The timing was right for Brooklyn, NY group Black Moon to Enta da Stage in 1993.
The subgenre Gangsta Rap was setting a benchmark for the industry’s acceptable, marketable sound. Artists were turning to dirtier, profanity-laced lyrics focused on toughness and street credibility.
Buckshot Shorty, 5ft, and DJ Evil Dee hit the scene and asked everyone this simple question: “Who Got Da Props?”.
The group entered the stage with a high impact attack rhyme whose aim was shooting off lyrics to claim respect. This became an immediate MC anthem, reminding listeners that an essential part of Hip Hop was wordplay, being the best rhymer, and moving the crowd.
“Straight from bum-rush, I crush and cause chaos, yo,” rhymed Buckshot.
With soul infused production from Da Beatminerz, each track was heavy with samples paying homage to classics that paved their way (“How Many MC’s”, “Powaful Impak”).
Enter da Stage impressed with its intricate, meticulous, and masterful score. The sound fit perfect with battle banter (5ft’s “Son Get Wrec”) or thought provocation (“Slave”).
Raise the curtains and hit the lights. This album is showtime! |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
