Twenty years ago today, the film Juice debuted in theaters. Starring Omar Epps and Tupac Shakur, the Ernest R. Dickerson directed film has become a cult classic among Hip-Hop heads. The film followed four friends who were coming of age in Harlem; their lives quickly spiraling from high-school hi-jinks to the very real world of robbery and guns. Many a DJ got his inspiration from watching Q (Epps) while many a hard rock found their idol in Bishop (Shakur). Juice’s Original Soundtrack was also crucial to it appeal.
Just like the film, the watching the videos of the soundtrack’s singles (Eric B & Rakim’s “Juice (Know the Ledge),” Aaron Hall’s “Don’t Be Afraid,” Naughty by Nature’s “Uptown Anthem,” and Teddy Riley & Tammy Lucas’ “Is It Good To You” as well as Big Daddy Kane’s “Nuff Respect”) today quickly remind you of that late 80s, early 90s era, if you are old enough to remember. These song, and their respective visuals, are classics in their own right.
Click the page #s to see the videos.
Eric B & Rakim “Juice (Know The Ledge)”
The R sounds masterful over this frantically rugged track with that ill bassline. So it figures that he produced it, too.
Aaron Hall “Don’t Be Afraid”
You probably forgot about this Aaron Hall song and video. Blame R. Kelly. And shout out to Cross Colors gear.
Naughty By Nature “Uptown Anthem”
But wait, Naughty By Nature reps New Jersey? No matter. “Uptown Anthem” is just that, and a Tupac cameo in the video only sweetens the deal.
Big Daddy Kane “Nuff Respect”
More people than will admit it were counting Big Daddy Kane out in 1991. “Nuff Respect” let cats know the King Asiatic still had No Equals.
Teddy Riley & Tammy Lucas “Is It Good To You”
Hey, it’s a New Jack Swing era jam. Props if you knew that it’s Tammy Lucas singing on A Tribe Called Quest’s “1nce Again.”
