Sub-Zero - S.M.D. (Sacramento's Most Dangerous) Vol. I

Sub-Zero – S.M.D. (Sacramento’s Most Dangerous) Vol. I

September 16, 1997

Download music album S.M.D. (Sacramento’s Most Dangerous) Vol. I by Sub-Zero, released in 1997. ℗ Sub-Groove Records

Sub-Zero - S.M.D. (Sacramento's Most Dangerous) Vol. I

1 Sub-Zero Untitled 00:32
2 Sub-Zero, B-Boy K Yo! Listen Up 01:40
3 Sub-Zero, Herm Lewis The Ghetto 04:44
4 Sub-Zero, The Unforgiven U Can’t See Me 04:27
5 Sub-Zero, M Sane Livin’ The Life 04:56
6 Sub-Zero, Explicit Anotha Day / Anotha Dollar 05:54
7 Sub-Zero, No Shorts Takin’ Liquor Talkin’ 04:35
8 Sub-Zero, Gangsta Playaz GP Squad 04:24
9 Sub-Zero, Young Luck Down N Dirty Remix 04:42
10 Sub-Zero, Ebony, Swoop Dogg, Tone Evil Thoughts 05:16
11 Sub-Zero, AOD, C-Dubb, Lil’ G Somethin’ 2 Ride 2 05:07
12 Sub-Zero, Cold Sweat What About Us 04:32
13 Sub-Zero, HD Hold U Tight 04:53
14 Sub-Zero, 777, Bukc Shot (R.I.P.), C-Can, Juice C, LoKee, Mac Marsh, M Sane, Young Skee Mask Puttin’ It Down 13:56
15 Sub-Zero, Pharoahs Time Stands Still 03:54

Album info

Stepping into the golden age of hip-hop, Sub-Zero’s “S.M.D. (Sacramento’s Most Dangerous) Vol. I” encapsulates the rugged ethos and laid-back grooves that dominated the West Coast scene in the late ’90s. Released under Sub-Groove Records, this album manifests an authentic blend of Gangsta Rap and G-Funk, offering a sonic journey through life on the streets of Sacramento, California.

The album opens with an “Untitled” track that clocks in at just 29 seconds but sets the tone for what’s to come. It’s followed by “Yo! Listen Up,” featuring B-Boy K, a succinct but impactful track that grabs your attention right from the get-go. By the time the listener reaches “The Ghetto,” featuring Herm Lewis, it’s clear that this album seeks to tell stories from the underground—stories of struggle, ambition, and the resilience of community life.

Songs like “U Can’t See Me” and “Livin’ The Life” serve as pulsating anthems that flaunt catchy hooks and deep-cutting verses, keeping the listener both entertained and introspective. “Anotha Day / Anotha Dollar” offers lyrical depth by examining the grueling routine of street hustle, while “Liquor Talkin'” adds a seductive, if cautionary, layer to the album’s narrative.

One of the most compelling aspects of this project is its plethora of guest features, allowing the album to serve as a platform for emerging talents like Explicit, No Shorts Takin’, and the Gangsta Playaz. The 13-minute epic “Puttin’ It Down” is a tour de force, featuring an ensemble cast that turns the track into a mini hip-hop opera of sorts.

The production credits show a staggering level of detail, involving multiple recording and mixing studios such as Third Eye Records Studios, Selective Frequencies, and Crystal Clear Studio. The album is an in-house operation for Sub-Groove Records, from copyrights and distribution to the immaculate mastering work by Pat Olguin. The visual aspect isn’t neglected either, with the layout and design crafted by Andy Osburn and photography by Randy Kleitsch, contributing to a comprehensive artistic vision.

In sum, “S.M.D. (Sacramento’s Most Dangerous) Vol. I” stands as a cornerstone in Sacramento’s hip-hop history. Its deep roots in the local scene, combined with a universal appeal that transcends geographic boundaries, make it a must-listen for any fan of Gangsta Rap and G-Funk.