Tag Archives: album-review

Domino – The World Of Dominology (November 4, 1997)

Posted on 03/31/2026 by deedub77

My introduction to Domino came from his blue contribution to the innovative 1993 Bloods & Crips compilation album, Bangin’ On Wax (he spat the first bars on the album’s self-titled lead single, and he appeared on one of my personal … Continue reading →

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Mase – Harlem World (October 28, 1997)

Posted on 03/17/2026 by deedub77

Bad Boy Records was founded by Sean “Puffy” Combs in 1993, but the label’s foundation was laid on Craig Mack’s (RIP) platinum-selling debut single, “Flava In Ya Ear,” and the building was erected on the back of The Notorious B.I.G. … Continue reading →

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Rappin’ 4-Tay – 4 Tha Hard Way (October 21,1997)

Posted on 02/10/2026 by deedub77

It’s fair to say that Todd “Too-Short” Shaw put the Bay Area on the hip-hop map. Armed with a monotone mouthpiece, rudimentary rap skills, pimp promo, and arguably the greatest adlib in the history of hip-hop (“beeaatch!”), The Oakland native … Continue reading →

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Organized Konfusion – The Equinox (September 23, 1997)

Posted on 11/18/2025 by deedub77

The last time we heard from Organized Konfusion here at TimeIsIllmatic was during their cameo appearance on O.C.’s “War Games” earlier in 1997. Organized only contributed a refrain to the song, leaving me wanting to hear more from the Queens … Continue reading →

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No I.D. – Accept Your Own & Be Yourself (The Black Album)

Posted on 11/04/2025 by deedub77

I’m certain the casual hip-hop fan didn’t become familiar with the name No I.D. until Kanye shouted him out as part of the hook on his ode to Jay-Z, “Big Brother” from his mammoth 2007 album, Graduation. But those in … Continue reading →

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Diamond D – Hatred, Passions And Infidelity (August 26,1997)

Posted on 08/12/2025 by deedub77

Diamond D has had quite the journey in this musical genre we call hip-hop. From getting his start as a deejay with Jazzy Jay and the Zulu Nation in the eighties, to forming the group Ultimate Force with MC Master … Continue reading →

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O.C. – Jewelz (August 19, 1997)

Posted on 07/08/2025 by deedub77

In 1994, O.C. released one of the best and most underrated albums of the year, Word…Life. I bought a copy of Word…Life, the same week it came out, and was thoroughly impressed by the Brooklyn emcee’s rhymes paired with a … Continue reading →

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Ant Banks – Big Thangs (July 8, 1997)

Posted on 04/22/2025 by deedub77

My first post of 2024 was on Ant Banks’ second solo album, The Big Badass. Ant Banks is known as a producer, but on Badass, he not only controlled the boards but also stepped behind the mic, handling most of … Continue reading →

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Puff Daddy & The Family – No Way Out (July 1, 1997)

Posted on 04/08/2025 by deedub77

With all the drama, accusations, charges, and, more importantly, the Cassie tape, I’m sure some of you have already canceled Diddy and his musical catalog from your playlist, which I can understand. I’ve never been the biggest Diddy fan, but … Continue reading →

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The Lady Of Rage – Necessary Roughness (June 24, 1997)

Posted on 03/11/2025 by deedub77

In December of 1992, Dr. Dre released one of the best hip-hop albums of all time, The Chronic (top five, in my opinion). Before ‘92, Dr. Dre was already a platinum-selling producer and the sonic brains behind The D.O.C.’s classic … Continue reading →

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