Lil Jyule – Ashes To Ashes & Dust To Dust (1994)

Lil Jyule – Ashes To Ashes & Dust To Dust (1994)

Released in 1994, Ashes To Ashes & Dust To Dust is a short but important Memphis underground release that quietly bridges multiple camps during a crucial moment in the scene’s evolution. Dropping sometime before the first Criminal Manne tape, this project stands out historically as the only known album to feature both DJ Paul and DJ Squeeky as producers on the same release, making it a rare point of overlap between two dominant sounds of the era. The tape leans heavily into mid-’90s Memphis aesthetics — slow, smoky production, street-centered lyrics, and a raw cassette-first presentation. Appearances from D.O.C. reinforce the underground network forming at the time, while DJ Paul and Lil Fly’s contribution adds an early Hypnotize Minds edge. Rather than aiming for polish, the project feels like a snapshot of a transitional period, documenting relationships and sounds before they fully crystallized into separate movements. While brief, Ashes To Ashes & Dust To Dust remains a unique artifact in Memphis rap history due to its producer lineup alone, offering a rare glimpse into what collaboration looked like before camps solidified and lines were drawn.

Tracklist:

1. Chewin’ Is What Ya Doin’

2. D.O.C. – Down With 187

3. DJ Paul, Lil Fly – Strapped

4. R.I.C. For Life

5. D.O.C. – It’s My Nature

https://untitled.stream/library/track/VCZBWg6Lm7PQVKGlsm9CG