Tha Alkaholiks - "21 & Over"

Tha Alkaholiks (E-Swift, J-Ro and Tash) are a California-based Hip Hop group that was founded in the early 1990s.  Mentored by the legendary King Tee, Tha Alkaholiks released their debut album, “21 & Over”, in August of 1993 on Loud Records. Tha Alkaholiks combine their hard but humorous liquor-inspired lyrics with E-Swift’s head-knocking beats.  “21 & Over’s” stellar production also gets an assist from Lootpack (Madlib, Kankick and DJ Romes), Derick “D. Pimp” Williams and also lists King Tee as a co-producer on several of the tracks. Although only 10-tracks and just short of 40 minutes in length, “21 & over” was a solid beginning to Tha Alkaholiks’ impressive catalog.

*****Guest Request Sean (@bort_sampson_)

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Chris: So let me first begin by telling you all about how I first heard of Tha Alkaholiks. I was a freshman at West Mesa and I was eavesdropping on two dudes arguing over who was better, Tupac or Tha Alkaholiks. Obviously, I had heard of Tupac but I had never heard of Tha Alkaholiks. The dude that was campaigning for Tha Liks was so passionate in pleading his case, I had to find out who these dudes were!!

Sean: I don’t even remember who I found out about them. I think I just happened to pick up “Likwidation” by chance and started vibing with them.

Mike: I heard of them via Xzibit, “Call it what you wanna call it”

Chris: So what was your guys’ impression of “21 & Over” before listening to it recently? I was a big fan of this album back in the day. I wouldn’t say it was my favorite Alkaholiks’ album but it was a great listen and it’s where I first heard of Lootpack, my introduction to Madlib.

Mike: I was too young to really “get” the lyrical substance, but I loved its sound. Before the revisit, I was scared I would think the party vibe schtick would be corny by my standards today. After re-listening though, I realized it's a fun album that should be glorified for its light subject matter. Not every album has to be "It Takes A Nation..."

Sean: I went in with a mostly blank slate, it had been many years since I’ve listened to it.

Chris: Let’s talk about the production, what are your guys’ thoughts? E-Swift had most of the production but The Lootpack also produced two tracks and Derick “D. Pimp” Williams had one as well.

Sean: One thing that struck me is how lo-fi some of the tracks sound, which was something I didn’t recall.  The beats are simple, in the sense they weren’t layers with 5 levels, and not great mic pick-ups. Sounded kinda grainy and removed. E-Swift definitely knew how to produce some fire beats.

Mike: Love the production. As Sean stated, it got a lo-fi vibe which I love with album of this era.  E-Swift’s beats are what make this a golden age classic. He brought a new style to the table. The album is really unique.

Chris: I agree with you, Sean. The one exception I would offer would be “Turn The Party Out” which is kind of a mosaic of different sampled elements in the Madlib style that we become accustomed to.

Tha Alkaholiks - "Turn The Party Out"

Chris: What songs were standouts for you guys?

Sean: “Only When I’m Drunk”, it worked for me because I think that it sounded like being drunk feels, if that makes sense.

Chris: That definitely make sense! Haha I remember when we would drive around listening to “Only When I’m Drunk”, taking turns rapping the parts of J-Ro, Tash, E-Swift and King Tee

Sean: “I get drunk and I stumble to the phone” is an all-time great first line!

Chris: Agreed!

Tha Alkaholiks - "Only When I'm Drunk"

Mike: “Last Call” is still my favorite. I still feel that it’s a classic hip hop track.

Chris: “Last Call” is dope, Mike! A lot going on production wise on that track as well. Did you pick up on the James Brown sample?

Tha Alkaholiks - "Last Call"

James Brown - "Big Payback"

Chris: What did you guys think about the lyricism?

Sean: I think that J-Ro and Tash are both criminally underrated MCs. Both have a distinct voice, nice flow and can put together some smooth bars

Chris: Good points. Their styles are so different, but they do complement each other very well. So what did you guys think of the album, now versus back then?

Mike: With all the praise, we’ve given this album, it’s not something I often think about giving a spin these days. Sonically, it’s a very well-crafted album, just not the vibe I yearn to bump daily.

Sean: I agree, Mike. It’s a good album to put on to sit out in a deck and chill but I’m not necessarily going to jam out to it in my car.

Chris: I still enjoy it as much as I did back then. The beats make me wish I had more bass in more car!