Mobb Deep’s “The Infamous…” ~ Only 4.5 mics???

 

Wu-Tang Clan – Enter the 36 Chanbers – (4.5 mics)

The Notorious B.I.G. – Ready to Die – (4.5 mics)

Mobb Deep – The Infamous… – (4.5 mics) ????

 

Now, most of the people I know (and maybe you, too) consider those three albums 5 mic classics with no discussion necessary.  However, The Source’s staff at the time disagreed and I must say that I agree with their 4.5 mic rating again.  The Infamous… is a ridiculously good album in my opinion.  They weren’t (and still aren’t) lyricists but their flow, voice, and delivery (Prodigy specifically) combined with incredible production that fit them, helped them to create a near classic.  I’d choose this album over 80% of the albums released since 2000.  I remember back in ’95 when most of my friends were telling me to buy this.  But at the time, I was heavily into O.C.’s Word…Life album and literally wouldn’t remove it from my tape deck.  On top of that, I was heavily anticipating the Raekwon album and refused to believe that another album in ’95 could possibly top it.  But after a month of hearing about it, I decided to tape it from a friend and haven’t looked back since.  So what do you think?  Do you consider The Infamous… a 5 mic classic?  And most importantly, which album is better: The Infamous… or Hell on Earth?  

 

Some other highlights from this issue:

 

– R.I.P. Eazy E – …and he still doesn’t get the respect he deserves.

– Dead Serious inc. is offering $5,000 for criminals caught in the act

– Tyson Beckford signs a modeling contract with Ralph Lauren

– E-Vocalist of the B.U.M.S. with the hip-hop quotable for “Non-Stoppin’ The Groove”

– Microphone Check with Funkdoobiest, Double X Posse, and Tung Twista

– Isaac Hayes (R.I.P.) is interviewed

– Khalid Muhammad (R.I.P.) brings his message to hip-hop

– Penny Hardaway helps the Orlando Magic reach the 1995 NBA Finals

 

Record Report:

 

Mobb Deep – The Infamous (4.5 mics)

AMG – Ballin’ Outta Control (3.5 mics)

The B.U.M.S. – Lyfe and Tyme (3 mics)

Double X Posse – Ruff, Rugged & Raw (3.5 mics)

Funkdoobiest – Brothas Doobie (3.5 mics)

Tung Twista – Da Resurrection (3 mics)

King Just – Mystics of the God (3.5 mics)

VA-Pump Ya Fist: Hip-Hop Inspired by the Black Panthers (3 mics)

Kid Sensation – Seatown Funk (2.5 mics)

Coz – King of Kali (3 mics)

I Smooth 7 – Ghetto Love (3 mics)

 

Source June 1995 issue

Thanks to Verge @ http://philaflava.blogspot.com/ and Travis @ http://www.wydublog.com/ for helping me with this fat tape.  The songs listed by Kool G Rap and 8 Off probably don’t exist so I had to improvise and add another song by them to the fat tape.

 

June 1995 fat tape

 

~Vincent~