Innercity Griots

Description

Innercity Griots, the second album by Freestyle Fellowship, is perhaps the essential rap album of the West Coast from the early 90s. Released in 1993 on 4th & Broadway, it is a progressive and imposing hip-hop masterpiece that pushed the boundaries of rap through elevated lyrics and innovative production. Their talent was light-years ahead of everyone else. It's pure b-boy jazz. The original vinyl single is now horrifically rare, and of course, the sound suffers. The reissue from This Be With addresses that, and to be complete, it also includes "Pure Thought" from the CD version of the album. This incredible demonstration of imaginative hip-hop sounds better than ever. Freestyle Fellowship was among the first technically dazzling rappers to emerge from California. Mikah 9, P.E.A.C.E., Aceyalone, and Self Jupiter - alongside DJ Kiilu - forged their famous lyrical dexterity in the ultra-competitive crucible of the Good Life Café. Founded in Leimert Park, in South Central Los Angeles, in December 1989, this natural foods store and café was the place where the city's top mic enthusiasts gathered to showcase their freestyle talents during the Thursday night open mic.