Stetsasonic - In Full Gear

The "original hip-hop band," in business since 1981, Stetsasonic featured rappers, a human beatbox, a keyboardist, a drummer, and a young producer named Prince Paul. The contemporary of It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back and the blueprint for Three Feet High and Rising, In Full Gear was Stetsasonic's full-fledged classic. As summarized in the sublime "Talking All That Jazz," the album was meant to be a musical manifesto of all of the directions late-'80s hip-hop was expanding toward: revolutionary spoken word, JBs tributes, soul jazz, go-go, R&B, dancehall, turntablism, instrumental hip-hop, rap rock, even Miami bass. Yes, they did it all, and they did most of it really well. Throughout the album, a sense of light-hearted vibes prevails, like a giddy summer concert in the park. Check out "Sally," "DBC Let the Music Play," and "Music for the Stetfully Insane" to work up a sweat. If you want to know where De La Soul came from, this is a good place to start. --Jeff Chang Amazon.com

Where 'The Roots' learned the tricks of the trade (5 Stars)

As you may have heard, Stetsasonic was the original hip-hop band. The members include Daddy O, the devastating Prince Paul, Wise, Delite, Frukwan, & DBC (the Devastating Beat Creator). The live band certainly made this one of the fullest sounding hip-hop records of 1988. The stunning live formula gave way to other up and coming alternative rap groups, such as Arrested Development & The Roots. They definitely recall the visceral energy of Run-D.M.C., but also lean towards jazz and funk, and even touching on R&B. The production is loaded with instruments, beat-boxing, excellent turntablism, vicious rhymes and plenty of soul.

This record has a lot to offer in the way of variety. "In Full Gear" & "DBC Let the Music Play" open the record with an action-packed 1-2 punch. "Freedom or Death" touches on some sociopolitical topics...an excellent protest track from Daddy-O. Then comes perhaps the most beautiful crossover ballad to ever grace a rap record - "Float On". And excellent jazz-filled, astrology flavored tune. Tremendous from every angle. My favorite joint here is "Stet Troop '88!" It just pounds with energy, and Daddy-O is rhyming in FIERCE fashion. The mix never lets up, which contains consistently alluring production on tracks like "We're the Band" & "Rollin' Wit Rush". A few of my favorites pop up in the middle. "This Is It, Ya'll (Go Stetsa II)" is an excellent track, with some dope turntable work from Prince Paul. The next tracks "Sally" & "Talkin' All That Jazz" were substantial hits. "Talkin' All That Jazz" topped out on the charts at #22, and it's easy to see why. The reissue boats a remix, instrumental, and radio edit of this dope tune. "It's in My Song" brings back some of that high energy. "The Odad" boasts a dancehall/reggae vibe, which is probably my least favorite track here. The album is thankfully closed out with a set of straight bangers - "Miami Bass" & "Showtime".

Overall, if you haven't peeped out Stetsasonic, you are missing a seminal slice of old school hip-hop at it's finest. These guys were pioneers since day one, and this crowning masterpiece will live on and stand the test of time. The original hip-hop band cannot be missed. February 4, 2008

The Stet is the rage

This album is a who's who of late 80's hip hop. It's hilarious and after 20 years (!?!?) it still holds it's weight. Try not to enjoy the song "Miami Bass" and you'll be wasting your time.

W to the O to the W. How did these guys get overlooked? Similar albums include Tribe Called Quest, The Jungle Brothers, De La Soul and BDP. January 27, 2008

So much soul you think your woofers might blow

We'll walk the shores of rap everymore with Daddy-O and crew, definitely one of the hottest LPs ever: 'If I gotta die to be free then I guess it gotta be cuz I never been a sucker, see. I can't stand for a man tryin to hold me down, then again I've never been a clown. Countdown. '88 and everything ain't well, prepare for a war, and war is hell, and if ya think about copping a plea don't even waste your breath, cuz right now it's freedom or death.' Still true. Ride the waves of life's better days. July 6, 2006

The "Original" Hip Hop Band!!!

Back in 1988, Stetsasonic was one of the best groups to hit the stage. I remember there performance in Gary, IN bac in Dec. '88 and they put on a show. I finally picked up the "In Full Gear" on CD (remastered) and it sounds great!!

If you are a true Hip Hop fan, you gotta have this one in your collection. February 9, 2006

Definition of a Classic

True Story!!! This Album Is Better Than About, Oh......99% Of Music Out Today. It's Sad No One Listens To Them Anymore...They're Really Missin' Out On REAL Hip Hop..


Buy It!!!!!!

That's An Order!!!!!!! September 25, 2005

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