The Crash Crew / DJ Small – The Crash Crew Is Back / Summer Fun (VLS) (1995) (FLAC + 320 kbps)

The six-man Crash Crew recorded a few old school anthems, one of which (“High Powered Rap”) was released before Grandmaster Flash found a hit with the same jam (as “Freedom”). Based in Harlem’s Lincoln Projects, the collective was formed by high-school friends E.K. Mike C, Reggie Reg (Reginald Payne), La Shubee, Barry Bistro, G-Man, and DJ Darryl C (Darryl Calloway).

Beginning around 1977, gigs at block parties and Harlem’s Club 197 gave them experience, and E.K. Mike C’s studio connection gave them a chance to record much earlier than most other rappers. Borrowing from the funk track “Get up and Dance” by Freedom, Crash Crew recorded a short demo named “High Powered Rap” and sold the self-released single to fans at shows.

Time hasn’t recorded whether Sugar Hill got the idea for a new recording based on the song from Crash Crew or some other source, but regardless, the first national hit for Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five was 1980’s “Freedom,” based on the same song. The group’s first release on Sugar Hill, the single reached the R&B charts – it was indeed far superior to Crash Crew’s version – and caused some enmity between the two acts.

Here’s The Crash Crew’s “The Crash Crew Is Back” produced by Teddy Riley and originally recorded in 1987. B-side features DJ Small (The Son Of Hollywood) and “Summer Fun” originally recorded in 1981. Enjoy!

Tracklist:

A1. The Crash Crew – The Crash Crew Is Back (Vocal)
A2. The Crash Crew – The Crash Crew Is Back (Instrumental)
B1. DJ Small (The Son Of Hollywood) – Summer Fun (Vocal)
B2. DJ Small (The Son Of Hollywood) – Summer Fun (Instrumental)

Download:

FLAC – Wayshare

320 kbps – Wayshare