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.
Fu-Schnickens were an American hip-hop trio from 1988 to 1995, based in Brooklyn, New York.
It's Dark and Hell Is Hot is the debut studio album by American rapper DMX. It was released on May 19, 1998, by Def Jam Recordings and Ruff Ryders Entertainment. It was supported by four singles—"Get at Me Dog", "Stop Being Greedy", "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" and "How's It Goin' Down", in order of release—and their accompanying music videos.
"Think of You" is a song by American musician Usher. It was co-written by Usher alongside LaFace Records labelmate Donell Jones and Bad Boy singer Faith Evans for his self-titled debut album (1994). The song samples a groove from the instrumental track "Tidal Wave" (1975) by American jazz musician Ronnie Laws, also featuring vocals from rapper Biz Markie's "Just Rhymin' With Biz" (1987). Lyrically, "Think of You" finds the protagonist going through a breakup and dealing with conflicting feelings about his ex.
Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z... is the second solo studio album by American rapper 2Pac. It was released on February 16, 1993, via TNT Recordings and Interscope Records. The recording sessions took place at Starlight Sound Studio in Richmond, Echo Sound Studio in Los Angeles and Unique Recording Studios in New York. The album was produced by the Underground Railroad and D-Flow Production Squad, as well as Live Squad, DJ Bobcat, DJ Daryl, Akshun, Laylaw, Special Ed, and Truman Jefferson. It features contributions from Live Squad, Apache, Dave Hollister, Deadly Threat, Digital Underground, Ice Cube, Ice-T, Poppi, Treach, and 2Pac's stepbrother Wycked among others.
Trill is the debut solo studio album by American rapper Bun B. It was released on October 18, 2005, through Rap-A-Lot Records. Recording sessions took place at Studio 7303 in Houston and at PatchWerk Recording Studios and Stankonia Studios in Atlanta. Production was handled by Mr. Lee, Mannie Fresh, Salih Williams, Bigg Tyme, Cory Mo, Jazze Pha, John Bido, KLC, Lil Jon, Maejor, Mike Dean, Mr. Collipark, Sean Wee, Trey Songz and Travis Barker. It features guest appearances from Lil' Keke, Mike Jones, Young Jeezy, Z-Ro, Aztek, Birdman, Chamillionaire, Jay-Z, Jazze Pha, J. Prince, Juvenile, Lil' Flip, Ludacris, Mannie Fresh, Mddl Fngz, Paul Wall, Pimp C, Scarface, Slim Thug, T.I., Too $hort, Trey Songz, Ying-Yang Twins and Skinhead Rob.
"Dear Mama" is a song by American rapper 2Pac from his third studio album, Me Against the World (1995). It was released on February 21, 1995, as the lead single from the album. The song is a tribute to his mother, Afeni Shakur. In the song, Shakur details his childhood poverty and his mother's addiction to crack cocaine, but argues that his love and deep respect for his mother supersede bad memories. The song became his first top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number nine. It also topped the Hot Rap Singles chart for five weeks. As of March 2021, the song is certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA.
Sons of the P is the second studio album by American hip hop group Digital Underground. It was released on October 15, 1991, via Tommy Boy Records. Main recording sessions took place at Starlight Sound in Richmond, with additional recordings done at Unique Recording Studios in New York, Axiom Recorders in Tampa and The Disc Ltd. in Detroit. Production was handled by D.U. in-house production team credited as The Underground Production Squad, with Atron Gregory and member Shock G serving as executive producers. It features contributions from George Clinton, Stretch and Treach.
Back in Business is the fifth studio album by American hip hop duo EPMD. It was released on September 16, 1997, through Def Jam Recordings. Recording sessions took place at Mirror Image and Soundtrack Studios in New York. Production was handled by members Erick Sermon and PMD, as well as DJ Scratch, with Agallah and Rockwilder serving as co-producers. It features guest appearances from Das EFX, Keith Murray, Nocturnal and Redman.
