I consider Das Efx’s third release “Hold it down” a criminally slept-on album that reverted a once popular mainstream duo (with the hit single “They wat efx” and fast-paced “ragga flow” that was heavily imitated) into a more rugged & rough underground style that was unmarketable to the masses. The album is probably one of the most consistent albums to rock 90’s tape decks worldwide. Love them or hate them, in 1995 Das Efx returned to their core audience with their sense of lyrical street toughness and creativity. (with the help of PMD and others)

More after the jump! (I added some videos)

Can I even describe the production value Hold it down set fourth? Held down with 20 full tracks, featuring production from Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Showbiz, Easy Mo Bee, PMD, Solid Scheme, Kevin Geeda, Klark Kent & DJ Skratch. If instrumental albums were hot at the time they are now, this is one collection I would cop in a second. “Represent the Real” is probably the strongest track on the album that has skoob and Dre trading versus with a mic wrecking KRS-ONE at his best. “Real Hip-Hop” is blessed with 2 versions you don’t often have the privilege in seeing 2 producers bless a track with. DJ Premier rocks one of his best beats on the original track while Pete Rock smooths it out over a funky beat, it get’s no better than this! “Microphone Masters” boasts a smooth and rugged sounding beat with Das breaking down an extensive lyrical barrage of wordplay. If you have a copy of the remix featuring Prodigy of Mobb Deep, consider yourself lucky. I’ve been diggin’ for that for over a decade. “Hold it down” basically represents that east coast-mid 90’s, hardcore hip-hop peeps like me need to write about…

Underated, undermarketed hip-hop release along with expiring contracts and a commercial fan base diminishing…. That’s how I like it! A hard to miss gem in the used bins, “Hold it down” represents gritty, hardcore and lyric heavy Hip-Hop without the misuse of violence and gang banging. Think of it as a 80’s action movie on the lyrical tip. The rhymes unload like an automatic machine gun!

Das efx with… “The Real Hip-Hop” (produced by DJ Premier)

“Microphone Masters” remix featuring Prodigy!