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Outsidaz
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The Outsidaz were an American hip hop collective from Newark, New Jersey, perhaps best known through their affiliation with fellow Tri-State area rap trio Fugees and Detroit-area rap group D12.
Key Information
History
[edit]The group formed in 1991 after underground rapper Young Zee (born Dewayne Battle) met D.U. (born Brian Bostic) and Pacewon (born Jerome Hinds) at a New Year's Eve party. At the time they met, Young Zee and Pacewon were rival MCs. Pacewon & D.U. were members of a crew named PNS, while Zee headed a crew named Pskitzo with members Anthony D. Ore (aka Maddfile) and Augustus C. Battle (aka A-Form). They decided to unite into one group called the Outsidaz, following a lengthy microphone battle that it was decided ended in a tie.
Along with Pacewon, D.U. and Young Zee, the Outsidaz consisted of Axe (born Tyree Smith), Denzy (born Denton Dawes), Loon One, DJ Spunk (born Aubrey Polk), S. Coop (born Larry Cooper), Nawshis (born Nathaniel Longchamp), Rah Digga (born Rashia Fisher), the late Slang Ton (real name Salih Ibn Al Bayyinah Scaife, died in 1999),[2] Bskills and Yah Yah (born Shakir Nur-al-din Abdullah).[3]
The Outsidaz are affiliated with the Refugee Camp, and made their first commercial appearance as guest artists on the song "Cowboys" off the Fugees multi-platinum second LP The Score. They were shouted at the end of the chart-topping single "Killing Me Softly". They were also affiliated with Detroit-based rap collective D12, collaborating with them on different projects. D12 member Eminem shouts out the Outsidaz at the end of the song "Just Don't Give a Fuck", in the beginning of "Cum On Everybody", and in the songs "As the World Turns" and "I'm Shady", all of which were released on his major-label solo debut The Slim Shady LP. He also acknowledges them in a track titled "Till Hell Freezes Over" which was intended to be on the album. A rift developed between Eminem and Tha Outsidaz when Young Zee and Pace Won each recorded verses alongside Bizarre for the 'Amityville' track on Eminem's major label sophomore, The Marshall Mathers LP. Dr. Dre complained that Eminem had too many guests on the album, so Pace Won and Young Zee's verses were removed from the track. In a 2015 interview, Pace Won indicated that the original version of the track was probably permanently erased, and as yet, this would appear to be the case, as it has not yet emerged from the vaults.[4] Eminem's Shady Records label released Shady XV, a compilation album which featured a track titled, "Fine Line" by Eminem. On the song, he performs a verse showing his appreciation for the group (specifically Pacewon and Young Zee).
Solo ventures
[edit]Pace Won appeared on Morcheeba's 2002 album, Charango. He appeared on the title track, in addition to "Get Along".
In 2008, Pacewon collaborated with New Jersey producer Mr. Green on The Only Color That Matters Is Green, which included the Eminem diss "The Joker". The first single was "Hip Hop". In 2009, Young Zee appeared on Chicago rappers Saurus and Bones' debut album, Mind Like Mine on the song "Let the Trumpets Blow".
In 2011, Young Zee and Pacewon appeared on the Jedi Mind Tricks album Violence Begets Violence on the song "Design in Malice". The following year, Pacewon and Mr. Green appeared on the song "Get at Me" from St. Cule's album, American Beef. That July, Young Zee and Mr. Green released a collaborative album titled "One Crazy Weekend" featured Pacewon, Rah Digga, Yah Yah, D.U., and Zee's son, Krash Battle.[5]
In 2015, Pacewon and Denzy, along with DJ Scob, Ill Proceeja, S-Ka-Paid, and Thomas Wlodarczyk (Miilkbone), formed The Shady Corps, the Eminem tribute hip hop group, and released one studio album via Pace's Team Won Inc.[6]
In 2018, Pacewon pre-released Outsidaz the Bricks (Slang Ton Tribute Edition) on the 19th anniversary of his death. It featured all other releases from all Outsidaz members.
