Allied Productions – Down & Out Records (1995)

Allied Productions – Down And Out Records (1995)

Down And Out Records is a gritty, overlooked Memphis underground release from Allied Productions, recorded between 1994–1995 and officially released in June 1995. The tape was produced by Mr. Nigga and DJ Skimask, two figures deeply rooted in Memphis’ early DIY production culture. Mr. Nigga (also known as Al) was among the first producers in Memphis to fully master the E-mu SP-1200, alongside SMK, helping shape the raw, dusty sound that defined mid-’90s underground tapes. That influence is all over Down And Out Records. Heavy basslines, minimal melodies, and stripped-down drum programming that prioritizes street realism over polish. Allied Productions consisted of core members Mr. Nigga, Lil Sko, Emp Da Pimp, and DJ Skimask, with additional appearances from names tied to the broader Memphis underground network, including GK, Will Chill, Lil Pure, and Mack Maine. Lyrically, the tape stays grounded in survival themes, hustling, paranoia, loyalty, and street politics. Delivered with an unfiltered, matter-of-fact tone that reflects the era it was recorded in. Rather than chasing trends, Down And Out Records feels like a true neighborhood document, capturing a specific moment in Memphis rap when small crews were pressing tapes locally, experimenting with new gear, and building their own sound outside of industry influence. While it never reached the visibility of larger camps, the tape stands as a strong example of how deep and decentralized the Memphis scene was in the mid-1990s.

Tracklist:

1. Intro

2. Mr. Nigga, Lil Sko, GK, Will Chill, Goldie Mac, Emp Da Pimp – Real Niggas Don’t Play

3. Let The Bass Go

4. Mr. Nigga, Lil Sko – Anotha Nigga on The Run

5. Got Them Thangs

6. Mr. Nigga, Lil Sko, Emp Da Pimp – Smoking on A Fat Sack, Drinking on A Pint of Yak

7. Riverside

8. Mr. Nigga, Lil Sko, Lil Pure, Mack Maine, Emp Da Pimp – I’m In Your Muthafuckin’ Shit Man

9. Mr. Nigga, Lil Sko, Emp Da Pimp – Ho Don’t Violate

https://untitled.stream/library/track/s4840qak6dEVVdrhkWqKw