Tag Archives: hip-hop

Mic Geronimo – Vendetta (November 4, 1997)

Posted on 04/14/2026 by deedub77

The last time we checked in with Mic Geronimo here at TimeIsIllmatic was back in November of 1995 with the release of his debut album, The Natural. I was excited to finally review the album, thanks largely to his majestical … Continue reading →

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Rakim – The 18th Letter (November 4, 1997)

Posted on 04/07/2026 by deedub77

Between 1987 and 1992, Eric B & Rakim released four celebrated albums (two of which earned gold plaques, and one would reach platinum status), which included numerous hit records and several memorable quotables from Rakim. The duo’s work would cement … Continue reading →

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Jay-Z – In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (November 4, 1997)

Posted on 03/24/2026 by deedub77

Revisionist history might lead you to believe that Reasonable Doubt was an immediate breakout smash when it was released in 1996, but it wasn’t (and ironically, it’s about to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary in June). Unlike Illmatic, which came with … 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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Nice & Smooth – IV: Blazing Hot (October 28, 1997)

Posted on 03/03/2026 by deedub77

The last time we checked in with Nice & Smooth here at TimeIsIllmatic was for their third album, Jewel Of The Nile, released in 1994. Jewel was the duo’s second and last project released under the Def Jam affiliate label, … Continue reading →

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Spice 1 – The Black Bossalini (Aka Dr. Bomb From Da Bay) (October 28, 1997)

Posted on 02/24/2026 by deedub77

As a forty-something-year-old father, husband, and productive citizen, gangsta rap doesn’t appeal to me like it did when I was a teen or in my twenties. I credit the change to maturity, morality, and just plain being tired of hearing … 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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The Firm – The Album (October 21, 1997)

Posted on 01/20/2026 by deedub77

In 1994, Nasty Nas hit the earth like a comet with his classic debut album, Illmatic, which I still consider the greatest hip-hop album of all time. The self-proclaimed half-man, half-amazing Queensbridge emcee impressed with insightful streetwise poetry over vintage … Continue reading →

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Gravediggaz – The Pick, The Sickle, And The Shovel (October 14, 1997)

Posted on 01/13/2026 by deedub77

Prince Paul may have got his start in the game as a DJ for hip-hop’s first unofficial band, Stetsasonic, but over time, he’s become one of hip-hop’s most underrated producers. Over the years, he has produced tracks for artists such … Continue reading →

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LL Cool J – Phenomenon (October 14, 1997)

Posted on 12/30/2025 by deedub77

Wow, I can’t believe how fast 2025 flew by! This is my last review of the year. I hope you enjoy the read, and I’ll catch up with you all in 2026. Happy New Year! In today’s mainstream lexicon, the … Continue reading →

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