audience as its lighter predecessor. The album peaked at number 26 pop on the U.S. charts, number 24 R&B, and spawned only one minor hit, the number 22 R&B single "Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)." De La Soul worked hard on their third album, finally releasing the record in late 1993. The result, entitled Buhloone Mindstate, was harder and funkier than either of its predecessors, yet it didn't succumb to gangsta rap. Though it received strong reviews, the album quickly fell off the charts after peaking at number 40, and only "Breakadawn" broke the R&B Top 40. The same fate greeted the trio's fourth album, Stakes Is High. Released in the summer of 1996, the record was well reviewed, yet it didn't find a large audience and quickly disappeared from the charts. Four years later, De La Soul initiated what promised to be a three-album series with the release of Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump; though reviews were mixed, it was greeted warmly by record buyers, debuting in the Top Ten. The second title in the series, AOI: Bionix, even featured a video hit with "Baby Phat," but Tommy Boy and the trio decided to end their relationship soon after. De La Soul subsequently signed their AOI label to Sanctuary Urban (run by Beyonce's father Matthew Knowles), and released The Grind Date in October 2004. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

ALBUM

3 Feet High and Rising Album

Intro
The Magic Number
Change in Speak
Cool Breeze on the Rocks
Can U Keep a Secret
Jenifa Taught Me (Derwin's Revenge)
Ghetto Thang
Transmitting Live From Mars
Eye Know
Take it Off
A Little Bit of Soap
Tread Water
Potholes in My Lawn
Say No Go
Do As De La Does
Plug Tunin'
De La Orgee
Buddy
Description
Me, Myself and I
This a Recording 4 Living..
I Can Do Anything
D.A.I.S.Y. Age
Plug Tunin' (Orig. 12" Vers.)

De La Soul is Dead Album

Intro
Oodles of O's
Talkin' Bout Hey Love
Pease Porridge
Skit 1
Johnny's Dead aka Vincent Mason
A Roller Skating Jam Named 'Saturdays'
WRMS: Dedication to the Bitty
Bitties in the BK Lounge
Skit 2
My Brother's a Basehead
Let, Let Me In
Afro Connections at a Hi 5
Rap De Rap Show
Millie Pulled a Pistol on Santa
Who Do U Worship?
Skit 3
Kicked Out the House
Pass the Plugs
Not Over Till the Fat Lady..
Ring, Ring, Ring (Ha Ha Hey)
WRMS: Cat's in Control
Skit 4
Shwingalokate
Fanatic of the B Word
Keepin' the Faith
Skit 5

Buhloone Mindstate Album

Intro
Eye Patch
En Focus
Patti Dooke
I Be Blowin'
Long Island Wildin'
Ego Trippin' (Part Two)
Paul's Revenge
3 Days Later
Area
I Am I Be
In the Woods
Breakadawn
Dave Has a Problem...Seriously
Stone Age

Stakes is High Album

Intro
Supa Emcees
Tha Bizness
Wonce Again Long Island
Dinninit
Brakes
Dog Eat Dog
Baby Baby Baby Baby Ooh Baby
Long Island Degrees
Betta Listen
Itzsoweezee (HOT)
4 More
Big Brother Beat
Down Syndrome
Pony Ride
Stakes is High
Sunshine

Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump Album

Spitkicker.com/Say R.
U Can Do (Life)
My Writes
Oooh! * Weed #1 - Pharoahe Monch
Thru Ya City
I.C. Y'all
View
Set the Mood * Weed #2 - Phife Dawg
All Good?
Declaration
Squat!
Words From the Chief Rocker
With Me * Weed #3 - Black Thought
Copa (Cabanga)
Foolin'
The Art of Getting Jumped
U Don't Wanna B.D.S.

AOI: Bionix Album

Intro
Bionix
Baby Phat
Simply
Simply Havin
Held Down
Rev. Do Good #1
Watch Out
Special
Rev. Do Good #2
The Sauce
Am I Worth You?
Pawn Star
What We Do (For Love)
Rev. Do Good #3
Peer Pressure
It's American
Trying People

The Grind Date Album

The Future
Verbal Clap
Much More
Shopping Bags (She Got From You)
The Grind Date
Church
It's Like That
He Comes
Days of Our Lives
Come on Down
No
Rock Co.Kane Flow

Impossible Mission TV Series Pt. 1 Album

Impossible Intro
Live @ the Dugout 87
Voodoo Circus
Friends
What the Fuck #1
Go Out and Get It
Respect
Beef
Reverse Your Steps
You Got It
What the Fuck #2
Just Havin a Ball
What If
Relax
Wasn't For You
The Corner
Freestyle (Dat Shit) 2006
What the Fuck #3
Freedom Train
Bonus - Live in Tokyo

