Main Source-Breaking Atoms

As some of you have probably noticed by now, I tend to post a lot about old school hip-hop. I do it because I feel that to truly appreciate a genre of music, you have to know its history. So todays mini history lesson will be about Main Source and their first album "Breaking Atoms." (released 1991)




Main Source consisted of Large Professor, Sir Scratch, & K-Cut (although Large Pro left later and was replaced by Mikey D) This album is considered a cult classic by many for good reason. Not only is it a great album, it also contains some of the greatest beats done by Large Professor (who also raps on the entire thing) AND contains what I believe is the first appearance by Nas.

If you don't know who Large Professor is, check out his production credits. He's done beats for a lot of artists including Eric B & Rakim, A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Busta Rhymes, AZ, Organized Konfusion, Joell Ortiz, and many many more. Anyway, lets get to the album

One of the things that made this album so great was, like De La Soul's 3 Feet High & Rising and Beastie Boys-Pauls Boutique, the use of a wide array of samples. What makes this album even more important though is that some of the samples used later became some of the most used samples in hip-hop.

Check out their single "Just Hanging Out" I'm sure some of you have heard that horn sample before.




And like I said before, I'm pretty sure this album is the first time Nas appears on record. He appears on the track "Live At The BBQ"



Then there's their biggest hit "Looking At The Front Door"



And the DJs even get a chance to shine on the laid back smooth cut "Scratch & Kut."



Of course I'd go to hip-hop hell if I didn't mention the classics "Peace Is Not The Word To Play" & "Just A Friendly Game Of Baseball." The latter being one of the more serious pieces on the album.

Anyway, if you want to check out a hip-hop album from the early 90s that has been unfairly pushed into cult-status, definitely check out "Breaking Atoms." If you have a true love for hip-hop, there is a very good chance you'll LOVE this album.