boombapboombox: 2000

Little Egypt (aka L.E. Apostles) is a group from Brooklyn, NY. The members are Visual Poetics (aka Joe Steele, DJ Technique), Forge, Taajwar, Bravestar and Khordz (aka Khordz-255). The original crew setup included two more members: Diop (aka Tacuma-Diop) and Spex. Here a picture of the original crew, left to right: Diop, Brave, Forge, Khordz, Spex, Taajwar & Visual

The group was founded in 1993/1994 by Visual Poetics and in 1995 the group attracts some more attention by a bigger audience performing in legendary spots like The Nuyorican Poets Cafe (NYC), SOBs (NYC) and State of the Union (DC). Visual Poetics is the main producer of the group and also CEO of their independent record label East Park Inc. Khordz-255 is the second producer and also rapper. Little Egypt’s lyrics content has a conscious attitude and range from political to conspiracy theories, but they are also reporting the street life. In 2000 they released their debut single on East Park Inc. with the three tracks “Sunrise”, “Heroes” and “Just For The Record II” available as 12” single and CD single. All three joints are dope! In 2002 they released their first album “Straight Out The Sands” (CD only), a really great album, also includes the tracks from their debut single, except “Heroes” which could be only found on the single. Their second Album, which is actually more an EP “The Crown Heights Affair” followed in 2006. It’s a concept album with guest productions from Chubb Rock on “The Far East” and "Be About It", these along with “Conspiracy Theory” and “The Heist: Casablanca” are the outstanding tracks on this release.

Little Egypt - Sunrise 12" single

came with a stickercover

Sunrise

Heroes

Just For The Record II

There is a video for the track "Prisoner"

The Shark (Michael Pennini) is a italian rapper originally raised in Harlem and later moved to Morris Park Bronx / NY. The Shark is spittin' some mafioso shit to the fullest! The Shark relaesed five(?) 12" singles and a few albums / mixtapes ("An Angel With A Dirty Face" LP & EP in 2001 "Deep Waters", "Stay Out The Water" and in 2009 "Tommy's Son" together with J-Love). He worked with a lot of cats in the biz, like Kool G Rap, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Papoose, Jo Jo Pellegrino, Sheek Louch...In 1996 he released his debut single with the track "Italiano" on Italiano Records. Produced by Rated R Wize Guy and executive produced by Adam. One really dope cut! (props to Brickhouse Studios for the info about his first release and to share this track with us!) His second single was released in 1997 on Sharkateer Recordings with the tracks "For The Fams", "Generations Fix" and "Grand Design". This record is pure heat and definitely slept on! All three tracks are really dope with amazing production from Beneficent Schlong and DJ Nutindabed, the beats are dark with nice string samples plus scratches from Total Eclipse (The X-Ecutioners). Executive producer is The Rakateer, Engineer Liz Marcado and Assistant Jamie S.S. Garcia. For me it's all about this '97 release, his later records can't match up with this bomb! Mafioso style, cousin! In 1998 he followed with "It's Over" and "Heavy Hitters" on Bottom Line Records. Produced by DJ Eyal, Executive producer is The Rackateer and Engineer Nasty, recorded at The Cutting Room. Two years later in 2000 he realesed a 12" with the three tunes "Bam'D", "The Money Vender" and "Country Club" on Jawz Records. I only feel "Country Club" feat. Jo Jo Pelligrino. Produced by Michelob, who did some great productions for Cover, Emar, Shamus, E From AK & U.G. (Cella Dwellas) & Ny-Gel Mak,...Jo Jo Pelligrino (J. Edwards) first made some noise with a solid 12" single in 1996 when he was part of the group "Mafioso Chapter" with the tracks "Crime Family", "Money Ambitions" and "Whats Left", later he also worked with Reakwon, Cappadonna, Inspectah Deck, Blaq Poet, R.A. The Rugged Man, Sean P., Hell Razah, Remedy,...In 2004 The Shark released another 12" single with the three cuts "Salute" feat. Kay Slay & Reakwon (produced by Buckwild), "You're Mine" & "Fake Rap Gangstaz" (both produced by Eyal).

The Shark - Italiano 12" single