LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

180 gram audiophile vinyl

When this Brooklyn Hip Hop trio emerged in 1992 with a unique style that combined high-speed rapping, dancehall chatting, and backward rhymes with Looney Tunes-inspired voice impressions and craftily arranged grooves, the Rap world had never heard anything like it.

Following up on their debut F.U.: Don't Take It Personal, Nervous Breakdown (1994) proved that the Fu-Schnickens could deliver the goods. The album shows an improved lyrical maturity among all three members, but most noticeably Chip Fu, whose hyperactive flow has more hilarious, colorful cartoon imagery than ever.

From the opening track, "Breakdown," on, this is a frenzied, fast-paced roller coaster ride of originality that doesn't let up until the last song ends. The album reached the nineteenth spot on the R&B Albums chart, and managed to break the Billboard Album charts.

Side A
1. Breakdown
2. Sum Dum Munkey
3. Visions (20/20)
4. Watch Ya Back
5. Aaahh Ooohhh!
6. Sneakin' Up On Ya

Side B
1. Got It Covered
2. Who Stole The Pebble
3. Hi Lo
4. What's Up Doc? (Can We Rock)
5. Breakdown (Dunkafelic Remix)