GT Compilation Volume II: Muzik ta Ride 2

Description

GT Compilation Volume II: Muzik ta Ride 2 is a multi-artist hip-hop compilation released on Grapetree Records in 1997.

Christian rap’s most successful and prolific label, Grapetree Records, specializes in the kinds of sounds coming from its Texas base, as well as the lean, lowdown West Coast styles that also influenced the Lone Star State’s hip-hop sound. The company’s second roster sampler, ‘GT Compilation Volume II: Muzik ta Ride 2′, offers an eye opener to novices and a couple of surprises for longtime followers of the scene.

The sweetest surprise here is the growth of veteran act God’s Original Gangstaz. Two tastes from its second album display a softening of its sound while keeping an increasingly thoughtful toughness in tact, especially on the rappin’ and singin’, testifying and evangelizing cut «Faith».

On the opposite side of the scale is Nuwine. The Houston native offers two cuts. The first tells of his neighborhood’s horrors of crime and immorality; the second is the album’s title track, an ironically easygoing song with a cadence that flows like acidic molasses.

With a speedy, nasal delivery is former general market artist Lil’ Raskull stepping out with two numbers from his ‘Controverse All Star’ set. Raskull minces no words when speaking of prison life and his former sinful ways.

A lighter approach to an equally serious topic – police harassment of successful black citizens – comes from Grapetree founder Rubadub (Knollie Williams). His sing-song tone and exaggerated drawl play up the humor in «You Got tha Wrong Man».

The most varying approach on this project is offered by husband and wife duo True II Society. The artists go from a decent metal funk attack on one cut to a surprisingly good contemporary cut with a gospel feel (plus saxophone) on another.

Listeners seeking beats and rhymes with East Coast flair will have to search for another ‘Ride’. The curious and sensitive should be warned that the rappers making this project speak of realities and slang unfamiliar or rough to many of us. Nevertheless, this is reality rap that speaks truth to those whom the church may not be reaching. [Jamie Lee Rake, CCM, September 1997]

This is a good quality, well produced West Coast hip hop follow up to Vol I. Contributors include God’s Original Gangstaz, Rubadub, Nuwine and Lil’ Raskull. Despite most of the Hacks being on the slow side (“Muzik Ta B Stuck In A Jam 2” might be a more appropriate title!), there’s enough variety in the beats and vocal deliveries to keep most people interested. If you’ve not heard much Christian hip hop or gangsta rap before, then this is a good place to start. There’s nothing too hard or offensive here, no brash boasting about “knocking off” demons and such like, but a healthy amount of spiritual truths Me embedded in tracks such as «Faith», «True Prayaz» and «Bow Down» – a track which should also go down well with black gospel fans. On the whole, it’s quite a pleasing album, especially as complete albums by the contributors aren’t generally available in this country at the moment. [Andy Cooper, Cross Rhythms, August 1997]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/muzik-ta-ride-2-vol-2/1677433029)

CD tracklist:

G Ride
01. True II Society – Steppin’ Inta ’97 – 5:26
02. God’s Original Gangstaz – Faith – 6:17
03. L.G. Wise – True Prayaz – 4:54
04. Rubadub – You Got Tha Wrong Man – 3:54
05. Nuwine – Da Bloody 5th – 2:36
06. Lil’ Raskull – Controverse – 4:07
Hoo Ride
07. L.G. Wise – Hard Timez – 5:31
08. Lil’ Raskull – One Fo Tha Sick – 3:29
09. Preachas In Tha Hood – Rollin’ Fedz – 4:48
10. God’s Original Gangstaz – Click – 5:35
11. True II Society – Bow Down – 5:35
12. Nuwine – Muzik Ta Ride 2 – 5:41

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Grapetree Records.