Digital Underground is a fantastic rap group, don't get me wrong. However, I've got to admit that they have their faults, at least musically. As the mighty ego trip Monkey Academy once said, D.U. has "one great album, one decent EP, and far too much bullshit after that." Whereas this may be perceived as a little harsh, there's a modicum of truth to it. Sex Packets is indeed a classic hip hop album; it's bawdy, rambunctious, and totally fun. Unfortunately, after releasing this seminal piece of music, something caused D.U. to fade away into the ether.
So what happened? Too ambitious, indulgent? The constant revolving-door cycle of artists coming in and out of the D.U. camp? The actual bloatation (is that even a word?) of the group into near-Funkadelic status, with dozens of musicians, graphic artists, dancers shuffled into the collective? Who knows. I suppose that's a question for another day and another blog post. For now, we'll be focusing on just one of the other high-quality releases by Digital Underground: 1991's This Is An EP Release.
Essentially a continuation of the Sex Packets sound and themes, This Is An EP Release rides the Parliament vibe, eschewing the sample-driven sound and embracing live instrumentation; this is some of the funkiest organ work you'll ever hear on a rap record. 6 songs deep, all killer and no filler. It might not be the perfect EP but it's pretty damn close. Do yourself a favor: scoop this up and play it next Saturday night. I guarantee it will not disappoint.
1. Same Song
2. Tie the Knot
3. Way We Swing
4. Nuttin' Nis Funky
5. Packet Man (Worth a Packet Remix)
6. Arguin' on the Funk
- Echo Leader
Thanks for giving Digital Underground their much needed props! Criminally underrated & way ahead of their time on so many levels. It's a shame they didn't keep it together, their last album (2009?) was terrible...
ReplyDeleteDid you see the documentary on DU?
Peace & Humptyness forever..
ok, lets discuss.
ReplyDelete1 great album? Which one. Please don't say Sex Packets. I think they hit their peak with "The Body-Hat Syndrome". "Future Rhythm" was nuts too. "Sons of the P" has tons of funk.
I think the hiphop industry has been unfair with DU, like you said, by mainly remembering them as being the start point for Pac.
Mmm... I'd say Sex Packets, but haven't heard the other ones in ages...
ReplyDelete*digs up the Future Rhythm lp out of recordcollection*
lemme get back to you
Arguing on the funk...
ReplyDelete(funny record that)
also love the collabo with the BIZ..
aaaw man, I forgot to add the importance of the track "Nuttin' Nis Funky".
ReplyDeleteThe part where Hump asks "Have you ever heard anything this funky son?"...
then the break: "uh yeah.. I was walking down the street when this car passed by"...
Hump replies: "Tss.. you aint ever heard nuttin nis funky nigga.."
LMAO!!!
I always thought Sons of P was a great album too, almost as good as Packets. For me, No Nose Job just might be their best song. A good message, awesome beat, and the scratching is freaking fun to dance to. I can watch them performing No Nose Job on Yo! MTV Raps like 10 times in a row and it won't get boring...
ReplyDeletesons of the p and future rhythm are great..much better than the first lp.
ReplyDeleteinfact i think sons of the p wins hands down.
in my opinon
Some of their later stuff is definitely worthy of praise, Future Rhythm is first to mind, everyone should put that shit on and listen to how well it has aged.
ReplyDeletenahhhhhhh this and sex packets were their best.
ReplyDeletethank you for posting wild side/nice & easy. it was fun making that fresh outta high school. seems like a million years ago.
ReplyDelete