Editor’s Note: Our new, 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: Hard Knocks
TITLE: School of Hard Knocks
RELEASED: March 10, 1992
LABEL: Wild Pitch
NOTABLE TRACKS: “Dirty Cop Named Harry” | “N***a for Hire” | “Thoughts of a Negro”
The New York City based duo’s debut and only studio album stands as a shining embodiment of the socio-politically conscious rap that permeated throughout hip-hop’s golden age. MC Hardhead’s righteous rhymes, acute commentary, and stirring narratives examine the Black community’s perennial marginalization in America, with the plagues of police brutality and systemic corruption a recurring theme. A lyrically potent album, for sure, but DJ Stoneface’s captivating soundscapes ripe with vibrant funk, jazz and soul samples pack a powerful punch as well.
LISTEN: