The Third Unheard: A Hidden Gem of Connecticut Hip Hop
THIS SATURDAY IS A UNIQUE COMBO OF ANNUAL CELEBRATIONS: ITS EARTH DAY (SHOUTOUT MOTHER) AND ITS NATIONAL RECORD STORE DAY.
Vinyl has obviously been coming back into vogue and we thought it was the right time to cover a unique CT gem. We are talking about The Third Unheard: Connecticut Hip Hop 1979-1983. A compilation album of that celebrates a forgotten chapter
of hip-hop history that deserves to be remembered, it's our history and we should know about it.
The Third Unheard is an album that deserves to be heard by every hip-hop fan
and lover of good music.
The album dropped nearly 20 years ago in 2004 and at the time the tracks had been recorded originally over 20 years prior. The rap game has been going down a long time, and not only in NYC or LA. Right here in CT. The album is a fascinating relic. The idea that legendary independent record label Stones Throw released this time capsule of rare and obscure CT tracks and Madvillainy (the acclaimed debut collaboration between producer Madlib and MF Doom) is kinda wild. We know we aren’t all wealthy suburbs and fancy schools because we live here, but that is what the rest of the country thinks of us. So to smack Connecticut Hip Hop on a vinyl and put their weight behind it… Stones Throw must have thought the risk was worth it.
The records on The Third Unheard were also extremely rare and obscure. They were released on independent labels with limited distribution and promotion. They were played only on local radio stations and at underground parties. And they were almost lost forever.
This album was executive produced by Egon, a DJ, record collector, and CT native who alongside Dooley-O researched these hidden gems while digging through crates of old vinyls. They worked to find the original artists and producers who made these records and compiled them into a stunning collection of 14 tracks that showcase the diversity and creativity of Connecticut hip hop. The album features Mr. Magic Pookey Blow, Rappermatical Five, Outlaw Four, Positive Choice Band, Forum Band, Chillie Three MCs, LOD Crew, Willie & Woodie Brown, Cuzz Band, and Second Showdown Crew, highlighting southern CT’s contribution to the origins of the genre.
The Third Unheard is not only a relic of 40 years ago, but a wonderfully curated slice of our musical heritage. The beats are funky, soulful and catchy. The lyrics are witty, clever and catchy. The flows are smooth, sharp and catchy. The songs are fun, energetic and catchy.
Our very own Ashley Raymond had the chance to sit down with New Haven’s Dooley-O to get his perspective:
Photo by Ashley Raymond
ASHLEY: It’s nearly the 19th anniversary of Stones Throw Records releasing The Third Unheard. How do you feel knowing you are a part of that history?
DOOLEY-O: I mean those songs on the album, I remember growing up and being proud it was from CT. Mr. Magic Tony Pearson was a genius. He started his record label in the late 70's early 80's. I used to hear Pookie Blow on WNHC AM station with DJ Jazzy who lived next door to me. That album basically raised me.
ASHLEY: Hip hop was fairly new and breaking out of NY and into other regions. What was unique about CT’s hip hop scene?
DOOLEY-O: It was a trial at first. How can we be different from New Yorkers? But when hip hop started popping, CT was on it. We had our rappers, DJs, graffiti [artists], and breakers. We didn't miss a beat because the pioneers was coming to New Haven and other places in the early times to perform.
ASHLEY: Was it difficult or easy to find your style and flow when you started making music?
DOOLEY-O: I got my flow from my older brothers Nut and Rick, listening to the classic pioneers like Melly Mel, Cold Crush Brothers, Super Rhymes, and Crash Crew; those were the ones I looked up to because they can ride a beat.
ASHLEY: What was the experience like working with other rappers in New Haven?
DOOLEY-O: It was and still is an experience. Some were ready and some weren't. I wish more would have thought out of the box. Some figured it out and got hot quick success and some stagnated due to being scared to take a chance on their career.
ASHLEY: Were you concerned with visibility for CT’s hip hop scene being that our state is much smaller and at the time hip hop was just breaking?
DOOLEY-O: Not really! It was just about friendly competition in your neighborhood; just to be fresh was our movement.
ASHLEY: What are some differences you notice between rappers in CT from your era to the current rappers here now?
DOOLEY-O: We had a developing skill set. We knew your rap had to be on point with intellectual lyrics or intelligent wordplay. There had to be raw drum beats, bass lines, jazzy horns, concepts and conscious rap. Now it's a 808 drum, kick, and a flute sound or the rap is like mumbled and no punch lines. Some new stuff is good but if you never experienced the golden era of hip hop or grew up in the era, you would think the new stuff is hot cause you don't know [the origins].
ASHLEY: Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for folks wanting to start a career in music here?
DOOLEY-O: Do your own thing! Use record labels to build your name but always control your own music. Put your music out there, be consistent, don't stop and be original. Don't follow the rest and just have fun.
Photo by Ashley Raymond
Photo by Ashley Raymond
Photo by Ashley Raymond
