The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

B. Cox and J. Owe look back at Dr. Dre's transcendent debut album The Chronic as it turns 30. After spending half a decade as the architect and chief producer for both NWA and Ruthless Records, Dr. Dre split in 1991 to help co-found Death Row Records with Marion "Suge" Knight with the backing of Interscope Records. As their prime producer and executive, the record label would become a symbol of power and success in the 1990s, starting with his debut album.Using techniques of producing beats over sampled funk records, deep bass and transformative melodies, the album is credited by many as not originating, but popularizing the "G-Funk" sound that became the label and southern California's hip-hop's identity.Assisted by the likes of a young rap phenom Snoop Doggy Dog, RBX, Daz and Kurupt of the Dogg Pound and Lady of Rage among others, the Dr. also lent his own vocals as a signature defining moment for his career assisted by the pen of Snoop and also the legendary D.O.C., who was relegated to writing after his traffic accident prematurely ended his promising career on the mic. The result was an album full of legendary bars and quotables that would become a part of hip-hop and pop culture lexicon.The album was backed by three Billboard top ten singles : the classics "Nuthin But a G Thang", "Dre Day" and "Let Me Ride". Certified triple platinum, The Chronic has been universally acclaimed as both a foundational album of West Coast hip-hop, the hip-hop genre overall and a culture-shifting supernova that few albums have been able to match in terms of quality and impact since.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesAlbumism: Dr. Dre's 'The Chronic' Turns 30 | Album Anniversaryhttps://albumism.com/features/dr-dre-the-chronic-album-anniversaryEurWeb: Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" Turns 30 https://eurweb.com/2022/dr-dres-the-chronic-turns-30/HipHopHero: 30 years of 'The Chronic': Dr. Dre's exceptional debut album https://hiphophero.com/30-years-of-dr-dre-album-the-chronic/MusicMusingsAndSuch: Celebrating An Iconic and Complex Debut Album: Dr. Dre's "The Chronic"https://www.musicmusingsandsuch.com/musicmusingsandsuch/2022/11/16/feature-celebrating-an-iconic-and-complex-debut-album-dr-dres-the-chronic-at-thirtyBillboard: Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" Turns 30. Every Song Ranked From Worst To Best.https://www.billboard.com/lists/dr-dre-the-chronic-album-songs-ranked/f-k-with-dre-day-and-everybodys-celebratin-ft-jewell-rbx-and-snoop-dogg/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 Nas' sixth studio album God's Son as it turns 20. Capping off a productive year, the Queens emcee released his third project in 12 months following up the classic album Stillmatic and the compilation of unreleased tracks The Lost Tapes. It was seen as a continuation of his "comeback". He dealt with problems and distractions during the recording of the album, including his continued beef with Jay-Z and the death of his mother earlier in the year due to cancer. Despite the setbacks, he released an album that was largely critically acclaimed with production from the likes of Salaam Remi, Alchemist, Ron Brows, Chucky Thompson, Agile, Eminem and Alicia Keys.The album featured three singles: the street anthem "Made You Look", the children inspired "I Can" and "Get Down". It was certified platinum and is often cited as Nas' most personal and candid album.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesAlbumism: Nas' God's Son turns 20 | Album Anniversaryhttps://albumism.com/features/nas-gods-son-album-anniversaryBBC: 16 Albums That Define 2002 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ClfdFXPBSnc7s4cMBrjl4G/16-albums-that-define-2002FocusOnHipHop: Album Review | Nas - God's Son https://focushiphop.com/2016/06/26/album-review-nas-gods-son/ 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 looks back at The Pharcyde's debut classic album Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde as it turns 30. In the midst of a genre shift of power over their home base of California, the former dancers turns emcees and producers released their debut album to little fanfare, but would become recognized in the industry for their easy going and humorous style.Produced entirely by group member J-Swift, the group (also made up of members Slimkid3, Bootie Brown, Fatlip and Imani) provided audiences of a view of living in Southern California that was noticeably different in tenor and landscape than most of their counterparts in 1992.Using humor, witty banter, clever bars with bravado laced with references of sex, weed and female entanglements catered to an audience seeking an alternative to the party and gangster rap that made West Coast hip-hop popular.The album released two notable singles: the wise-crack song "Ya Mama" and the classic single "Passin' Me By", which has become their more recognizable track to date. While not a commercial success, the album was critically acclaimed and largely credited along Freestyle Fellowship's To Whom It May Concern and Del the Funky Homospaien's I Wish My Brother George Was Here with helping to popularize the West Coast alternative hip-hop scene which helped lead to the success and visibility of later acts such as Hieroglyphics, Jurassic 5, Blackalicious, Dilated Peoples and more.