These days entertainment is all about synergy and cross-merchandising baby, from the “free” toys at the burger joint to the pay-per-view rights, soundtrack CD, T-shirt sales, and cereal endorsements, et al. The wrestling establishment has become increasingly savvy at such activity, and this CD would seem to be the culmination of this marketing ethos. WCW Mayhem brings together …
One of the most successful freestyle groups, TKA brings to the music confident beats crossbred with heart-on-sleeve, bleeding male egos. Discovered while the three youths entertained at a Sweet 16 party by singing over hip-hop instrumentals, TKA were an early inspiration for the sped up, Latinized hip-hop that birthed the freestyle phenomenon. All the hits here pit lush, …
This is another disc in the 10-volume history of the music known as freestyle or “Latin hip-hop.” The entire collection forms a comprehensive history, and every disc has its merits. Volume 5 is set apart first and foremost by “Dreamboy/Dreamgirl,” an ode performed by Cynthia and Johnny O that raises romantic passion and devotion to a nearly religious …
Expanded to 10 volumes from the original 7, Timber Records head Joey Gardner’s Freestyle’s Greatest Beats is a roughly chronological history of the music. Volume 1 scores with freestyle fundamentals from heavy hitters such as TKA, Cover Girls, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, and Exposé. This disc is heavy on the classics and features cuts that aren’t played …
Track Listing
1. Welcome to the Big Show – Dan Patrick/Chris Berman/Dan Patrick & Chris Berman
2. No Limit – 2 Unlimited
3. Everybody Everybody – Black Box
4. 1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New) – Coolio
5. We Got a Love Thang – Ce Ce Peniston
6. This Is Your Night – Amber
7. Hey, Hey You
8. This Is How We Do It – …
Any record that leads off with Dick Vitale’s ubiquitous jabberings is asking for trouble, and this third volume in the Jock Jams series is musically ill-equipped to pull out of the ensuing tailspin. The collection of inoffensive rap songs and R&B-tinged dance numbers does have a few highlights. KC and the Sunshine Band’s “That’s the Way I Like …