Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs

Ed O.G. (born Edward Anderson) penned a poignant and brilliant message track on his 1991 CD Life of a Kid in the Ghetto. "Be a Father to Your Child" was a much more effective plea for parental responsibility than scores of political rhetoric spewed by left- and right-wing types. The entire disc was a disturbing, evocative, and wonderfully produced and performed look at inner-city life that neither glorified nor minimized the tragedy nor understated the triumphs inherent in surviving the madness. The follow-up, Roxbury 02119, wasn't quite as captivating, but was still miles ahead of many more heavily hyped and promoted hip-hop releases in 1993. ~ Ron Wynn, Rovi