The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

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The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast is a show hosted by 'Xennial' music fans that grew up during hip-hop's golden era of 1990s and the boom of the early 2000s. We review classic hip-hop, R&B and reggae albums 20, 25 and 30 years after their release to give our reflections and to see if they still stand the test of time. It's a personal perspective on classics from a fresh point of view.

Also includes:

Bonus segments guest interviews with artists, critics, fellow creators & influencers.
Round table discussions around classic music topics.
Head-to-Head artists catalog debates.

#21 in the Top 100 Indie music history All time chart

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BONUS EPISODE! 25 Years of Company Flow's Funcrusher Plus (1997)

The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

07/18/22 • 25 min

5.0

In a bonus episode, B. Cox looks back at the impact and legacy of Company Flow's debut studio album and underground classic Funcrusher Plus as it turns 25. After negotiating a group friendly deal with Rawkus Records, the Brooklyn trio of Bigg Jus, El-P and Mr. Len crafted a debut that featured an unconventional production and rhyme style over 73 minutes that served as the launching pad for the brief success of Rawkus and also the blueprint for underground hip-hop for the next decade.

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Show Notes

Albumism: Company Flow's Debut Album "Funcrusher Plus" Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospective

https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-20-years-of-company-flow-funcrusher-plus

PopMatters: Company Flow "Funcrusher Plus"

https://www.popmatters.com/110482-company-flow-funcrusher-plus-2496076296.html

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07/18/22 • 25 min

2 Listeners

2 Comments

En Vogue: Funky Divas (1992). Giving You Something You Could Feel...

The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

04/04/22 • 20 min

5.0

B. Cox briefly looks back at En Vogue's second album 1992's Funky Divas. On the heels of their successful debut 1990s' Born To Sing, the Oakland based R&B quartet (Dawn Robinson, Maxine Jones, Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron) came out blazing with their 2nd album which eclipsed their debut. Teaming up once again with producers and songwriters Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster, the group scored a commercial hit with the album, placing scoring two Billboard R&B and Soul #1 hits in "Never Gonna Get It" and "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" and selling 3.5 million copies in the U.S.

Upon its release in 1992, the album recieved mixed reviews from the critics, but since then, it has garnered more widespread acclaim and praises for its vocal excellence and production depth. It is the group's best selling album to date.

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Show Notes

Albumism: Never Gonna Get It: Celebrating 30 Years of En Vogue's "Funky Divas" | Anniversary Retrospective

https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-30-years-of-en-vogue-funky-divas

This is Dig: En Vogue Celebrates 30 Years of Funky Divas

https://www.thisisdig.com/en-vogue-celebrate-30-years-of-funky-divas/

Audacy: Run That Back: En Vogue's "Funky Divas" Turns 30

https://www.audacy.com/music/hip-hop-r-b/run-that-back-en-vogues-funky-divas-turns-30

Music Musings and Such: Free Your Mind: En Vogue's Funky Diva's at Thirty

https://www.musicmusingsandsuch.com/musicmusingsandsuch/2022/2/9/feature-free-you-mind-en-vogues-funky-divas-at-thirty

04/04/22 • 20 min

2 Listeners

2 Comments

Ice Cube: The Predator (1992). Behind Enemy Lines...

The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

11/21/22 • 28 min

5.0

B. Cox reviews Ice Cube's third album The Predator as it turns 30. In the midst of the one most prolific and successful runs in hip-hop history stretching back his days as with NWA, the soon-to-be West Coast icon created and released his album in the time of transition of turmoil. Hip-Hop acclaim and recognition was beginning to spread its sphere of influence out to the West Coast. to mirror this rise in the commercial success of West Coast hip-hop was great angst. The album was completed in the heat of the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict, which sparked the now infamous 1992 L.A. riots, further fueling political and racial tensions.

Not to be dismayed, Cube pressed on to continue his holy trinity of LPs, combining yet again with longtime collaborator Sir Jinx and also new production teammates in DJ Pooh and DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill. Over hard hitting and consistent production filled in with cuts of news footage and commentary that reflected times, he packaged the perfect combination of lyrics that reflected his political mindstate amidst the turmoil, told gangsta tales and told stories of what life like was in like in black Los Angeles.

The album was critically acclaimed and was certified double platinum and featured two Cube standout singles: "Check Yourself" and the classic "It Was A Good Day", which has garnered the respect and adulation of hip-hop fans 30 years after its release.

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Show Notes

Albumism: Ice Cube's 'The Predator' Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective

https://albumism.com/features/ice-cube-the-predator-album-anniversary

Brooklyn Radio: #30thAnniversary: Ice Cube "The Predator"

http://brooklynradio.com/30thanniversary-ice-cube-the-predator/

11/21/22 • 28 min

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1 Comment

Capone-N-Noreaga: The War Report (1997). The Unlikely Classic

The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

06/20/22 • 31 min

B. Cox commemorates Capone-N-Noreaga's debut album The War Report as it turns 25. In the midst of an identity crisis for New York rap, the two Queens natives arrived on the scene - unheralded, yet determined. After appearing the "Unsigned Hype" section of The Source Magazine in 1995, the duo was signed to a record label and began recording their debut. In the midst of recording, Capone was jailed for a parole violation, leaving Noreaga to finish the album. Assisted with features by the likes of Juice Crew veteran Tragedy Khadafi, Imam T.H.U.G, and Mobb Deep with a Who's Who's of hip-hop producers (Six July, Nashiem Myrick, Lord Finesse, Clark Kent, Marley Marl, Havoc, Naughty Shorts, EZ Elpee, Charlemagne), the album featured haunting, gritty and hypnotic beats over lyrics that told tales of street life and urban decay.

The appeal of the group to underground and hardcore hip-hop fans alike lead to a cult success of the album. Despite no charting singles or widely circulated music videos, the album was certified gold. Since its release, it has been credited as an album that reasserted the identity and sound of New York hip-hop, laid the groundwork for the success of many who followed after it and has now been hailed as a classic - even from the most unlikely of circumstances.

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Show Notes

Albumism: Capone-N-Noreaga's Debut Album "The War Report" turns 25 | Anniversary Retrospective

https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-25-years-of-capone-n-noreaga-the-war-report

The BoomBox: Capone-N-Noreaga's "The War Report" Brought Listeners to the Frontlines of the streets

https://theboombox.com/capone-n-noreagas-the-war-report-20-years-later/

Vibe: 20 Years Later: A Ranking of Capone-N-Noreaga's Classic Debut "The War Report"

https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/capone-n-noreaga-the-war-report-20-years-519554/

WhatWentRight: What Went Right With...The War Report by Capone-N-Noreaga?

https://whatwentrightwith.com/2017/06/17/what-went-right-with-the-war-report-by-capone-n-noreaga/

06/20/22 • 31 min

1 Listener

O.C.: Jewelz (1997). "Mush" Makes Sure of No Sophomore Slump.

The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

08/15/22 • 28 min

5.0

B. Cox reviews Brooklyn and Diggin in The Crates (DITC) emcee O.C.'s second album Jewelz as it turns 25. After his critically acclaimed 1994 debut album Word...Life, O.C. took to the road to tour exclusively for almost three years. When he returned to the booth to record his sophomore album, he did so with an all-star cast of producers. Along with the returning DITC crew member BuckWild, who contributed production heavily on his debut, he also welcomed the likes of heavyweights DJ Premier, Mr. Walt from The Beatminerz, DJ Ogee and fellow DITC affiliates Showbiz and Lord Finesse.

Featuring a slightly grittier sound than the jazz infused sound of his debut, O.C. spit his expert storytelling narratives and flexed his lyrical prowess with guest spots from Freddie Foxx, R&B singer Yvette Michele and the late great Big L, who was also a fellow DITC crew member. The album featured one single, "Far From Yours" with Michele, which reached #81 on the Billboard Hot 100.

While not commercially successful, the album has been hailed as both an underground and cult classic and further solidified respect for OC as a lyricist and artist as he avoided the dreaded "sophomore slump."

