Bl_ck B_st_rds was voted in Ego Tripâs Book of Rap Lists as the most notable rap album of all time that was never released commercially, and with good reason. The fact that this excellent album, slated for a 1994 release, did not seen the light of day until 2001 (its first issue - now out of print) testifies to a time when shortsighted industry backlashes against records that inflamed Middle America were in vogue. Elektra Records higher-ups canned the project due to its controversial cover art, which shows a Sambo figure being lynched. Â This must-purchase concept album is worth the wait.Â
From the jazzy, hypnotic samples on the title cut to âSweet Premium Wine,â a farcical ode to swigging 40-ounce bottles of brew (remember when drinking St. Ides and Old English was trendy?), you know youâve found rap heaven. Classic headbanger âWhat a Nigga Know?â (and the remix featuring partner-in-rhyme MF Grimm) is equally off the chain. âConstipated Monkeyâ and weed anthem âSuspended Animationâ are testaments to a time in Rap music when experimental beats and obscure sampling ruled the roost. Â Bl_ck B_st_rds is where Brand Nubian meets De La Soul at the local bodega, heads wear Muslim kufis for kicks, and âword to the muthaââ actually refers to themes of pan-Africanism, repatriation, and reparations. Itâs a place where Sambo-ism doesnât sell. Features artwork and track listing from the original Ready Rock issue.
side ZERO
A1 Garbage Day #3 2:14 | A2 Get-U-Now 2:26 | A3 What A Nigga Know? 3:26 | A4 Sweet Premium Wine 3:08
side ONE
B1 Plumskinzz (Loose Hoe, God & Cupid) 1:43 | B2 Smokin' That S*#% 4:40 | B3 Contact Blitt 2:42 | B4 Gimme 3:49
side TWO
C1 Black Bastards! 4:00 | C2 It Sounded Like A Roc 4:34 | C3 Plumskinzz (Oh No I Don't Believe It!) 1:40
side THREE
D1 Constipated Monkey 2:47 | D2 F*#@ Wit' Ya Head 4:35 | D3 Suspended Animation 2:23