Search - Various Artists :: 14 Fathoms Deep: Seattle Hiphop Compilation

While it gets props for being the first Seattle-area hip-hop compilation to feature the nascent scene of the late 1990s, 14 Fathoms Deep is the aural equivalent of baby steps--especially when compared to later albums (Walkman Rotation being the best of the lot). That said, there are standouts here: Ghetto Children's "Court in Session" is fun (the opening line, "We're going to get medieval on your but-tocks," is laugh-out-loud funny), lyrically smooth, and features an irresistibly catchy bass-plucking hook; Source of Labor distinguish themselves as truly original--and interesting--MCs on "Cornbread"; Mad Fanatic and RagChyld deliver a smooth rap over Mr. Supreme's production on "Official Members"; and Kylin, a female trio removed from the East Coast need to prove that women can be as hard as men, unveil a creative delivery on "Can" that points the way to a more artistic future for hip-hop. Negus 1's backing track and the trio's strong vocals make the track an instant classic. --Randy Silver