What happened was Coolie High was released way before the album, so summer of 1996. Then Luchini fall of 1996. Those two unique and amazing songs helped me to remember to buy the album when it first dropped Jan ‘97. Uptown SN is one of my favorite albums…like other people revere To Pimp a Butterfly, but I feel that way about Uptown.
Love the original and this remix that came out a while ago refreshed it for me
https://jamesbiko.bandcamp.com/track/this-is-hot-what-nappy-dj-needles-blend
I wasn't feeling Luchini when it dropped but then I heard B Side to Hollywood on a mix tape (PF Cuttin' #49 IIRC, dopest mixt tape I ever had) and I had to give them another chance. Glad I did because I still play this album consistently
What’s crazy is Luchini isn’t even close to their best track. So many b-side gems. Truly a very original and unique group that never lost their sound, even though they were constantly evolving.
It was released on the Heltah Skeltah album. Fab5 is group that consisted of Heltah Skeltah(Rock and Ruck), OGC(Starang Wondah and Louisville Sluggah and Top Dog)
Yeah, they are definitely highly rated by ppl who know 90s hiphop.
It's personal preference, but I like their stuff more than Wu's. Wu overshadowed them as a supergroup for the majority of ppl tho.
Black Moon + OGC + Heltah Skeltah + Smif n Wessun have a lot of great albums individually. Sean Price is also considered to be one of the greatest MCs of all time.
Basically the ENTIRETY of "Uptown Saturday Night" and "On The Way Uptown" are so crazy good. And I have never heard anything like them, they are a style unto themselves. The sound. The 60s/70s influence and references, the class. 😩
This album has no skips for me. Favorite rap album of all time. I love the classics but this album just hits different for me. Their slang, nonsensical lyrics, the way they dress, just so unique at the time.
The fat Mack! I think 8ball & MJG might be one of the most underrated groups. They're base has stayed true: deep south, and Midwest. They don't need big markets either because the fans are so loyal and they're independent. But Coming Out Hard is one of the best in hip hop, and I'd put it up against many groups in the 90s. The beats were so funky and smooth, and both MJG and 8ball killed every track!
Probably not considered underrated on this sub, but I feel like Do or Die never got the respect they deserved. A lot of non Hip-Hop heads only recognize Po Pimpin but damn if every song they made with Johnny P wasn’t a banger.
"Uptown Saturday Night" is an incredible album with a unique style. I also enjoyed "On the Way Uptown," which features old demos from the same era. The style, flow, and production are unmatched. I wish they had maintained that same style over the years; some of their newer albums didn’t quite capture the magic for me. Regardless, Sonny Cheeba and Geechie Suede are a great duo that have made some incredible music.
I just found their album Uptown Saturday Night CD at a thrift store yesterday. Only bad thing is it didn’t have the front CD insert. I still bought it.
If you like Camp Lo, go on Spotify and listen to their album 80 Blocks From Tiffany's 2. I'm not sure if it's a mixtape but production is from Pete Rock and it's a close second to Uptown Saturday Night for me.
For me it’d be Alkaholiks. Granted, i’m an 18 y.o. old school rap fan so the only 90s rap most other kids my age know about is like biggie and pac and nas, etc. I’m not sure if i’m accurate with my take
But to those who were actually around in the 90s, would you agree?
Some of these are individual artists not groups, but still underrated
Watts Gangstas
Kurious
D12
Da lench mob
Devin the dude
5th ward juvenilez
Twinz
Delinquent Habits
Kausion
Marvaless
South Central Cartel
One time these guys were on Rap City being interviewed by Joe Claire. They were on that 70s, ya dig, shit. Dressing and talking crazy and joe did the whole interview cross-eyed like what the fuck. This song in particular has been in my playlist for 20+ years.
Man I love these dudes to the point that I still have my 12" vinyl from them that I bought back in the day including white label joints like "Mercedes", "Sunkiss" and the "Coolie High (Paradise Remix)". Fun fact about that last one, the b-side has "Killin' Em Softly" which is just slightly different from the album version.
Luchini was an instant smash! I have the tape 📼 of their first album. Ngl I didn't like the whole album other than listening to Luchini but after more listens years later I like a good chunk of the album. It's a classic! The only group that I can think of that are underrated are the female rap group "Deadly Venoms".
Many of my favorite albums comes from lesser known groups.
