Hip-Hop Classic #32: Group Home - Tha Realness (Chosen by Ben Westbeech)

'Tha Realness' is a track taken from Group Home's (GangStarr affiliates) critically acclaimed debut album, Livin' Proof, which was released in 1995 on PayDay Records. The track was produced by DJ Premier and sampled 'Valley of the Shadows' by Bob James and Mobb Deep's 'Shook Ones (Part II)'. The album is known both for the supposed sub-par rhyming and superior instrumental work - it is widely considered to be some of Premier's most focused work to date, but it's often overshadowed by his work with more proficient MC's. Granted they're not the best MCs in the world, but they're definitely not the worst I've heard, and sound very sick over Preemo's production (but then again, who doesnt?). Under-rated, real shit.

Ben Westbeech: "This was the first record i learnt to beat juggle on as a kid. The verses kill me every time. Premo produced underground classic! THA REALNESS!"