Description
The American hip hop scene was in its golden era in the mid-’90s, and central to this was Shawty Pimp, otherwise known as M-19. Coming from Memphis, the artist has made a name for himself, with his hard-hitting mixtapes from that era still revered amongst industry insiders. Some of the famed artists he has collaborated with include the likes of Spade Nasty (or MC Spade), Keywest, K4 (otherwise known as 4milli), Toerock, among many others.
In 2014, a notable event led to the resurfacing of Shawty Pimp’s work into the mainstream – the reissuance of his legendary 1995 album, ‘Still Comin’ Real’. Gyptology, a music label styled after “Egyptian Archaeology,” was the organization behind this resurgence. The label, known for its appreciation and preservation of classic and hard-to-find albums, resurfaced the album, initially available only on tape, into vinyl format.
Shawty Pimp’s ‘Still Coming Real’, as reissued by Gyptology, is a trove of syrupy goodness packed with eleven tracks. The album maintains the distinctive, stripped-down production style typical of Pimp’s work from that era. This barebones but impactful music-making method stands distinct from the hip hop styles prevalent in New York City and LA in the mid-’90s.
Interestingly, the reissued album carried over characteristic noise artifacts from its original tape form. However, this doesn’t detract from the listening experience; rather, it enhances its authentic, old-school feel. The fuzzy tape grit that overlays the tracks seems to contrast and yet blend with the raw and unplugged sound, reeking of 90s Memphis hip hop.
While the music industry has evolved, Shawty Pimp‘s ‘Still Comin’ Real’ has stood the test of time, retaining its hard rawness and charm. In fact, Pimp’s style played a significant part in shaping southern rap, hip hop, and R&B as we know it today. Its influence can be drawn into more contemporary artists such as Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars, who became known for blending modern sounds with elements of classic R&B and soul.
As Shawty Pimp’s legacy continues to thrive, keep your eyes peeled for more. The artist’s collaboration with MC Spade is a project of note. Also, be on the lookout for new releases from the group Hype Unit. With Shawty Pimp‘s music available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and other digital platforms, experiencing the golden era of hip hop is now just a few clicks away.
