Finding Rap Media

Perfection (later known as Foesum), a very talented group out of Long Beach, California, play host to one of rap legend Snoop Dogg's earliest guest appearances. You may find this one online under the title "Let 'em Understand Perfection", "Understand Perfection", "Let 'em Understand" or some other variation of.  Details on the recording are scarce, however, it is likely that this was recorded in 1991 before Snoop signed to Death Row Records in 1992. This can be deduced by Snoop's voice sounding similar in style and tone to recordings on "The Chronic" and "Deep Cover". Also, the reference to "perfection is perfected so I'ma let 'em understand" being in "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang".  "Understand Perfection"'s first appearance was on the 1992 independent compilation "Please Pass The Mic" showcasing other Long Beach rap acts.   The song also is said to contain subl...

I had not heard this version of "Trap House (2005)"'s "So Icy". I've seen it labeled as both a remix and unreleased version, so I'll just call it alternate.  There is no Boo feature on this version, Young Jeezy has a different verse, and Gucci Mane has three verses. The chorus and outro are the same as the retail version.  It was a good call for Gucci/Big Cat to use the version that ultimately made "Trap House". This one is a bit too long, but Jeezy's verse is ear-catching as he was on fire at this time.  Check it out below:

in 1997, New York duo Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz released "Deja Vu (Uptown Baby)" famous for its smooth Steely Dan-sampling beat, standout verses, and memorable chorus. In short, it was a great song and still is.  It is unquestionably a New York anthem as the emcees shout out various New York boroughs proudly on the song. The song was a US hit in '97/'98 and many regional radio stations got versions shouting out various towns/regions. There are the four regional remixes readily available online - Bay Area, L.A., Mid-Atlantic, & Florida. According to Discogs ( https://www.discogs.com/Lord-Tariq-Peter-Gunz-Deja-Vu-Uptown-Baby-Tell-Me-Where-You-From-Regional-Mixes/release/1914022 ), that would leave two remixes missing online (Southwest & Midwest), but available on vinyl.  In addition, myself and others, remember there being  radio station specific remixes as well. These are a bit more tricky as I can't remember if it was an actual edit by Tariq & Gunz ...

"California Love" is an undisputed hip-hop classic and one of rap legend 2Pac's most famous songs. Featuring and produced by Dr. Dre, the track sports an infectious piano sample from Joe Crocker's "Woman to Woman". Dre lends a mellow, but emphatic verse on his end. Pac comes with energy only he could bring as he celebrates post-jail life with an ode to the state he called home. However, it was rumored for years that there was a version done before 2Pac signed to Death Row with Dre alone rapping three verses. It claimed to be in the sole possession of DJ Jam, Snoop Dogg's concert DJ.  Even with all the Death Row leaks over the years, this one stayed hidden. It wasn't until 2018 when it finally surfaced. Check it out here:

Here is a track I've been looking for on and off for years! Credit to 718Mixtapes on YouTube for the upload.  This is originally from the DJ Kool Kid mixtape "Executive Decisions". A fellow lost media seeker put me onto this one being lost in 2012.  The search for it familiarized me a bit with the talented Brooklyn MC Half-a-Mil. He was tragically murdered in 2003, but his music and talent lives on. Rest in peace.

When searching for lost rap media throughout the years, there are a few pieces that always come up. One of them is "Swell Up" by Crucial Conflict featured in the 1998 film "Belly" starring hip-hop heavyweights Nas & DMX. During that time, it was almost a certainty to find a song featured in a movie on its soundtrack. However, "Swell Up" was noticeably absent. Crucial Conflict member Q-Ball was interviewed by Fake Shore Drive's Andrew Barber in 2012 and addressed the song:  All credit to Fake Shore Drive and Andrew Barber - February 27, 2012 Full Article / Original Source:  https://www.fakeshoredrive.com/2012/02/fsd-feature-q-ball-talks-about-crucial-conflicts-role-in-belly.html/ FSD: I saw you tweet that you still get royalty checks whenever it airs? Q-Ball:  Whenever it’s broadcast, small royalties come because of SAG and our song “Swell Up,” which is played in the movie. FSD: Interesting that you mention “Swell Up,” because it was never released....

"Legend" originally appeared on Drake's surprise retail mixtape "If You're Reading This It's Too Late (2015)". Drake's October's Very Own signee and rising artist PARTYNEXTDOOR was producer of the song. The Ginuwine's "So Anxious"-sampled instrumental was tailor made for Drake's moody soundscapes.  Shortly after, a rough version with PARTY's vocals believed to be a reference demo leaked online. It was a welcome surprise as PARTY fit on his production like a glove delivering some of the same lines that appeared on Drake's version.  A few months later, however, it's circulation would factor in to the Drake-Meek Mill feud sparked by ghostwriting allegations. Regardless, in any form it is a standout track. Take a listen below: