Search - Da Youngstas, Illy Funkstaz :: I'll Make You Famous

A mature and polished Youngsta's

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 02/26/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Da Youngsta's fourth and final album was 1995's excellent "I'll Make U Famous." This album is fairly mysterious to me in a few ways. For one thing, it's like its release was kept a secret. Apparently Amazon only ever carried the single, the All Music Guide claims to know nothing about it, and its cover is no where to be found. Another thing is that the album is credited as being by "Da Youngsta's Illy Funkstas" on the cover. I'm not sure if this was an attempt at a name change but it succeeded in confusing me. The packaging and cover art kind of seems like what we'd call a mixtape today, but be assured this is a full album and a great one at that. The last mysterious thing was that the group completely disappeared following this release. This album was the next logical step in Da Youngsta's progression. I've always felt that they were one of Philly's greatest rap acts, and weren't always given their fair shake because they were teenagers. In any event, Tajj, Qu'ran, and Tarik were great rappers, but what made their albums so phenomenal was the production. As always, the production on "I'll Make U Famous" is stellar. These beats are perfect beats for riding around to at night or simply just listening to at night. They are subtle, dark, toned, and artistic, and the lyricism really fits them well. Most hooks sample classic hip hop the likes of Nas, Biggie, and Mobb Deep. Lyrically this album is quite reminiscent of Mobb Deep's "Infamous," a little ironic as Mobb Deep plays a role on this album through guest appearances and production. The trio tends to resemble the lyrical Queens style of rap rather than the more Onyx-like boom bap they performed when they were younger. Lyrically the songs tell grimy street tales, speaking of crime and hustling in the inner city. I think the lyricism is excellent and this album is focused and consistent, the MCs sound mature and knowledgeable. Anyone who enjoys Da Youngsta's other albums or the east coast rap of the mid nineties should check out "I'll Make U Famous."



The album begins with the title track, a beautifully produced effort where the grown up trio talks to women. The music is great and the lyricism shows their great progression. "Bloodshed and War" features Mobb Deep at the height of their "Infamous" fame, and this song is classic material. The chemistry between the groups is great, as are the beats. The story they tell is about robbery and life on the run, it's awesome to hear, it would sound completely in place on the "Infamous" album. "Everyman 4 Theyself" samples Nas and Mobb Deep in the chorus, and the beat has great horns and sounds dark while attractive, with lyrics about hustling and crime life. "Gotta Get Da Cheese" follows fittingly, another song dealing with the struggles of urban life. The only song here I don't really like is "U R Everything," which has an odd chorus and is kind of creepy sounding. "Bad 2 Da Bone" and the excellent "Verbal Glock" both continue the focused and dark tone of the album. "24 Hours 2 Live" tells the story of "the last day on the earth" full of crime. "Incredible" is upbeat with a piano-laced beat, very well produced. "Murda" and the hopeful "If I Had a Million" round the album with two dark and grimy tracks. The last two songs are nice remixes of the album's first two tracks, both equally as good as the originals.



This album is nearly impossible to find today, and time has not been kind to Da Youngsta's name as all of their albums are now out of print. I highly recommend this album to all, this is a totally slept on and highly underrated release. "I'll Make U Famous" was the group's curtain call, but it's a great album and should not be overlooked.



Here's the full tracklist:



1. I'll Make U Famous

2. Bloodshed and War feat. Mobb Deep

3. Everyman 4 Theyself

4. Gotta Get Da Cheese

5. U R Everything

6. Bad 2 Da Bone

7. Verbal Glock

8. 24 Hours 2 Live

9. Incredible

10. Murda

11. If I Had a Million

12. I'll Make U Famous (Remix)

13. Bloodshed and War feat. Mobb Deep (Remix)"

Good Talent Gone To Waste

LaKisha Toi Thomas | In A Collective State Of Mind | 05/22/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These kids had great talent. Almost ten years ago when this came out it was a hit on the urban radio. Imagine if that song came out today it would not have been a hit. We have the same songs out today "Overnight Celebrity" and that is only a hit because, of the production behind it. These kids had real talent, they were young and fresh on the scene with innovative lyrics for the times we were living in. Who knows maybe in another ten years somebody will reword "Overnight Celebrity" and make it another hit."