Album Review: Tru Dat by Gee Rock & Tha CND Coalition
Released in 1996 under Force One Records, Tru Dat is a gritty slice of '90s Hip Hop that doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. Straight outta the US, Gee Rock and Tha CND Coalition deliver an album that feels raw, unfiltered, and refreshingly authentic. This isn’t your polished, radio-friendly rap—it’s more like a street-level conversation with beats that slap harder than most.
One track that sticks with me is “Sway To The (F.U.N.K.).” Man, this joint just grooves. It’s got that funky bassline that makes you nod your head even if you're sitting still. You can tell they weren’t overthinking it; they let the rhythm do its thing while dropping bars that feel effortless yet sharp. It’s one of those songs where you don’t realize how much it’s grown on you until you catch yourself humming it days later.
Then there’s “Keep Yo Eyes Open.” If I had to pick a standout, this might be it. The lyrics hit different—like a warning wrapped in wisdom. The beat has this hypnotic vibe, but what really grabs you are the lines about staying alert and keeping your wits about you. In a world full of distractions, tracks like this remind you why Hip Hop was—and still is—so powerful. It’s not just music; it’s life lessons set to a sick backdrop.
Other cuts like “Edge Of Insanity” and “Word Is Bond” round out the project nicely, showcasing the crew's versatility without losing their core sound. And yeah, “Trick Or Treat” brings some playful energy, which keeps things from getting too heavy. But honestly, it’s the cohesion of the whole album that makes it memorable. No skips here, just straight vibes.
Reflecting on Tru Dat, it’s wild to think this dropped back in ’96. Back then, Hip Hop was exploding with creativity, and albums like this prove why. It wasn’t perfect, but maybe that’s the point. Sometimes imperfection leaves the realest mark.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this now, it kinda feels like it could’ve been made yesterday. Maybe that says something about the timelessness of true art—or maybe it just means we need more projects like Tru Dat today. Either way, props to Gee Rock & Tha CND Coalition for crafting something that holds up two decades later.
