Jeru The Damaja ‘Wrath of the Math’ 20th Anniversary
Release date: 15th October 1996
Label: PayDay / FFRR
Producers: DJ Premier
Profile (courtesy of Wikipedia):
“The album was completely produced by DJ Premier and continues the themes of Afrocentricity, preserving hip-hop culture, and more about the harms of materialism that were discussed on The Sun Rises in the East.
In its liner notes, it says, “This album was created to SAVE hip-hop and the minds of the people who listen to it.” One significant track that intends to uphold Jeru’s vision of hip hop is “One Day,” where Jeru tells a story of Puff Daddy, Foxy Brown, and Bad Boy Records kidnapping somebody named Hip-Hop. The Notorious B.I.G. took offense to the song, being that he was signed to Bad Boy Records, and closely affiliated with Puff Daddy and Foxy Brown. Biggie retaliated by throwing subtle jabs at Jeru in the song “Kick in the Door” (which was also aimed at other rap artists as well.) The track “Me or the Papes” contains aim for Puff Daddy, Jeru stating, “My name ain’t Puff, I ain’t got loot to waste,” to which Puff Daddy didn’t respond.
It contains many tracks that are sequels to songs on Jeru’s debut album such as “Revenge of the Prophet (Part 5),” “Me or the Papes,” and “Physical Stamina,” featuring Afu-Ra, the one guest emcee, as he was on Jeru’s debut album.”
Additional info:
- The album comes in at #18 in Ego Trip’s Top 25 Rap Albums of 1996.
- The single ‘Me Or The Papes’ comes in at #14 in Ego Trip’s Top 40 Rap Singles of 1996.
- The track ‘Ya Playin’ Yaself’ appears on our 1996 Rap Megamix.
- That track also appears on the Classic Material 1996 Mixtape.
- Listen to samples used in the making of the album on WhoSampled.
Purchase: Discogs