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]| Year | Album | Chart Positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Hip-Hop | US Heatseekers | ||
| 2000 | Night Life | 67 | 19 |
| 2001 | The Bricks | 68 | 48 |
Compilation albums
[edit]2018: Outsidaz the Bricks (Slang Ton Tribute Edition)
Singles
[edit]- "Rain or Shine" (1998)
- "The Rah Rah" (1999)
- "Macosa/Do It with a Passion" (1999)
- "Keep On/Done in the Game" (2001)
- "Who U Be?" (2001)
- "Ya Can't" (2001)
- "Public Enemy #1" (2001)
- "I Want Her Out" (2001)
- "I'm Leavin'" (2002)
- D.U.-"Sour 'n' Juice" (feat. Pacewon & G-Smoke) (2012)
References
[edit]- ^ "Outsidaz | Discography". Discogs.com. August 8, 2008. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
- ^ "Newark's Hiphop Outsidaz".
- ^ http://music.aol.com/artist/outsidaz/404284/biography[dead link]
- ^ "Home | hhdn". Hiphopdailynews.wix.com. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
- ^ "Young Zee To Release "One Crazy Weekend" Album". King Ice. Archived from the original on September 6, 2012. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
- ^ "The Shady Corps - The Shady Corps LP (2015, File)". Discogs.com. August 23, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
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Outsidaz
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Formation and Early History
Origins and Initial Lineup
The Outsidaz emerged from Newark, New Jersey's vibrant underground hip-hop scene in the early 1990s, where a tight-knit community of MCs fostered a competitive environment centered on lyrical prowess and street authenticity. The group's formation was deeply rooted in the local battle rap culture, with members sharpening their skills through impromptu cyphers and informal competitions in areas known as "Brick City," encompassing Newark and surrounding towns like East Orange and Irvington. This scene, part of a broader Northeast hip-hop wave alongside acts like the Fugees and Lords of the Underground, emphasized raw storytelling and rapid-fire delivery over commercial polish, allowing outsiders like the Outsidaz to build a reputation without major label support.[4][5] The collective coalesced around a core of rival MCs who transitioned from competition to collaboration, initially operating under the name "The Outz" before evolving to Outsidaz to underscore their status as industry underdogs navigating a New York-dominated landscape. Key founders Pacewon (born Jerome Derek Hinds Jr.) and Young Zee (born Dewayne Battle) met at a New Year's Eve party in Newark on December 31, 1990, where their crews—Pacewon's PNS and Young Zee's Skitzo—engaged in an extended rap battle that ended in mutual respect, prompting them to unite.[1] The initial lineup also featured Az-Izz (born Aubrey King), Axe (born Tyree Smith), and Yah Yah (born Shakir Nur-al-din Abdullah), along with D.U. (born Brian Bostic), forming a foundation of five to seven members focused on collective freestyling and demo recordings in local studios.[2][6][7][8] Influenced by New Jersey's early 1990s underground ethos, which prized endurance in marathon rhyme sessions and regional pride amid overshadowing East Coast giants, the Outsidaz prioritized group chemistry over solo stardom from the outset. Their outsider perspective, reflected in the name shift, mirrored the challenges of breaking through without immediate mainstream access, setting the stage for a sound blending gritty narratives with playful wordplay.[4][3]Early Mixtapes and Local Scene
In the mid-1990s, following their formation from rival MCs in Newark, New Jersey, the Outsidaz focused on underground recordings and local performances to establish their presence in the regional hip-hop scene. The group, known for its battle rap style, produced early demos that circulated informally among fans and showcased their rapid-fire flows and collaborative lyricism, often bootlegged and shared at local events.[2] These recordings, created in makeshift setups like the Outhouse studio—a converted space in Newark's Central Ward—emphasized gritty tracks reflecting Brick City life, helping to refine their sound amid the influence of nearby artists like Redman.