Brand Nubian

When i first got this album to didnt really like it. But a few months later i played it and feel in love. Dope lyrics and amazing beats are all thats on here. Speaking on racial issues and changing who you are. Every track is worth playing. Feels so Good is a track about girls changing who they are and being fake, guys just want a real girl thats natural, Believe that. Ragtime, Drop the Bomb and Slow Down are amazing track. Listen to Slow Down and tell me you dont love it. If you like ATCQ or Dela i would recommend that you get this album soon. Very underrarted.

Old School Hip Hop at its VERY best. The tracks are timeless and beats and lyrics still can't be topped!

Timeless classic by my favorite 5 percent brothers. sadat x, lord jamal, and grand puba's debut blew me away then and still supplies me with my hip hop fix antime I need it. Subject matter that was relevant then and still can apply to today's issues is another reason why this album will always matter in hip hop history. If you don't have this one your collection is suffering.

ONE FOR ALL............IS ALL FOR ONE............I HIT A BEAT AND SWING A NOTE AS IF MY NAME IS DAVID RUFFIN...............from that point, i can listen to this at a plethora of angles and still not get tired of it. best DEDICATION track EVER!!!!!!! they just don't make 'em like this anymore, and it's a shame. the sinistral one TO THE RIGHT!!!!!!

The message may steer some people away, but you cannot deny the genius of their flow. These brothers could rap circles around most dudes.

Top Joints:
Step To the Rear (Puba Shines)
One For All
Concerto in X Minor (Sadat's Tight Solo Spot)
Dance To My Ministry (Jamar's Tight Joint)
Ragtime (Great Flows on here)
Wake Up
Slow Down (Great message for crackheads)

FINALLY US OLD HEADS GET A CHANCE TO REMEMBER WHAT REAL HIP-HOP IS LIKE. IN THE ERA OF THE BLING, MUCH OF THE ART OF STRAIGHT RHYMING HAS BEEN LOST, BUT YET-THERE ARE THOSE FEW- LIKE AN OASIS ON THE HORIZON-WHO CAN TAKE US BACK TO WHAT RAP WAS INTENED TO BE. FROM THE SMOKY-VOICED LEADERSHIP OF GRAND PUBA TO THE LAID BACK SADAT AND LORD JAMAR COMES THE ESSENCE OF THE GAME. WHEN WE WERE HUNGRY TO FIND OUR RIGHTFUL PLACE IN HISTORY AND THE BOOKS WOULDN'T TAKE US, THEY GAVE US A TASTE OF WHAT IT FELT LIKE TO THINK OF OURSELVES AS GODS AND GODESSES...SO MUCH OF WHAT WE COULD USE A DOSE OF TODAY...DON'T LET IT GO TO YOUR HEAD....

Back in '89, when I first heard Brand Nubians droppin' science, I knew these guys were gonna' be a force to be reckoned with in the Hip-Hop world. First off, the Brand Nu's are ill MC's! Each one, with their unique, yet compatible styles. Both of their '89 classic singles are included in this compilation and those are; "Brand Nubians" the classic, obscure single breaking down the whole science behind their names and opening your third eye to the whole esoterics and doctrines of the 5% Nation of Islam. And the funky, feel good "FEELS SO GOOD" a bouncy, party track. The rest are classics, as to expect anything less from the Brand Nu's. All the hits are here from their first release (back when it was the original 3). And the classics that they dropped when Grand Puba went on his solo mission. Also, some of Grand Puba's solo material is present, as well. Brand Nubians been putting it down from the conscious era to the Boom-Bap era. True Hip-Hop vets and this is their best of. Classic East Coast sh*t!!

Brand Nubian were one of the essential NY hip hop groups of the early 90s. Make no mistake - they were opportunists. When it suited them to have a conscience on the first album, they rapped "I wanted to be violent but I'm a lover of black mothers/and black mothers need sons/not children that've been killed by guns." Of course, by the time the next album came out it was all about the gangsta. Hence: "Pass Me The Gat/I gotta fight back/I ain't rollin' over on my MF-in' back". (yawn).

In any case, make no mistake, all that aside, this group WAS great. Puba, Sadat X, and Lord Jamar each had very distinctive styles and were great rappers (Puba the best, obviously) and the beats were usually great.