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesAlbumism: The Pharcyde's "Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://albumism.com/features/the-pharcyde-debut-album-bizarre-ride-ii-the-pharcyde-album-anniversaryMedium: BackSpin- Pharcyde "Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde"https://medium.com/@mediamaven0103/backspin-the-pharcyde-bizarre-ride-ii-the-pharcyde-1992-ca42ce00e88dAnywhere The Dope Go: The Pharcyde: Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde-Throwback Thursday Reviewhttps://www.anywherethedopego.com/the-pharcyde-bizarre-ride-ii-the-pharcyde-throwback-thursday-review%EF%BF%BC%EF%BF%BC/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 Ice Cube's third album The Predator as it turns 30. In the midst of the one most prolific and successful runs in hip-hop history stretching back his days as with NWA, the soon-to-be West Coast icon created and released his album in the time of transition of turmoil. Hip-Hop acclaim and recognition was beginning to spread its sphere of influence out to the West Coast. to mirror this rise in the commercial success of West Coast hip-hop was great angst. The album was completed in the heat of the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict, which sparked the now infamous 1992 L.A. riots, further fueling political and racial tensions.Not to be dismayed, Cube pressed on to continue his holy trinity of LPs, combining yet again with longtime collaborator Sir Jinx and also new production teammates in DJ Pooh and DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill. Over hard hitting and consistent production filled in with cuts of news footage and commentary that reflected times, he packaged the perfect combination of lyrics that reflected his political mindstate amidst the turmoil, told gangsta tales and told stories of what life like was in like in black Los Angeles.The album was critically acclaimed and was certified double platinum and featured two Cube standout singles: "Check Yourself" and the classic "It Was A Good Day", which has garnered the respect and adulation of hip-hop fans 30 years after its release.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesAlbumism: Ice Cube's 'The Predator' Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://albumism.com/features/ice-cube-the-predator-album-anniversaryBrooklyn Radio: #30thAnniversary: Ice Cube "The Predator" http://brooklynradio.com/30thanniversary-ice-cube-the-predator/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 review reggae superstar Sean Paul's classic sophomore album Dutty Rock as it turns 20. After a fairly successful debut album Stage One two years prior, Paul sought to capitalize on what was a burgeoning and receptive dancehall market in the United States since the turn of the new millennium. Working with an all-star cast of producers including legendary duos in Steely & Clevie and the Neptunes, Sly Dunbar, Lloyd "King Jammys" James, Delly Ranks, Mark Ronson and Scott Storch and toasting with his trademark basso voice over a slew of riddims that would become staples over the next couple of years, the album captured the attention of dancehall lovers and of newcomers into the genre in U.S. and worldwide.The album featured five very successful singles: "Gimme Tha Light", "Like Glue", "Get Busy", "Baby Boy" featuring Beyonce and "I'm Still In Love With You" featuring Sasha. Each single was wildly successful on the dancehall charts an also had crossover success in the US Billboard Hot 100 charts. It has been certified platinum and is credited with making dancehall reggae a mainstay in radio, dance floors and clubs and also for inspiring a style that helped to influence reggae music and its offspring for the next decade.