Customer Reviews

Nocturnal

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I copped this album on cassette tape back in the day when it initially dropped, and basically played the tape until it wore out. Having recently purchased the cd to download onto my iPod I find myself listening to it everyday. I appreciate this album in 2005 more than I did when it was first released because no one raps like Ruck and Rock anymore. This cd is a reminder of how potent hip-hop was back in the 90's when it was all about beats & rhymes. MC's were judged upon lyrical skills, not extravagant lifestyles. Although Heltah Skeltah never gained popular acclaim across the country, they were undoubtedly one of the best duos of their time. They deliver clever lyrics in a manner that is best described as vocal gymnastics. Although they basically rap about common street themes, their unique method of delivery sets them worlds apart from current tag-teams. The beats are solid, and the skits add to the album instead of becoming worn after the first listen. If you're into what is commonly referred to as "street rap" or "real hip-hop" then you need to cop this disc before it runs out of circulation. Classic material.

True hip-hop heads long for the day when commercial rap no longer appeals to the masses. When MC's go back to the days were talent received radio play. Only the expertly crafted rhymes and raw beats were the catalyst of a respectable career. Although we may never again reach this point, it's good to now that we can always pull Nocturnal from the vault and dwell on the underground talent the defined good music. Although most of the beats of the album are simple, what is significant is the fact that Dru Ha, Evil Dee and Buckshot did a great job of matching these beats to the lyrical flow of Ruck and Rock. The album can be played from beginning to end with virtually no weak tracks. Letha Brainz Blow, a real head bangin' track is an example of how the beat and the rhymes compliment each other seamlessly. Who dat? is an extremely slow track in which the raps almost seem freestyle. When comparing tracks like these on the album to mainstream tracks today, it is obvious that the hip-hop's golden years have passed. It's difficult to determine who the better MC is (Ruck or Rockness) but that just forces you to listen to the whole album. And still no determination can be made. I recommend this album to people who can appreciate the underground, LET THE MADNESS BEGIN!

yo, the BCC deliver another certified hip hop classic with this joint. this classic LP features ruck and rock in their prime, forming like voltron, backed by butter beats provided by evil dee and the beatminerz. yo for real, they just don't make albums like this anymore, the type of mid-90's hip hop joint that you can throw on and listen to all the way through. not a wack joint on here. i love the dark back alley vibe on this album, ruck and rock have, in my opinion, some of the best deliveries/flows/voices in hip hop! rock's monsterous presence on the MIC will make you tremble in your timbos while ruck's snake-like flow shoots venomous lyrics in your earhole. they complement each other like bread and butter, clouds and thunder. for real... twist a tree to dis and vibe out... classic

It's 2001 and I just coped this album, and it's dope as hell! ya heard! I bought this cd after being along time fan of Black Moon, but not really hearing anything else from the Boot Camp Clique....why did I wait so long. It's got that classic NYC hardcore vibe of 1993-1997 period (Wu tang, Mobb Deep, Jeru the Damaja, Gangstar, Nas, Redman, early Biggie) that now is almost non-existent in today's floss rap game. If you like ya Hip hop raw and grimy this cd definetley iz for you. The two emcees have distinct flows that go from gritty rymes to Reggae tinged hard core, the beats are grimy, and street oriented, ill. Don't be mislead by all these fake pop rappers that are representing New York today, Heltah Skeltah iz alot more street credible than DMX any time!! Cop the album, it's sick

Man, I remember it like it was yesterday. Commercial rap got the gunn clap and the BCC rained supreme. After the click dropped two back to back "very underrated classics" in Enta Da Stage and Da Shinin, they hit us with Nocturnal. Rock and Ruck had two different styles that complimented each other well. And with Da Beatminerz on production, you new it was going to be dope. There is no filler on the album (amazing how rare it is now), so cop it.

The other reviewers did a good job so I'll just say that this is a classic album. Features good MCing, production, beats, and good guest spots. Look for Buckshot's short verse on Operation Lockdown. Any rap fan should have this, especially anyone who claims to be an East Coast/Boot Camp fan.

I started out listening to Heltah Skeltah with their second installment, 'Magnum Force'. For someone who hadn't been exposed to 'Nocturnal' beforehand, 'MF' sounded really good, and while it still does, it doesn't measure up to the street-wise sensibilities found in the first album. Having gone back and purchased this, I now understand what some people meant back in '98 meant when they said 'MF' sounded "cleaner" and less grimier than 'Nocturnal'.

Actually, the entire soundscape for 'Nocturnal' is rightfully implied in the album title: very stark, dreary, eerie, dark, and reminds me of the entire BCC in the studio with a huge buddah smoke session going on. I agree with one of the other reviewers who said that Ruck and Rock both sound just blunted while trading verses.

'Nocturnal' is straight hip hop: there's no socio-political activism, no "Jesus Walks", no mother/daughter dedications -- Just straight up grimy, street, "hoodies and Timbs" hip hop, which means 'beats and rhymes'. Period. Da' Beatminerz provided a lot of production on here, which explains a lot of the dark, eerie musical backdrops the emcees drop lyrics over.

Former Decepticons (an older NY street gang), Ruck and Rock are some pretty pissed off mofos. In fact at times, you can almost feel Rock, with his commanding vocal delivery, being up in your face about to pound your ass and beat the living crap out of you -- I know I felt it. You'll love it: Ruck's straight loco delivery and mesmerizing skills, Rock's towering demeanor, deathly sharp verbal acrobatics, and that commanding presence largely implemented by his deep baritone which carries his wordplay.

If you dig the street-wise Rasta crew BCC, you'll love these two pissed off, angry as hell "naughty" dreads. (Speaking of which, does anyone know what the heck 'Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka' means?!? LOL!) Purchase this now. And as soon as you pop it in, without further ado, Ruck and Rock'll proceed to pound your ass with "Letha Brainz Blo". Peace!

If you dont have this album, i don't think hip-hop is the music you sould be listening to, go out and get it right now. I give it 6 out of 5 stars. the lyrics are quality and the beats get you pumped up, at the same time they are smooth, so you could relax to them. why am i still writing, order this on amazon or get outside your house and actually cop an album for once instead of down loading it!!!!!!

It kills me that these two lyrical master minds didn't get the luv they deserve. I still say, you can't put two MC's together and get a tighter duo. The track "Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka" is still one of my all top 10 favorites in hip-hop. Ruc & Roc simply ripped every track on this CD. The entire Magnum force & B.C.C. has madd skillz and this is a mere fraction of the talent this crew has. THIS IS A CLASSIC CD!!!! 100%

oNe

When I heard this album it blew my mind and kept blowing it for months.This album is a surge of adrenaline all the way through, Ruck and Rock rip the mic like blood thirsty Mc's that have been locked away for years and released to vent their lyrical fury. Production is not just hot, but perfect in combination with their voices/rhymes.All the songs are banging from the beginning to end. This album should be put in a CD tray and let to play with no interruptions and nobody leaving the room. The album is a classic.