Classic West Coast hip hop had two periods of redefinition: The N.W.A Explosion (1986-91) and the rise of G-Funk(1992-96). In Addition, you can argue that the Up In The Smoke era(1999-2005) was another period of relevance. These redefinitions did come with a legion of copycats; those who wanted a piece of that Best Coast pie. However, there have been others who have survived the onslaught of imitators that often abused the synths and pretend to claim a hood they weren't even from The survivors, in particular, survived due to having an expansive creative direction and vision. Compton's Most Wanted and their legacy is the epitome of how to sustain your identity amidst Dr. Dre's musical shakeups.

A wise man once told me that CMW were the West Coast's answer to Gang Starr....and boy was he not lying Compton's Most Wanted consisted of MC Eiht, Tha Chill, Boom Bam, and DJ Slip. However, what made CMW as a musical force were the gritty urban storytelling of MC Eiht and the musical koolaid tangent: DJ Slip, along with The Unknown DJ maintained their vintage, minimalistic sound. Their music, whether sample based or live instrumentation, always provided a musical structure of interconnectivity. DJ Slip's genius in seamlessly incorporating various samples, reinforcing CMW's ability to recontextualize beats while providing a sonic template of menacing, slow rolling 70's styled beats.

Here are some of the best CMW/MC Eiht songs picked out from me that showcased the inventiveness of DJ Slip.

CMW - Late Night Hype(1990)

Originating from their 1st album, It's A Compton Thing. The soundscapes match the title with its nighttime and St. Ides inducing energy. MC Eiht and Tha Chill talk about their typical midnight activities over this smooth instrumental. The sampled guitar and trumpet are in full effect, as the sporadic Rick James-esque piece pops out to signify an action taking place in the story. Feels like I'm listening to an audio book with the musical cues taking place. A production duty between The Unknown DJ and DJ Slip, they perfectly executed a midnight funk groove. That song you play on your drive through the highway at nighttime.

N.O.T.R - Puts In Much Work( Circa 1992-94)

A transition from one era to another. This is still sample based, but it doesn't sound like an audio collage as before. The track feels cohesive and fleshed out. Gone were the pasted samples, and now a push towards a streamlined loop. N.O.T.R., a CMW spinoff group, rap about their determination to put in work for their hood and family. DJ Slip comes thoro with this magnificent beat as the deep bass lines are on full force. The cerebral sound of the guitar is hypnotic as it mixes with the celestial, starship aurality of the song. It has this aforementioned quality yet it still feels menacing as hell. DJ Slips uses the reverbed, guttural bass to create the perfect Drive by Miss Daisy music. 70s Jazz-Funk vibes are apparent thanks to the brilliance of DJ Slip.

DFC ft. Mc Eiht - Caps Get Peeled Remix(1994)

The MC Breed associated group, Da Funk Clan from Flint, Michigan. These guys were able to score a Eiht feature and classic production from DJ Slip. This is where he started to be more involved in live instrumentation--and lord is it beautiful. The windy, bittersweet harmony is insanely felt. The piano and bass guitar are implemented to instill the emphasis of street knowledge. And let's not get started about that sweet bell, chime sound that is heard throughout. It sounds like a game over sequence for a fighting game as if the countdown is coming close to zero. Almost as if danger is lurking around the corner at any moment.

MC Eiht - You Can’t See Me(1996)

Palm trees, sunny daze, and BBQ cookouts: that classic West Coast experience. This beat has those vibes in spades with it's usage of G-Funk synths. Although it breathes mellowness, there is an underlying sense of confidence and bravado. That car shop induced drum pattern presents the grittiness of Eiht's ascent from rags to riches. The horns heard are an embodiment of this new lifestyle, it sounds like a HBCU Marching Band stepping in to stamp their presence on a football field. The instrumental is a sonic representation of black excellence and DJ Slip is aurally communicating that the legacy of CMW has finally made it.

Mayhemm ft. MC Eiht - CRUCIAL(1997)

If you don't know by now, MC Eiht was the king of guest features. Having him featured on your track, was a stamp of approval to underground Hip Hop circles. The Phoenix, Arizona based trio, Mayhemm, were fortunate to cop the cosign of a West Coast legend. Although, these guys were mid lyrically, the guest feature of Eiht and DJ Slip's production saves this track. That drum work has such a soft, airy percussive touch. It's not too loud but it ain't quiet either and it results in a smooth, chill beat. The lofi piano is once again heard yet with another element: the flute. The way it's utilized is calming with the way it echoes ranging from a high or low note. Can't forget about the synth keyboard and how it rises at certain points. All these elements combined create a heartwarming instrumental that feels subdued in the warmth of the Autumn season. At times, it resembles an old school Glenn Campbell 60s Countrypolitan production but with a Contemporary Hip Hop edge added.

Overall, a component to the legacy of Compton's Most Wanted lies in the creativity of DJ Slip. Unlike shameless imitators, Slip made it known to supply the crew with a sonic palette of minimalistic, slow burning instrumentals. He was able to match the quality of Eiht's raw storytelling with his cinematic production. Similar to other West Coast icons such as DJ Quik, they were able to be unique to their sound. A musicality that has caused them to continue to have a deep catalog that goes to the 2010s. Showcasing that musical integrity can outlast 15 minutes of fame and clout.

Didnt read yet but salute for a real thread 🫡

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Appreciate you

Late Night Hype sounds like it would hit so nicely rn

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Sounds like something Larry June, Payroll Giovanni, Jay Worthy, or Akeem Ali could float on

never knew much about MC Eiht besides hs iconic song from Menace II Society

great write up OP, I'll have to check out some of his other work you mentioned

Knew this was gonna be a MC Eiht thread based off title

I didnt know much about Eiht or CMW group before Kendrick briught him back outside on GKMC, outside of Music to Driveby Too (mostly knew it as a poster) and the piano song from that album that is like his most famous CA wise would still be on the radio in the Bay every once in a while late at night or early morning. MAAD City also becoming the modern quintessential west coast song (fun fact, Kendrick wrote Eiht verse on it) is really dope how Kendrick brought it back full circle. One of the genesis of this, especially in terms of groups, with the new leader on the now biggest West Coast centric song.

In terms of (nowadays) obscure LA first genre pushed artists, I was m
aware of moreso Above the Law and King Tee. But after MAAD City is when i did my full homework on him and his group. He has connects to 2Pac, Spice 1 & Too Short too.

Shout out @YoungNastyShawty for his interview with him years ago and taking my questions for him which Eiht did answer. Great interview I would suggest people to check it out from YNS.

There is no NWA, Ruthless Records or Death Row without Comptons Most Wanted.

Good thread @op

Wow. Never knew YNS did an interview with him. Imma have to check it out

Bet. It's worth the listen

Music to Driveby is an amazing album, one of my favorites really

Love you so much OP

Tough asf 😤🔥🔥

Love you too

Classic group

We need more dust threads on KTT

I don't make dust threads

I make dust polish threads

Honorable Mentions
Songs that were left out but deeply considered for the OG post. Some fire DJ Slip production is on these ones too but had to be cut out for readability
Compton's Most Wanted - Growing Up In The Hood(1991)

MC Eiht - Late Night Hype 2(1996)

MC Eiht - Dayz Of '89(1999)

Klassic West Coast s***

Ya know it

mc eiht is literally one of my favourites.

OP, this is sick!!!