Search - Goats :: Tricks of the Shade

They're Not Your Typical AmeriKKKans (Rating: 9 out of 10- -

Chandler | Atlanta (College Park), Georgia | 04/12/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"1992 was the year that spawned out gangster rap music from the likes of west coast rappers such as Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, while the east coast had such groups as Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Gang Starr, who created the alternative hip hop movement that rallied a number of fans for it's longevity. With the exception of artists such as Will Smith & Jazzy Jeff, and the Roots, there was a group called The Goats, who were also part of the alternative rap group from Philly. The group consists of many people who come from different roots and backgrounds (but the rappers here are Oatie Kato, Madd, and Swayzack), who tackled such social political issues within society like such albums as Genocide & Juice and Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury with similar material. Signing with Ruff House Records (known for acts like The Fugees, Cypress Hill, Nas, and even Tim Dog), their debut Tricks of the Shade has to be one of the most unique albums that I've heard, receiving high praises from critics (most notably The Rolling Stone Magazine). All throughout an album is an interesting storyline that follows a guy named Chicken Little, who ends up in a carnival looking for his Uncle "Scam" to help out in the situation he is stuck in. All throughout the album, the main character, Chicken Little, meets a number of people, most of them who are held in Uncle "Scam's" carnival against their will. A well put together storyline.



The music hold it's as well on this album. With songs like "Typical American", "Burn The Flag", "Aaah D Yaaa", and "¿RU Down With The Goats?" explains their feelings on the American society. The title track goes more into detail with the style of music they specialize in, with Swayzack, who I personally believe is a cut above the other two guys, dropping rhymes like "Columbus destroyed more Indians, than Hitler killed Jews//but on his birthday, you get sales and shoes..." "¿Do The Digs Dug?" was one of their major singles, and well crafted here.



Stepping away from their political style, The Goats excel on such songs as "Got Kinda Hi", their ode to smoking and drinking, and showing their mic skills on "Hip Hoopla".



Surprisingly enough, Tricks of the Shade, is one of the top albums of 1992 that not many have heard. With the over saturation of gangsta rap material that was coming out around that time, it was quite easy for an album such as this to be lost in the mix. The Goats sits in a category such as PE, The Coup, Disposable Heros of Hiphoprisy, and others. Surprisingly enough, Sony/Columbia no longer keeps this album in print, and prices run quite high. One should definitely consider purchasing this album for it's unique creativity, and raw lyricism that this group holds. Peace.



Lyrics: A+

Production: A-

Guest Appearances: N/A

Musical Vibes: A-



Top 5 Tracks:

1. Aaah D Yaaa

2. Got Kinda Hi

3. Tricks of the Shade

4. TV Cops

5. ¿Do The Digs Dug?



Honorable Mention:

1. Whatcha Got Is Whatcha Gettin'

2. Wrong Pot 2 Piss In

3. Hip-Hoopla"