Raw Deal
This tape kicks off with a drop by Ice-T and, later, features perhaps the laziest-sounding drop ever courtesy of KRS-One. This episode comes not too long after this previously posted episode where Easy M, G, and Tony D were still in transition from "Club Crush" to "Raw Deal." Here, we're firmly in "Raw Deal" territory. For you nerds who want to know how I calculated the date: G discusses having just seen Boyz 'N the Hood, which came out on Friday, July 12, 1991 (via All Movie Guide). In addition, he comments about how Almighty & KD Ranks' "Trenton Where We From" will be available "very soon." According to the All Music Guide, it was released on Tuesday, July 24, 1991. I originally dated this July 18, but a news item on side B noted that Jeffrey Dahmer had been charged, and that happened on July 25th (he wasn't even apprehended until the 22nd).
Sometimes, I wish I had just labeled these tapes better.
So, the music. On side A, there's some good local NJ hip-hop from Willingboro's own Courageous Chief as well as an unreleased track (as far as I know) from KMC and Insane Poetry titled "No Title for This." There's also the great juxtaposition of a St. Ides ad and an alcohol/drug awareness PSA. Side B suffers from some occasional static (I wasn't always listening live when I was recording a show), but has an interesting news report midway through and ends with a solid set of dope Trenton hip-hop courtesy of Tony D, including tracks from the Too Kool Posse, Almighty and KD Ranks, and an unreleased one from Tone himself with Rahzii Hi-Power . There's also an incredibly dope St. Ides ad from Rakim on side B and my favorite Courageous Chief track, "Russian Roulette."
You'll note some occasional cutting out. I cut a song or two and some commercials as I was recording to save space. This was more common with later shows, as I had built up recordings of many of the songs they'd play from week to week. Of course, looking back, I wish I hadn't, but hey, I was a broke high school student and had to pay for the blank tapes. Had to save space somehow.
Enjoy.
- DJs/Hosts: Eazy M, G, Tony D
- Featuring: Rahzii
- Credit: Laze (source)
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