VA – 14 Fathoms Deep (CD) (1996) (FLAC + 320 kbps)

While it gets props for being the first Seattle-area hip-hop compilation to feature the nascent scene of the late 1990s, 14 Fathoms Deep is the aural equivalent of baby steps especially when compared to later albums (Walkman Rotation being the best of the lot). That said, there are standouts here: Ghetto Children’s “Court in Session” is fun (the opening line, “We’re going to get medieval on your but-tocks,” is laugh-out-loud funny), lyrically smooth, and features an irresistibly catchy bass-plucking hook; Source of Labor distinguish themselves as truly original and interesting MCs on “Cornbread”; Mad Fanatic and RagChyld deliver a smooth rap over Mr. Supreme’s production on “Official Members”; and Kylin, a female trio removed from the East Coast need to prove that women can be as hard as men, unveil a creative delivery on “Can” that points the way to a more artistic future for hip-hop. Negus 1’s backing track and the trio’s strong vocals make the track an instant classic.

Tracklist:

01. Sinsemilla – Drastic Measures
02. 22nd Precinct – Great Outdoors
03. Mad Fanatic – Official Members
04. DMS – Keep Da Change
05. Source of Labor – Cornbread
06. Ghetto Children – Court’s in Session
07. Narcotic – All Up In My Mix
08. Jace – Ghetto Star
09. Kylin – Can
10. Prose and Concepts – Higher Places
11. NS of The O.N.E. Corp. – Insomniack MuseIck
12. Blind Council – Interrogation
13. Union of Opposites – Continuations
14. The Crew Clockwise – A New Day

Download:

FLAC – Wayshare

320 kbps – Wayshare