New Jersey native Hussein Fatal built a solid reputation as a member of Tupac’s group The Outlawz.
Guesting on Shakur’s rhymes, one standout verse after another, it didn’t take long for listeners to question how well Fatal could stand on his own.
The answer came in the form of Fatal’s 1998 solo debut ‘In the Line of Fire’.
Those expecting a west coast-inspired 2Pac spinoff were quickly reminded these immortal Outlawz have solid east coast roots.
If soulful single “Everyday” (featuring Antoinette Roberson), with its hard-hitting, multi-patterned drums and crashing symbols wasn’t indication enough, Fatal and guest Freddie Foxxx took listeners on a not so lavish Atlantic shoreline ride on “M.O.B.”.
‘Fire’ kicks off with scratched in snippets of past Fatal verses, a screwed-and-chopped Pac voiceover recites “Hussein Fatal” periodically throughout; all to a dark, slow-paced groove with a funky bassline produced Buff Williams and Courtney Burgess, Fatal eventually drops a quick verse on the intro proclaiming “I spit it ‘cause I’m committed”.
Truth be told, Fatal showcased just how committed from the first song until the thought-provoking finale, “The World Is Changing”.
“Attack the track like we’re some animals” is what happens on the ominous Quim-produced “Friday” (featuring Dirty Bert & Smooth). With its seismic rumbling low ends and horror film piano keys, Fatal adds “we turn schemes to C.R.E.A.M. ‘cause we fiend for green” following a hook that details they’re aggressively motivated by “living the life of the poor, losing sight in the war”.
Bombs also get dropped on the speaker-knocking, lyric-driven “Getto Star” featuring Tame One.
All in all, Fatal’s solo debut is the type of fire you want to stand in front of. |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
Hussein Fatal, born name Bruce Washington Jr., April 3, 1977, was killed in a car accident July 11, 2015.