It's easy to nitpick over song selection though: You only needed the LP version of "Slow Down" and could have left off the horrible "Feels So Good" and mediocore "Allah Akbar". If you like this album and want to check out more, check out "Concerto In X Minor", "The Godz Must Be Crazy" and "Pass The Gat" from the Brand Nubes and "Ya Know How It Goes", "Who Makes The Loot?", "I Like It", and "Soul Controller" from Puba's albums.

Tribe's one of my all-time favorites because I love the wordplay and the sheer musicality of it (as opposed to harsh MCs over hook-free tracks or super-sellout bling-blingers rappin' over a Neptunes track).

This album just absolutely kicks. The lyrics are there, the beats are there, the hooks are there... what more could you ask for? I'd put it up there with the aforementioned Tribe and other classic acts like De la Soul.

Tribe Called Quest?...nope! E.P.M.D.... no! Sonny & Cher.... hell no!...Brand Nubian was the group that broke my heart when they broke up to go solo. One just didn't work for me without the other. Grand Pupa put out a few nice tracks but never a solid CD and the same for the other half of Brand Nubian. This CD takes all of their great gems and pack them into one phat, blazing CD. This crew brought "knowledge of self" to the hip-hop game along with Grand Puba's claim of putting "Tommy Hilfiger" in the hip-hop main stream.....anyway....This CD also includes some of the hard to find remixes that were not included on the original releases. My gems are: "Drop The Bomb", "Wake Up (Reprise In The Sunshine)", "Slow Down (Pete Rock's Newromix)", "360 Degrees (What Goes Around)", "Don't Let It Go To Your Head", "Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down (Remix featuring Diamond D)", "Love Me Or Leave Me Alone" and a few others. Not all my favorites are here but still a gem to have. This CD is a must for any fan of Brand Nubian.

oNe

The long awaited reunion album from Puba, Sadat, Jamar and Alamo after 8years or so was herald by so many hiphop fans worldwide. The fact that it was the full original line-up made it that bit more special. Production throughout the album is tight from the likes of Dj Premier, Buckwild, Showbiz and Alamo to name afew. The lyrics are exactly what you would expect from such conscious+positive speaking mc's, with social commentaries throughout it mixed with the perfect bragging battle rap type rhymes from Puba in particular. All mc's brought their A-game to the table which really made this what it is. There are afew duds on show such as "Let's Dance", "Back Up Off The Wall", "Sincerely", "Love Vs. Hate" and "Too Late" which sounded abit forced at times even though the messages in some were so profound+important. However tracks like "Shinin' Star", "Don't Let It Go To Your Head", "Maybe One Day", "I'm Black And I'm Proud", "Probable Cause" and "U For Me" fit much better into the whole vibe of the album and most importantly, got their messages across in a funkier and more accessible way. The best moments for me, from the straight up head nodding angle, were "The Return" (perfect comeback joint produced by Premier), "Brand Nubian", "Straight Outta Now Rule" and "Foundation". Absolute soundbombs coupled with dynamite lyrics from all 3 mcs. One other bonus is that all the lyrics are printed, which I love, so you can read them and really digest their messages better. Better+more consistent than "Everything Is Everything" in my opinion.

Now, Lord Jamar and Sadat X dropped two excellent albums after Puba's departure from Brand Nubian, but with Puba, Brand Nubian is easily beyond compare. Such a strong group/movement. Suprisingly, eight years later, they hit us with the proper sequel to the debut classic "One For All." This album stands right up there with "One For All," and I can see if some listeners might prefer this one.
Brand Nubian leaves behind most of the religious rhetoric and negative comments toward the "devils," yet this album is all about uplifting and healing the listeners, especially the Black community. For 20 tracks, the album flows quite nicely. There is only one noticable eyesore which is having "Let's Dance" and "Back Up Off The Wall" consecutively, since they are both light dance-type tracks. The former(ft. Busta Rhymes) is acceptable, but "Back Up Off The Wall"(ft. the pre-Bad Boy Loon) is half-assed. Having the two back-to-back definitely cramps the flow of the CD. The only other questionable track is "Too Late," which sounds like it should be on a Faith Evans album or something.
The first half of the album has a nice variety of sounds and vibes. It keeps you VERY attuned. "Don't Let It Go To Your Head" lives up to the hype as a standout track, and "Maybe One Day"(Grand Puba w/ Common) is a stellar song. Kinda sad, but hits home. The best song here is easily "Love vs. Hate," with a chilling beat, and lyrics from the three that might bring you to tears because how beatifully written it is. Here's Grand Puba's verse that started it off:
Now they say we playa hating cause we hate the black on black/
and the fact we can't stand when e act like that/
Self-hate's killing us more than the Po-Po or crack/
I tell my people with the gats it ain't about all that/
We arrived on slave ships, tourtured, chained, and whipped/
400 years of being slaves in the land of the brave/
Have we forgotten? Our ancestors forced to pick cotton/
Women raped and tortured, murdered if they caught ya/
N****s swung from trees like a breeze through summer leaves/
Swaying back and forth failed a chance to make it north/
Millions of people died just so we can survive/
So this knowledge I provide cause these facts can't be denied/
Nowadays, it's new ways, 60's it was the smack/
80's it was the crack, 90's it be the gat/
Time to recognize how uncivilized we got/
Get wise and unify and not fall victim to the plot

