Record Report Singles: Main Source – Just Hangin’ Out

”Just Hangin’ Out” (remix) b/w “Live At The BBQ”

Wild Pitch Records
Production: Artist
Rating: 4

From an album that is literally full of potential hit singles, The Main Source unveils the follow-up to “Lookin’ At The Front Door,” “Just Hangin’ Out” is a smooth (but not smoothed out) jazz flavored cut with a laid back tempo and lyrics courtesy of the man who “gets busy over unknown tracks,” the Large Professor. The original version has commercial radio play potential with its relaxed approach.

The remix is a step in a different direction. The vocals are sped and changed slightly as what was once a smooth and laid back jam now becomes a hardcore jam that highlights the production wizardry of The Main Source. A medium paced beat with a heavy crackling snare and chunky guitar lays the funky foundation as the chorus featuring a sung reggae verse laid over a droning sax loop creates a killer hook. The remix is so slamming that it’s almost a completely new song.

If there could ever be one song to conpletely epitomize the essence of a hardcore-underground jam, then “Live At the BBQ” is all that. “BBQ” is the posse jam to end all posse jams. Once you hear the crowd roaring “It’s like that y’all (that y’all)” you’re hooked. Over a Bob James drum loop with a touch of cymbals, Large Professor surrounds himself with a trio of raw MCs to kick ballistics. Nasty Nas kicks a grab-for-the-throat style with lines like: “Verbal assassin/ My architect pleases/ When I was twelve I went to hell for snuffin Jesus.” Fatal (aka Merciful) steps up next with powerful righteous lyrics: “Cause I’m living larger than the founders of Fendi/ And Asiatic brothers that many rappers envy.” Akinyele then steps up with a style so out of control, printing his lyrics wouldn’t do him justice. Put it this way, he’s giving quick-delivery rappers like Freshco and The Jaz a serious run for their money. Bringing up the rear is the Large Professor who proclaims: “I grab up girls like jacks/ Add ‘em on like tax/ and I’m over like Hot Trax.” The “BBQ” edit is a slight change from the original as portions of Nas’ and Akinyele’s verses are given acapella section to emphasize their lyrics. The curseword edits are done a little clumsily, but if I hear this jam on the radio I’ll be happy.

This is the latest example of the creativity and talent that effortlessly flows with the grooves of the Breakin’ Atoms LP-definitely one of the most outstanding debut records of ’91 and in hip-hop history.