NWA If It Ain't Ruff (Straight Outta Compton) (Priority) 1988

Classic NWA. This tune features only MC Ren and I always liked his style if not vocal tone. This was Dr Dre before he really started the 'G-Funk' sound, instead of George Clinton he is still on old soul and funk samples and uses classic funksters Average White Band who are actually from Scotland! The rhymes are slick and these complement the killer loop along with some well timed scratches.

NWA If It Ain't Ruff


Average White Band A Star In The Ghetto

Dr. Dre The Message (The Chronic 2001) 1999

Loved the last track on this album called 'The Message' featuring Mary J Blige. Dr Dre showing us his softer side on this one using a backdrop of strings and a nice harp...Taken from his great album '2001' Hard to believe it's been nearly 10 years since he released this.

Dr. Dre The Message

2Pac (All Eyez On Me) Ambitionz Az A Ridah (Death Row) 1996

I never got into the 2Pac hype to be honest at the time. It was down to the idiots who seemed to follow him...But then one day I actually took a listen to his music..I suddenly realised that some of the hype was well justified. The production is top notch for one and his lyrics are good although he does give mixed messages.. I think that the first track from the album 'All Eyez On Me' is the business! Everything works here and the rhythm track is exceptional.

2pac Ambitionz Az A Ridah

Ice Cube It Was A Good Day (Priority) 1992

An undeniable classic from the West Coast. Ice Cube's 'It Was A Good Day' used an awesome Isley Brothers' track called 'Footsteps In The Dark' and some nice rhymes over the top detailing a day in South Central. I always found Cube hit or miss to be quite honest but when he makes a good one, this is how it sounds-A1.

Ice Cube It Was A Good Day


The Isley Brothers Footsteps In The Dark