The last track, "U For Me," is kind of an update of the "One For All" motto, and one of the better songs of the album. Lord Jamar's verse is one of the best I've ever heard in a Hiphop song. Peep:
We engage the enemy, Arrange the assembly/
Flip through the pages of time, do you remember me?/
Through the ages I existed, only as a memory/
Some of me exists in your biochemistry/
I be the slave that always misbehaves, running for days/
The North Star help me find my way/
I ain't got no time to play, I'm trying to get away/
Blood hounds tryin to track me down/
Trying to bring me back to the town/
If they catch me, they just might axe me/
Won't arraign me, probably just hang me/
But it's freedom or death, exert speed till my last breath/
Can't half step, Whitey's on my trail/
I'm on the underground rail, hiding from the face that's pale/
Me and Harriet, swing low sweet chariot, and take me home/
They wanna break my bones/
and take me where they keep the tombstones.

I'll just put the whole album in perspective:
GREAT songs:
Love vs. Hate
Don't Let It Go To Your Head
Maybe One Day(ft. Common)
U For Me
GOOD songs:
Shinin' Star (good postive anthem)
The Return (fat DJ Premier beat)
Sincerely (believable sensitive track to the females)
Foundation
The Beat Change (harder beat; short track, no chorus, just rhyme slingin')
I'm Black and I'm Proud (acceptable update, positive verses)
Probable Cause (less serious track about biased policemen)
MEDIOCRE songs:
Straight Outta Now Rule
Brand Nubian
Let's Dance (ft. Busta Rhymes)
THROWAWAYS:
Back Up Off The Wall (ft. Loon)
Too Late

This is an album every Hiphop head needs to have, even though it's out of print. I found this used, and in the wrong section of the store, luckily! It has nice and modern production, and like I said, a wide variety of (fresh) sounds. I agree with a previous reviewer: Sadat X seems to ramble off on irrelevant things at points. He does drop some solid verses, but usually it's Jamar or Puba carrying the track. Puba's insight and wittiness was welcomed back ("Make more chips than Frito Lays when I spit the phrase that pays"), but Jamar's excellent contribution throughout gives him the title of THE essential Nubian who's been down all along (IMO). When I think of Brand Nubian, first one that comes to my mind is Lord Jamar from now on. Get this album by any means necessary, and let the Nubian brothers heal and enlighten you today. PEACE.

Brand Nubian released this fourth "reunion" album after a four year hiatus where all of their members were doing their own things. Lord Jamar did production work and Sadat X dropped "Wild Cowboys". This album features the original Brand Nubian roster: Grand Puba, Lord Jamar, Sadat X and DJ Alamo. They show they still have the chemistry they had when they first started, and can still balance street songs with positive "Native Tounge" themed songs without coming across as hippocrites, but where they are lacking in this album is where a lot of MCs are messing up nowadays; with trying to sound like the trendier artists. There are two songs like the cheesy "Let's Dance (w/ Busta Rhymes) and "Back Up off the Wall (w/ Loon from Harlem World) where they seem more interested in generating something radio friendly than in staying true. But don't get me wrong, those two songs are the exception to the rule on this album and would be 5 stars without them. There are a lot of awesome songs on this album; the single "Don't Let it Go to your Head" features each of the three mcs telling their own story about people/events where people went in too deep, "The Return" is an ill collabo with DJ Premier, fans of Gangstarr and DITC will definitely like this release. DITC reps hard on this album on the production tip, as Diamond, Buckwild, Lord Finesse and DJ Ogee all contribute great beats to this album. Definitely recommended but not as great as their first three albums which are virtually flawless.

