Coast II Coast [PA]

Performer: Tha Alkaholiks
Artist: King Tee; Q-Tip; Diamond D
Distributor: BMG (distributor)

Notes: Tha Alkaholiks: E-Swift (vocals, scratches); Tash, J-Ro (vocals). Additional personnel: King Tee, Q-Tip, Diamond D., The Loot Pack, Declaime, Xzibit, The Baby Bubbas (vocals); Les July (bass); DJ Penn One, DJ Romes (scratches); Lil' Ro (background vocals). Producers: Mad Lib, E-Swift, Diamond D. Engineers: "Steve Fred 40 To The Head" Fredrickson, Axel Nehaus. Recorded at Yo Mammas House, Los Angeles, California. Personnel: DJ Romes, E-Swift (scratches). Audio Mixers: E-Swift; Bob Morse . Recording information: Yo Mama's House, Los Angeles, CA. Photographer: Michael Miller . J-Ro, Tash and E-Swift quickly return with their second album, dispelling any notion they might fade away. Their ability to satisfy all crowds from COAST II COAST isolates them from other hip-hop artists, and creates a more diverse genre of rap. They shoot off sparks of both the East and West coasts (and all in between) that seem to blend together like the styles of the three rappers. Furnished by E-Swift, Diamond D. and Mad Lib, Tha Alkaholiks got beats that'll make you say "Daaam!" The basic production takes you back to the days when hip-hop was about rhyming, scratching and dancing, and rappers connected more with the underground than they do now. Immersed in their own lyrical intoxication, The Alkaholiks salute the foundation of hip-hop with "Flashback," a track sure to take you back to the early '80s. Still managing to deliver the hardcore, Tha Alkaholiks once again exhibit their vocal prowess on "All The Way Live," which also features abstract rapper Q-Tip. On "2014," The Alkaholiks proclaim to critics that rap music will never die. Then again, their main concern is not preparing rap disciples for the long awaited revolution, or telling others how hard it was growing up in the 'hood, but simply rocking a party.

Vibe (2/95, p.90) - "...no gangster posturing, no MCs proclaiming themselves modern-day prophets. Instead, Tha Alkaholiks deliver an ode to the days of old,...when MCs grabbed the microphone and dropped phrases that made the crowd say `ho!' When MCs dropped lines...that set a party off..." The Source (5/95, p.66) - 3.5 Stars - Dope - "...true MCs who rely strictly on their mic skills and no gimmicks....the Liks have taken things to another level, which will make it hard for any MC to keep up....COAST II COAST is a solid effort in all areas..."

After moving to L.A. in the early 1990s, Cincinnati DJ/MC duo E-Swift and Tash recruited South Central rapper J-Ro and formed Tha Alkaholiks. After guesting on King Tee's THE TRIFLIN ALBUM (1992), the trio released 21 & OVER (1993), introducing an irreverent rhyme style--lyrically intricate, rife with drinking references, and even incorporating occasional mock belches and slurred speech--over upbeat party-oriented production. The clever, booze-obsessed gimmicks exemplified in tracks like "Only When I'm Drunk" and "Last Call" enhanced a fun-loving, back-and-forth rhyme chemistry reminiscent of old school acts like Cold Crush and EPMD. Throughout the 1990s, Tha Liks held a reputation as the West's anti-G-Funk crew, collaborating with prominent East Coast producers and MCs and introducing alternative West Coast acts (Lootpack, Declaime, Defari, Xzibit). With five tight albums under their belts, the crew disbanded on good terms following 2006's FIRE WATER.

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