Conspiracy (Junior M.A.F.I.A. album)

Last updated
Conspiracy
JuniorMAFIA.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedAugust 29, 1995 (1995-08-29)
RecordedNovember 1994 – July 1995
Studio
Genre
Length50:46
Label
Producer
Junior M.A.F.I.A. chronology
Conspiracy
(1995)
Riot Musik
(2005)
Singles from Conspiracy
  1. "Player's Anthem"
    Released: May 30, 1995
  2. "I Need You Tonight"
    Released: August 9, 1995
  3. "Get Money"
    Released: February 3, 1996

Conspiracy is the debut studio album by American hip-hop group Junior M.A.F.I.A. It was released on August 29, 1995, through Big Beat Records with distribution via Atlantic Records.

Contents

The recording sessions took place at Sound on Sound Studios, Unique Recording Studios and Quad Recording Studios in New York City. The album was produced by DJ Clark Kent, Akshun, Daddy-O, Ez Elpee, Special Ed, Understanding, Lance "Un" Rivera, and the Notorious B.I.G., with the latter two also served as executive producers with Craig Kallman. It features a lone guest appearance from Jimmy Cozier.

In the United States, the album debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200 and peaked at number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, selling 69,000 copies in its first week. [1] It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on December 6, 1995 for the sales of 500,000 units in the US alone. [2]

The album was supported by three singles with accompanying music videos: "Player's Anthem", "I Need You Tonight" and "Get Money".

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [3]
Los Angeles Times Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [4]
The Source Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [5]

Conspiracy was met with above average reviews from music critics. Nicholas Poluhoff of The Source called it "a solid debut LP, but there are some unoriginal moments that drag it down". [5] Cheo Hodari Coker of Los Angeles Times wrote that "overall The Conspiracy is like watching a kung-fu flick on video: you often have to fast-forward to the best fight scenes to remind you why you wanted to watch it in the first place." [4] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic wrote, "Considering Ready to Die was one of the seminal hip-hop releases of the early '90s, Conspiracy could have been an inspired, enjoyable sequel; instead, it's a fitfully successful replication of the earlier record's strengths." [3]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Intro" Lance Rivera Lance "Un" Rivera2:42
2."White Chalk"
4:40
3."Excuse Me..."RiveraLance "Un" Rivera0:50
4."Realms of Junior M.A.F.I.A."
4:25
5."Player's Anthem"
DJ Clark Kent5:22
6."I Need You Tonight"
  • R. Spain
  • Jones
  • Terrence Giddings
  • Franklin
  • Patrice Rushen
  • Brian George
  • Lucien George
  • Hugh Clarke
  • Paul George
  • Gerard Charles
  • Curtis Bedeau
DJ Clark Kent4:28
7."Get Money"
EZ Elpee4:34
8."I've Been..."RiveraLance "Un" Rivera0:35
9."Crazaay"
  • R. Spain
  • A. Spain
  • Franklin
DJ Clark Kent3:58
10."Back Stabbers" (featuring Jimmy Cozier)Daddy-O5:34
11."Shot!"RiveraLance "Un" Rivera0:55
12."Lyrical Wizardry"
  • Giddings
  • Ronald Williams
Akshun3:52
13."Oh My Lord"
Special Ed 3:39
14."Murder Onze"
  • Lyons
  • Giddings
  • R. Spain
  • A. Spain
  • Williams
Akshun4:22
15."Outro"RiveraLance "Un" Rivera0:41
Total length:50:46
Sample credits

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for Conspiracy
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [2] Gold500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<i>Hard Core</i> (Lil Kim album) 1996 studio album by Lil Kim

Hard Core is the debut studio album by American rapper Lil' Kim, released on November 12, 1996, by Undeas Recordings, Big Beat Records, and Atlantic Records. After achieving success with the hip hop group Junior M.A.F.I.A. and their album Conspiracy (1995), Kim began working on her solo album with the Notorious B.I.G. serving as the executive producer. She collaborated with a number of producers, such as Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, Stevie J., David "Ski" Willis and Jermaine Dupri, among others. Other rappers, including Jay-Z, Lil' Cease and Puff Daddy were featured on the album.

