Criminal Slang

His discog is thick with collaborations with artists like Tupac Shakur, Celly Cell, E-40, Method Man, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, et al.

With a career that spans over a decade, Rick Rock just might be the next, “I can’t believe I slept on this,” producer to jump into the spotlight. Although his career has had some strange twists and turns, it seems that this architect of the hyphy sound has finally cemented his rightful place in hip-hop history -beyond some random, freak incidents (read further).

Rick Rock in the Studio -Thanks to Crate Kings for the link!

Rick is well known these days for his membership in the global hyphy elite -flippin’ up Digable Planets and Corey Hart samples for E-40 and The Federation (Yay Area, Stunna Glasses at Night) respectively. His relationship with Doonie Baby of The Federation goes back to their days in the short-lived group Cosmic Slop Shop (along with emcee Big Lurch), which was signed in 1997 to the MCA distributed Mtume Music Group imprint and would later be credited with the label’s first release, “Da Family.”

Ironically, James Mtume -a precussionist and the label’s founder was the subject of Setsasonic’s diss record, “Talkin’ All That Jazz,” which was a reaction to Mtume’s anti-sampling stance. Big Lurch would also be sent upstate for life in 2002 on murder charges -a PCP fueled confrontation that involved a girlfriend and cannibalism. This prompted Rick and Doonie to move on and forward back to the Bay, eventually joining forces with young local yay area rappers Goldie & Stresmatic to form The Federation.

Early in 2006, The Federation found themelves signed to Warner Bros. Records and their second single, “I Wear my Stunna Glasses at Night” the ubiquitous club anthem north of Bakersfield, CA and throughout the Nation of Thizzlam.

When The Dock of the Bay series continues -you’ll want to hop a freight and connect like a conjunction….