Search - Heltah Skeltah :: Nocturnal

Operation Lock Down

C. Gray | Brooklyn, New York | 10/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I copped this album on cassette tape back in the day when it initially dropped, and basically played the tape until it wore out. Having recently purchased the cd to download onto my iPod I find myself listening to it everyday. I appreciate this album in 2005 more than I did when it was first released because no one raps like Ruck and Rock anymore. This cd is a reminder of how potent hip-hop was back in the 90's when it was all about beats & rhymes. MC's were judged upon lyrical skills, not extravagant lifestyles. Although Heltah Skeltah never gained popular acclaim across the country, they were undoubtedly one of the best duos of their time. They deliver clever lyrics in a manner that is best described as vocal gymnastics. Although they basically rap about common street themes, their unique method of delivery sets them worlds apart from current tag-teams. The beats are solid, and the skits add to the album instead of becoming worn after the first listen. If you're into what is commonly referred to as "street rap" or "real hip-hop" then you need to cop this disc before it runs out of circulation. Classic material.

"

You don't want to be the target

Joe Borello | Glendale, AZ United States | 08/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"True hip-hop heads long for the day when commercial rap no longer appeals to the masses. When MC's go back to the days were talent received radio play. Only the expertly crafted rhymes and raw beats were the catalyst of a respectable career. Although we may never again reach this point, it's good to now that we can always pull Nocturnal from the vault and dwell on the underground talent the defined good music. Although most of the beats of the album are simple, what is significant is the fact that Dru Ha, Evil Dee and Buckshot did a great job of matching these beats to the lyrical flow of Ruck and Rock. The album can be played from beginning to end with virtually no weak tracks. Letha Brainz Blow, a real head bangin' track is an example of how the beat and the rhymes compliment each other seamlessly. Who dat? is an extremely slow track in which the raps almost seem freestyle. When comparing tracks like these on the album to mainstream tracks today, it is obvious that the hip-hop's golden years have passed. It's difficult to determine who the better MC is (Ruck or Rockness) but that just forces you to listen to the whole album. And still no determination can be made. I recommend this album to people who can appreciate the underground, LET THE MADNESS BEGIN!"

Heltah Skeltah are tight!!!

C. Noseworthy | Seattle | 05/31/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's 2001 and I just coped this album, and it's dope as hell! ya heard! I bought this cd after being along time fan of Black Moon, but not really hearing anything else from the Boot Camp Clique....why did I wait so long. It's got that classic NYC hardcore vibe of 1993-1997 period (Wu tang, Mobb Deep, Jeru the Damaja, Gangstar, Nas, Redman, early Biggie) that now is almost non-existent in today's floss rap game. If you like ya Hip hop raw and grimy this cd definetley iz for you. The two emcees have distinct flows that go from gritty rymes to Reggae tinged hard core, the beats are grimy, and street oriented, ill. Don't be mislead by all these fake pop rappers that are representing New York today, Heltah Skeltah iz alot more street credible than DMX any time!! Cop the album, it's sick"