In Control, Volume 1 | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | September 20, 1988 | |||
Genre | ||||
Label | ||||
Producer | Marley Marl | |||
Marley Marl chronology | ||||
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Singles from In Control, Volume 1 | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [1] |
Robert Christgau | B+[2] |
In Control, Volume 1 is the debut studio album by American hip hop record producer Marley Marl of the Juice Crew. It was released on September 20, 1988 through Cold Chillin' Records with distribution via Warner Bros. Records.
The album compiles ten studio recordings by fellow Juice Crew members and artists affiliated with Marley Marl. It showcased his style of hip hop production and sampling at a time when he became one of the first super-producers in hip hop music.[3] The album is broken down track-by-track by Marley Marl in Brian Coleman's book Check the Technique.[4]
The opulent cover stood in contrast to Marley Marl's real living conditions: "I was still living in the projects. I was paying like $110 a month for my rent, free electricity. So New York City Housing Authority kind of co-produced some of my earlier hits".[5]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "Droppin' Science" (featuring Craig G.) | 4:59 | |
2. | "We Write the Songs" (featuring Heavy D. and Biz Markie) |
| 5:25 |
3. | "The Rebel" (featuring Tragedy Khadafi) |
| 3:46 |
4. | "Keep Your Eye on the Prize" (featuring Master Ace and Action) |
| 5:42 |
5. | "The Symphony" (featuring Master Ace, Craig G., Kool G Rap and Big Daddy Kane) |
| 6:06 |
6. | "Live Motivator" (featuring Tragedy Khadafi) |
| 4:45 |
7. | "Duck Alert" (featuring Craig G.) |
| 4:12 |
8. | "Simon Says" (featuring Master Ace and Action) |
| 4:02 |
9. | "Freedom" (featuring M.C. Shan) |
| 4:27 |
10. | "Wack Itt" (featuring Roxanne Shante) |
| 4:45 |
Chart (1988) | Peak position |
---|---|
US Billboard 200[6] | 163 |
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[7] | 25 |