[4] The Outsidaz actively participated in Newark's vibrant local scene, frequenting cyphers, rap battles, and talent shows at area clubs and community spots during the mid-1990s. As a 12-piece collective centered on foundational members like Young Zee, Pacewon, and D.U., they built a grassroots following through high-energy performances that highlighted their competitive edge and group dynamics.[2] Venues in Newark served as key testing grounds, where their intricate rhyme schemes and on-stage chemistry drew crowds from the Tri-State area's underground circuit, fostering a loyal base before wider recognition.[4] To bolster their output, the group recruited additional contributors such as Slang Ton for rhymes and DJ Muhammed for production and scratching, integrating them into the core lineup by the mid-1990s. Slang Ton's aggressive delivery and DJ Muhammed's technical skills added depth to their demos and live sets, enhancing the collective's battle-ready aesthetic.[9] Despite these efforts, the Outsidaz encountered significant challenges, including repeated label rejections and internal tensions from their origins in rival crews, which they channeled into creative fuel for sharper material and tighter unity.[4] Years of obscurity in Newark's competitive environment tested their resilience, yet it solidified their reputation as a formidable local force.Rise to Prominence
Association with Fugees and Eminem
The Outsidaz established an early connection to the Fugees through Rah Digga, a brief affiliate of the group, who contributed a verse alongside Lauryn Hill on the track "Cowboys" from the Fugees' 1996 album The Score, released on Ruffhouse/Columbia Records.[10] This collaboration stemmed from an alliance formed during a promotional tour where Outsidaz member Young Zee traveled with the Fugees, leading to paired songwriting sessions that included John Forté.[10] The appearance elevated the Outsidaz's profile in the hip-hop scene, with members Rah Digga, Young Zee, and Pacewon crowding the track and marking their first major commercial exposure.[4] Rah Digga's performance on The Score directly facilitated her signing to Elektra Records, arranged after a meeting with CEO Sylvia Rhone through Q-Tip, and contributed to broader opportunities for the collective, including a group deal with Ruffhouse following a rap contest victory in Philadelphia.[10][4] This affiliation with Ruffhouse, a subsidiary tied to Columbia, positioned the Outsidaz within a network that had propelled the Fugees to success, though releases faced delays amid label transitions. In the late 1990s, the Outsidaz forged a key partnership with Eminem, meeting him around 1997 through shared performances and tours, including a joint show at Wetlands in New York City.[11] This connection influenced mutual stylistic exchanges, with Outsidaz member Young Zee claiming to have refined Eminem's multisyllabic rhyme techniques during freestyling sessions in New Jersey, evolving his delivery from the Infinite era to the more intricate flows on The Slim Shady LP.[12] Eminem reciprocated by shouting out the Outsidaz on tracks like "Just Don't Give a Fuck" and "Cum On Everybody" from The Slim Shady LP (1999), and producing elements for their demos.[12] The partnership yielded notable collaborations, including Eminem's feature on the Outsidaz's "Rush Ya Clique" from the 2000 Night Life EP, where he delivered a verse amid the group's energetic delivery, and appearances in the track's music video.[12] Outsidaz members also guested on D12 projects tied to Eminem, such as Young Zee's appearance on "Commercial Break" from D12's 2004 album D12 World, reinforcing their extended network within Eminem's circle.[13] These alliances, alongside unreleased tracks like "Macosa," highlighted the Outsidaz's role in the underground-to-mainstream transition during the era.[12]Release of Night Life EP
The Night Life EP, the debut release from the New Jersey-based hip hop collective Outsidaz, was issued on January 18, 2000, through Rufflife Records, and dedicated to the late member Slang Ton.[14][15] The seven-track project featured production primarily handled by group members and affiliates, including Ski on the opening tracks "Don't Look Now" and "The Rah Rah," Az-Izz on "F**k Y'all Niggaz," "Rush Ya Clique," and "Money, Money, Money," and Pacewon on "It's Like That."[14] Eminem appeared as a guest rapper on both "Rush Ya Clique" and "Night Life."[15] The EP showcased contributions from core Outsidaz members such as Axe, Az-Izz, and Denzy across multiple tracks, with Rah Digga featured on "F**k Y'all Niggaz."[15] The full tracklist includes:- "Don't Look Now"
