Saukrates "Hate Runs Deep" (1996)

I don't know how much I have to add to what's been said about Saukrates, as we've previously posted "Father Time" and "Action", but I slept on this joint right here for about a decade. Anyone with the most casual interest in mid/late-90's hip-hop knows about "Father Time", but somehow this joint slipped through the cracks for a lot of cats. I'd go so far as to say that overall, this was his strongest 12"..."Father Time" and "Action" were monster cuts, but were ultimately good for one joint each. "Hate Runs Deep" delivers two:

Saukrates "Hate Runs Deep" 12"

"Hate Runs Deep" is as dark (and subtle) as the title suggests; shit isn't just about surface aggression. Like other Saukrates gems, the track is cold: strong break, ill sample, simple but effective chorus. In this case, the samples coalesce to produce a slightly unsettling effect that only serves to complement Saukrates' aggressive delivery.

The cut that deserves the most attention on the 12" is buried on the b-side, "Get Touched" (the "Hate Runs Deep" remix is a throwaway). Again, Sauk rocks over a classic break and an ill sample, with lyrics framed by a chanted chorus. Lots of style shit here, printed lyrics can't quite do the flow justice:

Disgusted -
with all the carry-on,
confused 'cause ya always vary on:
nomadic, Asiatic, strong
Gettin' ill, here's my testimonial, G:
Fuck everything ya see, main focus is ME

Saukrates' wordplay shines as well:

Generatin' street ruckus with my nouns and verbs
Cater to real muthafuckas with a thirst for words
...
Bionic, hydroponics -
I rap 'til I'm blue like Sonic, delivery's monotonic,
but my style's octophonic
I hate to say it,
but you're weak and your style's prosaic

Damn, remember the days when MCs got props for using diverse vocabularies effectively? Includes "Hate Runs Deep" (Vocal & instrumental), "Hate Runs Deep Remix" (Vocal and Instrumental), and "Get Touched".