Check Da Flava

Description

Check Da Flava is the sole album by the American hip-hop group Private Boiz, released on N*Soul Records in 1994. The album was produced by Aaron (Da Phatman) De La Cruz and the Private Boiz.

N-Soul’s first full on rap release is also the least convincing of all that label’s output to date. As usual, the production is mega sharp and there are several decent grooves, but it’s the Boiz’ rapping itself that doesn’t really cut it for me. They’ve taken on some heavy social themes without ever really convincing you that they’re passionate about it. A few lessons from SFC in righteous, snarling attitude might be in order. The album works best when they mix the rap up with some black gospel on «By My Side» (no, not the one you know) and works least well when the dangerously difficult rap ballad is attempted on the ponderous «Where Have We Gone?». Once upon a time Christians were applauded by CCM lovers just for making a competent rap record. But now the standard is higher, the market is more crowded and every new act must be able to contribute something new. Private Boiz may have to work harder at an identity before they find an audience. [Karl Allison, Cross Rhythms, October 1994]

CD tracklist:

01. Burn It Up
02.1 KPBZ – Guest In The Neighborhood
02.2 Witdaressofem (We Can Jam)
03. The Place To Be
04. Where Have We Gone?
05. A Message (On Violence)
06. Check Da Flava
07.1 KPBZ – (Wake Up And Smell Da Flava)
07.2 Pass Da Mic “G”
08. By My Side
09.1 Get Right
09.2 A Call 2 Da Kingdom
10. Go 2 Work!

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by N*Soul Records.

A full-page advertisement for various Sanctified Dance releases on N-Soul Records, including Private Boiz’s Check Da Flava, was featured in Syndicate Magazine No 42, Vol. 9, 1994.