One of those records that creeped up in a bunch of unexpected places but at the time, was a cult item. Many of which - including Beck's "Where It's At" - were apparently uncredited. The duo's electro-tech approach to rap got quickly buried in the coming avalanche of sample-dependent story-telling, but pockets outside of the mainstream were paying attention…as in, outside New York, for sure.
Before rap records had that assembly-bling look, here was a gangsta rap record that certainly didn't glorify the lifestyle. The other change is a welcome variation in beats and some attempt to bring in mundane but humorous themes ("I Don't Dance"). But don't get it twisted, it's still an extremely grim, hardcore rap record ("Compton's Lynchin", "Def Wish"), and a fairly compelling one.
KRS-One produced and has his hands all over Just-Ice's third effort, which mixes in some dancehall tracks with his typical bravado-filled excursions. I would say, in spite of the celebrity assistance, his hardcore self-deprecating style never fails to come through ("Welfare Recipients").
Probably the most underground sounding rap record of 1986, hands down. His wild persona is actually drowned out by Mantronix's bizarre production, which matches the mood and feel of the album cover to a tee.
