Album Notes

In the late 1980s, the dangerous streets of East Oakland, CA was a spawning ground for the what would later develop into the influential sound of reality rap. From outside of mainstream retail outlets, artists like Too-Short gained local notoriety in the streets, selling cassette tapes from the trunk of a car. It was during this period in Bay Area history that a 15-year-old Kariem Abdullah began his career in hip-hop. At the age of 10, Kariem moved to the rough streets of Foothill and 50th Avenue, which produced such artists as EA-Ski, the Luniz, Dru Down, and MTV VJ/rapper Sway.

Kariem and his brother Dion Stewart got their start performing in front of family and friends at house parties and in local talent shows. Known as Black Dynasty, the two brothers released their first cassette EP "8-Ball in the Corner Pocket" in 1990, with an up-and-coming record label Flammy Flam Records, who helped launch the careers of Totally Insane and RBL Posse.

It wasn't until 1993, when Black Dynasty released their first full-length album, that they had a major impact. "Asphalt Jungle" generated major interest among record labels, and producers. Following the modest success of their first full-release, Kariem and Dion hooked up with fellow Oakland rappers Dru Down, and Dangerous Dame to record the song "Deep East Oakland". Released independently, the single became a local anthem, reflecting the pride felt by many young blacks for their neglected neighborhood. The sub sequential video for "Deep East Oakland" was featured on BETs Rap City, and The Box.

Riding the wave of success, Black Dynasty rushed into the studio to finish work on the full-length album. Released as the title track, "Deep East Oakland" quickly became one of the hottest selling albums in the bay area, eventually reaching sales of more than 20,000. In 1995 Black Dynasty was featured on the Low Rider tour with Mac 10, Too-Short, DJ Quick, and others. Their video was featured on The Box.

Tragedy would soon put a halt to Black Dynasty's rise to the top. As with so many young African-American men, violence would impact their lives. An Oakland convenience storeowner shot Dion Stewart to death in a botched robbery attempt. The loss of his brother profoundly affected Kariem, and after a prolonged period of reflection, he headed back into the studio to continue the Black Dynasty legacy.

Returning with a renewed purpose, surviving brother Kariem is using his brother's story to help him focus on music as an outlet for urban frustration. During his hiatus, fans helped rally Kariem, as they continually asked about a follow-up album. Seeing the success of other local artists, Kariem ventured into the studio again to record the initial tracks that would compose the new album. Among the many challenges Kariem faced, one of the most difficult was coming to terms with the loss of his brother both as a friend and as an integral creative force in the group.

Now almost seven years later, Black Dynasty is back to reclaim their place in Bay Area Hip-Hop. "Reality Check: Deep East Oakland pt. II" is a return to form for Black Dynasty, as Kariem brings his original East Oakland sound back to center stage.