Gangsta Ern – Up Against It

Album info

“Up Against It,” released in 1992 by Gangsta Ern, is a vivid and raw portrayal of the rapper’s life and experiences, encapsulated in a powerful cassette maxi-single. This release, under Break Mine Off Records, is a significant entry in the early ’90s gangsta rap scene, particularly emanating from San Diego, California.

The album begins with the title track “Up Against It,” setting a hard-hitting tone for the rest of the project. Lasting 4 minutes and 8 seconds, this track is a gritty reflection of the struggles and realities Ern faced in his environment. The lyrics are steeped in the narrative of street life, underscored by a deep understanding of the socio-economic challenges prevalent in the early ’90s.

“Dedication,” a shorter piece lasting 1 minute and 40 seconds, serves as an interlude of sorts. It’s a more personal track where Gangsta Ern pays homage to those who have influenced him, both in his personal life and in his music career. This track reveals a more introspective side of Ern, adding depth to the overall narrative of the album.

“I’m That Nigga” is a bold assertion of Gangsta Ern’s identity in the rap game. Lasting 3 minutes and 38 seconds, the track combines confident lyricism with a catchy beat, further establishing Ern’s presence as a formidable artist in the gangsta rap genre.

“The Battle,” the shortest track on the album at just 40 seconds, serves as a powerful outro. It encapsulates the ongoing struggles and ‘battles’ Ern faced, both in his personal life and as a rapper trying to make a mark in a competitive industry.

The production on “Up Against It” is credited to Dam Lab Creation, Down Brother Music, and Gil Style Groove. These producers collectively craft a sound that is quintessentially early ’90s gangsta rap – raw, unfiltered, and deeply rooted in the realities of street life.

Ernest Lee Alexander, known professionally as Gangsta Ern, was not just a rapper but a storyteller who painted vivid pictures of his life experiences through his music. His untimely death on July 25, 1992, cut short a promising career, making “Up Against It” not just a musical project but a part of his lasting legacy in the hip-hop world.