Deric “D-Dot” Angelettie, a prolific producer who worked
with many of the top acts of the mid to late-1990s, created alias The Madd
Rapper and appeared on several skits on Bad Boy Records releases. One of The Madd Rapper’s most memorable
appearances was on the intro to Notorious B.I.G.’s “Kick in the Door.” The Madd
Rapper is angry, humorous, garish and jealous of lesser rappers’ success. In
September of 1999, Angelettie released “Tell ‘Em Why U Madd” as The Madd Rapper. The album features artists like Picasso
Black, Mase, P Diddy, Raekwon, Busta Rhymes, Jermaine Dupri, Black Rob, Psycho
Les and 50 Cent. The album also features a young Kanye West behind the boards.
Mike: “Tell ‘Em Why U Madd” turns 20 years old this month. In
my opinion, it is possibly one of the most slept on albums ever? Chris, is this
a sentiment you would agree with?
Chris: I’m embarrassed to say that this was my first time
hearing it. I have definitely always been aware of its existence, but I just
never got around to listening to it until you suggested doing this review. To
answer question, I’m not sure it’s the “most slept on” but to be fair, I don’t
know what I would call the “most slept on”
Mike: I feel that although the Madd Rapper had many guests
on this album, it still plays out cohesively. The production on the album has a
consistent sound, whether it’s him, Kanye or any of the other producers that
worked on the album.
Chris: Probably one of the most impressive things about the
album is the wide range of talent that contributed to the album. As far as the
production and taking into the account this was my first time listening to “Tell
‘Em Why U Madd”, the beats are very typical of what was coming out during that
era.
Mike: I like the Madd Rapper’s flow. He rides slower roller
beats with a fast, angry flow, which in my opinion, wasn’t being done by anyone
other than M.O.P. and Freddie Foxxx at time. Is it just me, or does “Tell ‘Em
Why U Madd” seem very similar to Bumpy Knuckles’ “Industry Shakedown”?
Chris: I’m not a big fan of his flow and the angry raspy voice
seems a little out of place over these beats. I think that’s a really good
comparison between “Tell ‘Em Why U Madd” and “Industry Shakedown”, I make that
connection.
The Madd Rapper - "Dot VS. TMR"
Mike: Since he heavily relied on guests, I think that he
would have made a bigger commercial splash. Had he album been a part of a group
with some other angry rappers, imagine the Madd Rapper, Lord Jamar and Billy
Danze, all together.
Chris: That’s an interesting take. I think I would have liked
a Madd Rapper album more without any features at all.
Chris: Any favorite tracks?
Mike: “You’re All Alone”, “Ghetto” and “Stir Crazy”. All
produced by Kanye and precursor to his work with Rocafella.
Chris: I really liked the flip of what sounds like “Everybody Loves the
Sunshine” by Roy Ayers on “Ghetto”
The Madd Rapper feat. Raekwon and Carl Thomas - "Ghetto"
Roy Ayers - "Everybody Love the Sunshine"
Chris: I liked the song with Busta Rhymes.
The Madd Rapper feat. Busta Rhymes - "Bongo Beat"
Mike: All in all, if the Madd Rapper made a new album, would
you care to hear it?
Chris: In 2019, we need a Madd Rapper!!
Mike: Hahahaha that’s funny, “We know why u madd” now. “Tell ‘Em Why U Madd” is one of my most
favorite hip hop albums ever. It has a high replay value and it’s all around a
fun album to listen to. Is the Madd Rapper a great rapper? Maybe not, but he
managed to assemble what I deem a Hip Hop classic.
Chris: I think my opinion would have been different had
heard it when it came out, I tried to listen to it through a 2019 lens and it’s
probably not an album I would revisit but if he drops anything else, I’m there!
