On this date in 1995, Steele and Tek aka Smif N Wessun of the legendary Boot Camp Clik released their debut album Dah Shinin’ on the ultra-indie imprint, Wreck Records.
This was also the sophomore effort of the Boot Camp Clik, which exposed the skills of more of the artists that were heard on Black Moon’s debut project, Enta Da Stage. Tracks such as “Cession at da Doghillee” and “Sound Bwoy Bureill” introduced members of Heltah Skeltah, the duo that included the late Sean Price, as well as the Originoo Gunn Clappaz(O.G.C.), which completed the epic Brooklyn rap collective.
With in-house production courtesy of Da Beatminerz, the Roy Ayers’ Ubiquity-esque feel that was captured on the album’s cover can definitely be felt through the verses over the haunting tracks. Even though the album never reached gold status in terms of sales, Dah Shinin’ is undoubtedly one of the albums that define its era.
Following two 9th Wonder-produced records in 2018, Smif-n-Wessun is releasing their first album in nearly eight years. The All will arrive in just over one month, on February 22, 2019. The Duck Down Music release is produced entirely by 9th Wonder and The Soul Council.
Last month, General Steele and Tek premiered their “Let It Go” music video at Ambrosia For Heads. Now, they follow-up with second album single, “Testify.” The Khrysis-produced cut starts out with shades of Tek and General Steele’s past. A sequence of short shots contains parts of their 1995 classic “Bucktown” and an image of Sean Price, who the duo introduced on 1995’s Dah Shinin.’ While the past is always part of the Boot Camp Clik story, “Testify” shows that Smif-n-Wessun is a force to be reckoned with today.
During the song, Tek makes reference to Ruck’s passing and how he deals with it musically. “They say take ’em back to Dah Shinin’ / But they don’t know the shape that my mind’s in,” he raps on the song. “The game’s different now that my man’s gone / Any song I put a verse on.” The video itself is pretty straight forward with Tek and Steele trading bars at different locations in the borough that their lyrics and visuals made worldwide.
According to General Steele, The All will reflect a lot of the same topics relayed in “Testify.” “9th Wonder and The Soul Council provide the perfect backdrop for Tek and I to deliver heartfelt lyrical content,” Steele told VIBE, who premiered the video. “It’s a true tale of ups and downs, wins and losses, growth and acceptance. It speaks to the hearts and minds of all people; particularly our followers and fans of all ages and ethnicities.”
Tek and Steele’s first album since 2011’s Pete Rock-collaboration Monumental is slated to include guest appearances from Rick Ross, Raekwon, Rapsody and Musiq Soulchild, among others. Bundle packs will also be available to Heads, which will include the digital album, vinyl, a CD, hoodie, T-shirt, beanie, sticker pack and Smif-n-Wessun & Champion Sound Live From Prague digital album.
Following two 9th Wonder-produced records in 2018, Smif-n-Wessun is releasing their first album in nearly eight years. The All will arrive in just over one month, on February 22, 2019. The Duck Down Music release is produced entirely by 9th Wonder and The Soul Council.
Last month, General Steele and Tek premiered their “Let It Go” music video at Ambrosia For Heads. Now, they follow-up with second album single, “Testify.” The Khrysis-produced cut starts out with shades of Tek and General Steele’s past. A sequence of short shots contains parts of their 1995 classic “Bucktown” and an image of Sean Price, who the duo introduced on 1995’s Dah Shinin.’ While the past is always part of the Boot Camp Clik story, “Testify” shows that Smif-n-Wessun is a force to be reckoned with today.
During the song, Tek makes reference to Ruck’s passing and how he deals with it musically. “They say take ’em back to Dah Shinin’ / But they don’t know the shape that my mind’s in,” he raps on the song. “The game’s different now that my man’s gone / Any song I put a verse on.” The video itself is pretty straight forward with Tek and Steele trading bars at different locations in the borough that their lyrics and visuals made worldwide.
According to General Steele, The All will reflect a lot of the same topics relayed in “Testify.” “9th Wonder and The Soul Council provide the perfect backdrop for Tek and I to deliver heartfelt lyrical content,” Steele told VIBE, who premiered the video. “It’s a true tale of ups and downs, wins and losses, growth and acceptance. It speaks to the hearts and minds of all people; particularly our followers and fans of all ages and ethnicities.”
Tek and Steele’s first album since 2011’s Pete Rock-collaboration Monumental is slated to include guest appearances from Rick Ross, Raekwon, Rapsody and Musiq Soulchild, among others. Bundle packs will also be available to Heads, which will include the digital album, vinyl, a CD, hoodie, T-shirt, beanie, sticker pack and Smif-n-Wessun & Champion Sound Live From Prague digital album.