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Show Notes

O.C.'s 'Jewelz' Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospective

https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-20-years-of-oc-jewelz

Ambrosia For Heads: O.C. "Jewelz" Turns 20: It May Be The True Diamond In His Discography

https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2017/08/oc-jewelz-is-a-great-hip-hop-album/

WesCheddar: Interview with O.C.-Jewelz at 20

https://westcheddar.com/2020/08/19/the-making-of-jewelz-with-o-c-2017/

O.C. feat. Yvette Michele "Far From Yours" Music Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMk7gELBhro

08/15/22 • 28 min

1 Listener

2 Comments

Rawkus Presents: Soundbombing (1997). The UnderGround Moves As One

The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

10/17/22 • 34 min

5.0

B.Cox looks back at underground powerhouse label Rawkus Records and their first major compilation album Soundbombing, which turns 25. After releasing Company Flow's now legendary debut LP Funcrusher Plus earlier in the summer, the label released the compilation with previously released 12" singles in mixtape format. Mixed, scratched and hosted by DJ Evil Dee of Da Beatminerz and Black Moon, the album introduced us to future prominent emcees such as Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def),Talib Kweli and Shabaam Sahdeeq and producers such as Hi-Tek, Nick Wiz and Shawn J. Period. Sticking to their underground roots with he mixtape format, Rawkus sought to appeal to their underground base and wanted to capitalize on the success that Company Flow had with their debut that summer.

While the album did not chart commercially, it made its buzz in the underground with DJs and fans. Several songs are considered underground classics and the release started a run of compilation releases including the beginning of the Lyricist Lounge series and the continuation of Soundbombing series. It also led to the formation of two groups that would have great success: Black Star (Def and Kweli) and Reflection Eternal (Kweli and Hi-Tek); all which helped Rawkus to achieve rare success both in the underground and limited success commercially.

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Show Notes

The Hundreds: Counting Down Our 10 Favorite Rawkus Records Albums

https://thehundreds.com/blogs/content/counting-10-favorite-rawkus-records-albums

10/17/22 • 34 min

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1 Comment

Cypress Hill: Cypress Hill (1991). Street Life Goes "Up In Smoke"

The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

08/16/21 • 33 min

5.0

B. Cox & J. Owe review West Coast and Hispanic iconic group Cypress Hill's self-titled debut album Cypress Hill. After undergoing a couple iterations with group members, the trio of B. Real, Sen Dog and DJ Muggs brought their debut album onto the seed over snapped and hard production over rhymes filled with references of life in the streets on the West Coast, dark humor and most of all, weed. Their foray into the marijuana sub culture made them pioneers prior to even the exploits of fellow southern Cali rappers Dr. Dre and Snopp Doggy Dogg who would do so to another level not even two years afterwards.

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Show Notes

LA Weekly: 25 Years Later Cypress Hill's Debut Remains an ahead of its time classic

https://www.laweekly.com/25-years-later-cypress-hills-debut-album-remains-an-ahead-of-its-time-classic/

NME: Cypress Hill Announce New Docuemntary "Hits From The Bong" On The Way

https://www.nme.com/news/music/cypress-hill-announce-new-documentary-hits-from-the-bong-on-the-way-3019223

DJMag: Cypress Hill to Celebrate 30th Anniversary of their Debut Album Release with Graphic Novel

https://djmag.com/news/cypress-hill-celebrate-30th-anniversary-debut-album-release-graphic-novel

Albumism: Cypress Hill's Eponoymous Debut Album 'Cypress Hill' Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective

https://www.albumism.com/features/cypress-hill-eponymous-debut-album-cypress-hill-turns-30-anniversary-retrospective

08/16/21 • 33 min

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1 Comment

Gang Starr: Daily Operation (1992). A Workman's Approach to the Underground

The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

05/02/22 • 25 min

5.0

B. Cox reviews hip-hop duo Gang Starr's third album Daily Operation. After their critical and commercial breakthrough with their sophomore album Step In The Arena the year before, Guru and DJ Premier sought out to capitalize on their notoriety and recognition within hip-hop circles while staying true to the underground. Featuring appearances by the likes of Jeru the Damaja and Lil' Dap (soon of Group Home fame), the album was driven by a more lyrically confident, yet introspective, confident Guru and the jazzy yet hard hitting production of an improving DJ Premier.