<i>Porn Again</i> 2001 studio album by Smut Peddlers

Porn Again is a collaborative studio album by American rappers Mr. Eon and Cage and record producer DJ Mighty Mi, recording as a supergroup Smut Peddlers. It was released on February 13, 2001, via Rawkus/Priority Records. Recording sessions took place at The Muthafuckin' Spot On Lexington. Production was handled by member DJ Mighty Mi, who also served as executive producer together with his The High & Mighty partner Mr. Eon. It features guest appearances from Copywrite, Kool G Rap, Kool Keith, R.A. the Rugged Man, Apani B. Fly, Lord Sear and Beetlejuice. The album peaked at number 184 on the Billboard 200, number 43 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and number 10 in the Heatseekers Albums in the United States. It was re-released as Porn Again Revisited on March 7, 2006, via Eastern Conference Records, with four bonus tracks that were formerly only available on vinyl.

<i>Terror Squad: The Album</i> 1999 studio album by Terror Squad

Terror Squad: The Album is the debut studio album by American hip hop group Terror Squad. It was released on September 21, 1999 through Atlantic Records. Production was handled by Armageddon, The Alchemist, Buckwild, Dirtman, DJ Noodles, Don "A.P." Sellers, JuJu, LA' Smouve, Ron "Amen-Ra" Lawrence, The Infinite Arkatechz, V.I.C., Yogi "Sugar Bear" Graham and Younglord, with Craig Kallman, Fat Joe and Greg Angelides serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from Buju Banton, Keith Nut and The Bleach Brothers, as well as contributions from Tony Sunshine, who will subsequently join the group's line-up.

<i>For the People</i> (Boot Camp Clik album) 1997 studio album by Boot Camp Clik

For the People is the debut album by American hip hop supergroup Boot Camp Clik. It was released on May 20, 1997, via Priority Records and re-released as Still For the People on April 24, 2007, via Duck Down Music. The recording sessions took place from September 1996 to March 1997 at D&D Studios and at Chung King Studios in New York. The production was handled by Mark "Boogie" Brown, Buckshot, Shawn J Period, Tony Touch, BJ Swan, Shaleek, EZ Elpee, Squia and Louieville Sluggah. The album peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 200 and number 4 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

<i>SlaughtaHouse</i> 1993 studio album by Masta Ace Incorporated

SlaughtaHouse is the debut studio album by American hip hop group Masta Ace Incorporated and the second album by Brooklyn-based rapper Masta Ace. It was released on May 4, 1993, through Delicious Vinyl. The recording sessions took place at Firehouse Studios in Brooklyn. The album was produced by Masta Ace under his producer moniker "Ase One", as well as the Bluez Brothas, Uneek, Latief, and the Beatheads, with Orlando Aguillen serving as executive producer. It peaked at number 134 on the Billboard 200 in the United States.

<i>Infamy</i> (album) 2001 studio album by Mobb Deep

Infamy is the fifth studio album by American East Coast hip-hop duo Mobb Deep. It was released on December 11, 2001 through Loud Records. Recording sessions took place at Kejuan Entertainment Studios, Right Track Recording, Chung King Studios and Sony Music Studios in New York City. Production was handled by Havoc, Scott Storch, EZ Elpee and the Alchemist. It features guest appearances from Big Noyd, 112, Infamous Mobb, Lil' Mo, Littles, Ron Isley and Vita.

<i>LB IV Life</i> 1999 studio album by Lost Boyz

LB IV Life is the third studio album by American hip hop group the Lost Boyz. It was released on September 28, 1999, via Universal Records. Recording sessions took place at Heavy Hand Recordings and Soundtrack in New York. Production was handled by Ralph Lo, Mr. Sex, DJ Rob, Dwayne Lindsey, Glenn S.O.N. Faide, Alex Andino Jr., Charles Suitt, Dre Most, Ron G and "Pito" Jones, with Dodie Walker and members Mr. Cheeks and Freaky Tah serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from LG, Izzy Dead, J-N-J, QB, Queens Most Wanted, Street Connect and Bruce Miller. The album peaked at number 32 on the Billboard 200 and number eight the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the United States.

