Sadat X, Wild Cowboys

Sadat X, Wild Cowboys

This is one of the best albums evvvvvvaaaaaaa! Sadat X (AKA Derrik X or DX from the BX), of Brand Nubian fame, came out in 1996 with a mostly ignored solo album that is, for me, one of the most important sonic creations of the 90s.

Sadat begins the album instructing "Lets do it with shade of X; mood blue." And from here the album launches into a jazzy and blue collection of tracks from Buckwild, Showbiz, Pete Rock, Diamond D, The Beatminerz, Minnesota, DJ Alamo (From Brand Nubian), DJ Ogee and Ali Malik. Regardless of the myriad contributors to this album, the sound remains in the same register and mood for the entirety of the album.

The album begins with---coincidentally---the first single, "The Lump Lump," produced by DITC legend Buckwild. This track is something special, I can't count the times I've heard the insturmental used in DJ battle sets in the late 90s.

It is after this initial track that the album really slides into its mellow mood. Wild Cowboys, produced by Diamond D, provides some supa shmoove vibes for DX to lace the track with his nasal ---never mono---tone. The album continues along these jazzy lines for the remainder of the album, with Sadat being joined by MCs Grand Puba, Sean Black---what happened to you???, Cool Chuck, Tec, DV Alias Christ, Regina Hall and Dedi. Puba is dope and Sean Black made a big impression on alot of cats when this came out, but alas, where is Sean?

Some of the other highlights are found on the latter half of the album. The Beatminer's "The Interview" is a lovely track that has DX responding to questions form Regina Hall. "Escape from New York" is a Pete Rock track that Sadat rips to shreds. What can I say, the album is dope. If you get a chance, pick it up, you probably won't see it though, there are very few copies circulating. OH well, your loss.

Wild Cowboys receives a 950,000/1,000,000 on the special rating scale.
Big shout to Hin Man for the CD!
-M