Well versed in the ways of the industry (namely rule #4080), A.D.O.R. knows as well as anyone that success in not guaranteed in this business. The Washington Heights native went to high school with the likes of Pete Rock, P. Diddy and Heavy D, all of whom supported him when began his career in the early 90’s. After his Pete Rock assisted hit “Let It All Hang Out” garnered him a healthy buzz, it wasn’t long before A.D.O.R saw it all fall apart. His album for Atlantic got shelved and his production company went under. It was back to square one.
Enter his own Tru Reign Records and by 1998 he finally got his debut out in the form of “Shock Frequency.” In the midst of the ever growing independent fan base, A.D.O.R brings us “Classic Bangerz Vol.1” to initiate himself with the new wave of fans. A collection of his debuts best, 12″s and remixes, “Classic Bangerz” is a good indication of what A.D.O.R has to offer.
The production credits will raise the eyebrows of most, boasting contributions from Pete Rock, Marley Marl, Diamond D, Clark Kent, Ski, Trackmasters, and even Fatboy Slim. To little surprise, this is where the strength of the album lies. A.D.O.R is a capable emcee, but the instrumentals he rocks over are what will bring you back to this album. The aforementioned “Let It All Hang Out” is a certifiable Pete Rock classic, featuring delicious horns that only the Soul Brother could hook up. Pete’s lesser known contribution “Enter The Center” is more of PR’s understated brilliance. “One For the Trouble,” features a beautiful Marley Marl beat and the vocals that ultimately lead to the Fatboy Slim hit “Renegade Master.” The track may stick out like a sore thumb on the album, but it is nonetheless a welcome inclusion. Two of Jay’s “Reasonable Doubt” producers (Clark Kent and Ski) co-produce one of the albums finer moments in “From The Concrete.”
To no surprise, Diamond D brings his usual fire with “The Rush,” “Heart & Soul” and especially “The Kid Is Crazy.” Even the Trackmasters trade in their pop-friendly stylings for some boom bap on “Here Comes The Wrek.” A.D.O.R.’s self-produced track (“MC Chronicles”), works well as a nice down-tempo break before Fatboy Slim’s b-boy track. There are moments of mediocrity here too. His new single “No Tyme” certainly isn’t bad, but I wouldn’t say it is good either. His other collaboration with Ja Bone (what a terrible name), “Treasures,” does not fare much better. Both “Let It All Hang Out” and “One For The Trouble” are remixed. The latter by Sam Sever is a welcome interpolation of the mighty predecessor, but the former by Rae & Christian should have been left on the cutting room floor.
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Your requirements of this album really hinges on whether or not you have “Shock Frequency.” Most of this albums best tracks can be found on their and you probably don’t need this as a companion. Either way, if you don’t have “Let It All Hang Out” in your collection, you need it…so take your pick.
6/10
