What makes V by Steady B notable?

V received positive reviews upon release and helped solidify Steady B’s status in the hip-hop community during the early '90s. The album's blend of funk and rap not only resonated with fans but also influenced emerging artists within the genre, contributing to the evolving sound of East Coast hip-hop. Released in 1991, V was Steady B's third studio album, following his breakthrough success with the critically acclaimed On Fire. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his reputation in the hip-hop scene, showcasing a matured sound while maintaining the energetic flair that characterized his earlier work.

How many songs are on V?

V has 13 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

V

Steady B · 1991

46 min · 13 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant fusion of funk-infused beats and rapid-fire rhymes that encapsulates early '90s hip-hop culture.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Girl’s Gonna Getcha — This opening track establishes the album's playful energy and sets a funky tone with its catchy hooks and vibrant production.
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Keeper of the Funk — The track exemplifies Steady B's lyrical prowess while seamlessly incorporating funk elements that reflect the album's overall aesthetic.
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License to Kill — With its sharp verses and engaging narrative, this track showcases Steady B's storytelling ability, making it a highlight within the album.
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Get on Down — This upbeat anthem captures the party spirit of the era, blending rhythmic beats with an infectious chorus that invites listeners to dance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic compositions with a strong funk influence, though it doesn't fully stand out in the broader hip-hop landscape.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with rapid-fire verses, while the second half introduces slower, funk-driven grooves.
Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation, particularly horns and bass, which enhances the funk elements throughout the record.
The album includes multiple instances of call-and-response vocal patterns, engaging listeners and creating a dynamic interaction.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

How I’m Living

The verse shifts perspectives by addressing societal struggles directly, contrasting personal experience with broader cultural issues.

This structural choice deepens the narrative impact, allowing for a profound reflection on individual versus collective experiences.

Tracklist

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

1 Girl’s Gonna Getcha 4:34
2 The Warpath 3:33
3 How I’m Living 3:24
4 Journey Through Funky Sound 3:09
5 Pay Me Baby 4:14
6 Keeper of the Funk 3:26
7 Steady and Cool 2:53
8 U‐Za‐Flea 4:02
9 And U Don’t Stop 3:38
10 License to Kill 3:54
11 Get on Down 3:37
12 I Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere 3:02
13 Funky One 3:14

What to play next

Go back to

Let the Hustlers Play

1988

Full Steady B discography Artists like Steady B

hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata