Bahamadia "Kollage"

“This is Bahamadia’s ‘Kollage’ a collection of lyrical and musical art that brings forth her masterful contribution to the Hip Hop world” - Guru

Bahamadia, of Philadelphia, dropped her debut album "Kollage" in March of 1996.  Although, it didn't have much success in terms of sales, the album is regarded as one of the best releases by a female MC.  "Kollage" combines Bahamadia's impressive lyricism with top notch production. In an interview with Allflamerz.com, Bahamadia states that she chose Gang Starr to produce her album because "sonically and expressively, they were the people that [she] identified with most." DaBeatminerz, Ski & DJ Redhanded, The Roots and N.O. Joe also contributed to the superb quality of the production.

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Chris: Bahamadia is probably my favorite female emcee of all time.  Her ruggedly smoothness of her voice and delivery exemplify what was so great about the Hip Hop that was being made at that time. “Kollage” was a masterpiece in that the production complimented Bahamadia’s contribution perfectly. I loved this album.

Mike: Totally agree. The second the album hits, you know you’re in for a classic. That 1996 Premo boom-bap, drum heavy intro. Not too dissimilar to the intros on other Premo productions.

Chris: Yes! You can definitely feel Premier’s influence on the entire album, even on the tracks he didn’t actually produce. I love the interludes that Da Beatminerz did, very reminiscent of something Premier would have done.

Mike: Da Beatminerz and Ski definitely maintained holding down a cohesive “Gangstarr” sound

Chris: What are some tracks that stood out to you?

Mike: My favorite track is “Spontaneity”. Although the Da Beatminerz’s use the same sample that they did on “Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka”, I prefer the solemn slow roll of “Spontaneity”. I also love “3 The Hardway” which gave the album an awesome street single that scratches the itch of any hardcore hip hop fan.

Chris: Great picks! DaBeatminerz used Catalyst’s “Uzuri” on “Spontaneity” and “Leflaure Leflah Eshkoshka”. A really cool song!

Bahamadia - "Spontaneity"

Fab 5 – "Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka"

Catalyst - "Uzuri"

Chris: To me, the top tracks are one that pretty much every hip hop head has heard before; “Uknowhowwedu” and “True Honey Buns”.  A track that sticks out to me now is “Da Jawn” which is featuring and produced by The Roots. Malik B. and Black Thought are so dope on that track, great compliments to Bahamadia.

Mike: “Da Jawn” is such a classic ode to Philadelphia. Love that track!

Bahamadia featuring The Roots – “Da Jawn”

Chris: What did you think of the tracks produced by Guru? “Wordplay” and “Total Wreck”

Mike: I didn’t realize Guru produced “Wordplay”. I rarely liked his beats but I do deem “Wordplay” to be a bonafide hip hop classic and “Total Wreck” is also a strong offering that shows Guru’s strength on the boards.

Chris: Both tracks are very jazz influenced and reminiscent of his work on his Jazzmatazz albums. I love them! I would have liked to have heard an entire album of Bahamadia’s with Guru behind the boards!

Bahamadia – “Total Wreck”

Chris: So, did “Kollage” stand the test of time for you?

Mike: Yes, I am gladly bumping it right now. It’s a timeless album!

Chris: I agree. I enjoy it now as much as I did when I first heard it.