Big Boy Records, the record company that brought us Gslimm, Mystikal, and Partners-N-Crime will drop another big one this month with the release of the long awaited album from Black Menace, Drama Time.
It has been years since the group made its mark on the local rap scene with cuts like “Goin’ Off” and “Put Onna Vest.” On this project they’ve teamed up with Precise, the local producer whose track record speaks for itself. He was the driving force behind hits from Papadoc and most acts on BigBoy.
On this album, Black Menace stays true to the streets with gut wrenching lyrics while Precise provides slammin’, in-your-face beats. “We’re still talkin’ the same things, but we’re puttin’ a twist to it,” say Black Menace’s J-Dawg. Drama Time includes 12 tracks that deal with everything from violence to family issues. Group member The Threat says this album offers “realness with versatility”:
Black Menace formed in 1989 when neighborhood friends J-Dawg, The Threat, and former member DJ Jazz started rappin’ together. They released an EP on Hollygrove Records and a maxi-single on Prime Suspect Productions before signing with Big Boy Records and releasing their first full album, Really Doe.
Big Boy has high hopes for Drama Time. “Black Menace is another piece of the puzzle, another bomb about to explode,” says Charles Temple, President of Big Boy,Records.”This ain’t no border line shit. The drama’s about to jump off.”
Speaking of Big Boy, the label’s top-seller-and one of the top-selling artists in New Orleans, of any genre, for the last few months—may soon jump off nationally. Big Boy has been negotiating with Jive Records to re-release Mystikal’s self-titled debut nationally. In anticipation of that, Mystikal has been working on new tracks that would be added to the national version of his album.
And, Mystikal-aka Michael Tyler-has started a company to market his own line of paraphernalia, including clothing. Write the company at P.O. Box 15289, New Orleans, LA, 70175. That is also the address for the newly formed Mystikal fan club.
Knowledge Records releases a maxi-cassette on Lil Prede Boy this month. Rags To Riches includes six gangsta raps. “It’s street knowledge,” says Lil Prede Boy.”I’m tellin’ the people what’s goin’ on, kickin’ reality.”
It was his reality-a neighborhood surrounded by violence and crime-that inspired him to rap. Through rap he could release years of pent-up frustration. When Walter Sandifer, Jr., co-owner of Knowledge Records, heard Lil Prede Boy rap, he asked him to sign with the label. Knowledge Records will host a record release party August 12th at Club Black Magic…
The Black Radio Exclusive convention held in New Orleans this summer attracted many up and coming artists–some hoping to catch the attention of major labels, others trying to increase exposure for projects already making noise in other markets. Such is the case with West Coast rapper L.A. Nash. Nash’s self-titled debut album on Menes Records hit stores in July and his first single “64,” released earlier this year got great reviews. Nash describes his style as “West Coast abstract music”- music that uses different metaphors and voices to fit the mood of the rap. “It’s basically tryin’ to make your voice an instrument over the tracks,” says Nash. The album reflects the Los Angeles lifestyle as Nash experiences it-cruisin’ in Chevys, going to picnics and havin’ fun. Teena Marie co-wrote and sang on the cut “Ain’t A Damn Thang Changed”. The album is the second release on the Menes label founded by Nash and rapper Cheeba.
Club Misty’s (5462 St. Claude) hosts a Dazzey Duks/Short Shorts contest every Sunday night. The contest is open to all females dressed in short shorts. Admission is $2; grand prize is $50. Music is provided by Q93’s DJ Ro, M.C. Action Jackson, and Popeye U.K.
Last month I mentioned that this month’s column would include an interview with Gasoline Alley/MCA recording artists Ebony Vibe Everlasting. I met the group this summer during a promotional tour. However, the latest news from Gasoline Alley’s marketing department is that the group recently split up and group member Edie May is going solo. I’ll keep you posted.
