Tag Archives: new-music

Common – One Day It Will All Make Sense (September 30, 1997)

Posted on 12/02/2025 by deedub77

From its inception in the seventies to the mid-nineties, the East Coast, and later, the West Coast, had a chokehold on hip-hop. Thanks to the commercial success of artists like The Geto Boys, OutKast, UGK, and (though I hate to … Continue reading →

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The X-Ecutioners – X-pressions (September 23, 1997)

Posted on 11/25/2025 by deedub77

Throughout history, several inventions were created by accident or a minor mishap. The pacemaker’s inception came when an engineer used the wrong resistor, creating a device that mimicked a heartbeat. While working with radar technology, Percy Spencer noticed a candy … Continue reading →

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EPMD – Back In Business (September 16, 1997)

Posted on 11/11/2025 by deedub77

I recently read a social media post that listed the best rap duos of all time. I typically scroll past this type of post because they’re subjective and usually put together by people who didn’t start listening to hip-hop until … 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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Busta Rhymes – When Disaster Strikes… (September 16, 1997)

Posted on 10/28/2025 by deedub77

One could argue that Busta Rhymes was the hottest rapper alive in 1997. If you disagree, you at least have to admit he was one of the top five. He was not only coming off the success of his platinum-selling … Continue reading →

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Domino – Dominology (September 2, 1997)

Posted on 10/21/2025 by deedub77

The last time we checked in with Domino here at TimeIsIllmatic was for his 1996 sophomore effort, Physical Funk. Thanks to his hit singles, “Getto Jam” and “Sweet Potatoe Pie,” his self-titled debut album earned gold certification. Physical Funk didn’t … Continue reading →

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Laylaw – The Lawhouse Experience – Volume One (August 29, 1997)

Posted on 08/26/2025 by deedub77

When it comes to West Coast hip-hop producers, Dr. Dre is indisputably the cream of the crop. His run from Straight Outta Compton to The D.O.C.’s No One Can Do It Better, to The Chronic and Doggystyle, to the magic … 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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Coolio – My Soul (August 26, 1997)

Posted on 07/29/2025 by deedub77

After the success of It Takes A Thief (1994) and Gangsta’s Paradise (1995), Coolio was a bona fide superstar. Both albums would earn platinum plaques, and together, give the Compton rapper four top 40 singles. His rise would continue in … Continue reading →

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Rampage – Scouts Honor…By Way Of Blood (July 29, 1997)

Posted on 05/27/2025 by deedub77

Nepotism is one of the oldest practices in the world. The term nepotismo originated in the 14th century to describe the corrupt practice by popes of appointing male relatives to cardinalates and other high positions in the church. It derives … Continue reading →

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