<i>Don Cartagena</i> 1998 studio album by Fat Joe

Don Cartagena is the third studio album by American rapper Fat Joe. It was released on September 1, 1998 through Atlantic Records, Big Beat, Mystic Entertainment Group and Fat Joe's Terror Squad Productions. Production was handled by Armageddon, Baby Paul, Buckwild, Curt Gowdy, Dame Grease, DJ Premier, JAO, L.E.S., Mack 10, Marley Marl, Rashad Smith, Ski Beatz, Spunk Bigga, V.I.C. and Younglord, with Craig Kallman, Fat Joe and Greg Angelides serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from fellow Terror Squad members Big Punisher, Armageddon, Prospect, Cuban Link and Triple Seis, as well as Charli Baltimore, Jadakiss, Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Nas, Noreaga, Puff Daddy, Raekwon and Rell.

<i>From Where???</i> 1996 studio album by Mad Skillz

From Where??? is the debut studio album by American hip hop artist Mad Skillz. It was released on February 13, 1996, via Big Beat/Atlantic Records. It was produced by Mad Skillz, Buckwild, Shawn J. Period, J Dilla, DJ Clark Kent, EZ Elpee, Large Professor, Nick Wiz, and the Beatnuts, with Rob "Reef" Tewlow serving as executive producer. It features guest appearances from Kalonji the Immortal, Dr. Mindbenda, Javon the Medieval, Large Professor, Lil' Roc, Lonnie B and Q-Tip. The album peaked at number 154 on the Billboard 200, number 18 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and number 5 on the Heatseekers Albums chart in the United States.

<i>Straight Up Sewaside</i> 1993 studio album by Das EFX

Straight Up Sewaside is the second studio album by American hip hop duo Das EFX. It was released on November 16, 1993 via East West Records. Recording sessions took place at Northshore Soundworks in Commack, New York. Production was handled by Solid Scheme and Charlie Marotta, with PMD serving as executive producer. The album debuted at number 20 on the Billboard 200 and number 6 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States. It was supported with two singles, "Freakit" and "Baknaffek". Its lead single, "Freakit", was released on October 21, 1993 and made it to number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<i>187 He Wrote</i> 1993 studio album by Spice 1

187 He Wrote is the second studio album by American rapper Spice 1. It was released on September 28, 1993, via Jive Records.

<i>AmeriKKKas Nightmare</i> 1994 studio album by Spice 1

AmeriKKKa's Nightmare is the third studio album by American rapper Spice 1. It was released November 22, 1994, via Jive Records. The recording sessions took place at Hyde Street Studios, Live Oak Studios, Dangerous Music Studios, Cherokee Studios, and Blue Palm Studios. The album was produced by Blackjack, Ant Banks, DJ Battlecat, DJ Slip, and Spice 1, who also served as executive producer with Chaz Hayes. It features guest appearances from 187 Fac, 2Pac, E-40, and Method Man.

<i>Dangerous Minds</i> (soundtrack) 1995 soundtrack album by various artists

Dangerous Minds: Music from the Motion Picture is the official soundtrack to John N. Smith's 1995 film Dangerous Minds, composed primarily of hip hop and R&B music. It was released on July 11, 1995 through MCA Soundtracks.

<i>Immaculate</i> (album) 2001 studio album by Mac Mall

Immaculate is the fourth solo studio album by American rapper Mac Mall. It was released on February 20, 2001 through Sesed Out Records. Production was handled by Khayree, Femi Ojetunde, DJ Yon and Shock G, with co-producer Thomas Anderson, and Leila Steinberg and Mac Mall serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from Hussein Fatal, Shock G, DJ Yon, Kim Morgan, Lucia Sykes and D Knowledge.

<i>Game Related</i> 1995 studio album by The Click

Game Related is the second studio album by American hip hop quartet The Click. It was released on November 7, 1995, via Sick Wid' It/Jive Records. Production was handled by Studio Ton, Mike Mosley, Kevin Gardner, Tone Capone and Roger Troutman. The album peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200 and number 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on December 9, 1998 for selling 500,000 copies in the US alone.

<i>Pleezbaleevit!</i> 2000 studio album by Doggys Angels

Pleezbaleevit! is the only studio album by American hip hop trio Doggy's Angels. It was released in 2000 through Doggy Style/TVT Records. Recording sessions took place at Dogghouse Recording Studios. Production was handled by DJ Battlecat, Fredwreck, Meech Wells, D. Black, Jelly Roll and Mark In The Dark, with Snoop Dogg serving as executive producer. It features guest appearances from Tha Eastsidaz, Kokane, LaToiya Williams, King Lou, Layzie Bone, Mac Minister, Morticia, Nate Dogg, Ruff Dogg, Soopafly and Suga Free.

<i>Black Mafia</i> (album) 1998 studio album by Steady Mobbn

Black Mafia is the second studio album by American hip-hop duo Steady Mobb'n. It was released on November 24, 1998, through No Limit/Priority Records, marking the duo's second and final full-length for the label.

<i>Training Day</i> (soundtrack) 2001 soundtrack album by various artists

Training Day: The Soundtrack is the soundtrack album to Antoine Fuqua's 2001 crime film Training Day. It was released on September 11, 2001, through Priority Records and contained mostly hip hop music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Get Money</span> 1996 single by Junior M.A.F.I.A. featuring The Notorious B.I.G.

"Get Money" is a song by the American rap group Junior M.A.F.I.A., released as the third and final single from their debut album Conspiracy (1995). "Get Money," whose instrumental is fundamentally a sample of R&B singer Sylvia Striplin's 1981 song "You Can't Turn Me Away," was produced by EZ Elpee, rapped by the Notorious B.I.G. and Lil' Kim, and received a music video. B.I.G., formally, was featured, but at times was deemed, like Lil' Kim and Lil' Cease, a Junior M.A.F.I.A. member.

<i>How to Be a Player</i> (soundtrack) 1997 studio album to Def Jams How to Be a Player by various artists

Def Jam's How to Be a Player soundtrack is the soundtrack to Lionel C. Martin's 1997 sex comedy film Def Jam's How to Be a Player. It was released on August 5, 1997, through Def Jam Recordings.

References

  1. Mayfield, Geoff (July 15, 2000). "Between the Bullets: Hit-Hop". Billboard . Vol. 112, no. 29. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 112. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved January 25, 2025 via Google Books.
  2. 1 2 "American album certifications – Junior M.A.F.I.A. – Conspiracy". Recording Industry Association of America. December 6, 1995. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
  3. 1 2 Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Conspiracy Junior M.A.F.I.A." AllMusic . Retrieved January 25, 2025.
  4. 1 2 Coker, Cheo H. (August 27, 1995). "JUNIOR M.A.F.I.A."The Conspiracy" Big Beat/Atlantic* * 1/2Fans..." Los Angeles Times . Retrieved January 25, 2025.
  5. 1 2 Poluhoff, Nicholas (November 1995). "Record Report: Junior M.A.F.I.A. – Conspiracy". The Source . No. 74. New York. p. 96. Archived from the original on December 11, 2010. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  6. "Top RPM Albums: Issue 2773". RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  7. "The Billboard 200". Billboard . Vol. 107, no. 37. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. September 16, 1995. p. 90. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived from the original on July 17, 2019. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
  8. "Top R&B Albums". Billboard . Vol. 107, no. 37. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. September 16, 1995. p. 26. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived from the original on July 17, 2019. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
  9. "Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1995". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 6, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  10. "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 1995". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 6, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  11. "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 1996". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 12, 2021.