True hip-hop fans already have Tha Alkaholiks in their collection, if not in steady rotation.  XM 65 The Rhyme also knows talent when they see it, since Tha Liks have appeared on their playlist as of late, which sparked me to grab one of their albums that I did not already have: Coast II Coast.I originally heard of the group through another rapper, King T, which I had heard of through Ice Cube.  With a West Coast approach to their music, Tha Alkaholiks did not seem to be worried about east or west, but more about the actual music itself.  It only took hearing “Make Room” once before I became a fan.

Coast II Coast, released in 1995, is actually a pretty decent album, despite only 11 tracks.  But back in the day, when you picked up a tape or CD of your favorite rap group, you usually got 20 tracks with about 10 intros, outros, and skits in the middle that were nothing more than a reason to fast-forward.  Not Tha Liks, baby. 

You can really pick up on their style and it brings you right back to 90’s hip-hop, when rap was still tolerable, and mic skills were a must.  The highlight of the album are two tracks: “DAAM!” and “Let It out”, both of which boast the classic Alhaholiks sound, mixing heavy laced and funky beats with hard hitting lyrical content.

For me, the reason I love this album so much is that it brings back memories.  It takes me back to a simpler time when I did not have as much stress.  It takes me back to a time when hip-hop was worth listening to.  It takes me to a place where groups this talented were not “underground”.  I miss groups and albums like this, which offered a perfect blend of beats, lyrics, fun, and nostalgia.

Tha Alkaholiks: Coast II Coast