Nefarious – Speak Of Da Devil

Album info

In the annals of rap, few are as enigmatic and controversial as Anarae Brown, more commonly known as X-Raided. However, for a brief period from 1998 to 2000, he adopted another alias: Nefarious. Under this name, he released the album “Speak Of Da Devil” on February 29, 2000, via Black Market Records. This project takes listeners on a grim journey into the mind of one of hip-hop’s most provocative artists. The genre is aptly classified as gangsta and thug rap, capturing the dark essence that X-Raided/Nefarious has become known for.

The album kicks off with “Worldwide,” featuring Hanifah and produced by K.G. The global scope of the track sets the stage for the broader themes explored throughout the album. K.G. remains a constant presence, producing a significant number of tracks, imparting a unified, gritty sound that pairs well with Nefarious’ explicit storytelling.

On “Catch You,” Nefarious teams up with Brotha Lynch and Cocaine, bringing an added layer of complexity to the album’s raw narrative. “Fatal Blow,” featuring Kronik, and “Never Loved,” featuring Dott Dog, dive into the rapper’s volatile emotional state, while tracks like “Trail By Fury” and “Jealous” expose the darker facets of human nature.

What sets this album apart is the inclusion of tracks like “Only In The Studio,” featuring T-Macc, which gives us a glimpse behind the scenes and touches on the art of rap as a coping mechanism. “The Evil That Men Do,” featuring C-Bo and UTG, is a chilling account of the malevolence that humans are capable of, and “Decapitation” stands as a stark, no-holds-barred look into the violence that often accompanies street life.

Given that Anarae Brown has lived a life that closely mirrors the perilous tales he spins, “Speak Of Da Devil” becomes more than just an album; it’s a grim testimonial. Whether you regard Nefarious as a poet of the streets or a purveyor of violence, there’s no denying the artistry and realness he brings to the table. “Speak Of Da Devil” serves as an intriguing chapter in the life of an artist who has never shied away from exposing the darker sides of society and himself.