 |  | The Funk Is Kept With The Lords (Rating: 7 out of 10- -3.5 stars) |  |
Way back a long time ago (more like 1993), Lords Of The Underground released a dope album Here Come the Lords, which had dope singles such as "Psycho", "Funky Child", and their most recognizable song "Chief Rocka". Following that up with their 1994 album Keepers Of The Funk, you can expect the same production brought to you by K-Def and Marley Marl. People are going to hate me for saying this, but I actually like this one better than their previous (not saying this is better). The reason being is that this album comes so smoothly, as the trio toned down all the yelling and excitement like their preceeding album.
This time around there are only 13 tracks, to include an intro and an outro, making this album shorter than their first. The album starts with good "Ready Or Not" before the lead single "Tic Toc". "Keepers Of The Funk" has a suprise George Clinton apperance (I thought he hung out on the west coast back in the mid 90's). DJ Lord Jazz, who shined on "Lord Jazz Hit Me One Time," drops in for the solo track "Steam From The Knot" with is okay, but not great. The next track was the second single "What I'm After" which features a Redman sample from his song "Tonites The Nite" (he does make an awkward appearance on the music video). "Faith" is sort of like a sequel to "The Lords Prayer" from their previous album, but fails to match the origonal. The next track "No Pain" is actually a great one with vocals from Funkee Man and Sah B. "Fustrated" has a great hook, which some may dislike but I enyoy (What's going on?//I'm so FUSTRATED!) "Yes Y'all" and "What U See" are the last acutal tracks before the album closes off with an outro.
Keepers Of The Funk is a solid album. I wouldn't say it's their best, but I enjoyed this one. The problem with this album is the fact that not too much stands out. If you enjoyed and are expecting another Here Come the Lords, you may be a little dissapointed. As you hear, LOTUG sort of made a change on this album, so try to have a different taste while listening. The production is pretty solid, and the lyrics are as well, but to me the album vibes greatly elevating this release. This album is out of print, and shouldn't be too hard to find, but this is one that I recommend that you check out if you dig mid 90's east coast hip hop. Peace.
Lyrics: B
Production: B
Guest Appearances: B
Musical Vibes: A-
Top 5 Tracks:
1. What I'm After
2. No Pain (featuring Sah B)
3. Tic Toc
4. Frustrated (featuring Sah B)
5. Ready Or Not
Honorable Mention:
1. Keepers Of The Funk (featuring George Clinton)
December 27, 2007 | | I wish hiphop could still KEEP this kind of FUNK!! | |
For the follow up to their highly popular debut "Here comes the lords" the Jersey trio pretty much kept the same formula. Funky beats curtosy of Marley Marl and K-Def and lace them with quickfire fun filled rhymes. Its always been the Lords recipe over their 3 albums. Whereas their debut was somewhat harder and grittier this time its abit more polished sounding. With only 11 tracks plus an intro and outro its alot shorter than the 1st. It also shows a more mature and party orientated angle. The 1st full track "Ready or not" is probably one of their best throughout their entire careers. A high tempo beat backed by a funky bassline, manic hi-hats and horns, it sets the album off perfectly. Next is "Tic-Toc", which was the 1st single, which is so catchy that you will definitely be singing along by the 2nd chorus. After the brilliantly funkadelic influenced "Keepers of the Funk" we're treated to a rare solo track from Doitall called "Steam from da knot", a dark hard hitting joint that he tears down beautifully. Then we get the 2nd single from the album "What Im After". As another reviewer said its a beautiful jazzy number sampling Redman's "Tonite's the nite" joint. "Faith" is the 1st official track that the Lords produced themselves and its excellent. "Neva Faded", "No Pain" and "Frustrated" are all dark tracks that show the groups mentality back in '94 with how their lives had changed since they got signed and what ways they've evolved. The album ends with the last 2 cuts "Yes Y'all" and "What U See" and these are the definition of head nodders. Smooth basslines, deep hard beats and horn samples mixed to perfection. Overall this album still hits alot of intended targets even nearly 13years later. Vital ingredient to the mid 90's boombap explosion.
February 6, 2007| | | Lords of the Underground - Keepers of the Funk | |
In case you forgot, Lords of the Underground were the ones who brought us the hit, "Chief Rocka". And they won't let you forget that, either. Throughout this album, they refer to that song, never wanting to let go of past glory. They also have a tendency to tell "yo mama" jokes in their rhymes, which can get frustrating as well. But the beats are dope enough to get your attention, especially on the highlight, "What I'm After", which samples fellow Jersey native Redman's "Tonight's Da Night" (he appeared in the video for this song).
June 19, 2004This new jersey crew has a unique style, sick DJ and amazing mc's, what more could you ask? A definite must have.
June 2, 2004 | | QUINTENSSENTIAL NEW YORK HIP HOP | |
Yo this album is flawless from start to finish.Marly Marl/K-Def did a great job,this is a quintenssential NY/NJ hip hop.
May 27, 2004More reviews at Amazon.com ...
