Convicts On Parole: Big Mike and 3-2

Convicts: Free World
From: Convicts [Rap-A-Lot, 1991]

Big Mike: Made Men
From: Hard to Hit [Rap-A-Lot, 1999]

Blac Monks: Getos In The Mind
From: Secrets of the Hidden Temple [Rap-A-Lot, 1994]

I’ve touched on my worship of Big Mike before when I posted about the classic Somethin’ Serious and have been holding off writing more about him as there’s a reasonable amount floating about the blogging atmosphere already. However I recently got my hands on his third album, Hard To Hit, and it seemed as good an excuse as any to return to the subject.

For those unaware, Big Mike first hit the scene with rapper 3-2 as part of the duo The Convicts and Free World off their seminal self titled album is just one of the best starts to any rap album I can think off. The track kicks straight in with the loop and Big Mike’s not far behind with all vocal guns blazing as he and 3-2 put down their unique take on parole pleas. Sounding as fresh today as it did 18 years ago I’m still waiting for the proper rerelease.

Next up, as mentioned, a track of the recently acquired Hard To Hit. While not as consistent as Somethin Serious this is a welcome return to form from Big Mike after the disappointing Still Serious. Made Men is one of the best tracks on the album combining a quality beat with Mike’s distinctive and still sharp as ever delivery. I’m yet to get a hold of his releases after this but it will no doubt come around someday. Oh yeah, if you want more info definitely check out Noz’s interview with Big Mike here.

For a bonus I though I’d throw in a track off of Blac Monks debut album as I only relatively recently discovered that one of this rap trio was none other than 3-2 from the Convicts (I know, it’s amazing what you can discover when you actually bother to get past staring at the Rap A Lot cover art). A relatively slept on release it’s an album I still get pleasure out of, Ghetos In The Mind is strangely reminiscent of Souls Of Mischeif without the irritation factor (something to do with the bass line and varying vocal pitchs I reckon) and a great mid nineties track.

Enjoy and have a good weekend.