Home Field Advantage is the debut studio album by American hip hop group the High & Mighty. It was released on August 24, 1999, via Rawkus Records. The recording sessions took place at the Muthafuckin' Spot on Lexington. The album was produced mostly by member DJ Mighty Mi, but also featured production from Alchemist and Reef. It features guest appearances from Bobbito García, Cage, Defari, Eminem, Evidence, Kool Keith, Mad Skillz, Mos Def, Pharoahe Monch, Thirstin Howl III, What? What? and Wordsworth. The album peaked at number 193 on the Billboard 200, number 45 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and number 11 on the Heatseekers Albums in the United States. The single "B-Boy Document '99" reached number 63 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, number 7 on the Hot Rap Songs. The single "Dick Starbuck "Porno Detective"" made it to number 37 on the Hot Rap Songs.
"I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By" is a duet song by American rapper Method Man, featuring American singer-songwriter Mary J. Blige. The song is a remix of Method Man's "All I Need", which appears on his debut studio album Tical (1994). The song, a hip hop soul record, was released as a single by Def Jam Recordings and PolyGram Records on April 25, 1995.
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.
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.
"MC's Act Like They Don't Know" is a hardcore hip hop song written and performed by American rapper KRS-One. It was released on August 28, 1995 via Jive Records as the lead single from his second solo studio album KRS One. Recording sessions took place at D&D Studios in New York. Production was helmed by DJ Premier.
Fear Itself is the debut solo studio album by American rapper and record producer Casual. It was released on February 1, 1994, via Jive Records. The recording sessions took place between July 1992 and February 1993 at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco, California. The album was produced by Casual and fellow Hieroglyphics Crew members Domino, Del the Funky Homosapien, and Jay-Biz. It features guest appearances from Del the Funky Homosapien, Pep Love and Saafir. The album debuted at number 108 on the Billboard 200 and number 22 on the Top R&B Albums chart in the United States.
"I Saw It Cummin'" is a hardcore hip hop song by American rapper PMD. It was released in 1994 through PMD/RCA Records as the lead single from the rapper's debut solo studio album Shadē Business. Recording sessions took place at Black Zone Studios and Northshore Soundworks in New York. Production was handled by PMD himself together with DJ Scratch, who utilised a sample from Ohio Players' "Funky Worm".
Non-Fiction is the sixth studio album by American recording artist Ne-Yo. The album was released on January 27, 2015, by Motown Records, serving as the follow-up to his fifth album R.E.D. (2012). The album was preceded by two singles: "Money Can't Buy" featuring Jeezy and "She Knows" featuring Juicy J.
Black Sheep is an American hip hop duo from Queens, New York, United States, composed of Andres "Dres" Vargas Titus and William "Mista Lawnge" McLean. The duo was from New York but met as teenagers in Sanford, North Carolina, where both of their families relocated. The group was part of the Native Tongues collective, which included the Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul. After getting together in 1989, Black Sheep debuted in 1991 with the hit song "Flavor of the Month" and later released its first album, A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, which gained them praise and recognition in the hip-hop community for the album's unique rhythms and intelligent, often humorous lyrics. After six years together, Black Sheep disbanded in 1995, citing creative differences.
"Who Got da Props" is a song written by American rapper Buckshot and record producer Evil Dee of Da Beatminerz, performed by East Coast hip hop group Black Moon. It was recorded in 1992 and produced by Evil Dee. Pre-production took place at the Dewgarde Crib of Hits with following recording sessions at D&D Studios in New York. It was released in 1992, through Nervous Records as the lead single from the group's debut studio album Enta da Stage, marking the debut on hip hop scene by both the artists and the label. Accompanying music video was directed by Ralph McDaniels.
Horace Brown is the only studio album by American contemporary R&B singer Horace Brown. It was released on June 18, 1996, via Motown Records. Recording sessions took place at Giant Recording Studios, Daddy's House Recording Studios, Sony Music Studios, Soundtrack Studios, Platinum Island Studios, Reflections Studio and Unique Recording Studios in New York City, Caribbean Sound Basin in Port of Spain, and DMH Studios in Elmsford. Production was handled by Dave "Jam" Hall, Puff Daddy, Stevie J, Big Bub, Charles Farrar, DeVante Swing, Dr. Ceuss, Kevin Deane, Troy Taylor, and DJ Eddie F, who also served as executive producer together with Andre Harrell and Lewis Tillman. It features a lone guest appearance from Faith Evans.
