Freddie Foxxx AKA Bumpy Knuckles - Industry Shakedown

Freddie Foxxx has been murdering other people's tracks for years with his "fake pimp free flow" (in the words of another hip-hop prophet, Jeru the Damaja). After paying all possible dues over the course of a decade in hip-hop (he's rolled with Eric B & Rakim, Gang Starr, and M.O.P.), he's finally releasing his own album, an incisive epic that will leave many running for cover. Never one to pull punches, the man also known as Bumpy Knuckles rips into the rap industry. His infamous pair of nines are in full effect from beginning to end of this relentless album, blasting every weak link in the rap game, especially on the title track. But there's method to his madness: this articulate, self-proclaimed "intelligent thug" wants to change the racist nature of the hip-hop industry, which he analyses on "MCs Come and MCs Go." Industry Shakedown boasts straight, brilliant lyrics from beginning to end, and invigorating hard-core production from the likes of DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and Foxxx himself. Remember when hip-hop was dangerous? When it challenged the status quo? Freddie Foxxx does. --Lizz Mendez Berry Amazon.com

Once Again....

He debuted with the Classic Release Freddie Foxxx Is Here. Then dropped another hard to find LP titled Crazy Like A Foxxx. Now we have an even more polished MC on INDUSTRY SHAKEDOWN. Bumpy Knuckles is in full effect! Rhyming with a passion and hunger that is unmatched in present times. Do yourself a huge favor and support a great Hip Hop Artist in purchasing this record. For all the hedz, start diggin in the crates for the GEMS I listed above. They're pretty much artifacts now, but if you can get your hands on them they're priceless!!! September 28, 2006

Freddie Foxxx is one of the illest of all time

I first heard Freddie Foxxx on KRS-ONE's "Sex and Violence" ('92) album on a track called "Ruff Ruff," one of the dopest hip-hop collab tracks of all time. "Industry Shakedown" is almost a flawless album. My only gripes are: the corny intro to "MCs Come and MCs Go" (an otherwise excellent track), and the wack choruses on "Bumpy Bring It Home" and especially "Bumpy Knuckles Baby" (very corny chorus, and sub-par for Foxxx); but the rest of the content is pure fire.

For anybody saying that there's not enough lyrical variety, you need to listen more closely. Yes, Freddie Foxxx is MILITANT, but he is not some cliche rapper talking kill-this/kill-that on every track. He merely asserts his sense of power and need for independence, epitomized by the track "Never Bow Down," a spoken word jewel. The title track is very dope even though it's basically about his personal record company beefs. Tracks like "Who Knows Why" and "Been Here Before" are philosophical in nature. The rest of the tracks are also great.

Overall I consider this a classic album. However, to be honest, it doesn't really do Bumpy justice. He has gotten SOOO much deeper with his lyrical content since dropping this album. Use your favorite file-sharer to grab the following singles: "Why Freestyle", "Long Eyes", and "SWAM". The first is political, the second is about pimping, and the last is just about being a dope MC. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. August 7, 2005

Inside Your Head

After hearing him on frequent Gangstarr releases, we finally get an album of just Bumpy. As anybody familiar with his guest appearances should be able to guess, this album is INTENSE. Bumpy is constantly hyped up and angry. Production from DJ Premier and a guest appearance from M.O.P. only contribute to the hardcore feel of this record. The thing is, an entire album of bugged out, screaming Bumpy gets pretty repetitive and the few attempts at more downtempo stuff like "Searchin" really fail. Still, there's more than a handful of mix tape worthy tracks on here, which is why i gave it four stars. My personal favorites are "Tell Em I'm Here" "Inside Your Head" and "Part Of My Life," all of which have truly incredible battle rhymes from one of the cleverest rappers out there. Now if he could only learn to stretch his sound a little, he could release a true classic. February 28, 2005

I'm glad I bought this album

The rapper of the "third verse" dropped this album in summer 2000 and not only does he let loose on wack emcees, but he also aims at such chart-toppers as N.O.R.E. and Memphis Bleek. He also attacks major-record labels on the title track produced by Pete Rock. Other highlights (and there are plenty) are "R.N.S." and "Part of My Life" (both produced by DJ Premier), the hysterical and playful "MC's Come, MC's Go" (no, you are NOT supposed to take that song seriously), "Bumpy Knuckles Baby" and the best track, "The Mastas" (produced by Foxxx himself, featuring M.O.P.). I couldn't give it five stars because I didn't care for "Searchin'" and also, all those songs about beating or shooting someone down start to wear thin after 70 minutes. But this album is still worth it for the song "Bumpy Bring it Home", where he says that his music "is like the new Jordans when they come out." I couldn't have said it better myself. February 27, 2003

Straight-ahead hardcore raps

Freddie Foxxx has appeared on many discs by many other rappers, and generally steals the show. He's even better on his solo effort. Sometimes he's so hard it's funny--you can't take him all that seriously, but then, that's the case with most hardcore gangster rappers. Suspension of disbelief. Get into the right mind frame, and Bump Knucks will get you fired up. I couldn't give him five stars because there are some tired-sounding jams, but there are more good cuts than bad. High points are Tell 'em I'm here; Stock in the Game; Part of my Life. Hot! July 8, 2002

More reviews at Amazon.com ...