Album Notes

In the 1980’s, unbeknownst to the rest of the world, a small California city by the name of Santa Ana was home to some of the nation’s deadliest street wars. During that era, countless battles were fought in the elusive pursuit of money, power, and respect and innumerable lives were destroyed in a hopeless cycle of revenge and retribution. This went on for years, and like most wars, this was the kind of war where all sides would ultimately end up defeated. When it was finally over, dust-covered ruins and blood-stained asphalt remained as testaments to an unforgiving chapter in the pages of hood life history. And as the book closed for the last time, it appeared as if any memories of what had taken place during these dreadful years of what came to be called “The Hood Wars” would be buried within the yellowing pages of this shameful epic. However, the future remained uncertain. With the stories of the legendary Hood Wars hidden away from the masses, how would the hood learn from the lessons of the past and make sure to never again repeat one of history’s darkest periods. Years would pass before that question would be answered.

One fateful day in 1994, five Hood Wars survivors whose scars stood as constant reminders of past battles, united under one common cause. They understood that the lessons of old would have to be unearthed and taught to a new generation now in danger of spiraling down the same path of destruction. Each member bringing his own experiences, insight, and specific skills to the unit would recount the tales of past battles, victories, loss, and ultimately triumph over the hood in his own unique way. Magnumm Loc is the soldier’s soldier who represents electricity personified. Danger Tha Blaccman, fluid in his approach, is skilled at reflecting on the deeper social implications of street life. Phatt Dogg, the verbal sharp shooter, specializes in understanding and appealing to the West coast hood mentality. Warbux, the calm before the storm, brings enough energy and conviction to shake any disbeliever down to his core. Lastly, Lumbajac, expert in auditory assault, provides the sonic vehicle for all 5 members to testify over. Rooted in Hip Hop, the culture which preceded the Hood Wars era, they would use the most potent form of communication in hoods worldwide, Rap music. Together, they would be known as “HoodLUM West”, Hood Life Under Music. Their first audio manifesto would introduce this new hood generation to five rebels who came “From Almost Nuthin’” and lived to share the real life accounts of true Hood Wars survivors. But would a younger, more reckless hood mentality be prepared to heed their words. Time would only tell…