Just-Ice – Back To The Old School

Sir Vicious...Sir Vicious...

Incredible pressing. The sound is clear. This Just-Ice release got the sound treatment it deserved.

This is a real cool pressing I’m surprised there are so many leftover copies. Sounds super clear and the splatter looks great

So now/new-school at the time, what with Curtis Mantronik on programming/mixing duties etc., the title of the LP does itself something of a disservice. As an exhilarating bridge connecting mid-80s motorik electro to the impending 'golden age' return to breaks culture, it's not utterly flawless, but there's so much to love, so much that relentlessly kicks, that no self-respecting fan of the culture can possibly do without this. So do yourself a favour: buy it and play it, again, and again ... and again. Having done exactly that myself many times over the last 33 years, believe me, you'll never tire of it.

Lest WE forget Artwork – Gemini And Gnome influenced many many many imitations! ... Dope!

Very DOPE lp..

And isnt the Human DMX actually Bizmarkie..... Well maybe not BUT his beatboxing is master! ;)

A monster! Ahead of its time both musically and lyrically.

One of the last proper b-boy style hip hop albums which made a real impact before hip hop turned all sampled breakbeat loops and rare groove sophistication. If you prefer your beats created from mainly analogue gear rather than soul/funk/jazz/classic rock breaks this is a must have.

Best tracks on this LP for me are;

Cold Gettin' Dumb.
Back To The Old School.
Turbo Charged ... Check out those 32beats bass galore and the behemoth of a b-boy classic "Put The Record Back On." Check out the 12" to experience the full effect. Proper hip hop/electro fusion throwdown - old skool style with the same production techniques as Mantronik's "Hardcore Hip-Hop" released on his first album, which also happens to be a mega throwdown.

"Put That Record Back On" is the best Just-Ice record imo.

Latoya contains some amusing lyrics, which are its saving grace as I'm generally not a fan of this style of hip hop. Clearly inspired by Slick Rick's "La-Di-Da-Di" but without the pertinent camp delivery.

Back in 1986 as a 13 year old I treasured this LP like it was a picasso original or something, it was one of my favourite LP's from '86 (alongside Raising Hell, Lisence To Ill, 2 Live Is What We Are and a few others)and definitely one of my favourite ever sleeves, depicting Mantronik with his 909 (damn, I always wanted to own one of those!). This is back when MC's, DJ's, producers and human beatboxers like DMX were Hip Hop super hero's, not the like many of the weak corny rappers of today who are trying to appeal to teenage girls. Turbo Charged was definitely one of the most underated tunes ever. The whole LP is heavyweight, no nonsense beats and rhymes. If you never loved this LP and don't own it I feel sorry for you.

The title of this album and its cover both speak volumes about the music. If you ever find a copy of this album in a second-hand bin you'll know what I mean. All of the music on this LP was composed by Mantronix, and it's some of the most shameless and audacious use of the Roland 909 I've ever heard. This is a classic old skool rap t that you can turn up the volume on anytime you want the neighbors to know there's a party in the vicinity.