Askari X – Ward Of The State (1992, reissue 2007) Flac + 320kbps

 

Released in 1992, Askari X – Ward Of The State is a landmark West Coast political hip-hop album from Oakland, California. Recorded while Askari X was incarcerated, the album became one of the most uncompromising underground rap releases of the early 1990s, blending militant political messages, Black empowerment, and hard-hitting West Coast production. Askari X is widely recognized as one of Oakland's most influential underground MCs and an important inspiration for later conscious artists such as Dead Prez.Askari X – Ward Of The State delivers powerful lyricism over deep basslines, rugged drum programming, and dark, stripped-down production. Rather than focusing on commercial themes, the album confronts racism, the prison system, police brutality, inequality, and Black liberation, creating a bold and uncompromising statement that still resonates today.The album features standout tracks including "Ward Of The State," "Giants Vs Giants," "Ansar El Muhammad," "The Game," "Proud 2 B Black," "Duece 700," and "Put Ur Fist In The Air." Throughout the project, Askari X combines militant social commentary with authentic street experience, giving the album a distinctive voice within the West Coast underground movement.Although never a mainstream commercial success, Askari X – Ward Of The State became a cult classic among fans of conscious and political hip-hop. Its fearless message, raw production, and uncompromising lyrical approach have earned it lasting respect as one of the most important independent rap albums to emerge from Oakland during the golden era.For fans of West Coast underground hip-hop, conscious rap, political hip-hop, and rare 1990s releases, Askari X – Ward Of The State is an essential listen. Its authentic Oakland sound, revolutionary themes, and timeless lyricism make it one of the defining underground rap albums of 1992.

1 Street Life 5:49
2 Ward Of The State 6:21
3 Giants Vs Giants 4:43
4 Ansar El Muhammed 4:43
5 Ansar El Muhammad (Put Them Pigs On Trial) 4:02
6 Da Meeting 4:29
7 Sister Ansar 1:09
8 The Game 4:14
9 Ur Crazy 1:55
10 Proud 2 B Black 3:43
11 Duece 700 5:07
12 Ansar Machine 2:11
13 Buggas In My Program 6:19
14 Put Ur Fist N The Air 4:38
15 Like To Get Ire 4:41
16 City Life 2:03
17 Ward Of The State (Radio) 5:08
Flac
320kbps