Brand Nubian - Foundation (Arista, 1998)

Having gone from Elektra to Arista, Lord Jamar, DJ Alamo, Sadat X and (welcome back) Grand Puba Maxwell, released their comeback album in 1998. DJ Premier's "The Return", Buckwild's "Straight Outta Now Rule" and "Brand Nubian (1998 version)" all have great beats and hot rhymes. In terms of dopeness, Puba is first, Datty-X is second, and Jamar third. They do slip up when they try to go mainstream on us: "Don't Let It Go to Your Head" is hot but "Too Late" is not. Also, Alamo is largely absent on this album while other producers handle the album. Maybe that's why he's not in the group anymore? -EJR

The east coast emcee quartet Brand Nubian has quietly been manufacturing soulful, funky, and unique records for years. Their 1998 "Foundation" is the last album they released together although Sadat X and Grand Puba appear on the masterpeiece "Handsome Boy Modeling School," and the Pudgee the Phat Bastard single "Think Big" and Datty released "The State of New York vs Derek Murphy." "Foundation" is a record with strong grooves, quality production, traditional but conscious lyrics, and four very talented emcees. It's really more like a 3.5 star record, as the record grips the listener with a smooth intro, a great opening track, a bevy of guest artists including Common Sense, and a solid all-around quality to the album. Pretty much anything BN drops is hot, so this record is highly recommended.

Sadat & Jamar held it DOWN for the UNDERGROUND. This record has a little of everything when it comes to topics. Both MC's really out did themselves from beginning to end. All the songs hold your attention and keep your head noddin the whole way through. Easily considered a HIP HOP CLASSIC. Highly recommended!

this album came out in 1992,2 years after their 1990 one for all album,this is their first time making a album without grand puba, puba wanted to make a solo album so he came out with his first album reel to reel,which came out the same year,but anyways back to the album, they really stepped their game up lyrical-wise,production wise,etc.and this is the first time you hear them curse on a record,my only concern with this album is that they don't have the video version of Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down,i like the original which is produced by diamond but i like the remix better,standout tracks are allah u akbar,pass the gat,the godz...,and love me or leave me alone,this is recommended for fans of brand nubian and real hip hop fans,

p.s. if u don't cop this album then remember this,''pumks jump up to get beat down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

After lead man Grand Puba left, it was skeptical that Brand Nubian could do it again. In God We Trust is their sophomore effort that surprised all non-believers of their strength. This album is composed of beliefs, religion, street smarts, upliftment, positivity, lyricism, love, injustice and just raw talent when most rap / hip-hop doesn't contain even partial of the ingredients of this LP. Twelve of the fourteen songs on this album were produced by Brand Nubian themselves as the created a formula that would identify them as a whole. "Allah U Akbar" is more like a praise or acknowledgement of a superior being to begin this album off. "...put your Bible in the attic / cause I didn't come for static..." taken from Sadat X as they profess their beliefs that the black man is the true and living God on "Ain't No Mystery". They take us on a heist and back to the streets on "Pass The Gat". Leading us to the promise land or back to Africa as they navigate us on this trip on the "Black Star Line" featuring Red Foxx. The short and sweet "Allah And Justice" is a song featuring all three members 'singing' a four bar verse each and sharing the last as this song is almost like an up-beat prayer. They prove how they can adapt to any climate on "The Godz..." with lyrics by Sadat X as such "...some days I wake up mad and I don't feel like hearing sh*t, what you are talking to the curb jack, you don't even know me..." If you still didn't believe that they can hold it down missing a member, "Brand Nubian Rock The Set" will prove otherwise. They get a little personal with the relationship tune, "Love Me Or Leave Me Alone" and quickly turn to how after performing they'll "Steal Ya 'Ho". They tackle problems and question the industry of bootleggers on "Steady Bootleggin'". "Black And Blue" is a story about bad black cops that believe they are above the law. Last but not least, "Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down" produced by Diamond D ended this album off on the note it began and the only thing here missing is the remix to it. Sadat X, Lord Jamar and Sincere offered more than just the sweets, they offered a healthy alternative to what we are used to.

