Young MC - Stone Cold Rhymin'

Released in 1989

Marvin Young aka Young MC took the rap and pop worlds by storm in 1989 with the release of his debut album Stone Cold Rhymin'. Although many fans believed this to be their first introduction to the intelligent and gifted rapper, Marvin Young actually made his presence known behind the scenes by writing both of Tone-Loc's greatest hit songs, Wild Thing and Funky Cold Medina. Whereas Tone-Loc, who was a skilled rapper in his own right, found his career coming to a halt after just two albums, Young MC was able to parlay his talent and initial success into a long-lived career that has seen albums dropping throughout the 90's into the 2000's.

Part of what makes Young MC's music so appealing is the lighthearted nature of most of his tracks. Stone Cold Rhymin' is a party album first and foremost, full of tremendous rhyming and lyrical wordplay that contains good doses of humor. While some who grew up during the later 90's and today's harder rap scenes may find the innocence of Stone Cold Rhymin' to be dated or "weak," 80's rap fans will more than appreciate this fun classic.

Some of the album highlights are:

• Bust A Move – A criminally addictive and fun tale about successful and failed attempts with women. Scored a Grammy award for best rap performance.
• Principal's Office – Another track where Young MC allows his humor to take over as he raps about a day in school.
• I Come Off – This opening track is a good prelude of things to come: funky yet relaxed beats complimented with a smooth flow.

During the late 80's the mainstream music world was just getting used to the idea of rap, and Bust a Move can be credited towards helping rap become a serious entry in the pop and mainstream worlds. In fact during a time where rappers were clearly the radio underdogs, Stone Cold Rhymin' sold enough copies to score an impressive Platinum.

Stone Cold Rhymin' is an essential piece in any collection belonging to fans of light, catchy and innocent party rap or the 80's rap scene.

Rating : 9 stars

Track List I Come Off Principal's Office Bust a Move Non Stop Fastest Rhyme My Name is Young Know How Roll With the Punches I Let 'Em Know Pick Up the Pace Got More Rhymes Stone Cold Buggin' Just Say No

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