Uptown Saturday Night
by Camp Lo

From Tha1ChiefRocka 03/09/2017 02:38 | #187165 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

This album has to be one of the most underappreciated hip hop albums of the 90s. Beats are unique, lyrics range from fun to serious, and songs are focused and tight.

Camp Lo - Uptown Saturday Night is another part of the seemingly endless series of 90's gems. Once more I have to start my review by praising the album cover, which perfectly captures the club/party vibes that dominate the album. It ticks all the right boxes. It manages to maintain this chill, relaxed mood throughout, but has enough variety to keep it from getting repetitive. Also, after more than two decades having gone by since it came out, it still feels as fresh as ever, it doesn't sound dated at all. Despite its entertainment value it doesn't compromise in terms of quality, introducing us to an innovative sound. The jazzy background of the album has already been pointed out. Jazz has always been a major hip hop influence, but here the marriage occurs in a creative way that differentiates itself from what was going on back then. This explains its high replayability, which is an exception for this kind of albums (I mean the club/party oriented ones). This one can be played repeatedly without losing any of its appeal. It is crystal-clear that production is the main reason for all its success. "Ski" is the man. I mean, let's be real, the guy was involved in the production of Reasonable Doubt (Politics as Usual, Dead Presidents II, Feelin' It, 22 Two's), not much else needs to be said. Rapping may not be spectacular by itself, but it's just what the doctor ordered, it's a great fit. I especially liked how they went for these short verses where one blends to the next so smoothly and effortlessly. Regarding the lyrics, I have to admit there are many occassions I am totally lost, but I don't think they were focusing on lyrics too much, though they do add to the overall fun ("Now I got crystals, bruh Cola browsin' Blackula If cubic zirconium convince the test, then bash this Money on the wood make the bettin' good Sista, girl, or madams Zenobia is runnin' all them broads and chicks While she directin' flicks Whistlin' the henchmen Yes, I got a few of these cats Got them on drink crouchin' Don't they know I'm diamond crook Satin Struthers production Now you go by my shit And try to screw the" or "Cats be coming with Hammers and dramas with the buddhas and Rugers inside Cruisers and Rovers. Diamond crooks taking it over with Razors and cutters with the sugar and butters Pimping Caesars in leathers, we live for Coolie High treasures and pleasures"). Luchini AKA This Is It is almost universally accepted as the stand out track but in my opinion Black Connection is the one that steals the show.

Cheeba and Suede have the most incredible, distinct voices I've ever encountered in hip-hop. Nobody sounds better than them when they flow, and the beats rise to the occasion by being super-soulful and tastefully restrained. The essential cult classic of hip hop that's left a marked impression via the alt-rap acts that followed in its footsteps.