Brand Nubian had a nice run of three CD's that are all 5 Mic territory. It is a shame they are not bigger now because the music and the lyrics on this CD are top of the line. From Political to religious to there styles. It's all very good.

The Brand Nubian 'movement' could have folded after Grand Puba opted out after their first album(the classic "All For One"). Thankfully, just two years after the debut, Lord Jamar and Sadat X returned, along with DJ Sincere, carrying on the Brand Nubian name and the teachings of the 5% of Islam. Here, you get to know Sadat and Jamar much better, since Puba had so much solo time on the debut album. Sadat X's nasaly, high-pitched voice and fluctuating quick flow is a perfect contrast to Lord Jamar's strong and steady flow. Yes, this album is much darker than "All For One." They do reference guns and physical violence often throughout, and the swearing increases ten-fold. I'm not complaining, just addressing the differences.
This is such are different cd than "All For One," so one listen will not be enough to judge and comprehend. The biggest hits back in its day from this album were "Love Me or Leave Me Alone" and "Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down," both memorable. There are a couple worthwhile inclusions here, like "Meaning of the 5%," just a recording of a powerful speech on the topic(Farrakan?), and "Allah and Justice," which has just singing and praising. They kick up the intensity on bangers like "Travel Jam" and "Brand Nubian Rock The Set," both pretty good. "Pass The Gat" is an angry jam, one I don't mind too much. "Steal Ya Ho" seemed like just filler to me(they get freaky here), and "Steady Bootleggin'" wasn't too interesting, but at least they try a different topic. "Black Star Line" contains some really solid lyrics from Sadat and Jamar, but Red Foxx's reggae style just goes on and on and on and nearly ruins the song.
"Ain't No Mystery" was easily the strongest song, I thought. Also "Black and Blue" was noteworthy: a dark, telltale track about cop and black-on-black violence. I really liked the music on this one! The other two standouts were "Allah U Akbar" and "The Godz(Must Be Crazy)." The cd is more mellow than "All For One," although some jams were included. I found that pretty much all the tracks had something good about them in their own ways. Brand Nubian began to get very militant about their religious beliefs. I'm wondering if their religion really supports excessive swearing, radical physical violence, smoking ganja, and sleeping with whomever, whenever, like Brand Nubain offers. Oh well, I like this cd a lot and at least they are MC's dedicated to something.
While I didn't miss Grand Puba's presence on "In God We Trust," I will agree that something seemed to be missing in the Brand Nubian vibe and chemistry here. I think that this was a new Brand Nubian, and they still excelled given the circumstances. Hard to say which of them tear it up more, both Sadat and Jamar have their shining moments. This shouldn't be one of the first albums to start your old-school Hiphop collection, but keep your eye out for it every time you go to the store. I had much trouble trying to find this! Definitely a worthwhile listen.

After the reunion album "Foundation" in '98 many, myself included, thought Brand Nubian were back for good. They kind of disappeared off the charts again after that for afew years but this time they didnt benefit from it. Grand Puba dropped the average "Understand This" then came this. Although this is FAR from wack, it just isnt as tight as "Foundation". They handle all the production themselves so there's no phat DJ Premier, Showbiz or Buckwild tracks to rock to. For the most part Lord Jamar handles 90% of it+does a good job. Theres some excellent tracks such as "Who Wanna Be A Star?", "Young Son", "Where Are You Now?" and "Just Don't Learn". However unlike another reviewer I felt it became dead sonically+predictable over the next few tracks "Still Livin In The Ghetto", "Momma" and "Got A Knot". "Coming Years" is a jazzy, soulful joint with a wonderful message and is classic Brand Nubian. "Whatever Happened...?" is where the group go through their history before and after getting their deal over an average sounding beat that they still manage to pull off. "Always Mine" is on the same level as the 1st 4 tracks. Great beats+rhymes from all 3 mcs. One of the best tracks on show here. "Ooooh Child" is a remake that sounded just abit dated to me. It doesnt really add anything new to the pot. Finally "Soldier's Story" brings the proceedings to a close. Its a dedication of sorts to fallen comrades thats rocked over a rolling, army drummer type beat. Its certainly different sound than they are normally associated with as Puba chants "I dont know what you've been told, but Brand Nubian never sells its soul", true facts. Nice addition if you're die-hard Nubian fan.

as only you would expect from some masters of the game that are true pioneers. So many jewels dropped for the younger generation as well as a sweet ode to all the mothers of the world doing their job on the trak Mama. Much love to the god body mcs, recommended for the hip hop purists who love that music that touches your soul and feeds your head, aint that what music's supposed to do?

