Album Notes

One of the best underground classics you've probably never heard, Freestyle Fellowship's little-known, long-out-of-print first album was brilliantly conceived and executed.

As much as we abuse the concept of "ahead of its time," the Fellowship's 1991 debut predicted a sound and approach to Left Coast underground hip-hop that not only eschewed the omnipresence of gangsta rap but also issued a bold challenge to all other corners of the hip-hop nation that L.A. was not to be taken lightly.

Songs like "Sunshine Men," "For No Reason," and "Here I Am" let MCs like Aceyalone, All in All, Mikay 9, P.E.A.C.E., and Self Jupiter strike out bold statements of lyrical prowess over masterfully sampled tracks that pulsed with insight, energy, and inspiration.

Your underground collection is not complete without this addition to the library.

--Oliver Wang