Firewater [PA]

Performer: Tha Alkaholiks
Producer: E-Swift; Danger Mouse; Evidence of Dilated Peoples
Distributor: E1 Distribution (USA)

Notes: Personnel: Tha Alkaholiks. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here--FIREWATER is the grand finale for hip-hop partiers par excellence Tha Alkaholiks, who have been torching the candle from both ends since their 1993 debut, THA TRIFLIN' ALBUM. The infectious "The Flute Song" mixes a seductive Eastern motif with typical 'Liks drinking, smoking, and partying themes, while "Party Ya Ass Off" explains the group's decision to split and continue separate careers against a predictable background of mayhem. There's an attempt at a conventional vocal on "Poverty's Paradise," but the trio sound best on the more familiar territory of "Drink Wit Us," which runs down a comprehensive list of legendary hip-hop names who hang out with them, because "making funky music is a must"--and you can't argue with that.

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.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.25