TAPE DECK: Noreaga - Banned from T.V. (featuring Nature, Cam'ron, Styles P, Jadakiss & Big Pun)

To the surprise of no one, I've been on a 90's Hip Hop kick the last couple of months. Ran through catalogs of some early Jay, some pre "Get Out" Kanye, some Slum Village, some Pete Rock and some C-N-N (among others). While on the C-N-N route, I took a quick turn to relisten (that's a word right?) to Noreaga's debut LP, N.O.R.E. The '98 album showcases the Queen's emcee adding to the tail end of the Golden Era. One aspect of that decade's legacy can be enjoyed simply by peeping the MONSTER posse cuts found throughout the 90's.

And if you are making a list of the greatest posse cuts of the Golden Era, you GOTTA have "Banned from T.V.". Listen, you might not have Nore on you greatest lyricist lists, but the dude spit some of the hottest street bars of the decade. You could hear the hunger in his verses throughout his solo debut, and "Banned from T.V." is no different. But when he tapped (used two "p's" because it's past tense) some of the greatest NY emcees for his posse cut, Nore had to come correct if he wanted to anchor the track. Nore rounded the track with fellow Queens emcee Nature, Harlem's own Cam'ron, two thirds of the Yonkers group with Jadakiss and Styles P, and the Bronx legend Big Pun (my personal top 5 dead or alive right there). The Swizz Beatz instrumental is easily recognized as soon as the horns drop. And the dark (so dark) and grimey video is a perfect match for the beat and lyrics.

So take a trip down memory lane (damn near 20 years ago..why are we so old) and peep the video for "Banner from T.V.". ANNNNNNNNNNND I also found a behind the scenes clip for the video. So peep that too.

| Like us on Facebook || Follow us on Twitter |