Mixerr Album Reviews #1,068

This is Michael Mixerr. This afternoon I will review Prhyme Suspect - Rhymin’ For A Reason.

Rhymin’ For A Reason is Funk meets Hip Hop and Rap. Also Rhymin’ For A Reason from Prhyme Suspect is an early example of San Diego Rap and San Diego Hip Hop. Rhymin’ For A Reason was a byproduct of San Diego Rap from the 1990s that was overlooked and forgotten due to lack of attention. Prhyme Suspect raps about the basics in their raps. Nothing too simple however. 

Rhymin’ For A Reason was released on the same label San Diego OG rapper The Green Eyes (David Green) released his singles Planet Of Tha Southeast and Somethin’ To Bop To on called New Style Records. Now the Rhymin’ For A Reason single/EP was distributed by Landmark Distribution which was absorbed by Island Records in 1996. New Style Records owns the rights to this album. The Rhymin’ For A Reason single/EP was released on cassette and vinyl in 1991 on New Style Records and Frogworks Records. Production came from Len C with Earthquake Productions.

Prhyme Suspect was originally S.D.P. (San Diego Posse) before becoming Prhyme Suspect. Prhyme Suspect was founded in 1988 by frontman Lil Boo now known as Lil Spank Booty, DJ CmeRock, and Cuch Nise. The Prhyme Suspect group was active from 1988 to 1994.

Lil Boo and DJ CmeRock are, well, rhymin’ for a reason on Rhymin’ For A Reason. They just want to be heard. Prhyme Suspect raps about the basics in their raps. Nothing too simple however. Funk meets Hip Hop and Rap on Rhymin’ For A Reason.

The beginning of Rhymin’ For A Reason initiates us with a distorted trumpet sample from possibly a Latin Oldies song from back in the day which last for about 4 seconds. A single looped electric guitar note is played through the duration of Rhymin’ For A Reason. The looped electric guitar note gives Rhymin’ For A Reason an upbeat funky vibe. You can hear a twang in that funky looped electric guitar note. The track descends into a fat heavy bass line.

Len C was responsible for production and percussion of Rhymin’ For A Reason by Prhyme Suspect. Len C was the one who produced those funky beats for the percussion ensemble selection. The same Len C from Earthquake Productions. DJ CmeRock and Len C chose the horn selection.

Behind The Loks is a funky hip hop/rap track performed by Lil Boo and DJ CmeRock. Back in the day, house parties in San Diego, California played Behind The Loks repeatedly along with other San Diego Rap classics. You can feel a funk vibe when listening to Behind The Loks.

Lil Boo and DJ CmeRock proclaim themselves as modern day hustlers. The rules of the street are fast and clear. You have to be about your hustle or get played. No games are played. Hoes are played because that’s how the game goes. But now they both take us back to the drawing board by explaining hustle or hustles work in these streets. Deadly gangs fights are common. 

Lil Boo and DJ CmeRock next talk about how music saved the duo from living a lifestyle of crime for which they once were wrapped up in. Criminal activity was their daily routine at one point in time. It went from busting caps to busting raps. 

With A Funkyness is a funk oriented track that samples Zapp - More Bounce To The Ounce continuously on a loop. The same Len C from Earthquake Productions did the percussion selection. He is also responsible for the ensemble of horns as well. 

I rate this single/EP, Rhymin’ For A Reason, 5/5*****!