In God We Trust

by Brand Nubian

Overview

When pre-album single "Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down" was issued -- along with its violence-laced video -- it was clear that Brand Nubian would not be the same minus Grand Puba. It was a safe bet that In God We Trust wouldn't have attempted any new jack swing crossovers or tie-dyed imagery. Though the makeover is drastic, it is convincing, with Lord Jamar and Sadat X stepping up with some of the era's fiercest, most intense rhymes, a higher percentage of which referenced the likes of Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam, Marcus Garvey, and self-defense by any means necessary. Multiple, indefensible homophobic taunts and the silly "Steal Ya 'Ho" aside (did they really think the use of the two words was so necessary?), In God We Trust is nearly faultless, packed with rumbling acoustic basslines, Jeep-rattling breakbeats, and rhymes written and delivered with a great deal of hunger and an equal amount of self-assuredness -- as if to say, "No, Brand Nubian was never Grand Puba and a couple sidekicks." The Diamond D-produced "Punks" outshines everything else, but the group more than holds its own as a self-contained production team. Had a high-profile beat maker been responsible for "The Godz...," "Pass the Gat," or "Brand Nubian Rock the Set," they'd certainly be present in his or her highlight reel. ~ Andy Kellman

Product Details

Release Date:	02/03/2023
Label:	TOMMY BOY MUSIC
UPC:	0016998527122

Tracks

1. Allah U Akbar
2. Ain't No Mystery
3. Meaning of the 5%
4. Pass the Gat
5. Black Star Line
6. Allah and Justice
7. The Godz ¿
8. The Travel Jam
9. Brand Nubian Rock the Set
10. Love Me or Leave Me Alone
11. Steal Ya 'Ho
12. Steady Bootleggin'
13. Black and Blue
14. Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down
15. Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down
16. Love Me or Leave Me Alone [Remix]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Brand Nubian   Primary Artist
Redd Foxx   Primary Artist,Guest Artist

Technical Credits

Tom Coyne   Mastering
John Kogan   Engineer,Second Engineer
Lorenzo Dechalus   Composer
Tom Bouman   Design,Art Direction
Ron Jaramillo   Design,Art Direction
Jack Hersca   Engineer,Second Engineer
Jo Cunningham   Second Engineer
Gary Buchman   Engineer,Second Engineer
Mario Castellanos   Photography
Derek Murphy   Composer
Derrick Murphy   Composer
Rafeal   Producer
Joe Cunningham   Engineer
Tony Smalios   Engineer
Gregg Mann   Mixing,Engineer,Mixing Engineer
David Kennedy   Mixing,Engineer,Mixing Engineer
Lee Anthony   Engineer
Diego Garrido   Engineer,Second Engineer
Ronald Isley   Composer
Rudolph Isley   Composer
O'Kelly Isley   Composer
Diamond D   Producer
Brand Nubian   Mixing,Producer
Dave Kennedy   Mixing,Engineer