Origins Of Gurp #2
Posted by TheMayorFor this second installment of Origins of Gurp we are going to go back and take a glimpse at S.F. vet TOPR aka TOP RAMEN. I first met Topr in 1996 at my favorite venue that is no longer, Maritime Hall in San Francisco. He would be ripping fools to shreds in battles, while working no less, or opening up for major acts with his crew The Earthlings. I would be screaming “Vacaville” from the front row which he took notice of and began incorporating into his freestyles and a friendship was born. I was always telling him that heads for ready and he needed to drop a tape to sell. In 1999 he finally did and the DONUT HUSTLAZ e.p. was released.
Produced entirely by Non Phenom the beats have a great vibe only heard in hip hop from this era. To my knowledge this is the only project Non Phenom was ever involved in which is a shame because he was a talented producer.
At this time TOPR was known mostly for being an incredible battle MC destroying all competion and for the energetic performances with The Earthlings throughout the bay area. This e.p. shows his ability to be a great writer with substance and emotion in his lyrics, not just another battle rapper who can’t make magic in the studio. This album is the spark that ignited one of the best rappers to ever emerge from the bay area.
Limited edition cover from Below The Surface, notice hustler being misspelled, shout out to Kegs One for selling me that back in the day. This album is available for purchase on i-tunes via Gurp City Digital. Here is a taste :03 metaphorenzies
Hope you enjoy.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.