Album Review: Because I’m A Pro by MDS Production
Released in 1988 under Universal Sound Productions Inc., Because I’m A Pro by MDS Production stands as a quintessential piece of late '80s hip-hop. Rooted in the raw energy of the era, this album captures a vibe that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly unpolished. With tracks like “Because I’m A Pro (Vocal)” and “Because I’m A Pro (Club Vocal),” it delivers a punchy mix of lyrical bravado and dancefloor-ready beats.
The standout track has to be “Because I’m A Pro (Vocal).” It’s got that gritty NYC edge, with Reggie Dempsey spitting bars over a beat crafted by 2 Nice and Yorm Vazan. The production is tight but not overly slick—kinda like they left room for imperfections on purpose. You can hear the scratches from D.J. 2 Nice weaving through the mix, adding layers of texture that make you feel like you’re at a block party in Brooklyn circa ‘88. What sticks with me most about this cut? The confidence. Every word drips with swagger, backed by Kool Jose’s sharp lyricism. It's one of those songs where you don’t just listen; you nod your head, tap your foot, maybe even throw up a finger-pointing pose if no one’s watching.
Then there’s “Because I’m A Pro (Club Vocal).” If the first track gets heads nodding, this version turns the dial all the way up for the DJs. The bassline hits harder here, pulsating through speakers like a heartbeat. This remix strips down some elements while amplifying others, making it perfect for packed clubs or late-night drives. There’s something hypnotic about how the instrumental parts swirl around the vocals—it pulls you in without trying too hard. And honestly, isn’t that what good hip-hop should do? Make you move without begging for attention?
Behind the scenes, the credits tell their own story. Allah Culture as producer brings a cohesive vision, while engineers like Shlomo Sonnenfeld and Yorm Vazan ensure everything sounds crisp yet grounded. Even the executive touch from Universal Sound Productions adds weight to the project, tying together loose ends into a polished package that still retains its rough charm.
Looking back, Because I’m A Pro might not have been a chart-topper, but it holds a special place in the tapestry of ‘80s hip-hop. It’s an album that reminds us why we fell in love with the genre in the first place: raw talent, creative risks, and beats that refuse to fade away.
And here’s the kicker—it makes me wonder how many other hidden gems are out there, tucked away in forgotten crates, waiting for someone to dust them off again. Maybe next time I go crate-digging, I'll find another relic like this one. Until then, props to MDS Production for keeping it real.