I have been listening to and buying dozens of the hip-hop "classics" over the last couple of years, and I heard that Brand Nubian was coming out with a new album about a month before it would drop. I was not yet familiar with them, but I had heard comparisons to Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul and I bought Nubian's "One For All" to gear up for this release. It took a few listens, but eventually I embraced that album and was looking forward to this one.
These were my feelings after I heard the first four songs on "Fire In The Hole": The three of them had been listening to too much commercial hip-pop over the last six years; drugs, sex, anger, thug-life and other tempting evils had finally gotten to them; drugs can ruin great minds (just assuming, they look high in the photo on the inside cover); they know that this isn't going to sell to the masses so why do they have to follow today's ever-changing rap trends; and what happened to their Islam morals and priciples? I was definitely worried for what I was in for, and I took a little time in between before I started the cd up at track 5.
This is where I started to have a change of heart. "Still Livin' In The Ghetto" is a strong joint and tracks 4-8 are the shining moment in this album. The last two are solid as well. I began to understand their angle and listening through tracks 1-4 again was tolerable after this realization. "Young Son" is a strong effort, and "Just Don't Learn" became my favorite track, with an mind-boggling great third verse.
It was just hard to stomach at first because of the strong swearing and dark imagery that they offer. They definitely have changed over the last 14 years. You don't get any 5% Islam rhetoric but many of the songs contain an uplifting or valuable message, just in a darker way than "One For All." I almost wonder if they had to follow some record label agenda, and still some positive and spiritual themes manifest throughout the album.
"Fire In The Hole" will not go down as a classic, but I recommend it highly over the Jadakiss', the D12's, the Nellys, the Kanye Wests, or whoever the hell is "hot" right now (I don't follow that anymore). It might sound similar to the commerical stuff at first, but at the end of the day it offers much more and leaves an impression.

Brand Nubian have released there latest album called "Fire In The Hole" (2004). The trio of Grand Puba, Sadat X, Lord Jamar provide a short enjoyable twelve track album. DJ Alamo and Lord Jamar provide production while guest appearances come from Starr and Aisha Mika.

The album opens with the solid lead single "Who Wanna Be A Star?" (It's Brand Nu Baby!). Next comes "Young Son", a track where Brand Nubian lay down some real life lessons for the boys who need to become men. First track I am really feeling is "Where Are You Now?" feat. Starr, like the beat, first class chorus and concept to this track . Brand Nubian excell on the fastpaced "Just Don't Learn", and then reunite with Starr for another standout cut "Still Living In The Ghetto", a track where Brand Nubian talk about peoples poverty and struggle to make it in the ghetto while asking when will things change. Brand Nubian then get sentimental on "Momma" a nice tribute to the women who brought them up. Not really feeling the experimental "Got A Knot". One of my favourite tracks on this album is "Coming Years", Brand talks about being grounded while advocating improving ones life, escaping the game and overcoming obstacles. "Whatever Happened...?" is about time passing and what happens to some people, jail, pregancy and fall outs. I like Brand Nubian's use of oldschool sampling like on the love based reunion track "Always Mine". One of my favourite oldschool songs is the original "Ooh Child" by the Five Stairsteps, BN brings it back with Aisha Mika, an inspirational track about working hard and making it. Loving this remake as its one of those positive tracks with alot of meaning behind it. Brand Nubian closes there album off strong with "Soldier's Story", first paying tribute to famous Black leaders and Rap artists who died to early, then dropping a hardcore story of war and death.

This is an album which will most likely be slept on by the masses. Brand Nubian is not in the spotlight these days, but they continue to create substantial music fourteen years after there debut album. I like the beats, sampling and positive/relevant lyrics found throughout "Fire In The Hole". I think Brand Nubian fans will be happy with this release and I recommend this to people who are looking for music with a message behind it.

When i first got this album to didnt really like it. But a few months later i played it and feel in love. Dope lyrics and amazing beats are all thats on here. Speaking on racial issues and changing who you are. Every track is worth playing. Feels so Good is a track about girls changing who they are and being fake, guys just want a real girl thats natural, Believe that. Ragtime, Drop the Bomb and Slow Down are amazing track. Listen to Slow Down and tell me you dont love it. If you like ATCQ or Dela i would recommend that you get this album soon. Very underrarted.

