The 31st installment of I Used to Love H.E.R., a series in which artists/bloggers/writers discuss their most essential or favorite hip-hop albums and songs, comes from Aaron Lacrate, an influential piece in the ever-popular Baltimore club scene who recently has contributed to the Delicious Vinyl RMXXOLOGY compilation. He’s also teamed up with Delicious Vinyl to form the new record-label imprint Delicious Gutter.
Eric B. and Rakim
Know the Ledge
(Don’t Sweat the Technique, MCA, 1992)
Know the Ledge defined the era of the early 90s Bomb squad classics. It also is one of the best uptempo hard hitting lyrical records of all time. Playing both hip hop and club stuff growing up in Baltimore, this was also a very important transition record between those 2 genres. Its had a load of influence on me as a producer with the kind of records that (Debonair) Samir and I make. It has all the best elements of hip-hop but at a dance tempo, without any of the less interesting elements of dance music – just a monster club record. Also a great forward thinking NYC party record – not to mention its on the classic Juice movie soundtrack. I went to see Juice the day it opened at 9:30 am, just for the record and watched it twice. Also I’m a huge fan of wordplay and the title / hook really nailed that for me. Not to mention the bassline is just retarded when you hear that in the club, a timeless banger. Shout out to Rakim Allah, God Mc still holding it down. I got to open for Rakim in Baltimore no too long ago and that was one of my favorite gigs in a minute. Just rowdyness.