Freestyle Fellowship – “To Whom It May Concern…” – [Basement Records]

CD reissue of a 1991 LP that is considered an underground classic and a big influence on the future direction of West Coast rap music. This So Cal crew brings big doses of social consciousness, black pride, and stoned-out goofing around. Not too surprising to hear cool-era Miles Davis sampled on one of the tracks, but FF were probably the first to rhyme over The Turtles, and how are you not going to like that? Production is simple and not overly polished. Rap-wise, Aceyalone and P.E.A.C.E shine brightest here. Several short tracks, like a minute or two or even less.