Search - Heavy D & The Boyz :: Blue Funk

Possibly the best album by a criminally underrated artist

Jangul Powell | Detroit, MI | 06/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Heavy D was always extremely clever lyrically. He was at once socially conscious, joking, boastful, and a lithe stage performer whose dancing moves belied his girth. Every single one of his first three albums had chart-topping singles and huge sales. Sadly and ironically when he made his greatest leap as an artist, his audience deserted him. Those looking for Heavy D's lyrically tonguetwisting, complex, lively and eloquent style won't be at all disappointed by this set. The key to Heavy D's stuff is how clearly he enunciates every syllable. Like a trained actor he always hits his marks, no matter how difficult, with precision. He does it so well, he probably makes it sound too easy, and that's the only reason I can think of that he isn't popularly listed among the great MCs of this or any era. Anyway, this album came on the heels of the tragic loss of his close friend and groupmate, Trouble T-Roy. As a result, Hev desided to eschew the danceable, New Jack Swing laced beats that were so popular at the time. He didn't even utilize superproducer Teddy Riley, who had been backing him with musical tracks since he debuted, and with whom he had collaborated on most of his greatest hits. He instead chose to give most of the production duties to underground DJs like Tony Dofat, and the brilliant Pete Rock. The result is an album that sounds like nothing he did before or after. It has a moody, unique soundscape that I find exhilirating. Stand out tracks include the Sister Nancy inspired "Talk is Cheap", The bouncing "Who's in the House", DJ Premier's "Yes Y'all", the Pete Rock (still at the height of his form) contributions "Lovesexy" and "Blue Funk". Plus, this album is historically notable for it's debut of another famous heavyweight MC, The Notorious B.I.G., on the posse cut "A Buncha Nig*az".This experiment wasn't a commercial success, but it's a beautiful testament to, and probably the best complete artistic work from a man who consistently produced excellent music. It's a hidden gem you can probably pick up used for dirt cheap, but is good enough to pay full price for."

Heavy d cocked diesel yo!!!!!

Cherryhblair | hamilton ontario canada | 10/31/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album was definetly the best heavy d album I ever heard. Although,it s not ur average hardrock buckemdown sound which was so apparent in the end of the early 90's(92-93season) his flow had gotten a little more hardcore.One of the best loops ever made was on this album by primo (dj premier) in yes yall.I mean callabos with guru, rob o ,biggie smalls and busta and others is a clue that the heavster wasn t playin on this album.Pete rock also did a couple tracks on the album.This album is a classic.I can still remember where i was when this album came out. I wuz in junior high (8th grade)and saw the video who's the man? and i jumped around with my crew for hrs.lol!! If u think heavy d sucks then just listen to this album or go the extra km and buy it its like whut they used to say back in the day "slammin." LOLOL!!!.Oh before I forget, Heavy d lost about 120 lbs so he should be called cock desiel d now in stead of heavy d HAHAHA!!!! nuff respec to the heavster gettin reck in the gym . Now the girls reallly love him .Big up the monyearninmountvernon PEACE."

Heavy D at his best

Travis M. Owens | Syracuse, NY USA | 04/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I always thought this was probably Heavy D at his best and even years later I can still say this is an enjoyable album.Many radio worthy tracks and catchy tunes and choruses. If you're a Heavy D fan this is a must have. If you're curious, it's probably worth your purchase."