DJ Scuba Gooding Sr. and MC MiC Dagger (Double CD, Prhymemates)

“Our plans with all Prhymemates releases are to offer the consumer a high-quality, independently made album, and reward them with a high-quality mix tape for being open enough to check

 

out something new,” says Steve Balser, aka DJ Scuba Gooding Sr., who is responsible for the “mix tape” half of the double-CD release.

One Man’s Trash features DJ Scuba spinning two 40-minute sets of eclectic hip-hop that runs the gamut from Arrested Development’s soulful “Tennessee” to MC Paul Barman’s politically charged “Make No Mistake” to Scuba’s own inspired remixes of Nas and Edan tracks. “My mix consists of songs that have been classics, along with up-and-coming artists that I wanted to showcase,” says Balser, whose mixing strength lies in his ability to create a coherent musical picture from 26 disparate songs he chose for the sets.

Next Man’s Treasure, the second half of the CD combo, marks the solo debut of MC MiC Dagger, known for his work with local group Konstant Output (whose three other members

 

are also featured on the album). The dozen tracks on Dagger’s disc were recorded with original lyrics and beats. Refreshingly, there is no talk of pimps or hoes, and Dagger doesn’t waste time on empty hip-hop posturing. Instead, the songs address the daily headaches and heartbreaks of everyday life, notwithstanding “Rock On,” a potential party anthem that urges listeners to “reach for the top” as they “pack the bowls and smoke the pot.”

Both CDs were recorded, produced, and packaged by the Prhymemates, and are available for $8 at Hogwild and at Prhymemates-produced shows, and there are plans for national distribution. The two artists are also putting the final touches on their follow-up releases, and word is that DJ Scuba will be taking the mic and laying down some rhymes on his next album.

“Give into temptation/give it up to the music made in the basement,” says Dagger on the track titled “Give.” If this first release is indicative of what the future has in store for the Prhymemates, then San Antonio hip-hop fans need to be prepared for the greater temptations to come. •

This article appears in Jun 4-10, 2003.