There are countless of hidden gems from amazing artists that impacted the genre, and for a multitude of reasons– politics, resources, and possibly the stars not aligning at that given time– they didn’t receive the full acknowledgement that their music deserved. This happens in all genres, Hip Hop is no exception. The Troubleneck Brothers dropped into the scene during mid 90’s with a hard-edged sound that boasted their love of the art form we call Hip Hop. If you claim Hip Hop, don’t sleep on TNB.
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
I’ve always wanted Troubleneck to drop an LP and they never did. I did find a BUNCH of unreleased tracks, enough for a full album. There are hundreds of groups and artists like TNB that never released full lengths. The Dredknotz and World Renown were just 2 of many.
The Troubleneck Brothers were one of the most creative and innovative groups of the 90’s. Their style was reminiscent of The Cold Crush Brothers, but with a modern, updated production soundscape & raw, gritty lyrics that pushed their music over the edge. I had the pleasure of spinning their tracks every Saturday night during hip hop’s “golden era.” The phones would light up with excited requests for more Troubleneck material and I was happy to oblige. With a strong and steady promotional push TNB would’ve been superstars. But for those in the know, they already are.
There would not have been a Troubleneck Brothers without Kevin Keith & The Dirty Dozen, Lamal & Kwame, Martin Moore and a few others. Our group came up the hard way. Doing unpaid shows and making demos. We didn’t know many people in the business, so it was a blessing to meet Kevin & them face to face and actually build a relationship that surpassed just the music. With them, it was a love of music (not just our own) and comic books. Not many people know this, but Kevin’s brother Brian was the original designer of SOHH.com.
Cypher, the album you want to look for is Love Hate and Unstoppable. I had a cassette of it a few years ago, but I haven’t seen it in a while. If I come across it, I’ll encode it. Try hunting for Crime, 85 Live, Dodge City, When The Music Stops. I’m A Lax, If We Gonna Do It. A lot of that material was recorded after Pure & Back To The Hip-Hop.
Thanks Steve for your insight. There’s a whole world of history of quality Hip Hop consisting of players who set the foundation for future rap stars, successful online writers and huge radio DJs. Providing a bit of insight into who help set the premise for the next wave is a slice of history that sorely missing today. Props to Troubleneck, Kevin Keith and The Dirty Dozen, and others that have been paving the way for decades.