Between a Rock and a Hard Place

by The Artifacts

Overview

This is a strong mid-'90's hip-hop album from two Jerseyites with a fairly unique style, B-boyism mixed with EPMD-esque funk flavor. Hard-edged but not gangster, the Artifacts stress the true elements of hip-hop culture in their music with an accent on their forte, graffiti writing. Calling their debut album the "the first and last showing of graffiti rock," the Artifacts rap about typical subjects like marijuana and skirt-chasing, but their cleverness and wit are singular. Tracks like "Wrong Side Of The Tracks," "Flexi Wit Da Tech," and "C'mon With Da Git Down," are arguably '90s underground classics, while other tracks, like the Redman-produced "Comin' Through Your F****n' Block" and "Wassup Now Muthaf****" also hit hard. The synoptic track "Whayback" is a shout to rap's forefathers and a longing for hip-hop's glory days of old. Although slack in a few places, overall, this a stellar album and sincere attempt to keep the essence of hip-hop alive. ~ M.F. DiBella

Product Details

Release Date:	10/25/1994
Label:	Big Beat Records
UPC:	0075679239723

Tracks

1. Drama (Mortal Kombal Fatality)
2. C'mon Wit da Git Down
3. Wrong Side of da Tracks
4. Heavy Ammunition
5. Attack of New Jeruzalum
6. Notty Headed Nigguhz
7. Whayback
8. Flexi With da Tech (Nique)
9. Cummin' Thru Ya F-Kin Block
10. Lower da Boom
11. What Goes On
12. Dynamite Soul
13. Whassup Now Muthaf-Ka?
14. [Untitled Hidden Track]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Artifacts   Primary Artist
Jay Burns Jaya   Primary Artist
Michael Franks   Primary Artist
Buster Williams   Primary Artist
Redman   Primary Artist,Guest Artist
Just-Ice   Primary Artist
DJ Rock Raider   Scratching
Tame One   Vocals

Technical Credits

Drew   Producer
Todd Ray   Composer,Producer,Mixing
Henry Anadon   Composer
Rahem Brown   Composer
Anthony Best   Composer
Trevor Smith   Composer
Jere Oxendine   Composer
John Krogan   Mastering Engineer
William E. Williams   Composer
Galt MacDermot   Composer
Tame One   Group Member
James Rado   Composer
Reggie Noble   Mixing,Composer,Producer
Redman   Producer
Dave Greenberg   Mixing Engineer
Gerome Ragni   Composer
The Artifacts   Producer
Dana Stinson   Producer
T-Ray   Mixing,Producer
Troy Hightower   Engineer,Recording
El Da Sensei   Group Member
David Greenberg   Mixing
Chris Curran   Mixing,Engineer
Tom Coyne   Mastering
Ken Lewis   Engineer,Recording
John Kogan   Engineer
Buckwild   Mixing,Producer
Rich July   Mixing,Engineer,Recording,Mixing Engineer,Mastering Engineer