Da Brat

Real Name: Shawntae Harris

Date of Birth: April 14, 1974

Place of Birth: Chicago, IL, USA

You probably remember her as the one they called the "tart-tongued rapper." With her in-your-face lyrical style and Funkdafied flow, the Chicago-bred Da Brat took the hip-hop world by storm two years ago with her debut album. In the man's man's world of rap, Da Brat became a true record-breaker money-maker: the first female solo rapper to strike platinum and the biggest-selling female solo rapper to-date. What's more, she won fame and fortune without ever shaking a rump, batting an eyelash, or employing any of the other cheap sex ploys that have become de rigueur for so many young females trying to make it in hip-hop's testosterone-filled world.
With her oversized gear and hair in kiddy braids, Da Brat was something new: A young woman with a signature style strong enough to match a personality overflowing with charisma. Brat was playful and business-like, youthful, yet self-possessed. She was something we had never seen before and now she's back and badder than ever with a more grown-up image and ANUTHATANTRUM, her phenomenal new album on So So Def/Columbia Records. No longer affecting the same childlike vibe, Miss Brat (22-year-old Shawntae Harris) is now all grown-up. Although she still flaunts the same impish attitude, this year Da Brat has emerged as a self-assured young woman. She knows what she wants and has every intention of getting it.
Flexing her muscle as the super-skilled writer of every track on her album, Da Brat is declaring herself as a hip-hop force to be reckoned with. She's a rhymer, a writer, an up-and-coming actor, and a shrewd business woman. And as if that wasn't enough, under all that Triple X denim, Brat is also a stunning beauty. Hey all y'all, meet Da new Brat.
Ask her a question about how she's changed and first she'll tell you a joke: "I'm the same ol' spoiled-rotten-ass Brat," she says and pauses. "But with an upgrade on the jewels." But then she gets serious. "When a person matures, you see it. There is a change in my attitude and the way I feel about things. It's sort of like going from a freshman to a senior. I've made it past all these levels. I've been through more things. I've learned a lot about the industry. Now, I'm trying to take niggas to a whole new level. On this album, I gave my all making sure the lyrics really had high standards. I didn't want to be saying the same things that niggas are constantly saying."
ANUTHATANTRUM is named after Da Brat's legendary episodes ("I throw shit, I break shit, and people are always asking when am I going to 'throw another tantrum,'" Brat giggles) and produced by the master of southern-fried funk, Jermaine Dupri. The album is filled with tracks which not only reflect Brat's maturing musical style but also her more demanding life. Success, fame and dealing with pressure (i.e. getting lifted) undercut every track on the album. "It's material that comes from my heart, soul and mind," says Brat. "I got shit for everybody." One track destined to blow up like a match to gasoline is the consummately funky "Sittin' On Top of the World," ANUTHATANTRUM's first single. With a loop courtesy of Rick James, and featuring Manuel Seal (who sang on Brat's 1994 single "Funkdafied") on supporting vocals, Brat sees "Sittin' On Top of the World" as the perfect "return record." "It's me bragging about myself and my success," Brat says and drops into rhyme:
Niggas 'round town talk this and that
Said I sound like the Pound and my shit was wack
Dropped the album, Funkdafied
And they thought it was bold
Thirty days later, the LP went gold
Another key rap, "My Beliefs," is a slickly produced, mid-tempo jam dripping in caramel-coated synths and assorted soulful slither. The track is introduced by Brat's slow vibing intro:
Some mothafuckas believe that I shouldn't smoke weed 'n' shit, that I shouldn't
cuss 'n' shit,' that I shouldn't do the shit I want to do. But I don't give a fuck
about what these niggas saying.
That's they beliefs, here go mine....
"My Beliefs," explains Brat, "Is about keeping focused, keeping it simple and never taking a step backward."
ANUTHATANTRUM also features some fine guest performances: Krayziebones from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony joins the funkbandit, delivering his one-of-a-kind melodic flow on "Let's All Get High." Brat laughs again, "I don't care what people say. I love to get high. I love to smoke and I love to kick it with my homies. I have to do what makes me happy and not try to please everybody else all the time."
Hip-hop genius Jermaine Dupri shows up for a duet on "Keepin' It Live." TLC's T-Boz makes a special appearance on the flavorful "Ghetto Love," and the supremely talented Trey Lorenz backs up on "Just a Little Bit More." Lorenz so impressed Brat that she has to spell out his musical skills. "He can sang, that's S-A-A-A-A-N-G!" she says.
Not one to forget where she comes from, ANUTHATANTRUM is complete with a salute to the "West Side." Don't be confused, that's Chicago's West Side Brat is talking about. "Cadillacs and Malibus, niggas on each corner selling dope, pitching pennies, shooting dice. It's the city, but niggas hang out like it's the country," Brat says, describing her hometown.
Although Brat is responsible for the lyrical content of ANUTHATANTRUM she gives full props to Dupri for delivering the smooth honey-tracks which back up her mack-mommie chat. "I don't know what be on Jermaine's mind to come up with the things he do. He's just the baddest muthafucka in production. Each day he comes with a fatter track."
Never one to sit still, while working on her album, Brat also found time to venture into the world of film. She makes her acting debut this year in Full Court Press, as Kameesha, the loyal girlfriend of the basketball playing star. Explaining her departure from rap, Brat says, "I felt like 'hey, this right here might let people see what I can do; let them see me be someone other that Da Brat.' When opportunity knocks, I'm not going to turn the other cheek."
And there's more. Da Brat also has business plans. Following in the footsteps of her "big brother" Dupri, Brat is jump starting her own production company, Thowin' Tantrums, based in Chicago and featuring Chicago acts. "That's my home town, that's my city. I want to blow Chicago up."
Da Brat started her musical career in the same place many young black artists do, under the steeple of the black church. Only Brat wasn't lost in a sea of faces belting it out in the choir.... she was keeping up the downbeat playing drums. "That's where I get my rhythm from," she explains. From there her story becomes a classic hip-hop fairy tale. In 1992, Brat got her big shot at fame by winning a local MC contest. The contest, hosted by Ed Lover of "Yo MTV Raps," featured an opportunity to meet Kris Kross in person. "At that time Kris Kross were like BAM! The shit! And I was like 'what if I can be down with them niggas for real?' and I just kinda went for it," says Brat.
Brat made two trips to Atlanta. And with the help of the two Chris-es, Brat got a chance to kick it for the man responsible for single-handedly opening up the Atlanta branch of hip-hop, Jermaine Dupri. Dupri was so impressed with Da Brat's skills that he signed her immediately. Soon after, Da Brat was making her wax debut rapping along side Mac Daddy and Daddy Mac on the title track of their highly-acclaimed sophomore LP Da Bomb. Then it was Brat's turn to shine. Side by side in the studio with Dupri, Brat turned out Funkdafied, one of the most acclaimed albums of '94.
Funkdafied blew up. The album entered the Billboard Rap Album Chart at #1, and sold more than 62,000 copies its first week in stores. Funkdafied hit the Billboard R&B chart at #2, quickly moved to #1 and debuted in the Top 200 at #14. Then, in a breakthrough no one could have predicted, "Funkdafied," the single, went platinum, making Da Brat the first female solo rap artist ever to deliver a million selling single off a debut album. On top of that, "Funkdafied" broke another record by holding down the #1 position on the Billboard Hot Rap singles chart for 11 weeks. At that point, Da Brat became the biggest-selling female solo rapper ever!
Auspicious beginnings for a star so young, but Da Brat isn't phased by the expectations people may have of her and her second release. With the same confidence that permeates every track of ANUTHATANTRUM Brat says, "if you liked the first album, you are definitely going to go crazy over this."

