“Classics” is an understatement to some of the tracks featured in this compilation. Think of some of these tracks featured on “Wild Pitch Classics” to be instructions in creating dope Hip-Hop music. Before there was Rawkus Records or Stones Throw, Wild Pitch Records was reined supreme as a second-generation hip-hop indie label representing some of the finest within late 80’s/early 90’s Hip Hop talent. Their resume included The Coup, Gang Starr, Chill Rob G, Main Source, O.C., Ultramagnetic, U.M.C’s & Lord Finesse. But with bad business decisions and other issues, these problems plagued the label and had never reached it’s full potential.

The “Classics” comp is an upbeat collection of important Hip-Hop singles that helped shape the early 90’s movement. I can’t believe we’re considering Gangstarr’s “Words I manifest” an old school classic… has it been that long? O.C.’s “Times up” is just as chilling as it sounded back in 93 when I first heard it in highschool, talk about lyrical skills at it’s finest over an extremely hard beat. (thanks to Pharoah Monch!)

There are 2 definitive Main Source tracks that paved the way for so many artists and their styles- “Looking At The Front Door” and “Live At The Barbeque” (featuring NaS’s debut) are instant classics to those true at heart with Hip-Hop’s old school roots. Add along another must listen banger, Lord Finesse’s “The Funky Technician” and sprinle it with the U.M.C.’s “Blue cheese” the selection of tracks featured on “Classics” is absolutely timeless. I can’t forget the Ultramagnetic blessed track “Raise It Up” and Oaktowns very own The Coup on the debut track “Dig It “ (off the kill my landlord lp) get it’s shine on. Last but not least “Court is now in session” with Chill Rob G was all that back in the days!

It doesn’t get better than this. Although Wild Pitch never lived u to its hype and utilized its talent, just looking back at the labels contributions it’s better than giving us nothing. Looking back at the 90’s evolution of Hip-Hop is a rewarding task.

Words I manifest… (a throwback classic just for you!)

Wild Pitch Classics (Wild Pitch/EMI, 1994)

1. Words I Manifest - Gang Starr
2. No Tricks - Latee
3. Dig It - The Coup
4. Looking At The Front Door - Main Source
5. Time’s Up - O.C.
6. Blue Cheese - UMC’s
7. Live At The Barbeque - Main Source
8. Funky Technician - Lord Finesse/DJ Mike Smooth
9. How My Man Went Down In The Game - Main Source
10. Court Is Now In Session - Chill Rob G
11. Raise It Up - Ultramagnetic MC’s
12. Hush Hush Tip - N-Tyce
13. Fakin’ The Funk - Main Source
14. This Cut’s Got Flavor - Latee
15. The Rhythmologist - Jamose
16. One To Grow On - UMC’s