TNT Rap Classics Vinyl & CDs

Review: TNT Vol 8 brings two powerhouse tracks from Nelly's debut album in 1999 to a 7" format on TNT Rap Classics. This hip-hop gem features 'Ride Wit Me' on Side-1, a collaboration with City Spud that peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and charted in the top 10 internationally. The track, written by Nelly and Jason "Jay E" Epperson, creatively interpolates DeBarge's 'I Like It.' Side-2 features 'Country Grammar,' Nelly's debut single that introduced his signature style to the world. Written by Nelly and Epperson, this track reached number seven in both the U.S. and U.K. and made a significant impact globally. 'Country Grammar' incorporates a melody from the children's clapping game 'Down Down Baby,' and the clean version replaces explicit lyrics with radio-friendly alternatives. Hip-Hop enthusiasts, collectors and DJs should be excited about this wicked 45,

Review: TNT Rap Classics are a ghostly rap reissues outfit, operating in the shadows, but they've churned out a truly solid ream of stadium/megastar rap reissues on 7" for several years now. After lookbacks on Nelly and Beyonce they now pay due deference to Eminem, placing special attention on the rapper's early-noughts Slim Shady era. 'Without Me' was the whimsical, cheekily intoned lead single from The Eminem Show, finding Eminem lampooning pop culture, the media, and his critics. 'The Real Slim Shady', meanwhile, came before, with biting critique of the pop cultural fascination with authenticity: "Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?"