- "The Rah Rah"
- "F**k Y'all Niggaz" (feat. Rah Digga)
- "Rush Ya Clique" (feat. Eminem)
- "Money, Money, Money"
- "It's Like That"
- "Night Life" (feat. Eminem) [16]
Major Releases and Career Peak
The Bricks Album
The Bricks is the debut studio album by the Outsidaz, released on May 22, 2001, through Rufflife Records.[21][22] The project consists of 15 tracks, blending new material with brief interludes and a remix, and showcases the collective's expansive lineup delivering dense, multi-syllabic rhymes over beats crafted by a range of producers including Rockwilder, DJ Twinz, Denaun Porter, and Robert "Shea" Taylor.[22] Executive produced by Chris Schwartz, the album emphasizes the group's New Jersey roots, with guest appearances from affiliates like Rah Digga, Method Man, Redman, and Kelis enhancing its collaborative energy.[22] Central to the album's content are themes of street life, resilience, and urban perseverance, explored through gritty narratives that reflect the Outsidaz's experiences in Newark. Standout tracks include the title song "The Bricks," a raw depiction of neighborhood struggles produced by Robert "Shea" Taylor, and "Who You Be" featuring Method Man and Redman, which highlights the crew's rapid-fire delivery and posse-cut dynamics under DJ Twinz's production. Another key cut, "I'm Leavin'," incorporates Kelis's vocals for a smoother crossover vibe while maintaining the group's hard-edged lyricism on perseverance amid hardship, produced by Hotrunner.[23][3] These selections exemplify the album's focus on collective storytelling, with members like Pacewon, Young Zee, D.U., and Yah Yah trading verses to convey unity and survival.[22] Commercially, The Bricks achieved modest success, peaking at number 68 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and spending 12 weeks there, peaking at number 48 on the Top Heatseekers and number 29 on the Independent Albums charts. Critically, the release garnered mixed reception; reviewers lauded the Outsidaz's impressive lyrical dexterity and group chemistry—particularly on posse tracks like "Sign of the Power" and the "Money, Money, Money (Rugged Mix)"—but faulted the uneven production for lacking cohesion and momentum compared to the group's earlier work.[3] Overall, the album solidified the Outsidaz's underground reputation for technical skill, though its inconsistent beats tempered broader breakthrough potential.[3]Post-2001 Activities and Hiatus
Following the release of The Bricks in 2001, the Outsidaz issued their final single, "I'm Leavin'" featuring Rah Digga and Melanie Blatt, through RuffLife Records in 2002.[24] This track marked the end of their association with the label, as RuffLife, a subsidiary of RuffNation Records founded by former Ruffhouse executive Chris Schwartz, ceased significant operations shortly thereafter, limiting further group promotions and releases. The group entered an extended hiatus beginning in 2003, largely attributed to members' pursuits of individual solo careers and unresolved internal dynamics stemming from earlier tragedies, such as the 1999 murder of member Slang Ton. During this period from 2003 to 2012, group activity was minimal, with members appearing sporadically on mixtapes and compilations; for instance, D.U. contributed to the 2008 mixtape Welcome to the Pyrex curated by Salam Wreck.[25] A digital re-release of their Night Life EP also surfaced in 2008, serving as one of the few group-branded outputs.[26] In 2012, the Outsidaz reunited, performing live shows and releasing independent projects such as mixtapes, continuing activities until their disbandment in 2021. No full-length studio album emerged during this period, as the collective shifted to self-released efforts. By 2021, following sporadic mixtapes like Living Legends and Live from Tha Outhouse, the group disbanded, ending over three decades of intermittent collaboration.[2][27]Members
Core Members