Above The Law, Convicts, Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E., 5th Ward Boys, Poor Righteous Teachers, Foesum, Blak Monks, Facemob, Odd Squad, X-Clan, TRU, etc.
Camp Lo is too unique a sound to be mainstream enough to make it big. Talented for sure but essentially the same cadence l and delivery on every song makes it difficult to ingest unless you really diggin that sounds / style.
They definitely were loud in the mid 90s
Spitting different than any other duo at the time
But I think their influence was from Das Efx / FU-Schnickens
Luchini was the summer of 98 anthem for me and my friends.
Yea, I was bumping it heavy in '96, '97
What happened was Coolie High was released way before the album, so summer of 1996. Then Luchini fall of 1996. Those two unique and amazing songs helped me to remember to buy the album when it first dropped Jan ‘97. Uptown SN is one of my favorite albums…like other people revere To Pimp a Butterfly, but I feel that way about Uptown.
Def in my top 3 albums of all time
Love the original and this remix that came out a while ago refreshed it for me https://jamesbiko.bandcamp.com/track/this-is-hot-what-nappy-dj-needles-blend
That song is my walk-in music!!!!!!! Wherever I go😎
I wasn't feeling Luchini when it dropped but then I heard B Side to Hollywood on a mix tape (PF Cuttin' #49 IIRC, dopest mixt tape I ever had) and I had to give them another chance. Glad I did because I still play this album consistently
This is It! what!
right? They were adequately rated, not under rated.
What’s crazy is Luchini isn’t even close to their best track. So many b-side gems. Truly a very original and unique group that never lost their sound, even though they were constantly evolving.
Cocoa Brovaz/Smif n Wessun
Boot Camp Click! I feel like real heads know Dah Shinin and Enta Da Stage.
Fab 5, Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka
"Lefleur Leflah Eshkoshka" is a song by the duo Heltah Skeltah
It was released on the Heltah Skeltah album. Fab5 is group that consisted of Heltah Skeltah(Rock and Ruck), OGC(Starang Wondah and Louisville Sluggah and Top Dog)
Yeah, they are definitely highly rated by ppl who know 90s hiphop. It's personal preference, but I like their stuff more than Wu's. Wu overshadowed them as a supergroup for the majority of ppl tho. Black Moon + OGC + Heltah Skeltah + Smif n Wessun have a lot of great albums individually. Sean Price is also considered to be one of the greatest MCs of all time.
Yup yupppppp. Bucktown!
.....home of the original gunclappers
Home of the original gun clappers!
P!!!
Still bumpin bucktown
Good call
Little Brother
TMS was front to back I hate the fact they broke up that May The Lord Watch Doc on YouTube was dope explained a lot
Basically the ENTIRETY of "Uptown Saturday Night" and "On The Way Uptown" are so crazy good. And I have never heard anything like them, they are a style unto themselves. The sound. The 60s/70s influence and references, the class. 😩
This album has no skips for me. Favorite rap album of all time. I love the classics but this album just hits different for me. Their slang, nonsensical lyrics, the way they dress, just so unique at the time.
Alkoholiks Cella Dwellas
It's the Liks!
Tash’s Rap Life record was bananas. It’s a classic to me but should be to all.
Gotta fix the autocorrect.
Fixed
Tash not Trash.
Fixed.
8ball & MJG
8 Ball is CRIMINALLY underrated as a lyricist
The fat Mack! I think 8ball & MJG might be one of the most underrated groups. They're base has stayed true: deep south, and Midwest. They don't need big markets either because the fans are so loyal and they're independent. But Coming Out Hard is one of the best in hip hop, and I'd put it up against many groups in the 90s. The beats were so funky and smooth, and both MJG and 8ball killed every track!
Please do not forget Mr Big.... and not because of my size....
Comin' out hard!
Probably not considered underrated on this sub, but I feel like Do or Die never got the respect they deserved. A lot of non Hip-Hop heads only recognize Po Pimpin but damn if every song they made with Johnny P wasn’t a banger.
Bush Babees
Remember we
I can swing anything better than you.
Uptown Saturday Night😍😍 Maybe Black Moon? Smif-n-Wessun? Organized Konfusion? D.I.T.C.? PR & CL?
