DJ Enuff The Neptunes presents Star Trak (2002)

Before record labels were reduced to no more than a logo using whatever font Kanye West had recently made popular, they dropped mixtapes to promote their roster, forthcoming releases or in this case, launch. On this tape DJ Enuff showcases The Neptunes at the height of their powers with tracks from Clipse, NORE, Roscoe P Coldchain (still a Top 5 Rap name), Famlay, Missy and the like.

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Even Britney and Nelly sound pretty good in the context of this mix (assuming you aren't still being subjected to them once a hour on a daily basis like I was back in '02). Dope intro on this aswell.

This is another one out of the Junior Pepaseed stash.

Skillz - Rawkus promo EP (2002)

The career of (Mad) Skillz has been a strange one. After a promising debut in '95 he got lost in the shuffle in the late 90s, only to re-emerge at a time when fellow Virginians Timbaland and Pharrell were running the clubs and radio. Collaborations followed and Skillz bagged himself a deal with Rawkus, yet somehow despite having the 2 biggest producers in the game on board, he failed to blow. Rawkus disappeared not long after and aside from a couple of 12"s, all that was left to show for it were the tracks on this promo EP. A mix of freestyles over Neptunes beats and some original tracks.

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Some of them eventually got an official release a few years later on Skillz' 'Confessions Of A Ghostwriter' album but the moment had passed and he's since carved out a career with his regular end of year 'Rap Up' and touring as Jazzy Jeff's hypeman. So in comparison to alot of his 90s indie contempories he ain't done too bad I suppose.
I've got a few other loose Skillz freestyles from this era that I can zip up if anyone wants 'em.

I'll try and get back to posting more frequently but can't make any promises. I'm off up t'radio in a bit for tonight's Infinite Hip Hop Show,  9-11pm on Kane FM. Special guest mix by Jorun Bombay. Tune in if you can.