The core members of the Outsidaz, a Newark-based hip-hop collective formed in the early 1990s, consisted of Pacewon, Young Zee, Az-Izz, Axe, Yah Yah, D.U., Denzy, Nawshis, and Slang Ton, who provided the group's foundational lyrical energy and production elements during its active years. These rappers were instrumental in defining the Outsidaz's raw, battle-oriented sound, blending intricate rhymes with high-energy deliveries on key releases like the 2000 Night Life EP and the 2001 album The Bricks. Their consistent presence across the group's output distinguished them as the primary creative force, emphasizing streetwise narratives and rapid-fire flows that influenced the East Coast underground scene.[9][2] Pacewon, born Jerome Derek Hinds Jr. on August 23, 1974, emerged as a founding and prominent member of the Outsidaz, serving as a lead rapper whose sharp, confrontational style anchored the group's battle rap aesthetic. Known for his commanding presence and production involvement, Pacewon contributed key verses and beats that drove tracks like "The Rah Rah" on Night Life, helping to establish the collective's reputation for lyrical prowess and group cohesion. His role extended to guiding the ensemble's direction, drawing from Newark's competitive hip-hop circuit to infuse the Outsidaz with authentic, no-holds-barred energy.[28][4] Young Zee, born Dewayne Battle on December 24, 1970, co-founded the Outsidaz alongside Pacewon in 1991 after their initial rivalry turned collaborative, bringing a hype-man flair and rapid lyrical flows to the group's dynamic. As a core lyricist, he specialized in energetic, stream-of-consciousness rhymes that amplified the Outsidaz's live performances and recordings, notably on anthemic cuts like "Keep on (feat. Outsidaz)" from the Fugees' The Score. His underground emcee background added a layer of raw intensity, making him a pivotal voice in shaping the collective's fast-paced, crowd-engaging sound.[29][30] Az-Izz, born Aubrey King in Guyana and raised in New Jersey, functioned as a key rapper and songwriter within the core lineup, delivering melodic yet gritty verses that highlighted the group's early material. His contributions were central to tracks on Night Life, where his studio-savvy approach—honed from influences like Heavy D and KRS-One—helped craft the EP's polished underground vibe. Az-Izz's international roots and songwriting skills enriched the Outsidaz's thematic depth, focusing on perseverance and street life.[6][31][4] Axe brought an explosive, high-octane delivery to the core roster as a dedicated rapper, infusing group anthems with aggressive energy that complemented the Outsidaz's battle-ready ethos. Featured prominently on collaborative efforts like "State To State" from The Bricks, his style emphasized bold declarations and rhythmic punch, contributing to the ensemble's reputation for electrifying, no-frills hip-hop that resonated in Newark's local scene.[9] Yah Yah, born Shakir Nur-al-din Abdullah, rounded out the core as a versatile rapper focused on crafting infectious hooks and ad-libs that unified the group's multi-vocalist tracks. His melodic interjections and supportive flows were essential on releases such as Night Life, where he enhanced choruses and transitions to create a cohesive, anthemic feel, drawing from his innate rhythmic sensibility to bolster the Outsidaz's accessible yet hardcore appeal.[8][32] D.U., born Brian Bostic, was a core rapper contributing gritty verses and backup vocals to the group's tracks, including appearances on Night Life and The Bricks. His raw delivery helped define the collective's street-oriented sound.[2] Denzy, born Denton Dawes, served as a core member providing hype energy and featured verses on releases like the Night Life EP, enhancing the battle-rap style with his dynamic flows.[9] Nawshis, born Nathaniel Longchamp, was a core rapper known for his contributions to the group's lyrical depth, appearing on key tracks across their discography.[2] Slang Ton, born Salih Scaife-Spann, was a core rapper, DJ, and producer who provided beats, scratches, and verses on early releases, including the 2000 Night Life EP, where he is credited on multiple cuts. Tragically, he died in a car accident on September 5, 1999.[1][33]Extended and Former Members
