Artist: Da Brat Album: Funkdafied

Year: 1994
Duration: 0:0-1

Funkdafied by Da Brat: A Critical Review of the Album

In the male-dominated rap industry, a young woman dared to make her way into the music scene and made a lasting impact on hip-hop culture. Her name is Shawntae Harris, famously known as Da Brat, and her debut album Funkdafied is still considered one of the classics of the '90s hip-hop scene. The album's title track became a huge hit and established Da Brat's gritty style and slick rhymes. In this blog post, let's take a critical deep dive into the Funkdafied album, learn about the artist's history and music genre, examine the best tracks, highlight its innovative parts, and provide an overall review of the album.

Da Brat, born on April 14, 1974, in Joliet, Illinois, began her career as a rapper when she won a local talent contest and got the attention of producer Jermaine Dupri. She signed a deal with Dupri's record label, So So Def Recordings, and soon released Funkdafied, her debut album in 1994. Da Brat's music genre is hardcore hip-hop with a dash of gangsta rap, and she's known for her distinctive high-pitched voice, hard-hitting lyrics, and catchy hooks. Her flow is smooth, yet powerful, and her music is known for its energy and aggressiveness.

The album Funkdafied contains twelve tracks, with the title track being the most iconic. It samples the Isley Brothers' Between the Sheets and features a distinctive beat and a memorable chorus. The song's music video also showcased Da Brat's tomboyish style and attitude, with her wearing baggy clothes, baseball caps, and chains. The album's second single, Fa All Y'All, is another standout track that features a slower, more melodic beat, with Da Brat rapping about love and relationships. Other noteworthy tracks include Give It 2 You, Sittin' on Top of the World, and Ain't No Thang.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is its production. Jermaine Dupri's beats are full of old-school funk and soul samples, with heavy drums and basslines. The production's minimalistic approach gives more room for Da Brat's flow and lyrics to stand out. Another unique aspect of the album is the guest performances. Funkdafied features rap legends like MC Lyte and Yo-Yo, who added their own style and flair to the tracks they featured on.

As a critical review of the album, there are a few shortcomings worth mentioning. Some of the tracks on the album sound too similar, with the same funk samples and drum beats, making them blend together. Also, some critics felt that Da Brat's lyrics lacked depth and maturity, even though she showcased her delivery and skills.

To wrap up, Da Brat's Funkdafied album remains an essential piece of '90s hip-hop history. The album's iconic title track, Jermaine Dupri's stellar production, and Da Brat's fierce delivery make it a must-listen for any rap fan. The album may not be perfect, but it was an important milestone for female rappers, and it paved the way for other women to enter the scene. Da Brat's legacy lives on, and her influence can still be heard in the music of today's hip-hop stars.