1992 studio album by Spice 1
Spice 1 is the self-titled debut studio album by American rapper Spice 1, released April 14, 1992, on Jive Records. It was certified gold by the RIAA.[4] The album was produced by Ant Banks, Blackjack, E-A-Ski & CMT and Spice 1. It peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 82 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers.[5] One single, "Welcome to the Ghetto", peaked at number 39 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and at number 5 on the Billboard Rap Songs.[6]
Along with singles, music videos were produced for four songs: "In My Neighborhood",[7] "Welcome to the Ghetto",[8] "187 Proof"[9] and "East Bay Gangsta".[10] Richie Rich makes a cameo appearance in "Welcome to the Ghetto". "East Bay Gangsta" and "Welcome to the Ghetto" were B-sides on the other singles. The album was included in the Source Magazine's 100 greatest hip hop albums.
Critical reception
AllMusic - "...His style, an appropriate mix of irony, disdain, acceptance and confusion, never succumbs to the situation or seeks to justify or downplay the sense of impending doom."[1]
Entertainment Weekly (7/24/92, p. 60) - "...Spice 1's lyrics are clever enough to make you forget you've heard it all before...his tales unfold with the drama of short stories..."[2]
iTunes Store - "...with a large serving of gunplay and ghetto storytelling. Spice's unique vocal style showcased an uncanny ability to twist and contort his flow...the bass-heavy beats still knock with authority, ideal for bumping in the scraper..."[11]
Samples
Welcome to the Ghetto
187 Pure
City Streets
F***ed in the Game
In My Neighborhood
Money Gone
Money or Murder
Peace to My Nine
Young N****
Note: The sample credits contain a disclaimer from George Clinton disparaging the lyrical content of the song, yet stating the sample was allowed due to the message of music as a free agent of change inherent in "Mothership Connection." This type of note was uncommon for most artists who were sampling.
