What makes Hard or Smooth by Wreckx-n-Effect notable?

The album features the hit single 'Rump Shaker', which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became synonymous with the New Jack Swing movement. Its commercial success significantly impacted the genre's mainstream acceptance during the early '90s and showcased Wreckx-n-Effect's ability to merge rap with melodic hooks. Released on January 1, 1992, 'Hard or Smooth' marked Wreckx-n-Effect's second studio album following their debut, which had already established them in the hip-hop scene. By this time, the group was capitalizing on the popularity of New Jack Swing, a genre blending R&B with hip-hop elements, as they sought to solidify their unique sound.

How many songs are on Hard or Smooth?

Hard or Smooth has 11 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Hard or Smooth

Wreckx-n-Effect · 1992

45 min · 11 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant blend of hip-hop and New Jack Swing, characterized by infectious grooves and playful lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rump Shaker — This track is a quintessential example of New Jack Swing, featuring catchy hooks and a danceable beat that propelled it to chart success.
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Knock-N-Boots — With its smooth production and romantic themes, this track exemplifies the group's signature style while contributing to the era's R&B-infused hip-hop sound.
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New Jack Swing II (hard version) — This song encapsulates the album's blend of hip-hop bravado and dance-oriented production, highlighting the group's command over the New Jack Swing aesthetic.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Rump Shaker 5:13
2 New Jack Swing II (hard version) 4:50
3 Wreckx Shop 4:39
4 Knock-N-Boots 4:51
5 Here We Come 4:27
6 Tell Me How You Feel 4:59
7 My Cutie 4:07
8 Wreckx-N-Effect 3:53
9 EZ Come EZ Go (What Goes Up Must Come Down) 3:44
10 Hard (short) 2:04
11 Smooth (short) 2:59

What to play next

Listen next

Raps New Generation

1996

Go back to

Wrecks-n-Effect

1989

Full Wreckx-n-Effect discography Artists like Wreckx-n-Effect

hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata