| The
Devil Made Me Do It
THE DELUXE
EDITION
Originally Released 1990
Catalog # GFNK182 This is the LP that
helped to usher in a new era of awareness in rap and put Paris on the
hip-hop map. Hard and unrelenting, this debut is considered by many to
be a classic in the politically-conscious rap genre. It yielded 2 top
twenty singles - the politically charged "Break The Grip of
Shame" and the title track. Black panther imagery and progressive
thought abound here, with Paris combining ominous funk soundscapes with
poignant, insightful rhymes. Check the lyrical fury of "Panther
Power" and the brooding, focused anger of "Escape From
Babylon." From the waging of righteous warfare on the Yusef
Hawkins tribute "The Hate That Hate Made," which recalls a
racial killing in Bensonhurst, NY, to "Warning" a brief,
albeit explicit diatribe against police brutality, The Devil Made Me Do
It is unrelenting in its pro-black, anti-establishment stance.
Definitely food for thought in these troubled times.
Back in
limited release, this debut effort from Paris represents an era when
potent political commentary wasn't an exception to the rule in hip-hop.
This definitive edition has been digitally enhanced and reworked, and
has provided the artist the rare opportunity to improve on the initial
release by benefiting from advancements in technology previously
unavailable. Also contains rare alternate versions. Buy it here.
"Menacing...the vocals intensify and get hyper, creating a heightened sense of anxiety...his lyrics are intense and he drops science while showing skills on the mic..."
- The Source
"Rap music reaches new heights of political invective on Paris' jolting debut recording...Paris boosts his message with unique, sleek music...adding a primal beast-on-the-hunt quality..."
- People
"Hard hitting beats combined with razor sharp lyrics...Listen to the rhymes flow and you'll realize that Paris is a massive, militant talent..."
- Hip Hop Connection
"Paris motivates with an authoritative voice that speaks to the underground rather than trying to pacify the masses."
- CMJ
”Easily the outstanding rap debut of 1990...a case study in how it should be done...this album profoundly understands the musical strategies of dissonance, atmosphere, space...Paris possesses one of those menacing voices that draws you into its husky world, via a timbre that carries the meaning within itself. In rap, the message is in the medium, and the medium is in the grain of the voice."
- Express
"More than just a rap album - it's a revolutionary handbook. Music for those who want mental stimulation with their dope beats."
- Urb
"An impressive debut with street smart, political, well-done raps...a strong, strong record."
- Billboard
"Paris is a force of gravity under which perpetrators melt of embarrassment...his musical genius is rhyme...Paris is a gun to your head, so listen up."
- Vox
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The Devil Made Me Do It is also available
through Guerrilla Funk's digital partners:
Order The Devil Made Me Do It now. Available in CD and 2-disc gatefold vinyl
formats.
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