The Underground Tapes

Last updated
The Underground Tapes
Underground Tapes.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedJune 22, 1999
Recorded1996–1999
Genre Canadian hip hop
Length44:50
Label Serious/Capitol Hill
Producer Chase Parsons (exec.), Saukrates (also exec.), Mike Caren ( also exec.), Mr. Attic, Day
Saukrates chronology
Brick House
(1997)
The Underground Tapes
(1999)
Season One
(2012)
Alternative cover
Underground Tapes 2.jpg
Cover of the Canadian re-release.
Singles from The Underground Tapes
  1. "Money or Love"
    Released: 1999

The Underground Tapes is the debut studio album by Canadian rapper Saukrates, which was released June 22, 1999 in the United States through independent labels Serious Entertainment and Capitol Hill Music. [1] In late summer 1999, the album was re-released in Canada with six additional tracks. [2] Production was handled by Saukrates, Mr. Attic, Mike Caren, and Day. Three songs from the album—"Innovations", "Play Dis (99 Remix)", and "Rollin"—are remixes. The only single from the album was "Money or Love", which was nominated for a Juno Award in 2000.

Contents

Mike Shinoda, the co-vocalist of Linkin Park, designed the album cover, as it was shown in the band's first documentary DVD called Frat Party at the Pankake Festival , which was released on November 20, 2001, from a short video clip entitled "Mike & Joe's Art" that can be seen from the "Special Features" menu.

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [3]
MVRemix7.5/10 [4]

Allmusic stated "Influenced by the quintessential N.Y. sound of old, Saukrates' self-produced jazzy synthesizers and organic string sections permeate with a native-tongues vibe. But it's lyrically where Saukrates distinguishes himself, as his flow and domineering habitation on the mike is utterly hypnotic." [5]

Track listing

#TitleProducer(s)Featured guest(s)Length
1."Intro"1:12
2."Can't Touch Us"Saukrates (co-produced by Mr. Attic)3:52
3."Money or Love"Saukrates4:18
4."Bag da Biscuit"2:40
5."Da Professional"5:57
6."Keep It Movin" Xzibit 3:23
7."Innovations" Pharoahe Monch 3:59
8."Fine Line"2:35
9."Play Dis (99 Remix)" Common 3:35
10."Body Language" Mr. Attic Choclair 4:08
11."Check for Me"Saukrates4:35
12."Ultimate Rush" Mike Caren Heltah Skeltah 3:03
13."Rollin"Saukrates Masta Ace and O.C. 4:13

The Canadian re-release features six additional tracks.

#TitleProducer(s)Length
14."Suga Daddy"Saukrates3:54
15."Bag da Biscuit (Ain't Nuttin But A....)"3:47
16."Vietnam"3:56
17."Killed or Be Killed"3:15
18."Ay, Ay, Ay"3:48
*"Father Time" (hidden track)Day (co-produced by Saukrates)4:22

Samples

Personnel

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References

  1. Vol. 1-Underground Tapes Amazon. Accessed on November 3, 2009.
  2. Saukrates > Overview Allmusic. Accessed on November 3, 2009.
  3. Allmusic review
  4. MVRemix review
  5. The Underground Tapes > Overview Allmusic. Accessed on November 3, 2009.