The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

B. Cox welcomes special guest 12Kyle of the 12Kyle Podcast to review De La Soul's seemingly prophetic fourth album Stakes Is High. It was their first album without the production prowess of Prince Paul, who helmed their first three projects.Faced both with the uncertainty of their recording career after a lukewarm public perception to their third album, Buhloone Mindstate, and with ever changing environment of hip-hop towards a more obscene, vulgar and commercial sound, the group charged through an effort marked by striking back for the sake of hip-hop and sought to warn an industry and culture of the destructive path that it was headed towards.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/vaultclassicpodFollow 12Kyle and the 12Kyle Podcasthttps://linktr.ee/12kyleShow Notes:Albumism: De La Soul's 'Stakes Is High' Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://www.albumism.com/features/de-la-soul-stakes-is-high-turns-25-anniversary-retrospectiveOkayPlayer: De La Soul Reveal The Secret History of 'Stakes Is High' on Its 20th Anniveraryhttps://www.okayplayer.com/news/secret-history-of-de-la-soul-stakes-is-high-20th-anniversary.htmlFact Mag: 'Stakes Is High' at 20. How De La Soul's classic album signaled hip-hop's great divide. https://www.factmag.com/2016/07/02/de-la-soul-stakes-is-high/Slate: De La Soul, Stakes Is High and Hip-Hop's Nostalgia Problemhttps://slate.com/culture/2016/07/de-la-soul-stakes-is-high-and-hip-hops-nostalgia-problem.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 Nas' second studio album It Was Written. It was his highly anticipated follow to his classic debut Illmatic. Upon release, the reviews were mostly mixed as most noticed the album had a more commercial feel and mixed with Mafioso and mob themes, and produced largely by the Trackmasters, which were seen by some as a departure from his debut. Despite some criticism, it became his best selling-album buoyed by a incredibly successful single with "If I Ruled The World" featuring Lauryn Hill.Since then, the perception of the album has improved, with praise for Nas' improved lyricism and ability to tell stories with vivid imagery. A few emcees actually cite this work as their favorite Nas album over Illmatic.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:Complex: The Making of Nas' It Was Writtenhttps://www.complex.com/music/2016/07/nas-the-making-of-it-was-writtenAlbumism: Nas' 'It Was Written' Turns 25 | Anniverary Retrospectivehttps://www.albumism.com/features/nas-it-was-written-turns-25-anniversary-retrospectiveRevolt TV: Remember Nas' 'It Was Written' 25 Years Laterhttps://www.revolt.tv/2021/7/2/22561080/nas-it-was-written-album-25-anniversaryLegacy Recordings: Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Nas' 'It Was Written' with Newly Expanded Digital Additionhttps://www.legacyrecordings.com/2021/06/24/legacy-recordings-celebrates-25th-anniversary-of-nas-it-was-written-with-newly-expanded-digital-edition/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 and J. Owe discuss Jay-Z's now-classic debut Reasonable Doubt as it turns 25. The album released on his, Dame Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke label Roc-A-Fella Records, was the first building block on what would become a dynasty in the hip-hop industry. While initially hailed as a solid to dope project upon its release, the project's acclaim only grew as his standing as one of the greatest emcees was confirmed through increased critical and commercial success in the new millenium. As Jay-Z's profile grew, so did the profile of his debut, which in the 25 years since its release, is now considered ahead of it time and among the greatest 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:Albumism: Jay-Z's Debut Album 'Reasonable Doubt' Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://www.albumism.com/features/jay-z-debut-album-reasonable-doubt-turns-25-anniversary-retrospectiveThe Ringer: Reflecting on 25 Years of Jay-Z's 'Reasonable Doubt'https://www.theringer.com/2021/6/24/22548278/reflecting-on-25-years-jay-z-reasonable-doubtTidal: Coming of Age: Jay-Z's 'Reasonable Doubt' @ 25 https://tidal.com/magazine/article/reasonable-doubt-25/1-79555The