Black Moon Buck Em Down (1994)
In the 1990s, house music was an underground movement, with each hub developing its own distinct sound. New York was one such hub, and Nervous Records was one of the most influential incubators of New York house, also known as Garage house.
Prominent figures of this soulful R’n’B-derived sound and early key representatives of Nervous Records included DJs and producers like Todd Edwards, Masters At Work, Armand Van Helden, Todd Terry, Frankie Knuckles, Kerri Chandler and David Morales, all of whom now hold legendary status.
But Mike Weiss, founder and boss of the label, didn't name his company Nervous for no reason. Weiss was a dedicated, some might say hyperactive music promoter with eclectic and, at times, unpredictable tastes. And so one day the dance music mogul decided to sign the Brooklyn hip-hop trio Black Moon.
Despite its lack of commercial success, the group’s debut Enta Da Stage is widely regarded by critics as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. The Source has even listed it among the top 100 rap albums of all time, while Rolling Stone has mentioned it alongside classics like Nas' Illmatic and Wu-Tang Clan's Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)—both iconic albums of 90s hip-hop.
Out of four album single releases, “Buck Em Down”—our song of the day—was the final one and exemplified the Black Moon formula: blending funky jazz rhythms with fierce lyrics. Sampling from “Wind Parade” by Donald Byrd and “Hihache” by Lafayette Afro Rock Band, the track feels like soaring on a magic carpet through the clouds above New York City on a scorching late summer day in 1994. Or just press play and observe the images conjured by your own mind.
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