About a year or two ago someone (can’t remember who it was, but thanks if you read this) provided me with a rip of a compilation album titled “Cross Over”, a project released on a small NYC label named Lyons Gate Alliance Records. While not the best compilation in the history of hip-hop the album definitely contains some bangers including two tracks from a guy named Grand Duke Bo Fresh. After doin’ some online research I was under the assumption that the album was a cd-only release, so I was pleasantly surprised when I dug up a minty fresh vinyl copy at the 2008 record fair in Utrecht.
I went home a happy man only to find myself a little frustrated when I realized that the two Grand Duke Bo Fresh joints are not on the record. It turned out that the label left off five tracks that are on the cd and included a vinyl-only track instead. Not sure what the label was thinkin’, but I guess it was a business move of some sorts since four of the five tracks that were missin’ on the LP made it onto vinyl after all. Both Grand Duke Bo Fresh tracks were released on 12” and the same thing goes for the two omitted M.C. Baby D joints. Don’t take any chances though with that last 12” (not even if it only costs a few pennies), because both tracks are only average at best!!!
Well anyway, I was plannin’ on doin’ a review for the “Cross Over” compilation when research led me to a Japanese website who had (and still has) a different Grand Duke Bo Fresh 12” for sale titled “Everybody Loves A Star”. After listening to the audio snippet I knew I had to get myself a copy of that record, but bein’ the cheap and greedy Dutch bastard that I am I didn’t really feel like payin’ ¥ 5800 plus shipping (approx. $ 75). So I decided to be patient for once and I guess good things actually do come do those who wait, because a few months later I noticed a copy on eBay which I won with a winning bid of $ 10,49. Lucky me.
Now as much as I like the “Rough, Rugged And Raw” 12” off the “Cross Over” compilation this single right here is on a level of its own. I can see why this didn’t blow up back in ’92 though. I mean, making a name for yourself in an era that brought classic albums from artists like Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Showbiz & A.G., Gang Starr, Redman and Eric B. & Rakim was a difficult task to begin with and the fact that this record was released on a small label and sounded a little dated for a ’92 record didn’t make it any easier. Having said that though I think “Everybody Loves A Star” could and probably would have been a ‘bigger’ record if it was put out in ’89 or ’90 on a label with a budget and a staff to promote it properly. I guess that’s where Vinyl Addicts steps in though, to give attention to records that fell off the radar back in the days.
What do I know about Grand Duke Bo Fresh? Well… nothing. Did he put out any other records apart from these two 12’s? Who knows… maybe. All I know is that those of you who frequent this website now no longer have an excuse for not knowing about this record. The 12” comes with vocal and instrumental versions on side A and oddly enough another instrumental version on the flipside which to me sounds identical to the one of the other side. Well anyway, it’s the vocal version that counts, right? In terms of production this track is pretty straight forward and I’ve got to admit that the beats provided by Jose Williams are far from groundbreaking, but they prove to be a perfect blend with Grand Duke’s rhymes and while it’s not a hip-hop masterpiece I think “Everybody Loves A Star” is one hell of a dope jam! If I have to compare Grand Duke’s style and delivery to that of another emcee I’d say he reminds me a bit of Tim Dog, just a little less rugged. To make a long story short, this is a dope 12” that I seriously recommend to those of you into that late 80’s sound. I reckon it’s not a record you’ll find very easily, but it’s no $ 100 record either, so if you do find it you probably won’t have to pay much. So get it!
Before I sign off I’d like to give a big shout out to my man Goran Basic from Wetzlar, Germany for hookin’ me up with this nice little gem. If you’re lookin’ for some nice bargains look no further than the man’s Discogs shop, because he has a little something for everybody at fair prices and great conditions, including the two Grand Duke Bo Fresh 12’s mentioned in this review. I’m curious to find out who will be the first to grab those two 12’s…
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