These are ten essential 80’s b-sides, from the time when the 12″ single truly reigned supreme. “La Di Da Di” isn’t included as it’s basically a double A-side single for all intents and purposes. Technically “Ego Trippin'” also started out as a b-side on the second pressing of “To Give You Love,” but those are so scarce it barely warrents a mention.
Public Enemy – “The B-Side Wins Again”
The version on Fear… lacked whatever it was that made the original version so great, as the Spectrum City crew took it back to that Long Island sound clash era.
Latee feat. 45 King – “Puttin’ On The Hits”
45 King is always welcome on the mic, while Latee delivers nothing short of gold as usual.
Big Daddy Kane – “Wrath of Kane”
A fine installment in the friendly rivalry between Kane and G Rap for verbal supremacy.
Divine Sounds – “Do Or Die Bed Stuy”
Memorable DJ on the mic moment from the mid 80’s.
Public Enemy – “Rebel Without A Pause”
Easily one of the most important rap records ever made.
MC Shan – “The Bridge”
The birth of Queensbridge rap as we know and love it.
Ultramagnetic MC’s – “A Chorus Line”
The debut of Timothy Blair and a triumphant showcase of Ultramagnetic’s dominance following their flawless first album.
LL Cool J – “Jack The Ripper”
The first memorable ethering on record.
Ultramagnetic MC’s – “Mentally Mad”
Another fine testament to Kool Keith, Ced Gee, Moe Love and TR in their prime.
Audio Two – “Top Billin’”
The hit that Milk and Giz continued to remind us of forever, thanks mainly to Daddy-O’s brilliant studio mess up when programming the drums.
Some personal faves:
Spoonie Gee – Love Rap
Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde – Doing The Do
Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde – A.M P.M
Lakim Shabazz – The Posse Is Large (O.G version)
Lakim Shabazz – Your Arms Too Short To Box With God
Lord Alibaski – Top Gun
I slightly prefer the demo version off Mentally Mad that Red Alert used to play; got a copy of it somewhere if anyone wants to hear it.
MC Lyte-Shut The Eff Up
Special Ed-Loose Talk In The Studio
Special Ed-Ready 2 Attack
Dope post..
I actually hadn’t heard that version of Public Enemey’s “The B-Side Wins Again”. powerful shit!
MAAANNNN….I used to stare at that ‘Your Gonna Get Yours’ album cover, had mad pride in that pro-black “we ain’t taking no shorts” stance so I bought a 3rd copy and made it a poster.
Honorable Mention?-“Looking Like A Hobo/World Famous’-Malcolm McLaren f. The World Famous Supreme Team
Maaaan … surprised u didn’t list the original “Rock The Bells” (LL), “Together Forever” (Run DMC), or “Numero Uno Re-Recording” and “P Is Free” (KRS/BDP) …
love “B-Side Wins Again” though (I love all u mentioned, but that PE joint used to get major burn from me as a 12″-only joint)
Also, THIS joint from Ultra is a rare Jedi-Mind Trick, “Feelin It” ft. TR Love outta nowhere on the Instrumental: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hyP0TFtzCY
Last one, “In Time”/”The Promo”/”The Promo # 2” by the Jungle Brothers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNB2SSCRJNk …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFbXmCabdr8 ….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3nT-DlE8G8
“Jack the Ripper” didn’t ether a damn thing!
you forgot one of the dopest flip side cuts of the 80s: “rhyme tyme” by kgr & polo.
Yeah^^’Rhyme Tyme’ a very good nominee for the essential list. Because it’s on the same single as ‘Rikers Island’ I guess technically it’s double A-Side 12″. Depending on which pressing you have there are two, one without ‘Rhyme Tyme’ on the flip. Brilliant 12 I love how G Rap just sounds and flows over the ‘Yes we can’ beat.
I’ve been listening to pE since 89 and I missed the original b-side wins Shaun – where can I hear this?? YouTube links broke
Jack the Ripper destroyed Moe Dee….but to the break a dawn ethered him, Ice t and Hammer. Lol
I have to agree that Rebel without a Pause is the greatest 80s b side. Terrorbeat on the back of Welcome to the Terrordome is damn good, but doesn’t actually qualify.
Gotta agree with the comment on ‘To Da Break A Dawn’. One of the greatest dis tracks ever. “….wanna hear a real ill paragraph soon? I took the cover right home to the bathroom!” Dope.
Just Rhymin With Biz – Big Daddy Kane
the Doo Doo – Biz Markie
Blaze a 50 – Nas
Who Shot Ya – Biggie
Illegal Search – LL Cool J