The Outsidaz featured several extended members who contributed as DJs, producers, and vocalists, enhancing the group's dynamic sound without forming the core rapping lineup. DJ Muhammed acted as the group's primary turntablist, handling scratches and mixing during live performances and recordings in the late 1990s.[9] Among former and affiliate members, Rah Digga was a brief addition from 1996 to 1998, brought in through her Fugees connections, where she rapped on collaborative tracks like "Cowboys" from The Score before pursuing solo endeavors.[34] Other affiliates included Loon One and Bskills, who appeared on early mixtapes and the Night Life EP but departed amid pursuits of individual projects or internal group dynamics.[9] These shifts often stemmed from members securing solo deals, though specific conflicts were not publicly detailed.[35] The group's lineup exhibited notable fluidity, with the core rappers remaining stable while expanding to up to 12 contributors across recordings, allowing for a rotating cast of voices and production talents during their active years from 1991 to 2003.[36] No formal exits occurred until the hiatus following their 2001 album The Bricks, preserving the collective's loose structure.[9] Affiliates like Bugz and Eminem from D12 started as guests on Outsidaz tracks in the mid-1990s, evolving into closer collaborators through shared performances and shout-outs on releases like the Night Life EP.[37]Musical Style and Influences
Rapping Techniques
The Outsidaz were renowned for their intricate rapping techniques, which emphasized multisyllabic rhymes, rapid-fire delivery, and sophisticated internal schemes, setting them apart in the late 1990s New Jersey hip-hop scene.[38] Core member Young Zee, in particular, utilized complex syllable structures through his use of multi-syllable rhymes and run-on lines, often incorporating wordplay that extended beyond simple end-rhymes to create dense, layered patterns.[38] This approach was honed in freestyle sessions, where Zee and collaborators like Eminem exchanged quick, humorous lines—such as Zee's "thirty murders / twenty turkey burgers"—demonstrating a rapid pace that prioritized wit and improvisation over straightforward narratives.[12] Their battle rap roots further shaped these techniques, infusing tracks with energetic flows to assert dominance and engage listeners directly. Young Zee's high-pitched, comedic delivery amplified this, employing a circling emphasis on punchlines that demanded attention and built tension through unexpected twists.[39] The group's large ensemble, led by Zee and Pacewon, leveraged these elements in collective verses, creating a chaotic energy via overlapping ad-libs and shared cadences that mimicked street cyphers.[40] Over time, the Outsidaz evolved these raw, local cypher techniques into more polished recordings, transitioning from unscripted battles to structured tracks that maintained their speed and complexity.[12] This progression influenced peers, notably contributing to Eminem's adoption of accelerated, multisyllabic speed rapping during his early affiliations with the group.[12]Themes and Production
The Outsidaz's music frequently explores themes of street survival in New Jersey, portraying "the bricks" as a metaphor for the urban grit and challenges of life in Newark's housing projects, often referred to as "Brick City."[4] Their lyrics reflect the harsh realities of inner-city existence, including poverty and local pride, drawing from their roots in the sprawl of Newark's public housing.[4] This focus underscores a narrative of outsider perseverance, as the group honed their skills in underground settings for years, paying dues before securing major-label attention and emphasizing resilience against systemic barriers.[4] In battle disses and crew anthems, the Outsidaz infuse humor through witty wordplay and exaggerated bravado, lightening the weight of their gritty subject matter while asserting dominance in rap confrontations.[3] Production-wise, their sound adheres to an East Coast boom-bap foundation, characterized by gritty, sample-heavy beats, as on early releases like the Night Life EP featuring Eminem, evoking raw underground energy.[40] On The Bricks, producer Rockwilder delivered upbeat, funk-infused tracks that contrasted the album's harder edges, while overall arrangements favored piano-laced and soul-sampled elements, avoiding heavy synths in favor of layered, live-feeling instrumentation for a street-authentic vibe.[3][41] Critics have noted the Outsidaz's balance of bravado and vulnerability, with tracks that boast crew loyalty and toughness alongside reflections on industry setbacks, such as lost momentum after their EP.[3] This duality creates a sound that feels both confrontational and introspective, highlighting the group's struggle for recognition in a competitive hip-hop landscape. Their style was influenced by associations with the Fugees, incorporating soulful sampling approaches from East Coast predecessors.[3]Discography
