Legendary Classics vol. 1

Legendary Classics Vol. 1 is a collection of unreleased and rare tracks R.A. The Rugged Man has created that deserve notable mention. Several of these records come in the form of previous collaborations, such as the raw, east coast gem “Who’s Dat Guy” with Mobb Deep’s Havoc. Over dark piano keys, the two rappers trade bars about their relentless demeanor. Then there’s “3 Kings,” which shows the dynamic between R.A. and one his early emcee inspirations Kool G Rap. Along with Big John, the trio uses “3 Kings” as a lyrical example of what today’s Hip Hop is missing.

While other collaborations, such as “50,000 Heads” with Sadat X or “Give It Up” featuring J-Live provide diverse commentary, the most convincing performance from R.A. comes on the deeply emotional “Uncommon Valor.” Originally released on Jedi Mind Tricks 2006 album Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell, R.A. potently describes the experiences his father and other veteran soldiers endured during the Vietnam War, so much that it received “Verse of the Year” accolades from HipHopDX that year.

For his dedicated followers, Legendary Classics Vol. 1 is a nice road down memory lane. On the other side, fans just getting into R.A. The Rugged Man will find a handful of lyrical that should inspire them to delve into his catalog.

Track listing