Black Bastards

Description

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. this must-purchase concept album is worth the wait. From the jazzy, hypnotic samples on the title cut to ‘Sweet Premium Wine,’ a farcical ode to swigging 40-ounce bottles of brew (remember when drinking st ides and old english was trendy?), you know you’ve found rap heaven. classic headbanger ‘what a nigga know?’ (and the remix featuring partner-in-rhyme MF Grimm) is equally off the chain. ‘Constipated Monkey’ and weed anthem ‘Suspended Animation’ are testaments to a time in rap music when experimental beats and obscure sampling ruled the roost. Bl_ck B_st_rds is where Brand Nubian meets De la Soul at the local bodega, heads wear muslim kufis for kicks, and ‘Word to the Mutha’ actually refers to themes of pan-africanism, repatriation, and reparations. iI’s a place where sambo-ism doesn’t sell.