Various – The Best Of Black Market Records 2000

Album info

At the turn of the millennium, Black Market Records cemented its role as a leading platform for authentic, unfiltered Gangsta hip-hop with the release of “Best of Black Market Records 2000.” The compilation, catalogued under BMR2000D, is an auditory journey through some of the rawest, most captivating tracks that defined the label’s brand. Released in the United States in the year 2000, the album collates works from a host of standout artists, capturing the ethos of the street and reflecting the cultural turbulence of the time.

From the curtain-raiser, “The Love of Drama” by Cevan Segal, you’re hooked into a narrative woven with passion, pain, and unapologetic realism. Brotha Lynch Hung’s tracks like “One Mo Pound (Remix)” and “Rest In Piss (Remix)” offer a dark and gritty lens into the inner workings of the street, while Mr. Doctor’s “Treat ‘Em Like” continues the theme with its penetrating beats and honest lyrics.

Among the key tracks is X-Raided’s “Check Yo Bitch,” a brutal examination of loyalty and betrayal, followed by the enigmatic “Trial By Fury (Remix)” featuring Nefarious. The diversity in artists and styles offers listeners a panoramic view of what Black Market Records represented in the landscape of Gangsta hip-hop.

Adding to the dynamic are tracks like “Parkin Lot (Remix)” by Triple Beam and “Bounce Shake” by PCO, which infuse the compilation with an energy that makes it hard to sit still. These are complemented by songs that evoke a haunting sense of despair, such as “Walking To My Funeral” by Brotha Lynch Hung.

The production team led by K.G. and executive producer Cedric Singleton have done a commendable job at showcasing an authentic soundscape that pays homage to the genre. The cover art by Phantom and layout by Cedsing add visual layers to this already complex auditory experience.

In a nutshell, “Best of Black Market Records 2000” is not just a collection of tracks but a historical document capturing the quintessence of Gangsta hip-hop at its most potent. It serves as a reflective mirror for a genre often misunderstood, yet culturally significant, making it an indispensable asset for any aficionado of raw, unadulterated hip-hop.