1990-something…when soundtracks actually mattered.

I rarely buy soundtracks these days. I think the last few soundtracks I actually picked up were Tarantino’s Death Proof and The Juno soundtrack inspiring music from the original film. I never really understood the rhyme and reasons towards a Hip-Hop soundtrack but guessed it was just another way to cash in on urban related films. During the 90’s we were treated to a handful of soundtracks that broke new ground in introducing various rap acts and boost an established groups popularity. (The Show, Low down dirt shame and Ghost Dog to name a few) Before there were any mix-tapes or free downloads to hype up an artist, I’d like to think Hip-hop soundtracks were groups extra’s push.The New Jersey Drive soundtracks volume 1 and 2 are perfect examples of vintage 90’s Hip-hop. It wasn’t the movie I was interested in seeing, it was the music that got me to cash out 12-13 bucks to peep the cd. (NJD was actually a great movie, by the way…)

The New Jersey Drive soundtracks complimented any 90’s collection of Hip-Hop favorites. Although none of the tracks are radio friendly singles (I take that back, minus Total’s Can’t you see single feat. The Notorious B.I.G.) Each track an Emcee or group represents comes off a step above the usual song featured on a soundtrack. Volume 1 is a mixed bag of treats where the good stuff definitely out weighs the filler tracks. I’ve always hated collecting soundtracks for only 2-3 good cuts. (thank gawd to iTUNEs and their ¢99 cents a song concept!) The strongest cut off the album is Outkast’s Benz or Beamer which has that vibe I really enjoyed somewhere between their debut album and ATliens. The Organized Noize inspired beat just comes off dope as if it were 1995 again. Redman drops a dope verse on “Where am I?” while partner in rhyme Kieth Murray lays down the same lyrical damage on “East left”. One of the more potent club tracks featured on the album is the Jame Brown inspired Total track featuring some of Biggie Smalls toughest verses on an r&b cut. How could I ever forget the first time I peeped “Can’t you see?” It’s one of my favorite tracks outta bad boys camp and one of the best opening verses to crossover between r&b and Hip-hop.

What I really wanna get into is the second volume to New Jersey Drive… Volume 2 features some of the best under-rated East coast Hip-hop packaged into specially priced compact disc. It’s practically vintage material so many people over look. There’s nothing short but sweet perfection to this 8 track ep featuring Jeru the Damaja, The entire Boot Camp Click, O.C. and Organized Konfusion Biz Markie, Mad Lion, Naughty by Nature and The E-bros. This CD alone is worth the 5 star treatment out hustling the 1st volume in quality.

“You Won’t Go Far” featuring Organized Konfusion and O.C. fronts an unapologetic beat worthy of O.C.’s “times up” status. “Headz ain’t ready,” the Beatminerz produced single featuring Black Moon, Smif n’ Wessun and the The Fab 5 (O.G.C. and Heltah Skeltah) is early Boot Camp Click material that rocks out an underground vibe way before the underground movement had been established. It’s the perfect set up of things to come from the entire aquad. Even the Naughty by Nature “Connections” has Treach and company spitting harder than usual. While all the cuts on the album are all worth its share of bumps, (I wish the E-bros. had gotten a solo deal…) Jeru the Damaja’s “Invasion” is a Hip-Hop junkies treat fronting the finer elements sampling and mic skills.

Movie soundtracks truly are a dime a dozen. If you’re lucky, The NJD soundtracks fit that description of paying at least a quarter at the bargain bins. These are hidden gems lost in the shuffle. I wouldn’t have them any other way.