Kurupt, the Philadelphia-born and L.A. based rapper, released his 2nd studio album, “Tha Streetz Iz a Mutha”, on November 16, 1999 on Antra Records. Following Dr. Dre’s formula of getting a lot of great talent together to make great music worked beautiful. The album features Daz Dillinger, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, KRS-One, Roscoe, and Tray Dee amongst others. Production on the album was handled by Daz Dillinger, Blaqtohoven, Soopafly, Fredwreck, Organized Noize and Dr. Dre. “Streetz iz a Mutha” is a continuation of the work the Dogg Pound did while under Death Row but you can also hear how much they evolved musically.In most cases, an artist’s Sophomore effort doesn’t live up to their debut but that is not the case with “Streetz iz a Mutha.” Although it didn’t receive the fanfare it deserved, which was likely because it was released on the same exact day as Dr. Dre’s “2001”, “Streetz iz a Mutha” is Kurupt’s best solo effort.
Review with Sean (@bort_sampson_ )
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Chris: “The Streetz iz a Mutha” is album we listened to quite a bit back in the day, specifically during the Summer between our Junior and Senior years of High School. I can’t remember where I bought it. Honestly it was probably Target. If you remember, Target was an underrated spot for music back in the day. Anyway, I remember that I burnt you a copy and I famously wrote “Kurpt” on the disc (HAHA!). For that reason alone, I wanted to re-listen to and review “Streetz iz a Mutha” with you. Do you have any memories of listening “Streetz iz a Mutha” and can you remember how you felt about it back then?
Sean: Hahahah the infamous “Kurpt” CD lol. I mostly remember hanging out up in your room, listening to it. “Calling Out Names” I think was the song that first stuck out to me. Kurupt just goes bezerk on that track, at a time when I think rap beefs were at an all-time high, just straight calling people out. No between the lines nonsense. Anyway, I thought it was a dope track and that was the hook that got me into the album.
Chris: Granted “Streetz iz a Mutha” wasn’t released on Death Row but he’ll always be associated with that label and its roster. I think that if you look at all the Death Row talent, you could make a case that Kurupt was one of the better, probably two, lyricist in that camp. What are your thoughts on Kurupt as a lyricist and are there any tracks on “Streez iz a Mutha” where Kurupt’s lyricism stands out to you?
Sean: I think Kurupt is a pretty good lyricist, and agree he was one of the better Death Row artists. Having said that, I don't feel he's great, especially upon re-listening. Solid, definitely. But, I feel like he's one of those guys that tries to fit too many syllables into a line, but doesn't have the flow to truly pull it off. I think Kweli is someone else who does this as well. Plus, Kurupt's voice, while distinctive, is on the more abrasive side which for me, just serves to highlight the syllables issue.
Chris: I feel like he’s pretty underrated. I think that when you’re thinking about Kurupt, you, the general you, don’t immediately think of his more lyrical offerings. Shoot man, the guy was on a Pete Rock track with Inspectah Deck! The song that stands out for me is “Loose Cannons”.
Kurupt feat. Daz Dillinger and Xzibit – “Loose Cannons”
Chris: While re-listening to the album, one thing that really stood out to me this time around was the quality of the production. It is very good and to me it has the definitive West Coast vibe that I really miss. While reading through the liner notes, I noticed that some of my favorite tracks on the album where produced by Fredwreck, who I embarrassingly admit that I wasn’t really familiar with, so I did some research. Fredwreck is a producer of Palestinian descent who has worked with everyone from The Bomb Squad to Snoop Dogg. His work on “Tha Street iz a Mutha” is actually some of first of many with the Dogg Pound. Fredwreck produced “Who Ride wit Us”, “Represent Dat G.C.”, and “Calling Out Names.” What did you think of Fredwreck’s work on the album?
Sean: I can't really speak to his production specifically as you're far more knowledgeable about the people on the other side of the glass than I am. What I will say is that I think the beats on the album are more consistent than the lyrics. They definitely have that G-Funk sound which makes this a clear descendant branch of the Dre production tree and I enjoyed more beats than not. They lyrics, on the other hand - not so much. I just felt they got incredibly repetitive in terms of subject material. I get it, Kurupt - you're a G out there doing G things. I don't feel like things ever really dipped below the surface into any sort of true self reflection or story telling. But, the songs that I like, I REALLY like. “Who Ride Wit Us”, “Tequila”, “Welcome Home”, “Girls All Pause”, “Calling Out Names”, I could make my own EP out of those songs and never get tired of it.
Chris: Well two of those are Fredwreck beats! I hear what you’re saying about the lyrics but I guess if you’re going to listen to a Kurupt album, you kind of know what you’re in for but I agree, it would have been nice to hear Kurupt show off alittle more of his range.
Kurupt feat. Tray Dee, Daz Dillinger, Snoop Dogg, Jay-O and Soopa Fly – “Represent Dat G.C.” (produced by Fredwreck)
Fatback Band – “Kool Whip”
Chris: To me, Kurupt and Daz Dillinger should be considered as one of the best duos in Hip Hop. What are some of your favorite duos Hip Hop and where do you rank Kurupt and Daz among them?
Sean: The big dog in this question is for me Blackstar. Mos and Kweli are my favorite duo in hip hop history. The peak of the mountain. A close second, even though they're not technically a duo are Snoop and Dre. You also have more all time greats in OutKast, GangStarr, Eric B & Rakim. Then that next level of guys like 8Ball and MJG and UGK. I don't think Kurupt and Daz are one of my favorites but I do think they're criminally underrated. I think they belong in that second tier even though many people don't usually think of them.
Chris: I think if you consider Daz’s beat making ability, it pushes Kurupt and Daz up near the top. What was your favorite track on the album?
Sean: Probably “Welcome Home”. It stands out to me because it's a little softer than the rest of the album. A little slower, and probably the most reflective song on an album that doesn't really have many. When I relisten to this album, which I do every now and then outside of this review, that the song I find myself listening to the most. I had never heard of the producer, Soopafly, until I read about the album for the review.
Chris: “Welcome Home” is a phenomenal song and one of my favorites on the album as well!
Kurupt feat. Latoya Wiliams and Daz Dillinger – “Welcome Home” (Produced by Soopafly)
Chris: One of the lesser publicized Rap beefs was between Kurupt and DMX. Apparently the two were beefing over an alleged infidelity between DMX and Foxy Brown, Kurupt’s fiancé at the time. Kurupt’s “Calling Out Names” is obviously a shot at DMX but did you know what DMX’s “Party Up (In Here)” is DMX’s retort? The two have since squashed their beef but who do you think go the better of the exchange?
Kurupt feat. Xzibit – “Calling Out Names”
DMX – “Party Up (In Here)
Chris: So, did “Streetz iz a Mutha” stand the test of time for you?
Sean: Yes and no. As I mentioned earlier, I started skipping a lot of tracks but really like the ones I like. At the end of the day, those tracks are seeing enough to keep this one from ever falling off.
Chris: I actually enjoyed it even more this time around. Just a solid all around production, in my opinion.
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