Young M.C. Stone Cold Rhymin' (Stone Gold & Red)
180G Stone Gold & Red. Released on September 5, 1989, Stone Cold Rhymin' contains 13 songs and zero curse words. The sepia-toned album cover depicts Young in profile, cradling an old broadcast microphone and looking more like a dapper doo-wopper than a hip-hop hero. In terms of playing it straight, the songs are shocking in their innocence. At the 1990 Grammy Awards, "Bust A Move" won for Best Rap Performance. It was clear that hip-hop wasn't going to back the NY-or-nothing mentality, and New York's ire was real. Grumpy Village Voice don Robert Christgau deigned to give Stone Cold Rhymin' a "B+" in his letter-grade consumer guide. "His polysyllables and quick lips aren't as fresh as he thinks they are, " sniffed Christgau. Au contraire: Stone Cold Rhymin' still sounds fresh after all these years.
- 1. I Come Off 4:04
- 2. Principal's Office 4:14
- 3. Bust a Move 4:23
- 4. Non Stop 3:27
- 5. Fastest Rhyme 0:53
- 6. My Name Is Young 4:19
- 7. Know How 4:01
- 8. Roll with the Punches 4:30
- 9. I Let 'Em Know 4:46
- 10. Pick Up the Pace 3:18
- 11. Got More Rhymes 4:51
- 12. Stone Cold Buggin' 1:41
- 13. Just Say No 2:57
