Music to move to.
Madd Hatta's album "All About Me" was a breath of fresh air in the Houston hip-hop scene when it was released in 1995. The album was originally titled "Funky Leftovers" and featured unused beats that
producer Crazy C had intended for other artists. Madd Hatta's hyper-focused state and lack of awareness of the transition of hip-hop caused the album to be out of touch with the current trend of music at the time.
However, the album showcased some great musicianship from local legends like Corey "Funky Fingaz" Stoot and Terrance "Bearwolf" Williams. The cover artwork by Kid Styles and a track called "Can I
Get A Little Love" featuring Fat Pat, Lil Keke, and Big Mello were standouts.
After the initial release received mixed reviews, Madd Hatta reworked and re-released the album under the title "Serious." The new version had a grittier album cover and featured more thought-provoking
material. The artist learned and grew from the experience, aligning more with the culture of hip-hop.
All About Me
Year Released: 1995
Number of Tracks: 17
Total Run Time: 1:00:01
The standout tracks from the album include "Can I Get A Lil Love," "Hangin'," and "Sumthin' Bout You." "Can I Get A Lil Love" was originally produced by Def Jam Blaster but was reworked with live
musicians and features a Houston posse track morphing into "Holla At'cha Boy" with vocals from Melanie McGee and MCs: 3*2, 350, Big Mello, Original E of OG Style, Lonnie Mac, Def Jam Blaster, DJ
Aggravated, and Jay Mac.
"Hangin'," produced by Crazy C and Madd Hatta, features an extended 12" disco mix. "Sumthin' Bout You," featuring J. Reale and produced by Crazy C, is a little love song ditty for the ladies, and one of Madd Hatta's favorite songs kissing up to the ladies.
Overall, "All About Me" is a fun album that showcased Madd Hatta's lighter side before hip-hop turned darker. It's a must-listen for any fan of Houston hip-hop and a reminder of a simpler time in the genre's
history.
Year Released: 1996
Number of Tracks: 13
Total Run Time: 0:51:52
"Serious" was my second album released under my Radio DJ alias, Madd Hatta, before transitioning into my rap persona, Mista Madd. The goal was to create a clear separation between my radio DJ persona and my budding MC identity, which I would fully embrace on my third album.
As I began work on the album, I realized that the hip-hop landscape
had changed significantly since my first release, "All About Me." I
wanted to showcase a more serious side of myself as an artist, one
that was distinct from my upbeat and fun-loving radio persona. I made the decision to reject the more lighthearted tracks from "All About Me" and focus on darker, more introspective songs that I had initially deemed too intense for my radio audience.
This decision led to a clear divide between my DJ and MC personas,
which was reflected in the labeling of the two sides of the album:
"The Serious Side" and "The Less Serious Side." While I enjoyed
working with producers like Crazy C and Mr. Swift, I felt that the
album fell short of its full potential.
Serious
Despite this, there were standout tracks on the album. "Something Bout You" remains the most popular track on streaming platforms, although it indicates that my darker MC identity was not yet fully developed. "Hangin" is still a fan favorite, while "Wit My Homiez" offers a gritty revision of "Hangin" with a more aggressive delivery and darker musical landscape.
Now fully dedicated to my Madd Hatta-DJ persona, I acknowledge that my MC identity has yet to reach its full potential, but this was a result of my own choices rather than anyone else's.
Year Released: 1997
Number of Tracks: 20
Total Run Time: 1:09:23
Mista Madd's third album, "The pH Factor", is an immersive experience that showcases the artist's final transition into his rap persona. The album's artwork, designed by Clyde Bazile Jr., aka BlackatProductions, sets the tone for the concept of the album, which is all about "The Player Hating Factor." Madd's frustration with the raw deal he felt he was getting is reflected in much of the album's subject matter, as he delves deep into his struggle with people's perceptions of him.
The production of "The pH Factor" is mostly handled by Crazy C, with Madd producing, co-producing, and re-doing tracks throughout. The album leans into a darker side of Madd's persona, but there are also fun moments to be found. "Swangin'" kicks off the album with a bang, Featuring Grim & Ikeman of The Mosted Hated and C-Note of The Botany Boyz.
The pH Factor
The standout tracks on "The pH Factor" are "Say What'cha Wanna Say," an ode to the "Hate" Madd felt during his DJ days, which is also the most streamed track on the album. "Can I Get A Lil' Luv" and its remix, "Give Me Sum Luv," feature rap legends Big Mello, Lil Keke, and Fat Pat, and marks Madd's obsession with pulling tracks from one album and putting them on another to grow his fanbase.