Old School Hip Hop at its VERY best. The tracks are timeless and beats and lyrics still can't be topped!

Timeless classic by my favorite 5 percent brothers. sadat x, lord jamal, and grand puba's debut blew me away then and still supplies me with my hip hop fix antime I need it. Subject matter that was relevant then and still can apply to today's issues is another reason why this album will always matter in hip hop history. If you don't have this one your collection is suffering.

ONE FOR ALL............IS ALL FOR ONE............I HIT A BEAT AND SWING A NOTE AS IF MY NAME IS DAVID RUFFIN...............from that point, i can listen to this at a plethora of angles and still not get tired of it. best DEDICATION track EVER!!!!!!! they just don't make 'em like this anymore, and it's a shame. the sinistral one TO THE RIGHT!!!!!!

The message may steer some people away, but you cannot deny the genius of their flow. These brothers could rap circles around most dudes.

Top Joints:
Step To the Rear (Puba Shines)
One For All
Concerto in X Minor (Sadat's Tight Solo Spot)
Dance To My Ministry (Jamar's Tight Joint)
Ragtime (Great Flows on here)
Wake Up
Slow Down (Great message for crackheads)

Decipher that classic line from Sadat-X, tell me that he didn't steal the whole show on this album, and I'll look at you funny...

Get this one- I Promise it will make you smile in a "thank God for hip hop" kinda way.

Bonis....

If there were ever an album to put on while buildin in the cypha this would be it. On point rhymes w/dope beats that'll be in your head for days. As far as who's droppin science... count on Sadat X to come correct w/skills that steal the show. Great Music. Peace!

Now like many Brand Nubian fans, I first started with their wonderful classic "One For All" and went from there. Then their style started to fade as time went on. Despite Grand Puba and DJ Alamo leaving the group around '92 and went a solo route, Lord Jamar and Dereck aka Sadat X were able to pull their weight without him.

I remember seeing the first track "Word Is Bond" on Yahoo music videos, so I assume it was one of their singles. The track itself is okay to begin with if you want something to set the tone of the CD. "Straight Off Da Head" is a weeded freestyle where X and Jamar trade off verses, managing to keep the track on point. "Alladat" is a fast paced song done by Sadat X and the hook is done by Busta Rhymes. "Step Into Da Cipher" is another freestyle joint that sounds pretty nice. After that song, the mood will change, going from their lively energetic songs, back to their pro-African American songs. "Lick Dem Muthaph****s (remix)" has a very mellow and slow beat to the song, and yes a lot of people have pointed out that there is a Redman sample from Tonites the Nite. "Gang Bang" is a song that calls the Police a gang that goes around and beats up people. Lord Jamar would have his own solo joint, "Return Of The Dread" that will make your head nod a bit. "Hold On" as many reviewers have pointed out has elements from the origonal song "Hold Back The Years", but the vocals from a singer named Starr, may leave listeners believe that it sounds kind of awkward, even though I like the song.

There are some faults that this duo may have. "Nubian Jam" should have been an R&B song, because it's too slow of a song for anyone to be rapping on. "Sweatin Bullets" really doesn't appeal to me as a listener, probably because I was disapointed that they went from their freestyle joints.

Overall, If you liked Brand Nubian's first two CDs, then I reccomed this one won't dissapoint you. The beats by Jamar and the duo's lyrics won't let you down.

Stand out tracks: Straight Off Da Head, Alladat, Step Into Da Cipher, Lick Dem Muthaphu***s (remix), Return Of The Dread

I got this cuz I have loved the Nubians at one time. I never heard any of the songs on this album, so I listened to samples. I loved the beats, but didn't know much about the lyrics since I heard samples. I decided to purchase it. Now, after I put the cd in my car, I was very suprised. After all of the positive messages that the Nubians had preached, before and after this album, all of the gang bang tracks suprised me. At first, I was mad. Now, don't get me wrong, I've listened to gang style hip hop such as all the Boot Camp Click, Tupac, get the pic. But with this huge jump it sounded like they were going with that whole gangsta trend that was going around. But, hey, Lord J and Dottie X still sounded good on the mic. Sadat especially killed it on the mic in the freestyle joint. So even though they totally changed their content formula, they still did it with style. And the beats, straight nice. Favorite song, Alladat, with then big underground mc Busta Rhymes, when he still had hunger. Bottom line, get it. It's not your classic Brand Nub's album, their best is Foundation, and then All For One. Yes I said it. But this is better than most, especially the garbage on the radio nowadays.

This is what hip hop is missing these days. This should be a classic album. Great beats & great lyrics !!!

Fans of early `90s hip-hop should recognize Brand Nubian as delivering classics like "Word is Bond" and especially "Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down". And even though Lord Jamar, Sadat X, Grand Puba and DJ Alamo did their thing on solo releases, they still got back together to deliver 1998's Foundation. But that album seemed to be the only "recent" album from the pack that people really paid attention to (admit it; how many people do you know that own Fire in the Hole?). At any rate, they now come back with Time's Runnin' Out.

Lyrically, the fellas really haven't lost that much of a step. The best track would have to be "Scientists of Sound", but the introspective "A Child is Born" comes in at second. And "I Wanna Hear It" will have you saying just that. "Enjoy Yourself" (which is based on the Jacksons' song of the same name) would also be good if it wasn't for the predictable chorus and the off-key trumpet sample.

Speaking of that, if people think "Girls, Girls, Girls" is a rip-off of the Jay-Z song, Brand Nubian's version was actually made first, which brings me to another point. A lot of these songs sound, well, old because this album was supposed to come out in 1997, and you can tell because they give props to 1997 and 1998 at various points throughout the album. In addition, the production and some of the choruses sound more dated than classic; I think I would be saying that even if this WERE 1997. Such examples include the hooks to "Once Again", "Rockin' It" and "Right Here". Some folks might argue that this is a "lost" album like Nas' The Lost Tapes or Anthony Hamilton's Soulife or Southern Comfort, but the thing is, it isn't marketed as such; it's marketed as a new album.

While Time's Runnin' Out will probably still satisfy fans of Puba, Jamar, X and Alamo, releasing this album feels more like a contract fulfillment than anything else. But I'll still wait for something brand new from Brand Nubian.

Anthony Rupert

THESE OLD-TIMERS GIVES YOU WHAT'S BEEN LACKING IN HIP-HOP, SLAMMING BEATS, HOOKS, AND SUPERIOR LYRICISM. FOR ALL YOU TI, YOUNG JEEZY, AND FANS OF THE SO-CALLED DRUG RAPPERS, CLEAR THE LANE CAUSE THESE BROTHERS WILL GET YA HEAD RIGHT!

Recorded in the same time frame as Foundation (which we were all lead to believe was their 1st reunion album)comes this long lost disc bringing together the entire original crew after a 7 year split(Grand Puba, Sadat X, Lord Jamar, Alamo). The rhymes here are of the usual quality (although less militant and religious)you have come to expect and they have always complemented each other well with their unique flows and voices. Beats here are produced in-house by the members themselves, although pretty good their isn't anything that instantly makes you reach for the repeat button... just nice beats that patiently stand aside for the lyrics. This is probably closer to a 3.5 star album but I figure any cats who have been in the game for near twenty years (!)deserve to be rounded up rather than down. For fans this purchase is a no-brainer guaranteed to please, plus it might be the closest thing to a "new" album we get for some time (if ever). If you aren't familiar with Brand Nubian I'd recommend checking out any of their other releases first (except Everything Is Everything which is passable) and then picking this up. All in all an excellent release with a really chill vibe that I'm glad time never ran out on.

Brand Nubian doesn't come off very political on this album, but it's okay because at the end of the day I love to hear skillful boasting & good story telling. I downloaded this album from zshare(I will purchase this when the price drops) & it's was well worth my time. Why can't rappers make more albums with this kind of sound anymore. Now of days everybody's production sounds over the top and they don't embrace the ESSENCE! This is new york hip-hop at it's best. I miss brand nubian I wish they were still in they're prime, my only problem with this album is the production, they're aren't any producers outside of alamo, lord Jamar or grand puba unlike on foundation. Could have been a classic with more outside production and more involvement from sadat x who only appears on one song.

Great samples, spare but killing beats, great raps! Makes me feel nostalgic for when hip Hop WAS Hip Hop and not R&B like today.