Michael Street (1996)

Michael Street – Solo Tape (1996)

Produced by Chaz of A.R.P., also known as DJ Scar, Michael Street is one of the more unique Memphis releases of 1996. Unlike most underground tapes from the era that focused primarily on rapping, Michael Street sings throughout nearly the entire project, giving the album a distinct blend of Southern soul and street music. Born on September 3, 1969, Michael Street was approximately 27 years old at the time of this recording, making him noticeably older than many of his Memphis contemporaries. The tape also features production from one of Memphis’ most respected underground producers, whose work can be heard on releases by 196 Clique and Da Crime Click. Unfortunately, the surviving recording of “Gangsta Lullaby” is incomplete and starts halfway through a verse. Michael Street was tragically shot and killed in front of his South Memphis home on November 3, 2019, making this rare cassette an important document of an artist whose music has remained largely overlooked.

Tracklist:

1. Pressure

2. Understand Da Game

3. Dreamin’

4. Ghetto Prayer

5. Gangsta Lullaby

6. Hard Times

7. Who?

8. G Dat Ho

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