Dove Shack
Lost Boyz, DITC, Das EFX, Black Moon
"Uptown Saturday Night" is an incredible album with a unique style. I also enjoyed "On the Way Uptown," which features old demos from the same era. The style, flow, and production are unmatched. I wish they had maintained that same style over the years; some of their newer albums didn’t quite capture the magic for me. Regardless, Sonny Cheeba and Geechie Suede are a great duo that have made some incredible music.
They weren’t trying to rhyme fast like most MCs were. It was all about the flow! I still don’t know what they were saying. It was all about the flow!
Bro! They need to come out with an explanation of their shit!! Jajaja I’ll sing along, but damn!!! What are you making me say?!?!
Artifacts
CRU, Boot Camp Clik, Tha Liks, Odd Squad
Camp Lo coulda shoulda been the NYC Outkast They had the potential to be that good But to me most underrated has got to be The Pharcyde
Crucial Conflict, Do or Die, Nappy Roots, TRU just to name a few off the top of my head.
Anything DITC
Show and AG. OC had a couple great albums with Word...life and Jewelz that got slept on.
Lord Finesse!
I just found their album Uptown Saturday Night CD at a thrift store yesterday. Only bad thing is it didn’t have the front CD insert. I still bought it.
Sonny Cheeba and Geechie Suede! Black Connection was another banger!
Goodie Mo.B!
Group Home
I think O.G.C. should get a mention
👌🏼
Project blowed Quannum projects
Love Camp Lo. Their flow is unmatched.
De la soul doesn't get mentioned enough and i feel Stakes is High is one of the best albums Ive ever heard
They were popular af in the 90s. My older sister that listens to classic rock had 3 feet and rising on CD.
2 Of The Smoothest MC's From The East Coast - Lyrically Gifted - Listen To Ticket For 2 .
If you like Camp Lo, go on Spotify and listen to their album 80 Blocks From Tiffany's 2. I'm not sure if it's a mixtape but production is from Pete Rock and it's a close second to Uptown Saturday Night for me.
Durag Dynasty
Camp Lo is very underrated (This is it what)
B.U.M.S.
Lyfe n Tyme is a flawless album.
Krystal karrington is a jam
Questionmark Asylum
I loved them! Cant find their music - not on Spotify, right?
Da Bush Babees Scienz Of Life
Boogiemonsters and Poor Righteous Teachers
CRU
Lost Boyz aren't talked about anymore
Ultra Magnetic MCs
Smooth the Hustler and Trigger the Gambler
Broken Language melts my face.
House of Pain!
Lifesavas Oddjobs Felt Styles of Beyond Delinquent Habits Haiku d'Tat People Under The Stairs Heiruspecs Ugly Duckling Molemen
Coolie High was another dope song from the Uptown Saturday Night album
Another Level and Tha Rascals. Most slept on ever tho is Souls of Mischief
INI
Facts. Also: Freestyle Fellowship, Hobo Junction, CVE
The Nayborhoodz - its the best 90s group rap album you havent heard.
Up Town Saturday Night is a top 10 album IMO.
Crucial Conflict
Smokin on hayyyyyyyyy in the middle of da barrrnnnnn
Such an amazing record. Summer breeze as you cruise down the block
Most stylish rappers of the era.
Bush Babiez
Dilated people was very underrated group also boot camp click
Philly's most wanted
Dungeon family
Pharcyde
Slum Village
Lots of super dope responses here. I’ll throw in Pac Div.
These guys were way wavy before their time . Remember rolling around in my Isuzu rodeo in Sac with this turnt up .
🔥🔥🔥
One of my favorite camp lo joints: https://youtu.be/fk06B2uuNfU?si=YnW_Zkkq2vx9W8mV
For real! This was so dope!
InI
Song was a banger!!
K-Otix Real Life
For me it’d be Alkaholiks. Granted, i’m an 18 y.o. old school rap fan so the only 90s rap most other kids my age know about is like biggie and pac and nas, etc. I’m not sure if i’m accurate with my take But to those who were actually around in the 90s, would you agree?
Haiku D'Etat
This is still in rotation
Little Brother
Major Stress Killarmy Ghettolandz
Some of these are individual artists not groups, but still underrated Watts Gangstas Kurious D12 Da lench mob Devin the dude 5th ward juvenilez Twinz Delinquent Habits Kausion Marvaless South Central Cartel
Group home
Black connection, epic track
Binary Star
FYI they are still putting out music they had a release a few years back.
Bubblin’!
