The Music Tank

In the early 90’s, the New York sound was taking its time to get developed and redefined by greats like DJ Premier and Pete Rock, amongst others. A void was left from the old school era to the new school of hip-hop where lyricism and hard hitting beats would be predominent. That’s where the Boot Camp Clik found their niche. Composed of Buckshot, Smif-n-Wessun, Heltah Skeltah & O.G.C., the clique dubbed as an American hip-hop Supergroup clearly made a blueprint for bragging rights for the East at a time that the coastal war was relevant (if you will).

The first to get recognition was Buckshot with his former group Black Moon. Along with 5ft and DJ Evil Dee (of Da Beatminerz), Buckshot made waves with the breakthrough single Who Got Da Props.

Black Moon – Who Got Da Props: which became an instant underground hit and wears classic status to this day. Off the album Enta Da Stage

Black Moon – Buck ‘Em Down: Enta Da Stage also included this banger.

Shortly after the release of Enta Da Stage, the group took an hiatus and Buckshot went on to form the Boot Camp Clik. First off the Clik to make a statement were Smif-N-Wessun, composed of Tek & Steele.

Smif-N-Wessun – Bucktown: Their first album Dah Shinin’ made some noise in 1995 in part due to this first single.

The Fab 5 – Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka: Heltah Skeltah and O.G.C. went on to form The Fab 5 and release this track as a B-side to their lead single Blah.

In 1997, Boot Camp Clik put out their first group album titled For the People.

Boot Camp Clik – Headz R Reddee Pt. 2: As a follow up to the New Jersey Drive soundtrack hit, the BCC revamp their own track as the definite posse cut. Oh, and Sean Price (aka Ruck) is chillin’ with a chicken!

Black Moon – Two Turntables & a Mic: In 1999, Black Moon came back for their 2nd studio album titled War Zone, after a 5 years hiatus, and released this single.

The Clik slowly faded away from the spotlights around 1998 as their releases were getting bad reviews after another. The group reformed in 2002 for The Chose Few which was raved by critics. I won’t touch on this as the throwback part of the column is getting left out.