"Just picked this album up and I can't beleive I slept on it for so long. this is what hip hop is supposed to sound like. Kind of like a West Coast 'Artifacts' in their prime. Where did they go though? If their little sister reads the reviews again, let me know if they are still putting out material 'cos this is the type of music hip hop is missing at the moment! Anyone has any info on any other releases or how to get in touch with them for bookings...paulalborough@yahoo.co.uk"
Unique and fresh.
k stovall | northridge, Ca United States | 04/09/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The BUMS emergered in 95 as a unique and different style to all the typical west coast beats that dominated the air waves during the time. The group indeed has some replayable hits like " Elevation (Free my mind)" and "Take a look around" as well as other nice tracks. I think this group was ahead of its time and is a nice escape from all the cookie cutter acts that dominate the air waves.
This CD, from top to bottom, was well produced, with tight lyrics and clean beats. It is true the group went the way of the dinosaur, but just because they are extinct dosen't mean its not worth a trip back in time to appreciate thier skill."
Slept on slept on slept on slept on
Tarik S. Smith | left coast | 07/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this is my favorite album that no one knows about. Inexplicably this album went double lead somehow. i don't freakin get it at all. Punch lines are a mile a minute, mixed in with streetwise social commentary, undergirded by smoldering intelligence. These cats are sick and one of my favorite pasttimes of the past 10-11 years has been playin this album and watchin people go oh sheeeit! No disappointment here!"
BAY AREA CLASSIC!
? | United Kingdom! | 07/11/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Coming from the west, D'Wyze & E-Vocalist came HARD in 1995 for their "Lyfe N Tyme" debut. Teaming up with producers; King Tech, Joe Quixx, The Baka boys & others the Brothas Unda Madness were out to make noise, and effectively re-establish the Bay's mark on the map.
Although hailing from the west, both MC's do not carry that distinct far-west twang, nor does any of their production give anything away. Infact E-Vocalist, at times, is VERY reminiscent of a more nassty "AZ". Being a BK native, AZ is as New York as it gets.
Now, Lyfe N Tyme is an extremely consistent album, in reality there is not one bad track on the album. Hell, every track is sick! E-Vocalist & Wyze RIP every track there handed, with a hard yet not-too "ruff" steez. Fantastic flows!
And Yes, even more impressive, is the production on here...hardcore, refreshing hiphop. Tracks like "Non - stopping the groove", "Wreck your ears", "Flex Uv A Finga" & "for my brothas" all have very hard, moody & most importantly bass-heavy beats. Protect ya neck! On the other hand, "Take A Look around", "Let the music take your mind", "Elevation", "Lyfe N Tyme" & "Can You Do Without" give off that soulful/jazzy/funk vibe that was always a timeless quality found in the majority of the underground during the early-mid 90's. Similarly, you then have "Westcoast Smack" which uses a very different "cartoony" sample for a very uptempo & hard-hittin track, and then the fantastic Skits that only add to the album's flow & consistency (Peep SUCK MY D*ck - Where D Wyze makes their opinions very clear...) In addition to all this, one of the album's highlights has to be the extremely poetic & thought-provoking "Who Gives you the right". Where the issue of the white man's supremacy in America, Black history, Racist views etc are all touched upon in just over 3:00 over an inspiringly jazzy/laid back beat.
"What special right do you have to block my people's path,
with your un-wanted & un-appreciated racist views,
we've played your games, we've gone to your schools,
we;ve studied your acheivements, your wars, struggles, hertiage & culture,
Now who gives you the right not to know ours,
for my opressors i can only pray,
because as sure as the sun rises in the east, and sets in the west,
what goes around comes around twice as hard on judgement day...
But then who gives me the right to say?"
Lyfe N Tyme is a STRICT westcoast masterpiece, which D Wyze & E-Vocalist are still yet to receive praise from. Stop Sleepin' & peep Brothas Unda Madness. PEACE!
Lyrics - 9.5/10
Beats - 9.5/10
Replay Value - 10/10
Originality - 9/10
If you found this helpful, check my other reviews"
Oh man i remember this!!!!
Sam | Montreal | 08/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
Wow... Its been ages since I last heard this album. I'm from Calgary, Alberta, something like a texas of Canada. Anyways, I was 13 years old and picked up this album because I read their interview in the Source magazine. Man, it was so great stuff. Whenever other rappers got too hard for my ears or too boring, I would put the Brothas unda Madness on, and man, let me tell you it was a helluva stress reliever.... Problem now is, I can't find this album anywhere. Shiet. But for sure, underrated, and most definately a jewel. And thats coming from a classical musician."
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1
