Smif-N-Wessun

Few artists personify hardcore, mid-'90s NYC hip-hop better than this Brooklyn duo. After first appearing on Black Moon's 1993 classic Enta da Stage, Smif-N-Wessun unleashed their top-notch debut album Dah Shinin' in 1995. Set to heavy beats and sparse soundscapes by the esteemed production team Da Beatminerz, Tek and Steele stunned listeners with their charismatic tag-team rhymes. Drawing mostly on street scenarios, Bucktown pride and their love for the weed, the record contained many underground heaters, including "Sound Bwoy Buriell" and "Wrekonize." Their 1998 follow-up The Rude Awakening found them reincarnated as Cocoa Brovaz due to legal threats from a certain gun manufacturer. The sophomore album featured more of their swinging BK flows, but with somewhat mellower and more diverse production. Members of the Boot Camp Clik, they frequently collaborate with O.G.C., Heltah Skeltah and Buckshot. After a lengthy hiatus, the duo returned in 2005 with their third official full-length, Smif 'n' Wessun: Reloaded, and then quickly (for them at least) followed up in 2007 with Smif-n-Wessun: The Album.