The Villain in Black | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | April 9, 1996 | |||
Recorded | 1994–1996 | |||
Genre | Gangsta rap, G-funk, Political hip hop | |||
Length | 45:09 | |||
Label | ||||
Producer | Executive producersAdditional producers
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MC Ren chronology | ||||
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Shock of the Hour is MC Ren's second solo album. Released in 1993, it has been called "uneven", but presents a lyrical vision. It was his first solo album released after he converted to the Nation of Islam.
- The shock of the hour is power when the clock strikes midnight. (chorus) (mc ren) In the twinklin' of an eye, motherf.kers gonna die. Watchin' baby bomber planes rip across the sky. Fallin' on your jesus, comin' for the pork chop. Wake ya out your sleep, shit is deep, about to wreck shop.
- Ren's debut LP is uneven, but at least presents a lyrical vision when it's not spewing out familiar, tired, sexist cliches about women. Ren highlights American hyprocisy with a vengeance, and the title track foresees the nation's fiery end in an apocalyptic fury enabling black people to finally achieve justice. Both this tune and 'Attack On Babylon' come closest to presenting a coherent, effective philosophy.
- Shock of the Hour.Oldschool Gangsta at it's best. This CD, as well as the artist MC REN, could possibly be argued as the most overlooked material and talent of that time(1993). Originally from N.W.A., Ren seemed to be overshadowed by the commercial successes of future rap hall of famer bandmates/ex-bandmates Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Eazy E.
The Villain in Black is the second album by rapper MC Ren, released April 9, 1996, on Ruthless Records and distributed by Relativity Records.
Background[edit]
After the release and success of his critically acclaimed debut studio albumShock of the Hour in late 1993, MC Ren immediately began working on his sophomore album. The deaths of DJ Train and Eazy-E would however prove to be a huge setback and Ren stepped off the scene for a while. Meanwhile, he continued his work with the Nation of Islam, and visited Egypt in mid-1995. Following his return from Egypt, MC Ren continued to work on his album, this time however scrapping all the material he recorded with DJ Train. Enlisting Cold 187um and Dr. Jam to produce his album, Ren began recording new material.
Content[edit]
Lyrics[edit]
While making The Villain in Black, MC Ren was closely affiliated with the Nation of Islam, which had a large impact on the some parts of the album's content. Khalid Muhammad appeared in the track 'Muhammad Speaks,' where he spoke about the history of the rights of African-Americans. He also made an appearance on the closing track 'Bring It On'.
Production[edit]
The majority of the album's production was handled by Cold 187um of Above the Law and Dr. Jam. It also features production by Madness 4 Real and Big Jessie.
Album title[edit]
Mc Ren Shock Of The Hour Full Album
![Mc Ren Shock Of The Hour Mc Ren Shock Of The Hour](/uploads/1/1/8/6/118683086/642815898.jpg)
The album titles is a reference to MC Ren's nickname, The Villain.
Singles[edit]
Two singles were released from the album: 'Mad Scientist' and 'Keep It Real'.
Release and reception[edit]
![Mc ren shock of the hour zip Mc ren shock of the hour zip](/uploads/1/1/8/6/118683086/809165022.jpg)
Critical reception[edit]
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [1] |
Billboard | (favorable) [2] |
Los Angeles Times | [3] |
The Source | [4] |
Vibe | (favorable) [5] |
Commercial performance[edit]
The album debuted number 31 on Billboard 200, with the first-week sales of 31,000 copies.
Track listing[edit]
No. | Title | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | 'Bitch Made Nigga Killa' | Cold 187um | 4:02 |
2. | 'Keep It Real' | Dr. Jam | 4:52 |
3. | 'It's Like That' (featuring Bigg Rocc) | Cold 187um | 4:34 |
4. | 'Mad Scientist' | Dr. Jam, Madness 4 Real (co.) | 4:22 |
5. | 'Live from Compton 'Saturday Night' (featuring Cold 187um) | Cold 187um | 5:56 |
6. | 'Still the Same Nigga' | Jessie 'Big Jessie' Willard | 5:27 |
7. | 'I Don't Give a Damn' | Dr. Jam, Madness 4 Real (co.) | 3:56 |
8. | 'Mind Blown' (featuring Bigg Rocc) | Cold 187um | 4:42 |
9. | 'Great Elephant' | Jessie 'Big Jessie' Willard | 3:45 |
10. | 'Muhammed Speaks' (featuring Khalid Muhammad) | Cold 187um | 1:31 |
11. | 'Bring It On' (featuring Above the Law, Triggerman and Khalid Muhammad) | Cold 187um | 4:42 |
Personnel[edit]
- Harold Moore Jr. - Spoken word
- Gregory Fernan Hutchinson - Production, lyrics, vocals
- Lorenzo Jerald Patterson - Primary artist, lyrics, vocals
- Big Rocc, KMG The Illustrator, Triggerman - Guest vocals
- Dr. Jam, Big Jessie Willard, Madness 4 Real - Additional production
Charts[edit]
Album[edit]
| Singles[edit]
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References[edit]
- ^Erlewine, Stephen. 'The Villain in Black - MC Ren'. AllMusic.
- ^Helson, Havelock. Review: The Villain in Black.
- ^Coker, Cheo Hodari. Review: The Villain in Black.
