Editor’s Note: Our recurring “Albumism Recommends” series aims to shine a bright light on our favorite albums of the past, with an emphasis on the records that arguably never achieved the widespread or sustained attention they rightfully deserve. As you’ll see below, unlike our longer-form feature articles, we’ve intentionally kept the accompanying commentary to a minimum, so as to allow the great music to speak for itself.
We hope that you enjoy discovering (or rediscovering) these musical treasures and if you like what you hear, we encourage you to spread the good word far and wide so that others can experience these under-the-radar classics as well.
ARTIST: Da King & I
TITLE: Contemporary Jeep Music
RELEASED: July 13, 1993
LABEL: Rowdy Records
NOTABLE TRACKS: “Flip Da Scrip” | “Tears” | “This Is How We Do”
A Brooklyn-bred duo comprised of Izzy Ice and DJ Majesty, Da King & I were signed to Rowdy Records, the independent label originally formed by acclaimed producers Dallas Austin and Antonio “L.A.” Reid. Though the duo’s career was an ephemeral one, their debut album is a gratifying song suite defined by a mix of playful jams and roughneck anthems. The album’s highlight is “Tears,” a somber rumination on infidelity that showcases the group’s depth and vulnerable side.
Although, hypothetically speaking, it would have been intriguing to observe how their career may have evolved throughout the ‘90s and beyond had they not disbanded shortly after Contemporary Jeep Music’s arrival, at least we have this shining document of their musical collaboration to revisit and revere.
LISTEN:
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