"Enta Da Stage" At Your Own Risk

1993 was a breakout year for hip hop. It was a time that was far from the days of rented mansions and jewels for videos and young white girls who think hip hop is about getting your "Chicken Noodle Dance" on. If you could not catch wreck lyrically, you would not be allowed to "Enta Da Stage" but would get tossed off it like PM Dawn. Nobody had to beef with anybody just to be somebody. The motto of the day was "commercial rap get the gun clapp" NOT "Get Rich or Die Trying". Yes, the glory days of the nine tray may be long gone but the memories they envoke will live with true heads forever! One such record that hit us like a phat timb boot to the grill out of nowhere was the debut magnum opus by Black Moon.

"Enta Da Stage" is the most darkest, uncompromising albums I own. Never has an emcee painted such vivid pictures which actually made me feel as if I was in the heart of Bucktown U.S.A. Where most run of the mill gangsta rappers plays the role of dracula (Bitin' and Suckin') Buckshot was realistic without being materialistic. His menacing flow and disturbingly surreal imagery send chills down my spine. You can feel the hunger in his voice. Da Beatminerz on the flip side creates a template of dark lo-fi rhythmic basslines, haunting strings, and creepy bells and chimes which whistle in and out every 4-8 bars.

"Who Got The Props" sounds as hypnotizing as it was when Headz weren't ready for it in 1992. "How Many Emcees" displays the true chemistry of Black Moon with an unforgettable Krs-One sample on the chorus. Although "I Got Cha Opin" and "Buck 'Em Down" would be revamped into stronger versions, they still hold their own. Especially, the former whose bassline would be jacked a dozen times more. I could go on about the strength of each song. Everything is a banger (even "Powaful Impak" which was proclaimed a bumpy song on a bumpin' album by Ego Trips Book of Rap Lists).

Even though "Enta Da Stage" is a stone cold classic, you should enter at your own risk. Da Beatminerz shine behind the boards and lyrically ("Son Get Wrek" is an ILL overlooked solo) but some of their lyrics can make adults cringe. Check the Evil Dee verse on "Ack Like U Want It". Lines like "Now I'm taking all you own/ Plus I'm f******' your wife/After that my man's, gonna hit your only daughter/ And leave her body floating in some bloody bath water/, (DAMN Evil, take it easy on 'em)are NOT for the feint of heart.

In conclusion, the brave and strong at stomach will rejoice. Unfortunately, the Moon never got the props they really deserved from all audiences. Their debut received 4 stars from the then credible Source which were the same ratings that the "Doggystyles" and "Midnight Marauders" of the world was receiving at the time. Like so many videos at that time, Black Moons videos repped their street corners to the fullest making you feel like they came from the most poverty stricken, crime related projects in the world. After listening to this, don't be surprised if you find yourself on the corner stompin' out wack emcee troops with your big black timb bootz. The best album from one of the greatest crews in hip hop history. Nuff Said!