- ^Gordon, Allen S. MC RenDa Villain in Black.
- ^T-Love. Review: The Villain in Black.
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Villain_in_Black&oldid=988577669'
Album: Shock Of The Hour Artist: MC Ren
Label: Year:
MC Ren. A member of one of the most notorious groups in the history of rap. MC Ren has for a long time been considered one of the best lyricists of the group. Ren, is politically strong. Some may find his music offensive but he simply raps the truth. MC Ren is one of the realest rappers around today. This album is apart Ren’s high part in his career. There has been much controversy about the music he put out, solo and with NWA.
11:15
Basically a short introduction track. The villain in black is introduced. Ren’s skills are undeniable from the very start. A simple, yet great beginning to this album.
Same Old Shit
A great track. MC Ren has a steady pace on this track. Basically, Ren raps about his day, being the same, every day, and every night. This is an extremely tight track. On almost pities lifestyles such as these.
“Same old shit every morning when I wake I’m thinkin’ of another *****’s money to take”
“Same old shit every morning when I wake I’m thinkin’ of another *****’s money to take”
***** What Ya Heard
Ren warns the listener to forget all about what they have heard about him, and that no one knows anything. It has a dope beat, dark and menacing to suit his sinister lyrics. A great track.
“In ’93 I’m wreckin’ shit so you can ***** what ya heard I’m droppin’ plenty shit like a mother*****in’ bird”
“In ’93 I’m wreckin’ shit so you can ***** what ya heard I’m droppin’ plenty shit like a mother*****in’ bird”
All The Bullshit Aside
Mc Ren Shock Of The Hour Album Songs
It starts off extremely violent. MC Ren shows he has skills on the mic as he switches up his style multiple times. This is a great track. Ren has some great lyrics on it and he raps out the truth
“I killed that ***** that waited 40 ounces Start hittin’ my switches cuz my 40 bounces”
“I killed that ***** that waited 40 ounces Start hittin’ my switches cuz my 40 bounces”
One False Move
A great track. MC Ren basically calls-out all of the sell-out artists whom aren’t keeping it real. This is a lyrically dope track. MC Ren doesn’t come hard but he still is incredible.
“Move, now let me fall into the groove Breakin’ niggaz off but I break ’em off smooth”
“Move, now let me fall into the groove Breakin’ niggaz off but I break ’em off smooth”
You Wanna ***** Her
A great track. It’s about a regular hoe who has been *****ed by just about everyone. He talks about her life and everything she does. He warns the listener that this “*****” is a hoe. This track gets a bit disgusting as he goes into great depth but it’s still great.
“The ***** is a stripper but thinks she’s a star Still rides the bus, can’t afford a *****in’ car”
“The ***** is a stripper but thinks she’s a star Still rides the bus, can’t afford a *****in’ car”
Mayday On The Frontline
An extremely menacing track. Lyrically high and politically on point. It’s vicious and honest. He raps about street life and what happens. It really hits you hard…
“Niggaz screamin’ mayday ’cause Ren is kickin’ ass like pele Makin’ fools run like it’s a relay”
“Niggaz screamin’ mayday ’cause Ren is kickin’ ass like pele Makin’ fools run like it’s a relay”
Attack On Babylon
By far the best track on the album. He raps with a simple style but what he says is very powerful. It’s politically strong and harsh. It’s brutally truthful and is simply amazing. One of his greatest songs.
“I told ya Ren’ll be back with the niggaz in the dodge and the camoflauge But it after tahj, a million niggaz no mirage”
“I told ya Ren’ll be back with the niggaz in the dodge and the camoflauge But it after tahj, a million niggaz no mirage”
Do You Believe
On this tight track MC Ren basically questions many things that have been said in the past. Ren is smooth on this politically charged track. Among the best songs of the album.
“How da ***** can you believe, that people turns to spirits? Don’t run with that bullshit because I don’t wanna hear it”
“How da ***** can you believe, that people turns to spirits? Don’t run with that bullshit because I don’t wanna hear it”
Mr. ***** Up
MC Ren raps a bit softer on this track. He eases up his style and adopts something much more laid back. This track is all about him. It is a great track, extremely different from the rest of his album.
“My niggaz call me Grinch and yes I’m known to be a ***** up Loaded clip, folded sticks, my lifts and double cuffed up”
“My niggaz call me Grinch and yes I’m known to be a ***** up Loaded clip, folded sticks, my lifts and double cuffed up”
Shock Of The Hour
Are you ready for the shock of the hour? This is a dope track. MC Ren raps hard and is enormously politically strong. One of the best tracks of the album. A perfect ending to this amazing album.
“Now it license lights with million knights the divides and canyon The shock of the hour has come to devour the evil, deceivers, and satan”
“Now it license lights with million knights the divides and canyon The shock of the hour has come to devour the evil, deceivers, and satan”
This album is by far his best. Lyrically he is on a cloud and his delivery is dark and harsh. MC Ren rips the mic apart. The album is strong on many points. His political rapping is a breath of fresh air. He never lets the listener take a break. To some it maybe a bit to racist for them but it is just short from being a work-of-art. A definite recommendation for the fans of the villain in black, NWA and someone who wants to get a taste of his great rapping. You want quality? This album is full of it. It contains full of banging tracks.
Rating:
4.2/5
4.2/5
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