Profile released a stack of R&B, freestyle, punk, rock, and reggae records, but scholars of '80s and '90s rap see Steve Plotnicki and Cory Robbins' venture as a crucial source with a rep as indisputable as that of any other rap label. For evidence, check Ego Trip's compulsory Book of Rap Lists , where roughly half of the 31 tracks compiled here made the authors' collaborative year-based charts. Giant Single is a long-overdue two-disc compilation that covers Profile's rap output, from Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde's "Genius Rap" ...
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Profile released a stack of R&B, freestyle, punk, rock, and reggae records, but scholars of '80s and '90s rap see Steve Plotnicki and Cory Robbins' venture as a crucial source with a rep as indisputable as that of any other rap label. For evidence, check Ego Trip's compulsory Book of Rap Lists , where roughly half of the 31 tracks compiled here made the authors' collaborative year-based charts. Giant Single is a long-overdue two-disc compilation that covers Profile's rap output, from Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde's "Genius Rap" (featuring future label executive Andre Harrell) to Camp Lo's "Luchini (aka This Is It)" -- two buoyant party anthems separated by 15 years. During that decade-and-a-half span, the label covered many of the styles and trends within hip-hop while developing an aesthetic that earned each release buy-on-sight or must-hear status from the likes of DJ Jazzy Jeff and heavyweight A&R man Dante Ross. The label's biggest act was easily Run-D.M.C. Two of the hardest tracks from Hollis' finest are here, along with "Walk This Way," their crossover-smash duel with Aerosmith. The only other artist with more than one track is Dana Dane, a humorous storyteller who adopted a fake English accent -- he had been a member of the Kangol Crew with British-American schoolmate Slick Rick -- and went gold. Even without the contributions of Run-D.M.C. and Dana Dane, the set would be essential. Any comp that boasts a varied range of classics like Rammellzee vs. K-Rob's "Beat Bop," Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock's platinum "It Takes Two," Special Ed's "I Got It Made," Poor Righteous Teachers' "Rock Dis Funky Joint," DJ Quik's "Born and Raised in Compton," and Smoothe da Hustler's "Broken Language" makes that grade. Not every track of creative and/or commercial significance is included; the Cold Crush Brothers' "Fresh, Fly, Wild, and Bold," Eric B. & Rakim's "Eric B. Is President" (issued on sublabel Zakia), and N2DEEP's "Back to the Hotel" do not appear, possibly due to licensing issues. Still, Giant Single is a crucial part of hip-hop history. Testimonials from 16 hip-hop figures, along with sharp liner notes from Dan Charnas (onetime Profile employee and author of The Big Payback ), only add value. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi
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Seller's Description:
Asher D; Bambaataa; Ginyard; Jacobs/Jacobs; K Rob [1]/Rammellze; Ogrin; Pumpkin & The P; Smith; Special Ed [1]/Tee;... Poor. Used-Acceptable, DISC ONLY, Withdrawn library disc(s). Includes a case. Artwork and liner notes not included. Disc(s) should play great, without any playback issues. Disc may include library markings, like writing, sticker, and protective label covers.