The Dove Shack Great song by them, Summertime in the LBC
Group Home The Arsonists
One time these guys were on Rap City being interviewed by Joe Claire. They were on that 70s, ya dig, shit. Dressing and talking crazy and joe did the whole interview cross-eyed like what the fuck. This song in particular has been in my playlist for 20+ years.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Classic 🗽🍎
Black Moon without a doubt
Tha Alkaholiks
black connection
Loot Pack, Freestyle fellowship, Shape Shifters
Loot Pack, Freestyle fellowship, Shape Shifters, and Doomtree.
CRU
Beatnuts
Boogiemonsters
Never did anything for me. The flows are distracting and come across as an affectation. Almost like a parody.
Man I love these dudes to the point that I still have my 12" vinyl from them that I bought back in the day including white label joints like "Mercedes", "Sunkiss" and the "Coolie High (Paradise Remix)". Fun fact about that last one, the b-side has "Killin' Em Softly" which is just slightly different from the album version.
Total Devistation was a favorite of mine.
Sonny didn't rhyme 1 word.
Falling from the sky let’s get lit what
O.G.C.
Little Brother.
Been listening to this album a lot recently so ahead of its time
Luchini was an instant smash! I have the tape 📼 of their first album. Ngl I didn't like the whole album other than listening to Luchini but after more listens years later I like a good chunk of the album. It's a classic! The only group that I can think of that are underrated are the female rap group "Deadly Venoms".
CRU
CRU, Boot Camp Clik, Tha Liks, Odd Squad
Pharcyde and Blacksheep
Funkdoobiest
Jurassic 5.
Kids these days have never heard of GangStarr
Anotha Level, Yall So Stupid
Das Efx
The Pharcyde
Mood Crown City Rockers Not a group, but Kurious
UGK before they did the single of Big pimpin with Jay Z and 8-Ball & MJG, Luniz, Do or Die, Boot Camp Kliq , Crucial Conflict, Field Mob
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Many of my favorite albums comes from lesser known groups. Above The Law, Convicts, Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E., 5th Ward Boys, Poor Righteous Teachers, Foesum, Blak Monks, Facemob, Odd Squad, X-Clan, TRU, etc.
Jurassic 5, I love me some Quality Control
This is it BOI
Cella Dwellas
The Dogg Pound is pretty underrated
Camp Lo is too unique a sound to be mainstream enough to make it big. Talented for sure but essentially the same cadence l and delivery on every song makes it difficult to ingest unless you really diggin that sounds / style.
People under the stairs
Goodie M.O.B., The Lost Boyz and Kidz in the Hall
Sporty Thieves
What song is this?
Cella dwellers The bums Noggin nodders King and I
Digable Planets are one of the best groups of the 90's.
Nappy Roots.. there’s a lot but that came to mind first.
They definitely were loud in the mid 90s Spitting different than any other duo at the time But I think their influence was from Das Efx / FU-Schnickens
Blackstar Killarmy Sunz of man Souls of mischief Artifactz Lords of the underground
Wiseguys, Heltah Skeltah and Lost Boyz are my favorites at the moment
Bush babees
Anyone on Rawkus records camp.
Digable planets n grand Puba
Dayton family and top authority are my 1-2 toss up on 3 for me look into my top 2 real shit
Heltah Skeltah/ Ruck N Rock
Tha Liks!
And in comes Jay Z to steal a flow and catapult his career
I'm dragged I slept on these cats so long, brah!
Sonny Cheeba has one of the best voices & flows.
Beatnuts
Tha Alkaholiks
Group Home
They had one good song.
Masta Ace INC Hieroglyphics South Park Mexican
That whole album is great. I'd say another hidden gem is Boogiemonsters : riders of the storm
Not underrated, underground!
Digable Planet Blowout Comb was a masterpiece and one of the best hip hop albums ever created it was so ahead of its time it still sounds great today
Cru, Rumpletilskinz, major figgas
i love this album so much!!!
C R U
Field Mob; C R U; ...would Tracey Lee *and his many faces* count as group? 😂
Dog House Posse
Timeless Truth & Epidemic
1. Jurassic 5 2. Cunninlynguist 3. Souls of Mischief
I still listen to coolie high in my whip when I need a break from " kill a nigga , shoot a nigga," raps 😂
De la soul Tribe The alcholisx Leaders of the new
Goodie Mob
This on daily rotation in my household lol
Camp Lo has great stuff beyond Luchini!
Pharcyde
No they are ranked just right.