Looking back on "The pH Factor" years later, Madd sees it as a struggle, but it ultimately led to his standout single release, "Say What'cha Wanna Say." While the album's attempt to separate the rapper from the DJ may not have been entirely successful, it is still recognized by many as the work of Mista Madd.
Year Released: 1999
Number of Tracks: 15
Total Run Time: 1:00:13
Mista Madd & The Supa Thuggz, Mista Madd's fourth album is a timeless masterpiece that showcases the finest talents in the Houston music scene. The album's lead single, "Down South," became an instant hit and has since become a southern classic that still packs dance floors today.
The album's original concept was to create a compilation of original songs featuring Houston's most renowned artists, and it delivered on that promise. The list of guest appearances is a veritable who's who of Houston icons, including Slim Thug, Yungstar, Willie D of The Geto Boys, C-Note and Will Lean of The Botany Boys, D of Trinity Garden Cartel, Big Mello, Fat Pat, Lil Keke, Lil Flip, E.S.G., South Park Mexican, Lil Troy, Harvey Luv, and many more.
Mista Madd & The Supa Thuggz
Crazy C produced most of the album, with contributions from DJ DMD, Mike B, and a few previously released tracks remixed for good measure. The album's standout tracks include the sultry "World Gone Crazy," featuring Ronnie Spencer and a sample from Phyllis Hyman, as well as the infectious "Can I Get A Lil Luv," available in various remixes.
Overall, Mista Madd & The Supa Thuggz album is a must-listen for any fan of Houston's rap scene, a masterpiece of Southern hip hop that still resonates with listeners decades later.
Year Released: 2000
Number of Tracks: 14
Total Run Time: 1:00:07
Mista Madd, the Houston rapper known for his distinctive style and
unapologetic attitude is back with his fifth album, "Can I Live". This time around, Madd is feeling differently, as he reflects on his success with his Paid In Full Entertainment and Soulmuzick Recordings labels, which now boasts an impressive roster of artists including Paul Wall, Chamillionaire, 50/50 Twin, Sabwarfare, OG Ron C, and an entire gospel music lineup.
Despite his achievements, Madd finds himself thinking more about "hatred," which he explores in the album's thought-provoking tracks. Madd's signature style is in full effect throughout "Can I Live," as he effortlessly delivers clever rhymes and witty punchlines over catchy beats.
Can I Live?
While Madd admits that he initially thought it would be easy to find another hit after "Say What'cha Wanna Say'' and "Down South," he still managed to deliver some cool moments on this album. "Krunk" featuring Lil Mario and Sabwarfare is a standout track, as well as "Nevah," a confident and boastful rap anthem that showcases Madd's lyrical skills.
The album also features Madd's previously released hit single "Down South," as well as "A Lil Luv" featuring South Park Mexican, a late-night ride down the highway jam that perfectly captures Madd's unique style.
Overall, "Can I Live" is a solid addition to Mista Madd's already impressive discography, showcasing his growth as an artist while staying true to his roots. This album is a must-listen for any fan of Southern hip-hop and is sure to leave listeners craving more from this talented rapper.
Year Released: 2007
Number of Tracks: 22 including Bonus tracks
Total Run Time: 1:29:00
Mista Madd's sixth and final album of the 2000s, "Still Standing," is a double disc that showcases his resilience in the face of adversity. After the success of his labels, Paid In Full Entertainment and Soulmuzick Recordings, Madd found himself abandoned and going it alone. However, he delivers a powerful rebuttal to his haters with this album, proving that even when facing a crisis, he is "Still
Standing."
The album features production from the entire Paid In Full Entertainment production staff of Beatco, as well as some tracks produced by Madd himself. Notably, the album includes re-imaginings of "Down South" featuring former artists Chamillionaire, 50/50 Twin, and Yung Ro, as well as a jazzed-up version of "Thoed" featuring Paul Wall and E.S.G.
Still Standing
Standout features include Lil Flip on "Everywhere I Go" and "U Don't Want It" featuring Slim Thug and Bun B. However, the biggest hit and the final hit of Madd's career came from a sleeper track never intended for release, "After The Club," featuring Houston rap icon H.A.W.K. and Dallas. The track gained regional popularity and had listeners blushing.
Despite dealing with dysfunction after some of his artists left, Madd remained unwavering in the storm, playing in several rap categories throughout the album. "Still Standing" is a testament to his perseverance and is a must-listen for any fan of Southern hip-hop.