Independent (UK): Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt at 25: A glamarous, gritty portrait of unrelenting grindhttps://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/jay-z-reasonable-doubt-b1867976.htmlConsequence of Sound: 25 Years of Reasonable Doubt: How Jay-Z Became Capitalism's Old Testamenthttps://consequence.net/2021/06/jay-z-reasonable-doubt-25-year-anniversary/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 & J. Owe look back at Heltah Skeltah's debut album Nocturnal. It was the first offering by Rock and Ruck (bka the late Sean Price) and the 3rd album released by the hip-hop collective Boot Camp Clik (BCC). Following the success and acclaim of Enta Tha Stage and Dah Shinin by their labelmates, the duo cranked out a project narrated by rugged, yet skilled rhymes over dark and haunting production by the Beatminerz, Buckshot, Lord Jamar, Shawn J Period, E-Swift and others. While not commercially acclaimed, the album became an underground and cult classic.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:Albumism: Happy 25th Anniversary to Heltah Skeltah's 'Nocturnal'https://www.albumism.com/anniversaries/heltah-skeltah-debut-album-nocturnalWhatWentRight.com: What Went Right With...'Nocturnal' by Heltah Skeltah?https://whatwentrightwith.com/2016/06/18/what-went-right-with-heltah-skeltah-nocturnal/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 and Domo look back at Toni Braxton's mega hit second album Secrets. Coming off her massively successful self-titled debut album released three years prior containing several charting singles, she avoided the dreaded sophomore slump by putting forth a phenomenal effort that was once again produced by Babyface. Featuring a all-star cast of musicians', engineers and background vocalist, she rode the wave of two No. 1 Billboard 100 hits to her best selling album with 15 million records sold worldwide. It was the project that lifted her from an R&B mainstay to a crossover global pop icon.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 97: Toni Braxton's Secrets is Unforgettable. https://the97.net/featured/toni-braxtons-secrets-is-unforgettable-20-years-later/We Miss Music: 25th Anniversary of Toni Braxton's "You're Making Me High"https://wemissmusic.com/2021/05/21/anniversary-of-toni-braxtons-youre-makin-me-high/ThatGrapejuice: TGJ Replay: Toni Braxton's 'Secrets'https://thatgrapejuice.net/2015/08/tgj-replay-toni-braxtons-secrets/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 is joined by Kahlil Wonda and Agard of Reggae Lover Podcast to review dancehall reggae legend Shabba Ranks hit album As Raw As Ever as it turns 30. After a few releases that made him a dancehall star in his native Jamaica, Ranks burst onto the scene and emerged as the first dominant reggae superstar in the 1990s with a sound that would catapult dancehall as a genre in the world's consciousness. With his commanding presence, gruff voice and slack lyrics, he shot to the top of the charts and became the first dancehall artist to win Best Reggae Album at the Grammys in 1992.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/vaultclassicpodCheck out Reggae Lover Podcast (links to Podcast and Social Media on Page) www.reggaelover.comShow Notes:Chicago Tribune: Reggae's New Attitude. (From Jan. 3, 1993)https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1993-01-03-9303150287-story.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 looks back at NWA's 2nd and final album Niggaz4Life (stylized as Efil4Zaggin). Dubbed "The World's Most Dangerous Group" after their classic debut, the outfit entered their last LP minus their most prolific emcee Ice Cube and was poised to show the hip-hop world that they could do it without him. Led by the prolific pen and sinister rhymes of MC Ren, focused and hard hitting production by Dr. Dre and DJ Yella and the ever witty Eazy E, their 2nd effort stepped up the intensity in terms of raw and vulgar lyrics as well as their customary tales of street life in Southern California.