ALBUM

Funkdafied Album

Da Shit Ya Can't Fuc Wit
Fa All Y'all
Fire it Up
Funkdafied
May Da Funk Be Wit 'Cha
Ain't No Thang
Come and Get Some
Mind Blowin'
Give it 2 Ya

Anuthatantrum Album

Anuthatantrum
My Beliefs
Sittin' On Top of the World
Let's All Get High
West Side Interlude
Just a Little Bit More
Keepin' it Live
Ghetto Love
Lyrical Molestation
Live it Up
Make it Happen

Unrestricted Album

Intro
We Ready
What 'Chu Like
At the Club (Interlude)
Fuck You
Back Up
Hands in the Air
Runnin' Out of Time
That's What I'm Looking For
Breeve On Em
What's On Ya Mind?
Leave Me Alone (Interlude)
High Come Down
All My Bitches
Pink Lemonade
A Word From.. (Interlude)
Chi Town

Limelite, Luv & Niteclubz Album

World Premiere
In Love Wit Chu
Ain't Got Time to Waste
Gotta Thing for You
Who I Am
Boom
Got it Poppin'
Chuch
Get Somebody
I Was the One
Gushy Wushy

Cypress Hill

Real Name:

Sen Dog - Senen Reyes

Mellow Man Ace - Ulpiano Sergio

Dj Muggs - Lawrence Muggerud

B Real - Louis Freese

1988: Havana-born Senen Reyes (Sen Dog) and younger brother Ulpiano Sergio (Mellow Man Ace), who moved from Cuba to the L.A. suburb of Southgate with their family in 1971, form rap group DVX with Italian-American Queens, N.Y. transplant Lawrence Muggerud (DJ Muggs) and Mexican-Cuban L.A. native Louis Freese (B-Real). After Ace splits for a solo career, the group renames itself Cypress Hill, named after a street that runs through the South Central hood they call home.

