When it comes time for an indie label to drop its debut set it helps for them to create an underground buzz with a project, usually a compilation, which also features some of respectable artists with names for themselves. This is exactly the sort of thing that Tru Criminal Records is going through. Initially founded in 1995, the label has been doing its thing on the subterranean level; making most of its money from releasing 12″ singles. You might remember when the imprint’s first heavy hitters, Street Smartz, released Tru Criminal’s most popular single to date, “Metal Thangz.” These days, with new artists FT and 151 Proof, the imprint has successfully scared up the attention of New Line Cinema’s new offshoot, New Line Records.
The first thing that you may see on the imprint is the compilation album, “The Anti-Backpack Movement.” For those that are not familiar with the “backpack” history, this is the youthful, oft-times eclectic school of rappers who often show disdain for the “above ground” artists. On Tru Criminal’s first release through New Line Records, the label assembles a high caliber roster of MCs and producers who come right back at ’em. Though label CEO Lee Resnick, aka Skills, has said that his artists are the opposite of the backpack persona, many of the producers on this set are at home with breakers/taggers and Cristal poppers alike; producers like The Alchemist, Large Professor, Buckwild and Domingo. On “Jon F. Hennessy” FT successfully rides the track add proves, at least to me, that he is formidable MC who, unlike many, deserves the chance to show the industry that he has what it takes; the same can be said for label mate 151 Proof as he rides the Large Professor beat on “151 Excuses.”
Of course, you know, the CD’s other contributors are breathing fire as well. Ali Vegas gets it done as well as Mic Geronimo, Tragedy Khadafi and Smooth Da Hustler. While I’ve never been a big fan of The Mafia (Lil’ Cease and Larce Banger) they do a’ight on this one. 50 cent is another guest star that lets it fly. He does his thing to perfection on “Bad News,” featuring is crew G Unit. He really is the rapper MCs love to hate and fans are learning to just love. be true, this album is not completely anti-backpack, nor is it anti-glitter rap either. It falls somewhere comfortably in the middle.
