Review Summary: The debut of the insane Detroit rap group, featuring some of the best work they've ever made.
Recorded between 1996 and 1997, The Underground EP is the debut of the enigmatic Detroit rap group D12. It includes performances from all the original members (Proof, Eminem, Kon Artis, Kuniva, Bizarre, Bugz, and Eye Kyu) and really highlights the rappers’ lyrical abilities. I always favored this D12 record over Devils’ Night and the subpar D12 World. The gritty atmosphere fits the battle-style hardcore raps and allows each emcee to shine in at least on instance, especially Bugz, since he died before D12 became a major force. Interestingly, this record is not Eminem-heavy, but the few times he does appear he delivers excellent verses, as does everyone else at least once on this EP.
Straight from the getgo, Proof commands with high-octane verses. On “6 Reasons”, he puts Bizarre, Bugz, Kon Artis, and Kuniva to shame here, filling each bar with punchlines and multisyllabic rhymes (not to mention a jab at the Wu-Tang Clan). Lines such as “The new god of rap/Call me n***a Thor/Snap your back when I slap your ass in the figure four” illustrate the bar-heavy vibe of the entire album. The guest feature, Jewels, delivers a good hook at the end, giving it a frantic energy. Proof also kills it on every other track he appears in (Proof raps on all songs except Bad News, the last song) but all his D12 cohorts, even Bizarre, perform on the same level as him. Surprisingly, I personally liked the material Bizarre had for this album. I feel that this battle rap style he possessed during the late 90’s has produced his best work. On “Art of War” and “Derelict Theme” he’s kicking some dope ***, not just the shock rap he would become known for. Even his early shock raps have a potency to them and for the most part are enjoyable. Eminem only has three appearances on The Underground EP and still spits profane multi-laden verses that show his transition into the Slim Shady character: “Bringing the noise like a trigger-happy gunslinger/Dropping your whole clique with one finger ‘till none linger.” Elsewhere, Eye Kyu has incredible flow, connecting rhymes and punchlines breathlessly. Bugz is one of the best in the group, running the show on “Cock and Squeeze” and “Activity as Phuctivity” with enthralling verses; meanwhile, Kon Artis and Kuniva demonstrate good chemistry and always bring reliably good verses on the record.
Then there’s the production. Mainly handled by Kon Artis with aid from J-Dilla, DJ Head, and EPOD, the beats of The Underground EP reflect one thing: gritty underground battle rap, due to aesthetic feel and D12’s limited resources (having to pay for studio time). These instrumentals are good, but obviously not grandiose. Despite being rather minimalist, they compliment and complete every song. “Activity as Phuctivity” employs the use of piano riffs and clap-bass drum combos to make an upbeat instrumental that hilariously contrasts with D12’s profane rhymes. The “6 Reasons” beat is raw and impactful, highlighting that horrorcore rap style.
An enjoyable listen from start to finish.
RIP Karnail Paul Pitts, aka Bugz (1978-1999)
RIP DeShaun Dupree Holton, aka Proof (1973-2006)