1990: The trio purvey their pro-pot message and hardcore rapping style to mostly Latino audiences in and around L.A., recording early demos of “The Phuncky Feel One” and a song called “Trigga Happy Nigga,” which was renamed “How I Could Just Kill A Man.” The latter became the band’s first hit after they sign with Philadelphia’s Ruffhouse label, distributed by Columbia Records.

1991: Self-titled debut hits in November with such classics as “I Wanna Get High,” “Pigs,” “Latin Lingo,” “Tres Equis” and “How I Could Just Kill A Man,” all now with Spanish language versions on the brand-new Los Grandes xitos En Espaol.

1992: First single, “The Phuncky Feel One,” is released, but the B-side, the gangsta rap classic “How I Could Just Kill A Man,” starts to get college radio play and becomes the #1 most requested song at influential urban station WBLS in New York. Cypress Hill goes on to sell two million copies in U.S. DJ Muggs begins producing career by helming House of Pain’s self-titled bow, then goes on to work with Funkdoobiest and Beastie Boys. The band appears on the side stage at Lollapalooza.

1993: Band’s second album, Black Sunday, debuts at #1 in Billboard, registering highest first-week SoundScan sales for a rap album up to that point, with hit single, “Insane In The Brain,” leading the way to double-platinum in U.S. and 3.25 million worldwide. Group appears on “Saturday Night Live,” where they’re banned after Muggs lights up a blunt on-air while the group trashes their equipment during the aptly titled second number, “Ain’t Goin’ Out.” Headlines “Soul Assassins” club tour with House of Pain and Funkdoobiest followed by college dates with 7 Year Bitch and Rage Against the Machine, proving their versatility and ability to entertain diverse audiences. Further proof of which is their two collaborations on the hit “Judgment Night” soundtrack with alternarock gods Sonic Youth (”I Love You Mary Jane”) and Pearl Jam (”Real Thing”).

1994: Following a U.K. tour, Cypress Hill appear on the side stage at ‘94 Lollapalooza and at that summer’s Woodstock, introducing newest member, ex-Beastie Boy percussionist Eric Bobo, son of salsa legend Willie Bobo. Names Best Rap Group in Rolling Stone Music Awards poll by readers and critics.

1995: Headlines Lollapalooza ‘95 with Hole, Sonic Youth, Pavement, Sinad O’Connor, Beck, the Jesus Lizard, and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Contributed a track, “I Wanna Get High,” to Capricorn release of High Times-sponsored Hempilation album to benefit NORML (National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws). Third album, III (Temples of Boom), debuts on charts at #3, on its way to platinum-plus sales of more than 1.5 million U.S. Sen takes a break from touring with band to form punk-rap band SX-10.

1996: Headlines shows with 311 and the Pharcyde before hitting road with inaugural “Smokin” Grooves” tour featuring Ziggy Marley, the Fugees, Busta Rhymes and Tribe Called Quest. Release a nine-song EP, Unreleased and Revamped , with rare remixes never before available.

1997: Solo projects. Muggs cut a solo album, Muggs Presents… The Soul Assassins, with members of Wu Tang Clan, Dr. Dre, KRS-One, Wyclef Jean, Mobb Deep and others. B-Real collaborates with Busta Rhymes, Coolio, LL Cool J and Method Man on “Hit “Em High,” from multi-platinum Space Jam soundtrack; hooks up with Dr. Dre, Nas and KRS-One on “East Coast Killer, West Coast Killer,” from Dre’s hit Aftermath album, and records his solo bow, The Psycho Realm, with L.A.-based Latino rappers Duke and Jacken. Band once again participates in “Smokin” Grooves” with George Clinton and Erykah Badu among others.

1998: Sen Dog releases Get Wood Sampler with punk-metal hybrid SX-10 on Jordan Schur’s Flip label, then returns to Cypress Hill fold for band’s fourth album, IV, and to join them for yet another stint on “Smokin” Grooves,” this time with Wyclef Jean and the Refugee Allstars, Gang Starr and Canibus. The new album goes gold on the strength of the Latin-flavored smash, “Tequila Sunrise,” “Checkmate,” “Nothin” To Lose” and the hemp-flavored “Dr. Greenthumb,” all of which are included on the new Los Grandes xitos En Espaol.

1999: The band turns down a spot on the “Warped” tour to work on two albums at once at Ameraycan Studios: their long-promised Spanish language album, U>Los Grandes xitos En Espaol, released December 1999 and their fifth studio record, Skull & Bones, due in stores, April 25.

2000: Influential modern rock station KROQ-FM adds “(Rock) Superstar” well in advance of the track’s official add date with stations across the nation following suit. Meanwhile KKBT The Beat” and “Power 106″ in Los Angeles immediately began championing “(Rap) Superstar” while tastemaking DJ’s Funkmaster Flex and Stretch Armstrong dbuted the track on NYC’s influential “Hot 97.”