Brand Nubian

I am not usually happy to hear of my favorite groups or acts breaking up. I felt my chances of the group members making musical magic again would be less than likely. Between 1991 and 1995, I was subjected to heartaches galore as I watched Main Source, EPMD, 3rd Bass, Leaders of the New School, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth and The Beatnuts part ways.

The best thing that resulted from the Brand Nubian split was that there were numerous albums, remixes and guest appearances until the Foundation reunion. Whether it was Sadat X adding flavor to a track or his own solo album, Grand Puba doing what he did best or discovering Lord Jamar’s productions, I was at least able to follow what the Brand Nubian members were doing post-breakup.

I remember being slightly surprised at the darker turn Sadat X and Lord Jamar took on In God We Trust. Regardless, they were my boys and I bopped to that cassette on most days.





After 1996, my interest in hip hop faded and I didn’t get to listen to Foundation like I normally would have. I did like Don't Let It Go to Your Head a great deal.

If I didn’t know Foundation, I didn’t know their Fire In The Hole or Time's Runnin' Out albums either.

What I do know is that Brand Nubian, solo members or as a group, is responsible for many classic hip hop records and I thank them for providing the soundtrack to my teens.