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesJamaica Observer: Two Decades of Dutty Rock https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/two-decades-of-dutty-rock/KS 95: "Get Busy" Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Sean Paul "Dutty Rock" https://www.ks95.com/get-busy-celebrating-the-20th-anniversary-of-sean-pauls-dutty-rock/Billboard: The Dancehall Album Heard Round the World https://www.billboard.com/music/features/sean-paul-dutty-rock-interview-1235047662/ThisIsDig: 'Dutty Rock' How Sean Paul Took Dancehall to the Mainstreamhttps://www.thisisdig.com/feature/dutty-rock-sean-paul-album/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 looks back at Jay-Z's second studio album In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 as it turns 25. After a critical, yet not lucratively commercially, success of his classic debut Reasonable Doubt the previous year, the Brooklyn emcee looked to elevate his game and take the spot as the "King of New York" after the death of his fellow Brooklyn emcee and friend the Notorious B.I.G. that March.While sticking with previous collaborators producers DJ Premier and Ski, the sophomore album also featured production from a litany of new collaborators including Nashiem Myrick, Amen-Ra,Stevie J, Teddy Riley, D-Dot and others. The album features his signature flow over about tales off lavish life, hustling, street life and ills of ghetto life mix all together seamlessly. The album features many singles that many fans point to as Jay-Z favorites such as "A Million and One Questions", "Street Is Watching", "Imaginary Players" and "Where I'm From". The album also features tracks with more of a commercial feel such as "Sunshine" featuring Foxy Brown and Babyface and "The City Is Mine" featuring BlackSTREET. Some say that it was an effect of the "Jiggy" era coming into success earlier in the year as a means for Jay to achieve better commercial success than his debut. Some fans lamented that those and others like it on the album made the album inconsistent.The album was certified platinum began a run in which Jay-Z would become the biggest rapper in the game by the beginning of the new millennium.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesAlbumism: Jay-Z's In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 Turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://albumism.com/features/jay-z-in-my-lifetime-vol-1-album-anniversaryNuance Magazine: Throwback Thursday: In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 by Jay-Z (25th Anniversary) https://www.thenuancemagazine.com/nuance-news-feed/throwback-thursday-in-my-lifetime-vol-1-by-jay-z-25th-anniversaryComplex: Jay-Z Admits His In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 Album "Haunts" Himhttps://www.complex.com/music/jay-z-admits-second-album-in-my-lifetime-vol-1-haunts-himSupport 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 NaturallyAlise and JR of the R&B Representers to review SWV's debut classic album It's About Time as it turns 30. The crew is also joined with a very special guest appearance by Brian Alexander Morgan, one of the album's principal producers and co-writers.As R&B continued its evolution in the early 90s, the trio from NYC burst onto the scene with a jam packed album of hits and a long list of singles that would keep their album in the public consciousness for years until their next effort. Formed by Cheryl "Coko" Gamble, Tamara "Taj" George (nee Johnson) and Leanne "LeeLee" Lyons, the group started in gospel, but soon transitioned to R&B.The majority of the album was primarily produced and co-written by singer and producer Morgan. It also featured production from Genard Parker, Michael Brown, Saphreem King and Donald "Dee" Bowden. It's legendary run included seven singles, including the #1 R&B ballad "Weak", top R&B hit "I'm So Into You", "Right Here", "Downtown", "Anything" and the Morgan vocally-assisted "You're Always On My Mind".The album was certified triple platinum and has been considered a staple of the greatness of 90s R&B music. SWV would go on to release many albums and reunited to tour after taking long hiatus in new millennium, having influenced a great deal of their contemporaries and successors with the sound of their debut effort.Catch Alise and JR of the R&B Representers!Web: www.rnbreps.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/rnbrepsIG: https://www.instagram.com/rnbrepsYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RBRepresentersVisit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesAlbumism: SWV's Debut Album "It's About Time" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://albumism.com/features/swv-debut-album-its-about-time-album-anniversaryEssence: An SWV Biopic Is In The Workshttps://www.essence.com/entertainment/swv-biopic-movie/UrbanBridgez: UB Celebrates 30 Years of SMV's "It's About Time"https://urbanbridgez.com/2022/10/27/ub-celebrates-30th-anniversary-of-swvs-its-about-time/Sterogum: The Number Ones- SWV "Weak"https://www.stereogum.com/2174931/the-number-ones-swvs-weak/columns/the-number-ones/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

