Various Artists - Original Gangstas (The Soundtrack) (1996)

Country: U.S.A.

Genre: Hip-Hop, R&B

Style: Gangsta Rap, G-Funk, Pop Rap

Label Number: 7243 8 41533 2 8

.FLAC via Florenfile

.AAC 256 kbps via Florenfile

© 1996 Noo Trybe Records

Original Gangstas Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Original Gangstas featured blaxploitation stars Pam Grier, Fred Williamson, and Jim Brown updating their classic roles for the '90s. The soundtrack takes a different approach than the film. Instead of bringing back '70s soul stars, it is filled with hip-hop stars that update '70s soul and funk for the '90s. The music is appropriately eclectic, weaving between smooth soul and gritty, street-oriented gangsta rap from newcomers like Luniz and E-40, as well as veterans like Ice-T, MC Ren, and the Geto Boys. Not only is the mix entertaining, but it offers a good idea of what hip-hop is all about in the mid-'90s.

tags: various artists, original gangstas the soundtrack, 1996, flac,