Though the album did not attain the commercial success of a RIAA certification, it has been hailed by critics and fans alike as another album pioneering both jazz infused hip-hop and a leading influence on the New York and East Coast underground scene in the early 1990s.

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Show Notes

Albumism: Gang Starr's "Daily Operation Turns 25" | Anniversary Retrospective

https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-25-years-of-gang-starr-daily-operation

Rock The Bells: Classic Albums: Daily Operation by Gang Starr

https://rockthebells.com/articles/gang-starr-daily-operation/

The Boom Box: 25 Years Later: Gang Starr's "Daily Operation Forged A Path For Hardcore Individuality

https://theboombox.com/25-years-later-gang-starrs-daily-operation-forged-a-path-for-hardcore-individuality/

05/02/22 • 25 min

1 Listener

2 Comments

EPMD: Business Never Personal (1992). It Was All Good...Until It Wasn't

The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

08/01/22 • 26 min

5.0

B. Cox reviews EPMD's fourth album Business Never Personal as it turns 30. After three successful albums that carried them through the peak of hip-hop's golden era, EPMD released their fourth album and seemed primed for success well into the 90s.

The album is packed into less than 40 minutes of funky, but thumping production by the group with two singles: "Crossover" and the posse cut "Head Banger" which featured fellow Hit Squad members K-Solo and newcomer Redman. The album went gold and is considered by some to be the group's third classic album, and by others a return to their roots of their freshman and sophomore albums.

The success would not be long lived. Due to tensions over financial improprieties and accusations that Erick Sermon sent burglars to rob Parrish Smith's home, the group split shortly after the album, pursuing solo careers, before reuniting in 1997 for a new album.

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Show Notes

Albumism: EPMD's fourth album "Business Never Personal" Turns 30 | Anniversary Retrospective

https://albumism.com/features/epmd-business-never-personal-turns-30-anniversary-retrospective

HipHopScriptures: EPMD's "Business Never Personal" Album Anniversary

https://www.hiphopscriptures.com/blog/2022/7/30/epmds-business-never-personal-album-anniversary

Medium: Funk Loops, Turmoil and Reconciliation: EPMD's "Business Never Personal" Turns 30...

https://medium.com/micro-chop/funk-loops-turmoil-and-reconciliation-epmds-business-never-personal-turns-25-4f05419eabbf

08/01/22 • 26 min

1 Listener

1 Comment

Jay-Z: The Blueprint (2001). A Day of Infamy, An Album Like No Other.

The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

09/13/21 • 35 min

The crew discusses Jay-Z's sixth studio album, 2001's The Blueprint. The album was released ironically on the same day of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the U.S., leaving it overshadowed by tragedy. After the smoke cleared (literally and figuratively), the album emerged as one of the most revered and acclaimed projects to drop in the new millennium, catapulting the Roc-A-Fella CEO and emcee into a another galaxy of success and carrying on the momentum from the end of the 90s. Backed the production prowess of the likes of Just Blaze, Kanye West, Timbaland, Bink and Eminem, Jay-Z's braggadocios and confident persona shone through with razor sharp lyrics and an impeccable flow. It combined street sensibilities with commercial appeal and also started his infamous feud with fellow rap icon Nas in a battle that would define the next half decade.

Since it's release, it has continuously been hailed among the best music releases o the new millennium and is consistently mentioned with Jay-Z best releases in his illustrious career.

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Show Notes:

Albumism: Jay-Z's 'The Blueprint' Turns 20 | Anniversary Retrospective

https://www.albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-20-years-of-jay-z-the-blueprint

Sterogum: 'The Blueprint' Turns 20

https://www.stereogum.com/2160207/jay-z-the-blueprint/reviews/the-anniversary/

The Undefeated: 'The Blueprint' Changed: The legacy of Jay-Z's album 20 years later.