Four of Jazzy Jay‘s Strong City groups released an album during the Uni Records distribution deal – Ice Cream Tee, Busy Bee, Don Baron and Nu Sounds. I vaguely remember owning the Mackin’ album at some stage but not really enjoying anything off it, and listening back now it’s clear that these guys were totally run-of-the-mill. Still, considering their modest talents they did well to have two videos shot, get Afrika Bambaataa to chant the hook, rent some colorful suits and still have enough left over to hire some hawt cheerleaders and video skeezers. ‘Condition Red’ is a slightly better track if you enjoy distorted phone crank callers, otherwise notable for being Skeff Anslem‘s first production credit.
Meanwhile, Bettina took a swing at getting some dance floor love with ‘Let’s Work’, where she bragged that she was ‘making more money than Grover’ (who apparently is the most well-paid muppet on Sesame Street) and sets about taking the starch out of a couple of stuffed shirts trying to enjoy a romantic meal in the middle of a burnt out lot in the Bronx.
Not to be outdone, Chief Rocka Busy Bee did his best to keep his call-and-response routine from the old days alive and well in 1989, complete with an animated bee character using his stinger to help the DJ scratch the record.
Clearly, Rahiem’s ‘I’m The King’ featuring Diamond D on the beat and Grandpa Finesse on the intro was the most deserving track in the Strong City roster at the time, but alas no visuals…
Nu-Sounds aka Strickly Roots (in a later incarnation.) I remember thinking how similar Rahiem sounded to Lord Finesse.
Well spotted, I never made the connection.
That first guy sounds like Kool Moe Dee and the second guy sounds like Play (of Kid & Play).
Always loved how, in lieu of just grabbing the loop, “Express” recreated the sample from the original B.T. Express record via a one-shot sample and multi-pitching. That technique was all over that Busy Bee LP.
See Youtube there’s a dope budget vid to “sexy” by Masters Of Ceremony.
honorable mention goes to BZ-2 from Jersey.. “we’re troopers” were on Strong City as well..
http://moreandmorehits.com/post/85939355575/may-video-mix-im-calling-it-the-stuff-i-was
Ultimate Force I’m not playin video 33 minutes in