Big Syke's first group with Mental Illness, Domino & Johnny J !
Recorded from 1990 to 1992
Side 1 :
1. Intro
2. Livin' in the Edge
3. Get It Strait *
4. Got To Get Paid *
5. I'm That Nigga
6. Not My Girl *
7. Riden A Double Murda Beef
Side 2 :
8. I Wish U Would *
9. N Misery
10. What Else Cana Nigga Do *
11. Evil Mind
12. U Tripin' Bitch *
13. All Hell Breakin' Losse
Produced by Johnny J, Charlie Mac & Big Syke.
Probably recorded mostly in 1992.
* solo tracks by Big Syke
Big Syke's beginnings are less known than his later works, altough it is probably better, more fresh and rough, closer to Thug Life style. The "closest road dog" is already the deep voice we know (just listen to "Riden a Double Murda Beef"). He is the proeminent persona here with 6 solo tracks and 4 other songs. He's taking an important part in the production too.
Johnny J has already produced significant tunes for MC T.N.T., (Bustin' Out, Mr. Dynamite album), Candyman's (album Ain't No Shame in my Game), but he is the main ingredient here in the sound identity. You can hear the departure from N.W.A. old L.A. sound to a more funky/soul even jazzy thing like in "U Tripin' Bitch" that will characterize 2Pac later sound.
Mental Illness : Probably you already heard that name in Tupac's songs
("Mental, rest in peace"). He died not a long time after the recording
of that album. What is particularly interesting, if you listen to his verse in "Livin' in the Edge", you will hear this famous sentence re-used many times by 2Pac :
My only fear of death is coming back
reincarnated
It seems that Mental's style and text (you can hear a bit of Eazy-E) had important influence over Tupac, over the Me Against the World intimate mood :
Will I live today and live in sorrow (?)
Or will I get love and die tomorrow ?
Mental, "All Hell Breakin' Loose"
Or will I get love and die tomorrow ?
Mental, "All Hell Breakin' Loose"
