3-2 - The Wicked Buddah Baby (1996) (Rap-A-Lot)
Mr. 3-2’s Wicked Buddah Baby is an album that eluded me for
many years. As a youngsta discovering the world of screwtapes and Houston rap,
I was fully aware of 3-2 as a member of the Screwed Up Click and Southside
Playaz. Later on, I would come to realize that he in fact does the first verse
on UGK’s One Day. Eventually, I would hear about the legend of 3-2 - How he was almost the official third member
of UGK, but was too into smoking sherm and was unable maintain his
professionalism in order to seriously work with Pimp and Bun. Last month, I was
shocked and saddened to find that Mr. 3-2 had been tragically killed outside a
gas station in south Houston.
When someone first gets into Houston rap, people are quick to recommended the solo debuts of Fat Pat, Lil Keke, Big Moe and ESG. For reasons unbeknownst to me, 3-2’s solo debut is often not listed with his contemporaries’ first albums. Some may claim that The Wicked Buddah Baby is not as strong as those albums, but I've always found it to be a highly enjoyable listen with a ton of replay value. The majority of the tracks here are co-produced by long-time Rap-A-Lot producers John Bido and Mike Dean. The beats really match the cadence of 3-2’s ultra-laid back flow and delivery. My favorite track here has got to be Hit the Highway. The combination of 3-2, Eightball, MJG, and Too $hort simply can’t be beat. It is 100% concentrated pure pimp shit. For fans of the funky funky Houston sound.
Rest in Power G.O.V.
Originally featured as a guest post on The Magic Swisher.
Find more posts like this at the-magic-swisher.blogspot.com
Find more posts like this at the-magic-swisher.blogspot.com
