Ice Mike - True 2 Da Game! (1992) (remastered 2021) Flac + 320kbps

 

Originally released in 1992, Ice Mike – True 2 Da Game is the debut full-length album from New Orleans West Bank rapper and producer Ice Mike. Originally issued on cassette, the project is an important early example of independent New Orleans hip-hop, combining Southern gangsta rap, funk, heavy bass, and Ice Mike's distinctive production style.The album features tracks including “Rollin' On Daytons,” “Unoucantakdisdik,” “Excuse Me World I'm Ice Mike,” “Ain't Dat A Bitch,” “Flow Down,” “1-900-Hoe-Line,” “Fnalluslipnikkashoes,” “Johnny,” “Bring Da Heat,” “No-Fuck-Ups,” “Here Smoke This,” “Da Mack Game,” “Rekcilkcid,” “Man-N-Da Hole,” “Yo Pussy Stank,” and “Still A Westbank Thang.” The later edition also adds “I Got Game” and the previously unreleased “Bad Attitude,” bringing the reissue tracklist to 18 tracks.Musically, Ice Mike – True 2 Da Game reflects the raw sound of the early-1990s New Orleans underground. Ice Mike handled almost every aspect of the recording himself, including writing, production, scratching, mixing, vocal arrangements, piano and drum overdubs, and performances, with additional production from DJ Lowdown and 8-Ball The DJ. His hands-on approach gives the album a distinctive analog character.The record is particularly notable for its connection to New Orleans' West Bank scene. “Still A Westbank Thang” introduces the Disturbed Young Hustlaz, featuring Jr. Mack, Da Playa Bum, and Kock Desil. Other highlights such as “Flow Down” and “Bring Da Heat” emphasize the hard-edged Southern rap side of the project, while “Fnalluslipnikkashoes” and “Da Mack Game” explore funkier pimp-rap influences.The 2021 reissue campaign brought the album to CD for the first time, using material taken from the original DAT masters. The reissue rearranged the tracklist, added previously unavailable material, and was initially issued in a limited run of 300 CDs. A 2LP edition followed in 2022.Today, Ice Mike – True 2 Da Game stands as a valuable document of early New Orleans West Bank hip-hop. Its self-produced sound, heavy funk influences, raw Southern atmosphere, and historical importance make it an essential discovery for collectors exploring obscure 1990s Southern rap.

1 Excuse Me World I'm Ice Mike
2 Ain't Dat A Bitch
3 Unoucantakdisdik
4 Flow Down
5 Johnny
6 Rollin' On Daytons
7 No-Fuck-Ups
8 1-900-Hoe-Line
9 Fnalluslipnikkashoes
10 Here Smoke This
11 Da Mack Game
12 Bring Da Heat
13 Rekcilkcid
14 Man-N-Da Hole
15 Yo Pussy Stank
16 Good 2 U
17 Atdasamtyme!
18 Bad Attitude (previously unreleased)
Flac
320kbps