Search - Mc Breed, Dfc :: Mc Breed & Dfc

Very likable old school rap

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 03/14/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"MC Breed & DFC's self-titled 1991 debut is a short and appealing album of old school hip hop. For someone who had so much success in the 90s, it surprises me how forgotten Breed is today. He would go on to embrace numerous styles in his career, but on this debut, Breed keeps his style simple. This album does sound pretty dated, and even in '91 it would have sounded a few years old (as that was the year of "Low End Theory," "Death Certificate," and "Quik Is the Name,") and the lyricism and production on this album are more rooted in the 80s. The production is very basic and sample-heavy, but it's pretty well done and makes for a cool raw feel. Breed was the first midwest rapper to gain national attention, and mostly that's thanks to the classic single "Ain't No Future in Yo' Frontin'," which is one of my favorite old school tracks. The rest of the album isn't quite on the level of brilliance as that well-known single, but it's consistent and likable. Breed is a cool MC, he's very understandable and basically raps about life in his hometown of Flint, Michigan. He's not an amazing lyricist but he's quite appealing, there's no glitz or gimmicks to his style. I recommend fans of old school rap definitely check out "MC Breed & DFC."



The album begins with "Underground Slang," which has a funky, electronic sounding beat and Breed represents the lifestyle he knows. "Job Corps" has a really nice, droopy sounding beat, and the story he tells of urban struggle is entertaining. "That's Life" uses a well-known sample (you'll recognize it from songs by DJ Premier, Lord Finesse, and Das EFX), and he tells stories of misfortune in life, it's a strong song. The classic "Ain't No Future in Yo' Frontin'" comes next, which has an incredible beat. It has a repeating loop through his rapping bars, which give way to a soaring, whiny synth at the chorus. His delivery is outstanding and this song is just excellent. "Just Kickin' It" is extremely catchy, and "Better Terms" is nice lyrically. "I Will Excel" displays some ol' school bragadagio, and the short and sweet "Get Loose" barely tops in at two minutes with a simple drum beat. "Black for Black" is a pro-black statement, pretty effective. The only misstep on this album in my mind is the reggae song "Guanja." In '91 it seemed like every rapper was trying their hand at a reggae song, and this six-and-a-half minute one isn't a highlight. The album ends strongly with "More Power."



Over his long and winding career, Breed became known as someone who followed trends more than setting them. His debut isn't exactly revolutionary either, but it's a really cool blend of the styles from the east coast-west coast dominated rap game that may have put the midwest on the map. With simple beats and simple lyrics, Breed found a nice formula for a really solid album. All of his albums from the early-90s are good, and I recommend this as highly as any of them."

I FORGOT I HAD THIS IN MY COLLECTION

Martin L. King | 02/13/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"i saw this recently in my old collection of tapes. i remember the sound and feel of this when i first got it. basically, i got it for JUST KICKIN' IT and AIN'T NO FUTURE IN YO FRONTIN' the latter is just classic material. i remember erick sermon remade this................WHY?!!!!? i could listen to that cut all day and never get tired of it. they just do not make good hip hop like that anymore, and that is my word!!!!!"

A must have for your collection

Stinky Fingers | Ft. Collins, CO | 02/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The real MC from Detroit. If you have never heard this album, it's a must have. For any rap collector, it is one you need to complete your collection. There are at least 5 great songs on this album!"