Uptown's Kickin' It

I'm going to come out and say I quite like his first album. And not in a guilty-pleasure kind of way.... I just feel it's a good, solid record, well-written and well-produced, that I can bump to this day. His second album, too. Sex Is Law? Ok, I'm with you guys on that one. But, really; I think Father's Day and Close To You are good stuff.

But even if you didn't like albums numbers one and two... even if you hated all his r&b hooks, love-themed raps, and can never forgive him for starting the careers of Mary J. Blige and Jodeci in the span of just two twelve-inch singles - to say nothing of his 1993 image transformation into a playa/pimp/superstar of the pop-rap times - you'd still have to give it up for his independent debut.

Father MC and the 1st Fleet Crew (who else was in the 1st Fleet Crew and what happened to them? The world may never know) released their debut 12" on Stupid Fresh Records in 1988. The only other record I know of coming out on this label is "So Good b/w "Complexion" by Master See Divine & MC Ace, released that same year. And the thing about it is: this record is hardcore. F'real. He sounds more like a hungry LL Cool J (think: "Jack the Ripper") than Markie Dee and the Soul Convention. This 12" features two cuts, "I'm Getting Better" and "Father M.C. Going Ill." Both tracks, co-produced by Father MC and KC & the Stupid Fresh Posse, feature fast basslines, hard hitting drums, snares, blaring horn samples and lots of scratching. "I'm Getting Better" features a cut up "Kings of Rock" sample ("rappers can't stand us... but give us respect!") on the hook and Father MC ripping it with a fast, half-yelled delivery.

"I'm not a New Jack,
You must be on that,
Black.
But Jesus Christ!

I'm from the old school."

The b-side is more of the same; all about the rapid-fire, hardcore flow, with the DJ scratching "Fa-Fa-Fa-Father MC!" constantly behind him the whole time:

"Special request:

The VIP gets, the best

Is yet to come,

So come and be my guest.

Witness...

A miracle at the lip.

Of course ya lost,

I'm boss, in charge of hip-

Hoppin' around;

Come to my town,

The Rockaway!
Rappers get weary and leary;

Hear what I say:

It takes skill

And vocabulary;

But not big words,

Don't front;

It's not necessary.

My name is Father,

A title that's more vital
Than any recital or bible;
I'm an old idol!
To describe myself?
Maybe I oughta...
That's a complete set-up
For man slaughter!"

I'm shattered, though; Father MC hasn't got a myspace or website to link. He does have a new video for a song entitled "Bad News," however, under the name of Fam Body (which would make his second ill-advised name change to date), which you can find on Youtube and other places. There's also another one, "Diamond," with a group called 2 Da, who're on Universal/Empire/Street Noise. And of course, he was also just featured on one of the Nas "Where Are They Now?" remixes. So, here it is, damn near twenty years later, and it looks like we'll be hearing more from Father... but not like this.