Black Bastards

Bl_ck B_st_rds was voted in Ego Trip's Book of Rap Lists as

the most notable rap album of all time that was never

released commercially, and with good reason. The fact that

this excellent album, slated for a 1994 release, did not seen

the light of day until 2001 (its first issue - now out of print)

testifies to a time when shortsighted industry backlashes

against records that inflamed Middle America were in

vogue. Elektra Records higher-ups canned the project due to

its controversial cover art, which shows a Sambo figure

being lynched. This must-purchase concept album is worth

the wait.

From the jazzy, hypnotic samples on the title cut to "Sweet Premium Wine," a farcical ode to swigging

40-ounce bottles of brew (remember when drinking St. Ides and Old English was trendy?), you know

you've found rap heaven. Classic headbanger "What a Nigga Know?" (and the remix featuring

partner-in-rhyme MF Grimm) is equally off the chain. "Constipated Monkey" and weed anthem

"Suspended Animation" are testaments to a time in Rap music when experimental beats and obscure

sampling ruled the roost. Bl_ck B_st_rds is where Brand Nubian meets De La Soul at the local bodega,

heads wear Muslim kufis for kicks, and "word to the mutha'" actually refers to themes of

pan-Africanism, repatriation, and reparations. It's a place where Sambo-ism doesn't sell. Features

artwork and track listing from the original Ready Rock issue.