- Big Syke's first group with Mental Illness, Domino & Johnny J !
- Recorded from 1990 to 1992
- Released as a street tape in the streets of Inglewood in 1992.
Side 1 :
1. Intro
2. Livin' in the Edge
3. Get It Strait *
4. Got To Get Paid *
5. I'm That Nigga (Domino)
6. Not My Girl *
7. Riden A Double Murda Beef
Side 2 :
8. I Wish U Would *
9. N Misery (Mental)
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, although 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 prominent 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 release of the album, in August of 1993. 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.
Mental, "Livin' In The Edge"
Mental, "Livin' In The Edge"
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 ?
Or will I get love and die tomorrow ?
Mental, "All Hell Breakin' Loose"
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