Search - Kwest Tha Madd Lad :: These Are My Unreleased Recordings

In a response to a Hip Hop "Where Are They Now?" question, Queens lyricist, Kwest Tha Mad Ladd finally resurfaces. Connecting with No Sleep Recordings, Kwest is releasing to the world all the joints that did not make his first album. Originally signed in 1992 to Rick Rubin's American Recordings after a strong showing in The New Music Seminar and other NYC emcee battles, Kwest was slated to release his "This Is My First Album" LP in 1994. Due to label delays, the LP (which was completed in 1994) was not released until 1996; and then with poor promotion and limited distribution. Still, the album produced the underground classics "Lubrication" and "101 Things To Do With Your Girl." Dismayed at his experience on a major label, Kwest opted out of his record deal and has hardly recorded since. According to Kwest, during his stay on American Recordings, he recorded over 50 songs, many of which were not present on his debut. "This Is My First Album" has since become regarded as a sleeper Hip Hop classic by many enthusiasts. With his combination of humor, storytelling ability, and remarkable freestyle talents; many now view Kwest Tha Madd Lad as an incredible talent that was never allowed reached his full potential. Seldom seen or heard from, Kwest's current whereabouts have been in discussion on many a Hip-Hop message board. However, through a twist of fate, Kwest reconnected with his old A&R man, Dan Charnas, who produced a good part of "This Is My First Album." Dan provided Kwest with the masters of many of the unreleased sessions from the American projects. Kwest says that these tracks represented some of the diversity that wasn't present on the debut. "More battle raps, stories, and concepts", states Kwest. "The label wanted to stay with the sex topics, but I had other material too." These recordings are an addendum to the first LP and they complete the story of a project that Hip Hop purists today regard as creatively genius. Featuring production by L.A. Jay (The Pharcyde), Tony D (of Poor Righteous Teachers fame), Fat Jack (Project Blowed) and others; this is vintage mid-Nineties Hip Hop at its best