In this bonus segment of Pop Culture Corner, B. Cox looks back at that the black romantic comedy that was Brown Sugar as it turns 20. The film, which co-starred Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs, as lifelong friends who fell in love with hip-hop (and each other) as kids, now complicated by their careers and current choice in romantic partners. As hip-hop once intercepts in their lives and brings them closer together, it also brings their relationship into focus. The film also co-starred hip-hip icons Queen Latifah and Mos Def alongside Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe.It featured cameos and interviews with many hip-hop artists and personalties like Pete Rock, De La Soul, Black Thought, Questlove, Kool G Rap, Russell Simmons, Fabolous, Angie Martinez, Slick Rick and much more. Believed to be hip-hop's first rom com of the 21st century, it was a cult success; grossing $28 million against an $8 million budget. The original soundtrack featured the Grammy award winning track "Love of My Life (An Ode To Hip-Hop)" by Erykah Badu feat. Common.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesEssence: Brown Sugar Turns 20: See the Cast Then and Nowhttps://www.essence.com/entertainment/brown-sugar-20-see-the-films-cast-then-and-now/Essence: Sanaa Lathan Reflects on Brown Sugar for Film's 20th Anniversary https://www.essence.com/entertainment/sanaa-lathan-brown-sugar-feature/Andscape: 20 Years Later 'Brown Sugar' Is Still Helping Fans Fall In Lovehttps://andscape.com/features/20-years-later-brown-sugar-is-still-helping-fans-fall-in-love/Refinery29: Brown Sugar Is Still Just As Sweet The First Time We Fell In Love With It https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/11/10710486/brown-sugar-movie-rewatchRockTheBells: Love And Hip-Hop: 20 Years of Brown Sugarhttps://rockthebells.com/articles/love-and-hip-hop-20-years-of-brown-sugar/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 looks back at underground powerhouse label Rawkus Records and their first major compilation album Soundbombing, which turns 25. After releasing Company Flow's now legendary debut LP Funcrusher Plus earlier in the summer, the label released the compilation with previously released 12" singles in mixtape format. Mixed, scratched and hosted by DJ Evil Dee of Da Beatminerz and Black Moon, the album introduced us to future prominent emcees such as Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def),Talib Kweli and Shabaam Sahdeeq and producers such as Hi-Tek, Nick Wiz and Shawn J. Period. Sticking to their underground roots with he mixtape format, Rawkus sought to appeal to their underground base and wanted to capitalize on the success that Company Flow had with their debut that summer.While the album did not chart commercially, it made its buzz in the underground with DJs and fans. Several songs are considered underground classics and the release started a run of compilation releases including the beginning of the Lyricist Lounge series and the continuation of Soundbombing series. It also led to the formation of two groups that would have great success: Black Star (Def and Kweli) and Reflection Eternal (Kweli and Hi-Tek); all which helped Rawkus to achieve rare success both in the underground and limited success commercially.Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesThe Hundreds: Counting Down Our 10 Favorite Rawkus Records Albumshttps://thehundreds.com/blogs/content/counting-10-favorite-rawkus-records-albumsSupport 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 Redman's debut album Whut? Thee Album as it turns 30. After starting his career as a DJ for DoItAll For Lords of the Underground, a chance encounter withe EPMD, led the young Newark emcee on a path that would make him one of the best and most respected emcees of all-time. After appearing at shows with EPMD as a member of their clique The Hit Squad, Redman featured on three tracks on their fourth and fifth albums. After securing his record deal with Def Jam, he got to work on his debut album.The album was largely self-produced by Redman, with loose supervision by Erik Sermon. Over 21 tracks, he provides hardcore rhymes mixed with comedic bars and hilarious skits. Providing deft emceeing and splendid production as a first time producer of an album, it laid the groundwork for what would become a steller 30+ year career in the industry.The album released three singles: "Time 4 Sum Aksion", "Tonight's The Night" and "Blow Ya Mind".Visit The Vault Classic Music Reviews Onlinewww.vaultclassicpod.comSupport The Vault Classic Music Review on Buy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/vaultclassicpodShow NotesAlbumism: Redman's Debut Album "Whut? Thee Album" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospectivehttps://albumism.com/features/redman-debut-album-whut-thee-album-anniversaryBrooklynRadio: #30thAnniversary: Redman "Whut? Thee Album"http://brooklynradio.com/30thanniversary-redman-whut-thee-album/Classic Hip-Hop Magazine: How Classic is Redman's "Whut? Thee Album"? | Album Review https://classichiphopmagazine.com/91-93-reviews/2018/10/11/how-classic-is-redmans-whut-thee-album-album-reviewSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vault-classic-music-reviews-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy