“TOP
SHELF” FEATURES BIG DADDY KANE, MASTA ACE, MC LYTE, GRAND PUBA & BIZ MARKIE
AMONG OTHERS
“TOP SHELF 1988” WILL BE RELEASED ON 11-30-18
1988 was a transformative year in Hip-Hop, both commercially and
culturally. It was a year marked by the
emergence of now legendary artists such as N.W.A., Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane,
Ultramagnetic MCs, EPMD & MC Lyte (to name only a few) and their classic
debut projects. Similarly, groups such
as Public Enemy, Boogie Down Productions and Eric B & Rakim were tasked
with following up their own classic debut’s—and managed to raise the bar(s)
with their respective sophomore offerings.
Undoubtedly, 1988 was one of the genre’s most important and
influential years, as its voice and reach grew exponentially and its cultural
impact still reverberates to this day.
The immediate question that comes to mind about Top
Shelf 1988 is where did this virtual treasure trove of lost
recordings from the genre’s most influential artists in their prime originate
from?
A small studio/hang-out-spot called Top Shelf Studio existed on
Manhattan's Lower East Side, where a pseudo artist-colony of Hip Hop began to
take shape. It was a sanctuary of sorts, a safe haven away from the prying eyes
of label execs and their minions, where rappers could take a chance with their
lyrics and sound. This studio had the presence of forward thinking producers
stretching the creative boundaries of Hip-Hop production in 1988. The free
atmosphere and dope beats drew the best in the game, as well as the top up-and-comers
to lay down classic tracks.
History was in the making until one unfortunate and violent incident.
On the weekend of August 6th & 7th 1988 a riot took place on the outskirts
of Tompkins Square Park. These hot summer nights were filled with smoldering
clashes between police and demonstrators. When the smoke cleared the following
Monday, August 8th, the producers returned to their studio to find much of
their equipment was looted during the melee. More importantly, the masters were
gone as well. Shortly thereafter the studio closed its doors; and along with it
a little-known chapter in Hip-Hop history.
For three decades the content of the missing tapes was never
heard...
Until now!
Today, after over 30-years of intrigue and mystery, we finally
get to hear two of those lost recordings via an exclusive premiere with
Ambrosiaforheads.
Top Shelf 1988 will be released on 11-30-18.
Big Daddy Kane Explains Why He Is
Top Shelf (Video): here
Top Shelf 1988
“Biz Markie” & “Masta Ace” Fanlink: here
Checkout the Ambrosiaforheads
Premiere: here
Tracklisting For Top Shelf 1988:
- Biz Markie
- Big Daddy Kane
- Craig G
- MC Lyte
- Special Ed
- Doug E. Fresh
- Jungle Brothers
- Grand Puba
- Masta Ace
- Black Sheep
- Smooth B
- Grandmaster Caz & Melle Mel
- Chubb Rock
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