No, the teaser is not me bragging, it’s a lyric from one of my favorite Hip Hop groups, The Beatnuts. To my ears there are few things that sound more like authentic Hip Hop than an album by The Beatnuts. In my mind The ‘Nuts are as close to pure as things come.
It’s Da ‘Nuts
Now The Beatnuts were originally just a trio of producers; Psycho Les, Fashion and Juju. Their production work appeared on numerous albums and remixes by various artists, including Monie Love, The Jungle Brothers and Naughty by Nature. They even produced Chi Ali’s entire debut.
Eventually The ‘Nuts got a record deal. Their first release, 1993’s Intoxicated Demons, was an EP and surrounded with drama. First off, while the EP was being made Fashion ended up in jail on drug charges. Even with minimal contributions from Fashion the release was superb.
The other drama about the release of Intoxicated Demons stemmed from it’s content. The single Reign of the Tec was a celebration of rowdiness and made several references to gunplay (as hinted by the title). And of course in 1993 this caused quite a stir. But overall Intoxicated Demons is remember as being remarkably dope for an EP with only eight actual songs.
Fashion served his time and was out in time to fully contribute to 1994’s Street Level (erroneously known as their self titled album). Street Level was a certifiable classic, with fourteen hot tracks, two perfect interludes, and a solid intro. It’s seventeen tracks of perfection punctuated by clever dialogue snippets, and oddball exits. Even the label demanded single of Props Over Here is a great track that doesn’t actually compromise on The ‘Nut’s vision of having fun.
Following the release of Street Level, Fashion left the group. Having discovered Islam, he changed his name to Al Tariq and went solo, eventually hooking up with the group Missin’ Linx.
Les and Juju persevered and in 1997 they released Stone Crazy. The Beatnut’s sound of latin influenced beats, infused with samples out of left field remained intact, but the Les and Juju were still getting comfortable with being a duo on the mic, and having lost their strongest lyricist in Fashion the album shows the signs of awkward growth, and featured numerous guest appearances.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of the album is that it featured the debut of Big Pun on Off The Books. Interesting coincidence; the first single from Stone Crazy, Give Me Tha A$$ actually rode the same sample from Forget Me Nots as Will Smith’s Men In Black, but the content of the two songs couldn’t be more different.
1998 saw The Beatnuts release The Spot, an EP of remixes from their three previous releases. Some of the remixes featured altered beats, while others showcased new lyrics. As an EP The Spot provided just a sampling of what made the Beatnuts so dope.
When their original record label Relativity was absorbed into Loud Records, Les and Juju took it all in stride. They released A Musical Massacre in 1999 with a return to the confidence and swagger they possessed with their first two releases. While guests were plentiful, including Common, dead prez and Biz Markie, every appearance seemed natural rather than out of necessity. Again it was typical Beatnuts goodness.
Take It or Squeeze It was released two years later and featured a Beatnuts reunion of sorts as Al (Fashion) Tariq appeared on two tracks. Method Man, Phatman Scoop and Greg Nice also appeared on the album, which featured stand out track such as No Escapin’ This and the Tony Touch assisted, latin tinged Prendelo. It also featured the hilarious lampooning of the Cash Money/No Limit covers, which were popular at the time.
Having been dropped by Loud, 2002 saw two different Beatnuts albums released; Classic Nuts a greatest hits package on Loud, and The Originators and album of new material released on Landspeed. Sadly this change in label did affect the quality of the release, just a bit. The Originators lacked some of the humorous skits that were part of the genuine fun from the previous albums.
With their most recent album, 2004’s Milk Me on Penalty, the Beatnuts dramatically increase the fun quotient, most notably with the inclusion of skits. Unfortunately BET refused to air their video for Find Us, which featured the red hot Akon on the hook. Without airplay the album went largely ignored despite strong tracks like Confused Rappers (a jab at Jennifer Lopez for swiping The ‘Nut beat for Watch Out Now as the foundation for her hit Jenny from the Block.) and Uh Huh.
(Psycho Les recently released the excellent mix album Music for the Soul which would provide the perfect background music for any house party.)
Beatnuts Forever
One of the great things about listening to a Beatnut album is that you know you’re going to hear some sick beats. That’s a given. While Intoxicated Demons and Street Level feature beats that are quintessential Hip Hop, the ‘Nuts experimented with sounds as they grew as artists. Not only did the Latin sound grow more pronounced, but the quirky samples grew quirkier. Off the Books had a sample that sounded like it belonged on a kids album, while No Escapin’ This featured a vocal hook that was eerie yet oddly appropriate.
The Beatnuts should also be noted for still using vocal scratches. While Swizz Beats becomes popular for taking lines (“I’m a Hustler”) and using them as a hook, the Beatnuts (and D.J. Premier) never stopped. Sadly The Beatnuts haven’t been in heavy demand as of late. However in recent years they’ve provided beats for Mos Def and Ghostface, which shows that some MC still have taste in beats.
Detractors will point out that The ‘Nuts lack growth. I, personally don’t see a problem with that. I’m not buying a Beatnuts album to be slayed lyrically; I’m buying it to listen to a fun album, which they consistently produce. Just like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foo Fighters, The Beatnuts have a sound and formula that they have perfected and rarely stray from. And why should they, it works. The Beatnuts basically stated their mission in 1993; they want to “f#ck, drink beer & smoke some sh!t.”
And it’s that hedonism that makes them fun to listen to. While Les and Juju may not be lyrical giants, they have been known to drop a lyrical gem or two. Take Les’ line from Story 2000 where he describes hooking up with a girl;
So she gave me call around 7:00
She said Patrick I really need some of your c@ck!!
I’m crazy horny I wanna ride the pony!
I told her “I got a long salami and that’s no baloney!”
Or how about Les’ painting the absurd mental image that he does in the following comedic couplet from I Love It
Step to your label make ’em dish out all the cash in the place before
I hafta punch somebody’s ass in the face.
Another aspect that’s sure to be found on a Beatnuts album is an interlude. But not just any interlude. While Beatnuts interludes tend to involve crude descriptions of sex, they’re genuinely funny and one can’t help but laugh at them. Spelling With Lil’ Donny and Sandwiches are guaranteed to put a smile on your face, so long as you have a sense of humor.
Essential Beatnuts
What follows is my very own personal “Best of the Beatnuts” mix.
No Equal – Found on Intoxicated Demons this track has a mellow vibe and cleverly utilizes vocal scratches for the hook. The beat typifies the jazzy feel that was prevalent in the early ’90s.
Reign of the Tec – This controversial song, from the same EP features a harder edge and more pointed lyrics.
Hellraiser – This track from Street Level really showcases scratching as well as Fashion’s lyrical prowess.
Are You Ready – From the same album, this song is notable for it’s tambourine sample and features Grand Puba at the top of his game.
Let Off A Couple – One of the smoothest interludes ever. You’ll wish this beat lasted longer than 1:43.
Get Funky – Just a nice fun track, with a chill out beat.
Hit Me With That – Notable for it’s Method Man vocal scratch, which rounds out the hook. Also from Street Level
Sandwiches – Perverse comedy from Les, in interlude form.
Supa Supreme – From Stone Crazy, this track shows the evolution of The Beatnuts sound as the beat sounds just a tad creepy.
Strokes – One of Psycho Les’ infamous sexploits. It’s a funny track.
Beatnuts Forever – From Musical Massacre, this song has Les and Juju sounding more aggressive over a haunting beat.
I Love It – Continues the oddball sound of the producers as they show off their back and forth flow.
Cocotaso = Tony Touch appears on this track and all three MC’s explore a bilingual flow.
Spelling With Lil’ Donny – The Beatnuts and company explain what they stand for to Lil’ Donny.
Story 2000 – Les hooks up with another date. It’s crude but highly entertaining.
You’re A Clown – Biz Markie and Les’ daughter provide the intro to the song which bounces on a beat that sounds sampled from a children’s musical toy.
It’s Da Nuts – From Take It or Squeeze It, the song features a Al Tariq as the reunited ‘Nuts show that the magic is still there.
Mayonnaise – Interlude with some funny, if vulgar lyrics.
We Got The Funk – From Classic Nuts this is one of two new tracks on the greatest hits compilation. Les and Juju show how they’ve lasted so long in the industry.
Yae Yo – This song has the illest flute sample ever. It’s nutty.
Work That Pole – Les, Juju, and Tony Touch dedicate this song to the “working” women of the world. It’s a nice bass heavy track.
Confused Rappers – From Milk Me, Juju and Les vent about the industry, including lazy MC’s and biters.
The Beatnuts
Aaron has family pictures and Classic Nick! Plus he’s got all of that regular Goodnessâ„¢ you’ve grown accustomed to.
Jeff has found Warren Woo! He’s also got sad news for Buena Vista Social Club Fans.
Kyle Paul David is now “official”, having received mail from Phil Watts. KPD still doesn’t dig on the Hip Hop, but that’s cool because his columns always knock my socks off, provided I’m wearing them at the time.
Gloomchen starts off with a Mortal Kombat reference and ends with lyrics. In between she totally rocks.
Tom covers Ice T’s metal side. He also delves into the future of the column.
Michael continues to be a fascinating read, as he delves into a subgenre that I’m not too familiar with.
The Neptunes
Celebrate Ian’s anniversary! Oddly enough he give me the present in the form of a new Ryan Adams album. He’s also got plenty of touring info on various artists. Happy Anniversary Ian!!!!
Phil is also celebrating an anniversary. What a coincidence? Anyway, he’s got an amazing column where he pairs dead MC’s with the producers that would bring out the best in them if they were alive. I didn’t quite explain that clearly, but read it, it’s great. Happy Anniversary Phil!!!
Five Dope Debuts That Really Need Follow Ups
1. Cody ChesnuTT – The Headphone Masterpiece
2. The Avalanches – Since I Left You
3. Kenna – New Sacred Cow
4. Res – How I Do
5. Spymob – Sitting Around Keeping Score