Studio Albums
The Outsidaz released their sole studio album, The Bricks, on June 19, 2001, through Rufflife Records.[42] The project consists of 15 tracks, including an intro, three interludes, and a remix of a prior EP cut, with a total runtime of approximately 55 minutes.[43] Production was handled by a roster of contributors such as Rockwilder, DJ Twinz, Denaun Porter, Gov Mattic, Self-Service, and group member Young Zee, emphasizing boom bap and hardcore hip-hop beats.[41] The album's content showcases the collective's rapid-fire rapping style across themes of street life, bravado, and group camaraderie, with notable guest appearances from Method Man and Redman on "Who You Be," Kelis and Rah Digga on "I'm Leavin'," and Eminem providing vocals on the intro.[23] Standout tracks like "Sign of the Power" and the "Money, Money, Money (Rugged Mix)" highlight intricate wordplay and posse cuts, though critics noted uneven production that occasionally overshadowed the lyrical strengths.[3] Recorded at studios including Quad Recording Studios in New York and Darp Studios in Atlanta, The Bricks represented the group's attempt to expand beyond their underground roots following affiliations with acts like the Fugees and D12.[21] Initially issued in CD, double vinyl, and cassette formats, The Bricks achieved modest chart placement, peaking at number 29 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart.[43] Digital reissues became available on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music in the 2010s, broadening accessibility to its content.[44] As the Outsidaz's only full-length studio effort, the album solidified their reputation for energetic, ensemble-driven hip-hop but underscored challenges in sustaining commercial momentum post-release.[3]EPs and Compilations
The Outsidaz released their debut extended play, Night Life, on January 18, 2000, through Rufflife Records.[45] This 7-track EP served as an introduction to the group's rapid-fire rapping style and East Coast underground sound, featuring guest appearances by Rah Digga on "F**k Y'all Niggaz" and Eminem on "Rush Ya Clique."[16] Key tracks include the lead single "The Rah Rah," which highlighted the collective's energetic delivery, and "Money, Money, Money," produced by Az-Izz. The EP peaked at number 67 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, marking an early commercial foothold for the group before their full-length debut.[15] Physical copies were produced in limited runs on CD and vinyl formats, with digital reissues becoming available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music starting around 2010.[46] Prior to Night Life, the Outsidaz issued an early promotional EP/single in 1998 titled Rain or Shine / Tonite via Proceed Records, featuring three versions of their track "Rain or Shine" alongside Tanya Von's "Tonite" in multiple mixes.[47] This 2-sided release, available on 12-inch vinyl and cassette promo, showcased the group's emerging talent with explicit and radio edits, though it remained a limited underground pressing without widespread distribution.[48] In the post-2001 hiatus period, official group releases were scarce, but underground compilations and mixtapes preserved their material. A notable example is the 2021 digital mixtape compilation Live From Tha Outhouse, presented by DJ King David and self-released via Riff Raff Recordings as a 320 kbps MP3 collection of rare tracks and mixes.[49] This effort aggregated freestyles and unreleased cuts from the group's early career, reflecting fan-driven interest in their bootlegged 2000s-era material, which circulated informally through tapes like those from DJ Clue and DJ Kay Slay featuring group freestyles between 1998 and 2002. Such compilations typically had no formal physical distribution, emphasizing digital and bootleg accessibility post-2010.[2] On September 5, 2018, a digital tribute compilation titled The Bricks (Pre-Release) (Slang Ton Tribute Edition) was released to mark the 19th anniversary of member Slang Ton's death. Self-released as MP3 files via Slang Ton Support, it includes pre-release versions of tracks from The Bricks, additional rare material, and a dedication intro by Pacewon, focusing on Slang Ton's contributions.[33]Singles
