In this week’s TBT album review, we go back to 1995 when Gang Starr affiliates Group Home debuted their album Livin’ Proof, with much of the production done by DJ Premier (also known as Preem, Premo, or Primo). In hindsight the album is arguably consider Premier’s best production at work among hip hop aficionados. The album’s lyrical content was fronted by the MC duo Lil’ Dap and Melachi the Nutcracker, two talented and relative young teenage rappers from New York. Lil Dap and Melachi’s lyrical abilities do not hold up to the established MCs that Primer has worked with but that’s beauty of this album.
Group Home – Livin’ Proof
DJ Premier’s production is at best exemplified by the fact that the sound is very focused in which it helps creates atmosphere that arouses a lot feelings and emotions through creative samplings, simple drums and elegant sounding beats. Take for example the cut Sacrifice; which stirs within the listener certain emotions right of from the intro and the fact that DJ Premier sampled Paul Mooney’s Crack Featuring Pete the Fly in his comedy album masterpiece long before the masses were introduce too Paul Mooney on Dave Chappelle’s Chappelle show.
Group Home – Supa Star (Explicit)
The 90’s hip hop era fans will remember the single track “Supa Star,” which really showcases Primo’ s ability. The album has gems such as “Suspended In Time, Tha Realness” and Up Against Tha Wall”, which has one of my favorite choruses; such a pity that livin in the city is like livin in the times of Frank Nitti”. Perfect time to go back and listen to this classic album, since currently the airwaves has been lacking great hip hop.