Hmmmm...something just isn't right about that Top Shelf 8/8/88 album...

First up, the album is dope there really are some ill beats on this and it all works, but as I listen through it more I am struck with a sense that a lot of these tracks just weren't recorded in 1988 and who had ever heard of Top Shelf until this year?.

I find a lot of the production a little to advanced in places, I mean let's be real '88 production was for the most part, just straight loops, but on here there are beat changes and breakdowns.

These are the questions I am seeking answers to

Why has this only been released in Japan?

Why do at least 4 of the artists mention Top Shelf and 1988?

Where Black Sheep actually formed in 1988? and why is just Dres on the track

Where Leaders of The New School?

What does Biz Markie mean when he says "18 Years strong"?

How could Special Ed have "sold a lot of records" if he didn't even his first single out in 1988?

Why does Big Daddy Kane sound liked an older Kane on 'Like That Y'all"? and how come the track uses the same break that was used on Come On Down?

Why is MC Lyte's track a loop of Positive K's Night shift?

Why does Masta Ace sound like today's Masta Ace?

If Craig G recorded his song in 1988, then why is he listed as Graig G on the CD and the tracklist?

See, it's just not adding up and I am puzzled as to why we are (possibly) being lied to?, do the producers of this think that "oh no one really remembers rap from 1988, so we will be able to pull the wool over their eyes and make lots of dough in the process, while they snap up the lost 2 inch tape rarities"?

It's possible that the Grand Puba one is legit and maybe the Melle Mel and Grandmaster Caz but ultimately the question that has to be asked is, if this actually is older artists doing '88 type tracks then why be ashamed of it?...I think the Special Ed track is my favourite with the Craig G a close second


The link is everywhere now and if these dudes are trying to pull a fast one on us, it deserves to be all over the net.



01. Fab 5 Freddy - Intro 02. Black Sheep - I'm The One 03. Big Daddy Kane - Like That, Y'all 04. Biz Markie - My Name Is... 05. MC Lyte - Listen Up 06. Grand Puba - Let's Go 07. Smooth B of Nice and Smooth - I Want My Money Back 08. Craig G - Catch A Lyrical Beatdown 09. Chubb Rock - Chubb Rocks The Party 10. Special Ed - This Mic 11. Doug E. Fresh - It Ain't Nothin 12. Jungle Brothers - Back In The Jungle 13. Just Ice - I Run The Streets 14. Melle Mel and Grandmaster Caz - The Battle Is On 15. Master Ace - Revolution's 'Bout To Start



http://www.megaupload.com/?d=206LN9G3

I look forward to any comments and thoughts you may have.

Peace

Werner's thoughts

http://journals.aol.com/wvwalenrod/werners/entries/2007/08/07/cmon-get-in-the-car-guys.-were-moving-to-japan/1031