2000 [Deluxe Edition] [PA]

Performer: Grand Puba
Artist: Kid; Sadat X
Engineer: Kevin Thomas; Andy Blakelock; John Kogan; Troy Hightower
Distributor: Select-O-Hits

Notes: Personnel: Grand Puba, Sadat X, Michelle Valdes Valentin (vocals); Jay Nicholas (bass); Rick Posada (programming); Kid (background vocals). Producers: Mark Spark, Chris "Shuga" Liggio, Alamo, Dante Ross. Personnel: Rick Posada (drum programming). Audio Mixer: Kevin Thomas. Recording information: Acme Studios; Battery Studios; Chung King Studios; Fiber Studios; Platinum Island Studios; Soundtrax; V. Dubbs Studios. Illustrator: Jerome Lagarrigue. Where will rap music be in the year 2000? Maybe it's just a passing fad that will soon be forgotten, or maybe it'll prove to be the basis for a greater portion of pop music. Whichever might be the case, on his second solo album, 2000, Grand Puba looks into the future, and suggests that his music is on a level to survive the evolution. Undoubtedly a voice of rap's old school, Puba makes adjusting to hip-hop's changing phases look easy. Since his days with Masters Of Ceremony, Maxwell Dixon (aka Grand Puba, a name that signifies he's the man in charge) has barely modified his lyrical style, sticking with his outrageous metaphoric humor and sing-songy flow. Puba best exercises these skills on "Amazing," combining his own rhymes with brief homemade imitations of other artists' material. Obviously one who works well with others, Grand Puba reunites with Sadat X for "Play It Cool," medicine for those still suffering because of his departure from Brand Nubian. Puba also further explores the rap/vocal duet territory he staked on Mary J. Blige's first album, coming through with "Back Stabbers," featuring Michelle Valdes Valentin. The music of 2000 represents a more mature hip-hop, and comes ready to tickle its listeners while still managing to make heads nod. Grand Puba's second solo album continues his groundbreaking fusion of jazz and hip-hop, adding a harder, street-oriented edge for 2000. The production saves the album, even when the songs are weak. [Traffic issued a Deluxe Edition in 2009.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Vibe (8/95, pp.117-118) - "...Puba...is still playful and easy-going. This time around, what was left of his `conscious' agenda has been replaced...by carefree, melodic material....often manage[s] to recapture the spirit of...Puba's earlier works..." The Source (8/95, p.79) - 4 Mics - Slammin' - "...Puba hasn't changed much....As soon as his distinct nasal flow kicks in, it's hard not to nod and smile....there's no denying that Puba has mad skills and has influenced many emcees" Rap Pages (9/95, p.26) - 7 (out of 10) - "...Puba provides an unfettered romp through the naughty land he roams...he comes correct as always with them toasty marshmallow flows...when Puba's good, he's real good..."

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.5