The Outsidaz released a series of singles and promotional singles from 1998 to 2002, with occasional later digital outputs, primarily through independent labels such as RuffLife Records and Family Affair. These releases often came in 12-inch vinyl and CD formats, serving as promotions for their EPs and albums while building underground buzz in the East Coast hip-hop scene. Many featured collaborations with affiliates like Eminem and Rah Digga, and versions included clean edits, instrumentals, and remixes for radio and club play.[2] Key early promotional efforts included double A-sides and white-label pressings to test tracks before full EP inclusion. For instance, the 1999 promo 12-inch "Rush Ya Clique / Money Money Money" on RuffLife Records highlighted the group's energetic posse-cut style, with a remix version featuring Eminem that contributed to its rotation in hip-hop circles.[50] Similarly, "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah / Macosa" appeared as a 1999 white-label promo 12-inch on Family Affair, showcasing raw, unpolished demos.[2] A CDr promo for "Rush Ya Clique" followed the same year, emphasizing the track's potential as a lead single from the Night Life EP.[2] In 2000, the group issued several standalone singles tied to their growing Ruffnation affiliation. "Money Money Money," released via RuffLife and Intonation Recordings, captured their streetwise lyricism over boom-bap production.[2] "The Rah Rah / Don't Look Now," a double A-side on Ruffnation and Warner Bros. Records, marked a brief major-label push with broader distribution.[2] "Keep On / Done In The Game," another 2000 Ruffnation release, promoted themes of perseverance in hip-hop, available in vinyl format.[51] A separate "Keep On" single on RuffLife further amplified this track's exposure.[2] Supporting their 2001 album The Bricks, singles like the 12-inch "Hell Yeah / Rehab" on RuffLife delivered high-energy cuts with gritty narratives.[2] "Who You Be," also from 2001 on RuffLife, questioned authenticity in rap circles and saw promo circulation.[2] The 2002 single "I'm Leavin'," featuring Rah Digga and Melanie Blatt on RuffLife, achieved modest international success, peaking at number 41 on the UK Singles Chart.[52][24] Later releases were sparse but included the 2016 digital single "Funeral (The Wake)," self-released as an MP3 at 320 kbps, reflecting on group member Slang Ton's passing.[2] Overall, the Outsidaz's singles totaled around 5-7 official and promo editions, focusing on vinyl and CD rather than widespread digital formats at the time, with limited music videos produced.[2]| Title | Year | Format | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rain Or Shine / Tonite (feat. Tanya Von) | 1998 | Vinyl single | Proceed | Early double A-side debut.[47] |
| Macosa / Do It With A Passion | 1999 | Vinyl single | Family Affair | Underground promo vibe.[2] |
| Rush Ya Clique / Money Money Money | 1999 | 12" vinyl, promo | RuffLife Records | Eminem remix version; tied to Night Life EP.[50] |
| Yeah, Yeah, Yeah / Macosa | 1999 | 12" vinyl, promo, white label | Family Affair | Test pressing for radio.[2] |
| Rush Ya Clique | 1999 | CDr, promo | RuffLife Records | Single-track promo.[2] |
| Money Money Money | 2000 | Vinyl single | RuffLife Records, Intonation Recordings | Standalone release post-EP.[2] |
| The Rah Rah / Don't Look Now | 2000 | Vinyl single | Ruffnation Records, Warner Bros. Records | Major-label attempt.[2] |
| Keep On / Done In The Game | 2000 | Vinyl single | Ruffnation Records | Produced by Rockwilder.[51] |
| Keep On | 2000 | Single | RuffLife Records | Album precursor.[2] |
| Hell Yeah / Rehab | 2001 | 12" vinyl | RuffLife Records | From The Bricks album.[2] |
| Who You Be | 2001 | Single | RuffLife Records | Promo for The Bricks.[2] |
| I'm Leavin' (feat. Rah Digga & Melanie Blatt) | 2002 | Single | RuffLife Records | UK chart peak #41.[52][24] |
| Funeral (The Wake) | 2016 | Digital MP3 single | Self-released | Tribute track.[2] |