Rewind: Def Squad - "El Nino"

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Def Squad - "El Nino"

The Def Squad (Erick Sermon, Redman and Keith Murray) formed shortly after the disbandment of the legendary Hip Hop crew The Hit Squad. On June 30, 1998, the Def Squad collective released their debut album “El Nino.” The production was handled mainly by Erick Sermon with some help from Redman. The Def Squad did have some commercial success with singles “Full Cooperation” and “Def Squad Delight” and was beloved by Hit Squad fans.

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Chris: Well first off, what was your opinion of this album before revisiting?

Mike: As a bona fide Hip Hop classic. I feel a lot of people deem it classic.

Chris: Back in 1998, El Nino was in heavy rotation for me. Three of my favorite artists. Legendary artists, I considered them to be legends even back then, coming together to make an album? It was a dream collaboration for me.

Mike: All artists involved are Hip Hop heavyweights, but for me, Red stood out. E and Keith both held it down.

Chris: What tracks stood out for you?

Mike: “Ya’ll Niggas Ain’t Ready” and “Can U Dig It?”. “Can U Dig It” has a classic 90s funk to it. Did that track stand out for you?

Chris: Not at all. Upon revisiting, I thought Erick Sermon’s production on this album was very mediocre.

Def Squad – "Can U Dig It?"

Mike: What gems off this strike you as a standout?

Chris: Back in the day, it was “Full Cooperation” and “Ride Wit Us” the song with Too Short.

Mike: Great tracks

Chris: Today it’s “Countdown” and “Say Word!”. I really enjoyed Erick Sermon’s flip of Wah Wah Watson’s “Goo Goo Wah Wah”. Apparently, a 44 year old white woman/ Def Jam employee was responsible for finding most of the samples on “El Nino”!

Def Squad – "Say Word!"