February 1–8, 1996

cover story

New Kids On The Block

A roundup of recent releases by up-and-coming Philly rappers.

Ruggeddness Madd Drama

"Make U Go Crazay" (Emay)

Ruggedness Madd Drama turned heads in 1994 with their song "For Real." Their unique vocal style — grimy voices and rhythmic cadences — makes them one of the best underground groups in Philly. On the phat track "Make U Go Crazy," they sample Old Dirty B's phrase "make you go crazy" off of "Brooklyn Zoo." Their newest singles, "Best Ones Yet" and "Make U Go Crazay," show that they are here to stay.

215 Asasinz

"Guaranteed Hot Sh—" b/w "Illadel Threat"

(No Cross Records — 455-1258)

The 215 Asasinz have been making some noise in Philly with their catchy jam "Guaranteed Hot Sh—." In hip-hop, hooks (or choruses) can often make or break a song. On "Guaranteed Hot Sh—," the line, "215 is the click, Asasinz come quick, bangin' asss beats, guaranteed hot shit" rings out over a smooth track. With their tight production, look for the 215 Asasinz to continue making noise.

Munk Wit Da Funk

"Exercise" (Illadelph records — 627-3809)

Munk Wit Da Funk's cuts "Exersize" and "Shadows" are both smooth mellow funk. Produced by The Militant Mind, a.k.a. Jared Kenny, West Philly's Munk and his crew are known around town for their laid-back style.

K-Sara

(Demo)

On "Oooh," K-Sara rhymes over the old Switch tune "I Like It" to add his own flava. From a forthcoming album, What Will Be Will Be, three tracks —"Oooh,""Uncut & Stayso" and "That's What's Up" — show that K-Sara has skills, but the production could use some work. The music on "Uncut & Stayso" and "That's What's Up," a song in which K-Sara rhymes about his style and skills, tends to drown out his vocals.

Da Bumrush

(Kixx — 748-4596)

Da Bumrush flow with conscientious lyrics on a real nice, mellow track, "V.O.S." (Victims of Society). Lyrically, Da Bumrush have serious, thought provoking rhymes with an added catchy hook. "Things are going to get easier/ A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.""V.O.S." is one of the best tracks on this demo.

Lux

The Man They Call Lux (No Front Inc.—930-0060)

Lux has gained a following in Philly, and many expect him to blow up nationwide in a minute. "Gangsta" features Lux's distinct vocals over a bass-heavy track. Lux will always give you songs to nod your head to and he will always make you think: "Everybody wants to be a gangsta/ But nobody wants to die." More of the same tight beats and lyrics to make you go "hmmm" can be found on his recently released EP The Man They Call Lux.

The Hunters

(Black Fire)

Most people familiar with Philly's underground hip-hop scene know about The Hunters. On "Black Fire," an eerie-sounding track, they show why they stay on the scene.

Ram Squad

"Ramboom!" (Bank Records)

The RAM Squad has a huge following and is known for their chants and rousing anthems. "Ramboom!" is a fast-paced anthem that will definitely excite a crowd. With this track, they are continuing their trademark style.

Other important artists to look out for include: Redd Bull, Ital tha Ruffian, Militant Mind State, Black Beans, K-Sarrah-Harras and 100X.

Many of these records can be found at Armand's Records (1100 Filbert St., 592-7973) and Sounds of Market (15 S. 11th St., 925-3150).

— Noreen Mallory & Neil Gladstone