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: Albumism: NWA's second and final album 'Eifl4zaggin' Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://www.albumism.com/features/nwa-second-and-final-studio-album-efil4zaggin-turns-30-anniversary-retrospective UDiscoverMusic: 'Efil4zaggin': How NWA Bridged Gangsta Rap and Hip-Hop's Golden Agehttps://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/rediscover-efil4zaggin/HipHopDX: Efil4zaggin: NWA's Forgotten Masterpiecehttps://hiphopdx.com/editorials/id.2951/title.efil4zaggin-n-w-a-s-4gotten-masterpiece#Ambrosia For Heads: NWA & Close Affliates Detail the Making of Efil4zaggin 25 Years Laterhttps://ambrosiaforheads.com/2016/06/n-w-a-close-affiliates-detail-the-making-of-efil4zaggin-25-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

The crew reviews Jodeci's smash debut album Forever My Lady as it turns 30. The group was quintessential to shaping a standard for male R&B groups in 1990s with their distinctive melodies, sharp production and street style not seen by R&B acts at the time. Their style harkened more towards hip-hop as they became the standard bearers for R&B of that period and became a model that many groups sought to duplicate though the 1990s and beyond.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: Medium: Jodeci's 'Forever My Lady': A 25th Anniversary Retrospective. https://dartadams.medium.com/jodeci-forever-my-lady-a-25th-anniversary-retrospective-f67ba403fb3aThe Boombox: How Jodeci's 'Forever My Lady' Influenced Generations of Male R&B Singershttps://theboombox.com/jodeci-forever-my-lady/Vanyaland: 91 Classic Albums Turning 30 in 2021https://vanyaland.com/2021/01/04/1991-forever-and-ever-91-classic-albums-turning-30-in-2021/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 De La Soul's classic second album De La Soul Is Dead, a project that saw the Native Tongues group rise after its classic debut 3 Feet High & Rising to fight back against the duel battles of their images as "hippies" and against the changing hip-hop landscape that was favoring more towards gangster rap and more negative vibes. The album was once again produced by the group and Prince Paul that utilized inventive samples and unique wordplay with creativity and storytelling.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:Albumism: De La Soul's "De La Soul Is Dead" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://www.albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-30-years-of-de-la-soul-is-deadVery Smart Brothas-De La Soul's Classic Album 'De La Soul Is Dead' Is Turning 30. It Was The First Album I Fell In Love With. (By Panama Jackson)https://verysmartbrothas.theroot.com/de-la-souls-classic-album-de-la-soul-is-dead-is-turning-1846860533Medium-"Make Those Records You Make" Prince Paul Recalls the making of "De La Soul Is Dead" https://medium.com/micro-chop/make-those-records-you-make-prince-paul-reacalls-the-making-of-de-la-soul-is-dead-d72af2ddeaf6Support 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 is joined by special guest Nathan "The Professor" Rideaux (Playerz From The South & Food Dope podcasts) to look back at Master P's seismic 1996 album Ice Cream Man. After spending years in California running his record store and label, the hustler turned rapper soon to be mogul returned home to New Orleans and released his fifth studio album which broke down the door for his label. Combining hard hitting production with reality raps, it would become the springboard that would have his label become one of biggest in music two years later.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/vaultclassicpodFollow Nathan on Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theprofessor73Playerz From The South Websitewww.playerzfromthesouth.comFollow Playerz From The South on Instagramhttps://instagram.com/playerzfromthesouthFood Dope Podcast Websitewww.fooddopepodcast.comFollow Food Dope Podcast on Instagramhttps://instagram.com/fooddopepodcastShow Notes:107Jamz: Master P Stops By Sway to Celebrate 20 Years of 'Ice Cream Man'https://107jamz.com/master-p-drops-by-sway-to-celebrate-20-years-of-ice-cream-man-album-video/HipHopDX: How Master P Risked Death & the Ghetto to Make "Ice Cream Man"https://hiphopdx.com/interviews/id.2895/title.how-master-p-risked-death-conquered-the-ghetto-to-make-ice-cream-man#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