What makes The Dirty Version by Showbiz and A.G. notable?

The Dirty Version garnered critical acclaim for its innovative approach to hip-hop, blending traditional beats with unique skit interludes. It solidified Showbiz and A.G.'s influence within the underground hip-hop movement, contributing to a resurgence of East Coast styles in the late '90s. The album is often cited as a vital piece in the discography of '90s hip-hop. Released in 1999, The Dirty Version was Showbiz and A.G.'s follow-up to their acclaimed debut, Runaway Slave. By this time, they had established themselves as significant figures in the East Coast hip-hop scene, known for their authentic representation of urban life. This album showcases their evolution, incorporating humor and storytelling alongside sharp social commentary.

How many songs are on The Dirty Version?

The Dirty Version has 18 tracks, running approximately 74 minutes.

The Dirty Version

Showbiz and A.G. · 1999

74 min · 18 tracks · East Coast hip-hop

A gritty blend of streetwise lyricism and playful skits wrapped in smooth East Coast production.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Underground Life — This track encapsulates the essence of the album with its vivid depiction of street culture and the struggles within it. Its infectious beat and clever wordplay highlight Showbiz and A.G.'s talent for storytelling.
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B.X.M.F. — B.X.M.F. stands out for its aggressive delivery and raw energy, showcasing the duo's lyrical prowess while addressing themes of authenticity in hip-hop. Its powerful beat complements their incisive verses.
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Drop It Heavy — This track features a memorable hook that blends seamlessly with hard-hitting lyrics, representing the gritty aesthetic of the album. It highlights their ability to combine catchy elements with serious content.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

72 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album blends skits and smooth production, showcasing solid writing and execution within its genre.

What we noticed

The album features multiple skits interspersed between tracks, creating a narrative flow that contrasts with the lyrical content.
Tracks like 'Muddslide' and 'Underground Life' showcase a consistent use of smooth, jazzy samples typical of East Coast hip-hop.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response elements, enhancing the collaborative feel of the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

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

1 Muddslide 3:50
2 All Eye Seeing / Diamond Burgos (skit) 3:35
3 Rude Awakening / Mucho Susie (skit) 4:45
4 Underground Life 4:51
5 Be With 3:03
6 No Where to Go 4:11
7 A 2 da G / Hold It Down (skit) 3:05
8 Rock Star 4:36
9 Weed Scented 3:30
10 Leave It Alone / Club (skit) 4:17
11 B.X.M.F. 5:46
12 We Do That Too 4:13
13 Do You / Asshole (skit) 3:19
14 20 Cent Girl / America Held Hostage (skit) 3:49
15 Drop It Heavy 4:19
16 Ishims 4:03
17 Kurupt Money 5:11
18 Shout 'em Out 3:38

What to play next

Listen next

Street Talk

2005

Go back to

Full Scale

1998

Full Showbiz and A.G. discography Artists like Showbiz and A.G.

East Coast hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata