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First Family 4 Life
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| First Family 4 Life | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | August 11, 1998 | |||
| Studio |
| |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 1:04:56 | |||
| Label | Relativity | |||
| Producer |
| |||
| M.O.P. chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [1] |
| RapReviews | 9/10[2] |
| The Source | [3] |
First Family 4 Life is the third studio album by American hip-hop duo M.O.P.. It was released on August 11, 1998, via Relativity Records. DJ Premier produced five songs on the album and also serves as an executive producer of the project (with Laze E Laze). The LP features more guest-appearances than previous M.O.P. projects; cameos include Jay-Z, Freddie Foxxx, Gang Starr, O.C., Heather B., Teflon, and Treach.
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Billy Skit" | 0:58 | |
| 2. | "Breakin' the Rules" | DJ Premier | 4:12 |
| 3. | "4 Alarm Blaze" (featuring Teflon and Jay-Z) | Laze E Laze | 4:29 |
| 4. | "Blood Sweat and Tears" | Laze E Laze | 4:42 |
| 5. | "Down 4 Whateva" (featuring O.C.) | M.O.P. | 3:33 |
| 6. | "Facing Off" | M.O.P., Laze E. Laze | 3:38 |
| 7. | "My Kinda Nigga Part II" (featuring Heather B.) | Da Beatminerz | 4:07 |
| 8. | "I Luv" (featuring Freddie Foxxx) | DJ Premier | 4:50 |
| 9. | "Salute Part II" (featuring Gang Starr) | DJ Premier | 4:17 |
| 10. | "Ride with Us" | Laze E Laze | 4:43 |
| 11. | "Handle Ur Bizness" (DJ Premier Remix) | DJ Premier | 4:14 |
| 12. | "Fly Nigga Hill Figga" | M.O.P. | 4:07 |
| 13. | "What the Future Holds" | M.O.P. | 3:57 |
| 14. | "Downtown Swinga '98" | DJ Premier | 4:13 |
| 15. | "Fame Skit" | 1:52 | |
| 16. | "Brooklyn/Jersey Get Wild" (featuring Treach) | Laze E Laze | 4:07 |
| 17. | "New York Salute" | M.O.P. | 2:56 |
| No. | Title | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18. | "Way of the World" | Laze E Laze | 4:04 |
| 19. | "Move Something" | M.O.P. | 4:24 |
Charts
[edit]| Chart (1998) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200[4] | 80 |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[5] | 14 |
References
[edit]- ^ Conaway, Matt. "First Family 4 Life – M.O.P." AllMusic. Retrieved February 11, 2018.
- ^ De Zilva, Jason (September 26, 2006). "M.O.P. :: First Family 4 Life:: Relativity Records". RapReviews. Retrieved February 11, 2018.
- ^ Morales, Riggs (September 1998). "M.O.P. – First Family 4 Life". Record Report. The Source. No. 108. New York. pp. 240, 242.
- ^ "M.O.P. Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "M.O.P. Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard.
External links
[edit]- First Family 4 Life at Discogs (list of releases)
 | This 1990s hip-hop album–related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by adding missing information. |
First Family 4 Life
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Background and recording
Development
M.O.P., the hip hop duo consisting of Lil' Fame and Billy Danze, emerged from the tough streets of Brownsville, Brooklyn, where they formed in 1992 as childhood friends seeking an outlet from street life. Their hardcore hip hop identity took shape with the release of their debut album To the Death in 1994, which introduced their aggressive, raw energy rooted in Brooklyn's gritty realities, followed by Firing Squad in 1996, which amplified their signature high-octane style and solidified their underground reputation.[8][3] Building on this foundation, the conceptual origins of First Family 4 Life drew heavily from the late-1990s Brooklyn hip hop scene, a period marked by the influence of artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Fat Joe, and Nas, who emphasized authentic street narratives amid the genre's growing commercialization. M.O.P. prioritized loyalty to their inner circle—often referred to as the "First Family" in reference to their crew's unbreakable bonds—and maintained street credibility by focusing on unfiltered depictions of urban survival, distinguishing themselves from the era's more polished mainstream trends.[8][3] A key pre-production decision was to incorporate expanded guest features, marking a departure from their earlier, more self-contained efforts to foster broader appeal within the underground community through organic collaborations. Notable appearances included Jay-Z and Teflon on "4 Alarm Blaze," O.C. on "Down 4 Whateva," Gang Starr on "Salute Part II," and Treach on "Brooklyn/Jersey Get Wild," which arose spontaneously during studio sessions and highlighted affiliations with respected East Coast acts. Pre-production centered on core themes of family unity, personal struggle, and unrelenting aggression to encapsulate their worldview and crew ethos.[8][3]Recording sessions
The recording sessions for First Family 4 Life primarily took place at D&D Studios in New York City, with additional work at Pyramid Studios for select tracks.[9] Most of the album's 17 tracks were recorded and mixed at D&D, while track 16 was recorded at Pyramid and mixed at D&D.[9] DJ Premier served as executive producer alongside Laze E Laze, overseeing the project's direction and contributing beats to five tracks, including "Breakin' the Rules," "I Luv," "Salute Part II," "Handle Ur Bizness (DJ Premier Remix)," and "Downtown Swinga '98."[10][11] Other production duties were handled by Laze E Laze for tracks such as "4 Alarm Blaze," "Blood Sweat and Tears," and "Facing Off"; M.O.P. themselves for "Down 4 Whateva," "Ride with Us," "Fly Nigga Hill Figga," and "New York Salute"; and Da Beatminerz for "My Kinda Nigga Part II."[11][12] Guest artists were integrated into the sessions to enhance the album's collaborative energy, notably Jay-Z and Teflon, who contributed verses to "4 Alarm Blaze," a track produced by Laze E Laze.[11][13]Composition
Musical style
First Family 4 Life exemplifies hardcore hip hop and boom bap genres, defined by gritty, sample-heavy beats that drive aggressive, high-energy flows characteristic of East Coast underground rap. The album's sound prioritizes raw intensity over melodic polish, with producers employing chopped samples, rugged basslines, and relentless drum patterns to evoke the harsh realities of Brownsville, Brooklyn. This sonic foundation aligns with the duo's reputation for unyielding, street-oriented delivery, distinguishing it within the late-1990s hip hop landscape.[5][3][14] Key production highlights include DJ Premier's sparse, drum-driven tracks, such as "Breakin' the Rules," which features a minimalist whistle and horn loop layered over machine-gun percussion for a stark, pounding rhythm. Da Beatminerz contribute soulful loops infused with jazzy funk elements, as heard in "My Kinda Nigga Part II," where melodic grooves contrast yet amplify the hardcore edge without softening the overall aggression. These techniques rely on classic boom bap elements—emphasizing kick-snare dynamics and vinyl scratches—to create a cohesive, battle-ready atmosphere across the project.[3][15] Spanning 1:04:56 over 17 tracks, the album incorporates skits like "Billy Skit" to add narrative flair and thematic continuity, bridging instrumental segments with spoken interludes that heighten the immersive, story-like quality. In opposition to 1998's mainstream hip hop trends favoring glossy, pop-infused production, First Family 4 Life upholds an underground rawness, focusing on authentic grit and sonic minimalism to preserve its cult status among purists.[5][3]Lyrical content
The lyrics of First Family 4 Life center on themes of street loyalty and unbreakable family bonds, encapsulated in the album's title as a nod to M.O.P.'s tight-knit crew from Brownsville, Brooklyn, where resilience amid urban hardship is a recurring motif.[3] Tracks vividly depict the violence inherent in their environment, portraying a world of constant threats and survival instincts, as seen in narratives of loss and perseverance that underscore the duo's unyielding determination to protect their own.[16] This Brownsville-rooted ethos is reinforced through crew anthems like "Salute Part II," which rally listeners with calls to unity and represent the hardcore Brooklyn hip-hop tradition.[3] M.O.P.'s delivery amplifies these themes with an aggressive, shout-style approach—Lil' Fame and Billy Danze trading furious, high-energy bars that evoke the intensity of street confrontations, often building to explosive choruses.[3] In "Blood Sweat and Tears," they craft vivid narratives of struggle, with lines like "Blood is for the brothers that died, the mothers that cried" reflecting emotional depth amid tales of sacrifice and endurance in a violent upbringing.[3] The lyrics frequently employ Brooklyn slang ("gully," "nigga") and bold boasts, such as Billy Danze's self-description as a "semi-automatic addict" in "Breakin' the Rules," to assert dominance and authenticity in the face of adversity.[3] Guest verses enrich this framework, adding layers of bravado and introspection that align with the album's core messages. On "4 Alarm Blaze," Jay-Z contributes a verse brimming with confident swagger, boasting about his wealth and readiness for conflict—"Pack steel - ain’t afraid to let a clip go"—while tying into the track's theme of explosive violence and Brooklyn pride.[17] Similarly, O.C.'s contribution to "Down 4 Whateva" introduces a more reflective tone, pondering loyalty and past struggles with lines like "We won’t jam when it’s time to blast," pledging unwavering support to M.O.P. and warning foes of dire consequences, such as ending up "in the East River with some bale-ass shoes."[18] These features enhance the album's portrayal of resilience, blending personal introspection with collective street allegiance.[16]Release and promotion
Album release
First Family 4 Life was released on August 11, 1998, by Relativity Records, serving as the third studio album by the hip hop duo M.O.P..[4][12] The album was issued in multiple physical formats, including CD, cassette, and double vinyl LP, to accommodate various listener preferences in the late 1990s music market.[4] The standard edition contained 17 tracks, while select international versions, such as the Japanese CD release, featured additional bonus tracks like "Way of the World" and "Move Something," extending the runtime and offering exclusive content for global audiences.[19] The cover art, designed by Randy "R-Do" Ronquillo with art direction by David Bett, prominently displayed "First Family" imagery, including photographs of M.O.P. members Billy Danze and Lil' Fame alongside their crew, reinforcing the album's thematic emphasis on loyalty and camaraderie.[11] Initial distribution efforts by Relativity Records focused on underground hip hop scenes, particularly in the Northeast United States, where M.O.P.'s aggressive style resonated with local fans in areas like New York City.[20][21]Singles and marketing
The promotion of First Family 4 Life centered on two key singles that showcased M.O.P.'s aggressive style and high-profile collaborations. "4 Alarm Blaze," featuring JAY-Z and Teflon and produced by Laze E Laze, was released as the lead single in May 1998 via Relativity Records.[22] The track's music video, directed by Brian Luvar, was filmed in gritty urban New York locations, capturing the raw energy of street life to align with the duo's Brownsville origins.[23] Following the album's August release, "Breakin' the Rules," produced by DJ Premier, served as the second single in November 1998, also on Relativity.[24] Its accompanying video emphasized similar urban aesthetics, reinforcing M.O.P.'s hardcore hip-hop identity through dynamic shots of Brooklyn neighborhoods.[25] Marketing efforts leaned heavily on targeted outreach within the underground hip-hop community, reflecting Relativity Records' emphasis on niche acts rather than broad commercial campaigns. Promotion included crew shoutouts to the First Family collective in track intros and liner notes, fostering loyalty among fans and affiliates. M.O.P. supported the rollout with live appearances at 1998 events, such as the Smokin' Grooves festival in July, where they performed alongside major acts to energize grassroots support.[26] Due to the label's underground focus, broader mainstream exposure was limited, with much of the album's momentum driven by word-of-mouth in Brooklyn's local scenes and mixtape circuits.[27]Critical reception
Initial reviews
Upon its release in August 1998, First Family 4 Life garnered positive feedback from contemporary critics, who highlighted its unrelenting energy and commitment to underground hardcore hip-hop. The Source magazine awarded the album 4 out of 5 mics in its September 1998 issue, praising the duo's authentic street narratives and explosive delivery that captured the raw essence of Brownsville, Brooklyn.[28] AllMusic's review lauded the project's hardcore edge, crediting executive producer DJ Premier's contributions for five standout tracks and effective guest spots from artists like Guru, O.C., and Bumpy Knucks, which elevated the album's intensity.[5] Vibe magazine similarly commended M.O.P.'s lyrical growth, particularly Billy Danze's introspective moments on family and longevity in songs like "What the Future Holds" and "Blood, Sweat and Tears," marking a maturation from their earlier work while maintaining their aggressive style.[16] Despite these reservations, the record was widely regarded as a strong underground statement that reinforced M.O.P.'s cult status among hardcore rap enthusiasts.[5]Retrospective assessments
In the decades following its 1998 release, First Family 4 Life has garnered acclaim in hip-hop retrospectives for embodying the raw intensity of 1990s Brooklyn hardcore rap, with critics highlighting its uncompromised street narratives and explosive energy as a vital artifact of the era. A 2023 tribute published by Albumism to mark the album's 25th anniversary hailed it as M.O.P.'s "most star-studded celebration of Brooklyn's rap traditions," positioning the project as both a pinnacle of their career and a crucial bridge to subsequent generations of hardcore acts through its collaborative spirit and unrelenting aggression.[2] A 2006 retrospective review in RapReviews emphasized this legacy, describing the duo's "furious" and "passionate" performances as a defiant stand against the era's commercial tide, preserving the underground's gully authenticity while influencing the genre's harder edges; the review awarded the album 9/10.[3] Among fans and critics, consensus underscores the album's enduring appeal rooted in its visceral passion, even as it fell short of mainstream crossover. On RateYourMusic, it averages 3.59 out of 5 from 781 user ratings (as of 2025), with reviewers frequently commending the "raw passion" in tracks like "4 Alarm Blaze" and the relentless chemistry between Billy Danze and Lil' Fame, despite the project's limited commercial footprint.[12] Retrospective discussions also spotlight First Family 4 Life's role in safeguarding the 1990s boom bap aesthetic—characterized by DJ Premier's hard-hitting drums and sample-driven grooves—amid hip-hop's pivot toward smoother, synth-heavy sounds in the 2000s, ensuring the subgenre's gritty blueprint remained viable for future underground revivalists.[3]Commercial performance
Chart positions
First Family 4 Life achieved modest commercial success and did not peak within the top 100 of the US Billboard 200 chart. It reached number 14 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, indicating appeal to hip-hop audiences.[7] The album did not enter international music charts, limited by Relativity Records' focus on domestic distribution.[7] In comparison to M.O.P.'s earlier albums, First Family 4 Life built on their underground presence; their 1994 debut To the Death peaked at number 68 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.Sales figures
The album received no certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), typical for many niche hip hop releases of the late 1990s that did not reach the 500,000-unit threshold for gold status.[29] Following its initial release, the album has seen continued availability through digital reissues and streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, contributing to its enduring cult following among hip hop fans. Its commercial performance was constrained by competition from major 1998 hip hop releases, such as DMX's It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, which sold 251,000 copies in its debut week.[30]Track listing and personnel
Track listing
The standard edition of First Family 4 Life by M.O.P. features 17 tracks with a total runtime of 1:04:56.[5][15]| No. | Title | Featuring | Duration | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Billy Skit" | — | 0:58 | — |
| 2 | "Breakin' the Rules" | — | 4:12 | Billy Danze, Lil' Fame, DJ Premier |
| 3 | "4 Alarm Blaze" | Jay-Z, Teflon | 4:29 | Billy Danze, Lil' Fame, Jay-Z, Teflon |
| 4 | "Blood Sweat and Tears" | — | 4:43 | Billy Danze, Lil' Fame, Laze E. Laze |
| 5 | "Down 4 Whateva" | O.C. | 3:33 | Billy Danze, Lil' Fame, O.C. |
| 6 | "Facing Off" | — | 3:38 | Billy Danze, Lil' Fame |
| 7 | "My Kinda Nigga Part II" | Heather B. | 4:07 | Billy Danze, Lil' Fame, Heather B. |
| 8 | "I Luv" | Freddie Foxxx | 4:50 | Billy Danze, Lil' Fame, Freddie Foxxx, DJ Premier |
| 9 | "Salute Part II" | Gang Starr | 4:17 | Billy Danze, Lil' Fame, DJ Premier, Guru |
| 10 | "Ride With Us" | — | 4:43 | Billy Danze, Lil' Fame |
| 11 | "Handle Ur Bizness (DJ Premier Remix)" | — | 4:15 | Billy Danze, Lil' Fame, DJ Premier |
| 12 | "Fly Nigga Hill Figga" | — | 4:07 | Billy Danze, Lil' Fame |
| 13 | "What the Future Holds" | — | 3:57 | Billy Danze, Lil' Fame |
| 14 | "Downtown Swinga '98" | — | 4:13 | Billy Danze, Lil' Fame |
| 15 | "Fame Skit" | — | 1:52 | — |
| 16 | "Brooklyn/Jersey Get Wild" | Treach | 4:08 | Billy Danze, Lil' Fame, Treach |
| 17 | "New York Salute" | — | 2:56 | Billy Danze, Lil' Fame |