The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

B. Cox reviews Tony! Toni! Tone!'s fourth and final album House of Music. After taking a hiatus after the success of their third album Sons of Soul, the Oakland band reunited to record their final effort. Taking a departure from their previous albums, the group adopted a sound that harkened back to their funk & soul roots of the late 60s and 70s. Working with mostly vintage recording equipment to aid their sound, they also incorporated a 40-piece orchestra in some of their recordings and also collaborated with fellow musicians Sheila E. and DJ Quik. After spending 31 weeks on the charts and being certified platinum, the group disbanded due to fundamental and creative differences.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comJoin our Private Facebook Listener Group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/600256077743122Support The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesAlbumism: Tony! Toni! Tone!'s 'House of Music' Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://www.albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-25-years-of-tony-toni-tone-house-of-musicSoul Bounce: Soul Bounce's Class of 1996: Tony! Toni! Tone! House of Musichttp://www.soulbounce.com/2016/12/soulbounces-class-of-1996-tony-toni-tone-house-of-music/YouTube: 'Loyalty, No Royalty: The Breakup of Tony! Toni! Tone! (Documentary)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7Ax2RvG6qkSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

B. Cox looks back on Ludacris' sophomore album Word of Mouf as it turns 20. After a commercially successful debut the previous year, the Atlanta emcee burst onto the scene with an equally, if not more impressive follow up. Keeping up with his theme of being braggadocios, witty and comedic at times, he successfully weaved sharp puchlines and hard hitting metaphors into hits for the clubs and streets equally as well. Working with a all-star cast of producers such as Bangladesh, Jazzie Pha, Timbaland, Swizz Beats and Organized Noize, he took a step up to prove to audiences and critics alike that the South had elite emcess and versatility just like their coastal counterparts. Selling almost four millions records, it's Ludacris' best-selling album to date.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comJoin our Private Facebook Listener Group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/600256077743122Support The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesDaddy's Hangouy: Ludacris' Word of Mouf Released 20 Years Ago Todayhttps://www.daddyshangout.com/2021/11/27/ludacris-word-of-mouf-released-20-years-ago-today/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ludacris-word-of-mouf-released-20-years-ago-todayGrits & Gospel: Why Doesn't Ludacris' 'Word Of Mouf' Have 5 Mics??!!https://gritsandgospel.com/why-does-word-of-mouf-not-have-5-mics-b1af5d0ebb4bSoul In Stereo: Ranking The Best Ludacris Albumshttp://www.soulinstereo.com/2019/01/ranking-the-best-ludacris-albums.htmlSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

B. Cox & J. Owe review Mobb Deep's third album Hell On Earth. After releasing their sophomore classic, 1995's The Infamous, to critical acclaim and rave reviews, the duo from Queensbridge followed up the next year with an equally strong effort to announce their intention to be in the game for the long haul. While the album lacks the star power of tracks and titles that The Infamous displayed, it packs a emphatic and consistent sound of just over an hour filled with new Havoc production. The new beats, while cinematic in nature, took a darker tone with Havoc sampling more soul records and piano tracks and was backed up by their even darker, hard hitting rhymes. It was highlighted by Havoc's improvement as an emcee and saw Prodigy take the next step as elite emcee by continuing to cast bars that painted pictures and elicited nightmares. Backed as well by a strong supporting cast of guest features, the album went gold in 1997.The darker tone of the album may have been attributed to a tumultuous and tense time in hip-hop with the group smack dab in the middle of feuds between camps from New York and the West Coast.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comJoin our Private Facebook Listener Group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/600256077743122Support The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesAlbumism: Mobb Deep's 'Hell On Earth' Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://www.albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-25-years-of-mobb-deep-hell-on-earthThe Source: Today In Hip-Hop History: Mobb Deep's Third Album 'Hell On Earth' Turns 25 Years Old!https://thesource.com/2021/11/19/today-in-hip-hop-history-mobb-deeps-third-album-hell-on-earth-turns-25-years-old/Vibe: 20 Years Later. Mobb Deep's 'Hell On Earth' Songs Rankedhttps://www.vibe.com/gallery/mobb-deep-hell-on-earth-20th-anniversary-album/Medium: The Drama Beings: Hell On Earth 25 Years Laterhttps://medium.com/far-from-professional/the-drama-begins-hell-on-earth-25-years-later-89618a68e2c1Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The crew reviews Lil' Kim's debut album Hardcore. The highly anticipated debut came on the heels of her being a focal point of Junior M.A.F.I.A's debut the previous year. Unleashing a torrid assault of hardcore lyrics mixed with sexually explicit scenarios and lines that could rival any of her male counterparts, her style helped to open the door for the following generation of female rappers who would follow her lead of shock value of sexual liberation that would soon become the norm when once thought to be taboo. Backed by three popular singles and critical acclaim, it has sold five million albums worldwide.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comJoin our Private Facebook Listener Group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/600256077743122Support The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesHot 97: Lil' Kim's Hardcore 25 Years Laterhttps://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/lil-kims-hard-core-25-years-laterThe Ringer: How Lil' Kim's "Hard Core" Changed Rap https://www.theringer.com/2021/5/27/22456125/how-lil-kims-hard-core-changed-rapAlbumism: Lil' Kim's 'Hardcore' and Foxy Brown's 'Ill Na Na' Turn 25 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://www.albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-25-years-of-lil-kim-hard-core-and-foxy-brown-ill-na-naNME: A timely reminder that Lil' Kim's 'Hard Core' Is The Greatest Rap Record Everhttps://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/lil-kim-hardcore-the-greatest-rap-album-of-all-time-2552745Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

B. Cox & J. Owe look back at the late Tupac Shakur's (recording under the alias Makaveli) fifth studio album and his first posthumous album The Don Killuminati-The 7 Day Theory. Released on Death Row Records not even two months after his fatal shooting in Las Vegas which shook up the entertainment industy, the album featured little features other than the Outlawz and R&B singers Danny Boy, Aaron Hall and K-Ci and Jo-Jo of Jodeci. It also featureed a less heralded group of producers from Death Row (Hurt-M-Badd, Quincy Jones III, Big D & Reggie Moore) who were tasked to keep up with the rapper's legendary work ethic and pace. The album was reportedly finished recording in only 7 days during the first week in August of 1996. Adding to the mystique and dark clouds over his death, Tupac delivers his usual hard-cutting and, at times, thought provoking lyrics as his final message to the world before departing. The album would sell over 600K albums in its first work, debut #1 on the charts and would go on to be certified quadruple platinum.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comJoin our Private Facebook Listener Group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/600256077743122Support The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesCrack Magazine: The Untold Story Behind Tupac's Haunting The 7 Day Theory Artwork https://crackmagazine.net/article/long-reads/under-covers-the-untold-story-behind-tupacs-haunting-the-7-day-theory-artwork/StillCrew: Why Tupac's "Don Killuminati-The 7 Day Theory" Album Still Stands As His Most Complete Albumhttps://stillcrew.com/tupac-makaevli-the-don-killuminati-the-7-day-theory-most-complete-album-387a26baf12eBehind The Rhyme: The Only Time 2Pac Was Back: Makaveli Drops The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theoryhttps://behindtherhyme.com/2016/11/05/2pac-makaveli-anniversary/HipHopDX: No Blasphemy: Why 2Pacs "The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory is Rap's Greatest Album https://hiphopdx.com/editorials/id.4179/title.no-blasphemy-why-2pacs-the-don-killuminati-the-7-day-theory-is-raps-greatest-albumSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

B. Cox & J. Owe review Ice Cube's classic, but controversial second album Death Certificate. After splitting with NWA and dropping his highly acclaimed debut AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, Cube followed up with a busy 1991 starting his label, kicking off the careers of fellow West Coast emcees Yo-Yo and Del The Funky Homosapien as well as making his acting debut in the cult classic film Boyz In the Hood.He released his sophomore album with new production help from producers Sir Jinx and Boogiemen. Over 20 tracks, he continues his tales on life in the hood and the ills of the ghetto and poor black America, but also detail tough social commentary and the injustices of the day which still mirror an imperfect America in the present It's an album that is still highly regarded and is on the shortlist of many for the best 10-20 hip-hop albums of all-time.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comJoin our Private Facebook Listener Group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/600256077743122Support The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesAlbumism: Ice Cube's 'Death Certificate' Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://www.albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-30-years-of-ice-cube-death-certificateLoudNewNet: Ice Cube's "Death Certificate": Tales of Life and Death 30 Years Laterhttps://loudnewsnet.com/ice-cubes-death-certificate-tales-of-life-and-death-30-years-later/Tidal: The Controversy and Brilliance of Ice Cube's 'Death Certificate'https://tidal.com/magazine/article/the-controversy-and-brilliance-of-ice-cubes-death-certificate/1-29651Vibe:Ice Cube Reflects On The 'Death Certificate' Album's Anniversary And Why the Anniversary of Boyz In the Hood is Bittersweethttps://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/ice-cube-death-certificate-album-boyz-n-the-hood-iinterview-1234634228/Ambrosia For Heads: Sir Jinx Talks About Keeping the Production on 'Death Certificate' True to The Gamehttps://ambrosiaforheads.com/2016/11/ice-cube-death-certificate-sir-jinx-retrospective/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The crew take a look back at Wu Tang Clan crew member Ghostface Killah's debut classic album Ironman. After a four year run of excellence that started with the group's groundshifting debut Enter the 36 Chambers followed up by acclaimed solo releases by various group members, the release by the proclaimed Pretty Tone aka Tony Starks was the final solo release from a group member before the groups second album, Forever, in 1997.Backed my soulful, but at times gritty beats, Ghostface showcases his witty yet entertaining flow packed equally with a stream of consciousness vibe and acerbic lyrical darts. He was also joined by his fellow Wu-Tang brethren, most notably by Raekwon, who would feature prominently on Ironman as Ghostface did on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. It would go on to debut at #2 on the Billboard 200 and go platinum, serving as Ghostface's best selling album to date.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comJoin our Private Facebook Listener Group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/600256077743122Support The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesHipHopDX: Ghostface Killah to Release 'Ironman' 25th Anniversary Reissue https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.64845/title.ghostface-killah-to-release-ironman-25th-anniversary-reissue-featuring-rare-tracksAlbumism: Ghostface Killah's Debut Album 'Ironman' Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://www.albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-20-years-of-ghostface-killah-ironmanSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's a bonus episode of 'Cards, Dominoes, Drinks & Smoke'! In this episode, B.Cox and Domo discuss old school southern hip-hop and break it down by Region: SouthEast, Mid-South, and the Gulf Coast aka 3rd Coast. They talk about which acts from each region were their favorites and which region had the most impact on the game today.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comJoin our Private Facebook Listener Group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/600256077743122Support The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

B. Cox reviews A Tribe Called Quest's seismic second album The Low End Theory as it turns 30. Fresh of their successful debut People's Instinctive Travels And Their Paths of Rhythm, the quartet-turned-trio from Queens sought to make a deeper impact on their sophomore album. Buoyed by the presence of inventive jazz samples, stirring and sense tingling basslines, and the emergence of emcee and group member Phife Dawg, the album laid the groundwork of what many thought was possible with the fusion of jazz and hip-hop inspiring a key segment of the next generation of hip-hop artists, beatmakers and producers. Lauded and critically acclaimed upon its release, it has maintained its reputation being universally accepted as one of the best hip-hop albums of all time.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comJoin our Private Facebook Listener Group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/600256077743122Support The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow Notes:The Ringer: 'The Eternal Beat of The Low End Theory'https://www.theringer.com/2021/9/24/22690923/low-end-theory-anniversary-bob-power-tribe-called-questAlbumism: A Tribe Called Quest's 'The Low End Theory' Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://www.albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-30-years-of-a-tribe-called-quest-the-low-end-theoryOkayPlayer: How Bob Power Put The Low End In A Tribe Called Quest's 'The Low End Theory'https://www.okayplayer.com/music/bob-power-the-low-end-theory-interview.htmlSlant Magazine: Vibes and Stuff: A Tribe Called Quest's 'The Low End Theory' at 30. https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/a-tribe-called-quest-the-low-end-theory-retrospective-review/ Ambrosia For Heads: The Making of ATCQ's 'The Low End Theory', Told By The People Who Were Therehttps://ambrosiaforheads.com/2016/09/a-tribe-called-quest-low-end-theory-making-the-album-interview/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

B. Cox reviews The Roots' third studio album, 1996's Illadelph Halflife. After a respectable success and notoriety from their sophomore offering Do You Want More?!!!???!, the hip-hop band and outfit from Philadelphia found themselves moving a little bit away from their live instrumentation 100 percent output and experimented with samples and drum programming. The sound of a more traditional hip-hop album helped to popularize the group with an hardcore hip-hop audience and the emergence of Black Thought and Malik B as A Level emcees let the industry know that the "jazz guys" could stick with anyone in the game. They were assisted by a wide variety of guests; from rappers Common, Q-Tip and Bahamadia and frequent collaborator Dice Raw as well as singers such as Raphael Saadiq, D'Angelo, Cassandra Wilson and instrumentalists like jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman and former Roots crew member Scott Storch.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comJoin our Private Facebook Listener Group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/600256077743122Support The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow Notes: HipHopDX: "Philly Gospel" Revisiting The Roots "Illadelph Halflife" 20 Years Laterhttps://hiphopdx.com/editorials/id.3468/title.phillys-gospel-celebrating-illadelph-halflife-20-years-later#Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy