Saukrates "Action" (1999)

Towards the end of the 90's, I became convinced that Toronto was the spot for hip hop; it was like Toronto MC's and producers picked up where New York left off. For me it started with Saukrates' "Father Time" (and Choclair's "21 Years"), and continued with Frankenstein, Kardinal Offishal, and Mathematik. "Father Time" featured one of the illest beats of '95, and became Saukrates' signature record to a lot of heads. The following "Brick House" EP's were tight, but nothing could equal the rawness of "Father Time." Enter the "Action" 12".

Saukrates "Action" 12"

The straight-up ill guitar loop gets pounded by the plodding yet hypnotic kick and snare. It's one of those beats that's ultimately pretty simple, but raw as hell. Saukrates obviously feels the same way (hell, it's his beat), and attacks it:

I have battled men who sculptured knowledge and culture
But poisonous dialect sent their cadavers to vultures
Excuse me for being blunt while y'all get blunted
But in the words of Biggie, "hunt me, or be hunted"

The remix (pictured) is essentially a different cut entirely; the beat is darker, using synthesized strings, all-new lyrics, and a variation on the "Action" chorus. Dope, but doesn't match the original's intensity. Included are both versions, with instrumentals.

[UPDATE, 7/12, 10pm: Re-archived, re-upped file]