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Artist: O.F.T.B. (Operation From The Bottom) (Flipside, Bust Stop & Low M.B.)
Album: Demo Tape
Year: 1996
Location: Watts, L.A. California
Label: Death Row Records
In the realm of West Coast hip hop, few groups embody the raw, unfiltered essence of their environment quite like O.F.T.B. (Operation From The Bottom). Hailing from the tough streets of the Watts district in Los Angeles, this trio of Kevin “Flipside” White, Sammy “Bust Stop” Williams, and Ronald “Low M.B.” Watkins used their music as a potent voice for the Nickerson Gardens Projects, home to the notorious Bounty Hunter Bloods. Their demo tape, “Operation From The Bottom,” is a compelling introduction to their authentic and unrefined artistry.
Released before their official debut album “Straight Up Watts” in 1992, this demo tape serves as a raw blueprint of what O.F.T.B. would soon perfect. The gritty, street-centric lyrics and hard-hitting beats lay the foundation for their signature sound—a sound that caught the attention of DJ Quik, 2nd II None’s manager “Greedy” Greg, and ultimately led them to Death Row Records.
“Operation From The Bottom” captures the visceral reality of life in Watts. Tracks like “Slangin’ Dope,” which later became a hit single, are unvarnished accounts of street hustling and survival. The group’s ability to paint vivid pictures of their harsh realities is both compelling and harrowing, offering listeners an unfiltered glimpse into their world.
The production on the demo tape, though less polished than their later work, is filled with the raw energy and urgency that define early 90s West Coast hip hop. The beats are heavy, with a funk-infused groove that keeps the head nodding, while the lyrics delve deep into the struggles and triumphs of street life. This authenticity is what set O.F.T.B. apart from many of their contemporaries.
Their later work with Death Row Records, including contributions to the platinum-selling soundtracks of “Above The Rim” and “Murder Was The Case,” showcases their growth and the refinement of their sound. Tracks like “Crack Em” and “Hot One” highlight their collaboration with hip hop legends like DJ Quik, adding layers of complexity to their music while retaining their original grit.
O.F.T.B.’s association with Tupac Shakur further cemented their place in hip hop history. Their collaborations on tracks such as “The Struggle Continuez” and “Worldwide (Time After Time)” display a profound synergy, blending Tupac’s poignant storytelling with O.F.T.B.’s streetwise narratives. The tribute song “Still A Mystery,” featuring The Outlawz and Kurupt, is a heartfelt homage that underscores their deep connection to Tupac and the broader Death Row family.
Despite their significant contributions to hip hop, O.F.T.B.’s journey was marked by tragedy. The murder of Kevin “Flipside” White in 2013 was a devastating blow to the group and the community they represented. The immense turnout at his funeral, with over 700 attendees, testified to the impact he had on his peers and the next generation of artists.
“Operation From The Bottom” is more than just a demo tape; it is a historical artifact of West Coast hip hop. It encapsulates the essence of a group that rose from the depths of Watts to make a lasting mark on the genre. For fans and newcomers alike, this tape is an essential listen, providing a raw and unfiltered look at the origins of O.F.T.B.’s influential sound.
Tracklist:
Pt.1
A1 Check Em (Remix)
A2 That Was Then (Featuring Kurupt & Snoop Dogg)
A3 I Come Up Hard
A4 World Wide (Featuring Michel’le, Yaki Kadafi, 2Pac & Kurupt)
A5 Ladies Nite (Featuring 6 Feet Deep)
Pt.2
A6 I’m On One
A7 Doing It In The Spot
A8 Gone But Not Forgotten
A9 Gun A Ni**a Down
A10 I Think Of Murder
Pt.3
B1 Penitentiary Bound
B2 Do or Die
B3 Better Days (Featuring 2pac & Big Syke)
B4 Check Your Hood (Featuring Jewell)
B5 Project Kids (Featuring The Nickerson Garden Project Kids)
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