The Villain in Black
The Villain in Black is the second album by rapper MC Ren, released April 9, 1996, on Ruthless Records and distributed by Relativity Records.
The album showcases MC Ren's first attempt at imitating the G-Funk sound that dominated the West Coast hip hop scene during that time, in particular Dr. Dre's debut 1992 album The Chronic. This was not well received by critics and fans, as the album was heavily criticized for what many saw as MC Ren's pandering to gangsta rap, and toning down of the socio-political content found on his earlier efforts. Despite the criticism, the album was moderately successful, charting at #31 on the Billboard 200.
Content
Production
The majority of the album's production was handled by Cold 187um of Above the Law and Dr. Jam. It also features production by Madness 4 Real and Big Jessie.
Album title
The album titles is a reference to MC Ren's nickname, The Villain.
Singles
Two singles were released from the album: "Mad Scientist" and "Keep It Real".
Release and reception
Critical reception
Commercial performance
The album debuted number 31 on Billboard 200, with the first-week sales of 31,000 copies. The following month the album sold 121,000 copies.
Track listing
1. |
"Bitch Made Nigga Killa" | Cold 187um |
4:02 |
2. |
"Keep It Real" | Dr. Jam |
4:52 |
3. |
"It's Like That" (featuring Bigg Rocc) | Cold 187um |
4:34 |
4. |
"Mad Scientist" | Dr. Jam, Madness 4 Real (co.) |
4:22 |
5. |
"Live From Compton 'Saturday Night'" (featuring Cold 187um) | Cold 187um |
5:56 |
6. |
"Still The Same Nigga" | Jessie "Big Jessie" Willard |
5:27 |
7. |
"I Don't Give A Damn" | Dr. Jam, Madness 4 Real (co.) |
3:56 |
8. |
"Mind Blown" (featuring Bigg Rocc) | Cold 187um |
4:42 |
9. |
"Great Elephant" | Jessie "Big Jessie" Willard |
3:45 |
10. |
"Muhammed Speaks" (featuring Khalid Muhammad) | Cold 187um |
1:31 |
11. |
"Bring It On" (featuring Above the Law, Triggerman and Khalid Muhammad) | Cold 187um |
4:42 |
Sample Credit
- "Bitch Made Nigga Killa"
- "If It Ain't Ruff" by N.W.A.
- "Grand Verbalizer, What Time Is It?" by X-Clan
- "Mad Scientist"
- "Mayday On The Frontline" by MC Ren
- "Final Frontier" by MC Ren
- "All Bullshit Aside" by MC Ren
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Charts
References
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