M.O.P.: Lil' Fame, Billy Danzenie (rap vocals). Additional personnel: Teflon, Jay Z, Gangstarr, Freddy Foxxx, Treach, Big Pun, Heather B, Pete Rock, OC. Producers include: M.O.P., DJ Premier, Laze E. Laze. Engineers include: Dejuana Richardson, Eddie Sancho, Winston PHillips, Leo Swift Morris, Dexter Thibou. Audio Mixers: DJ Premier; Eddie Sancho . Recording information: D&D Studios; Pyramid Studios. Photographer: Christian Lantry. If you haven't heard M.O.P., then forget everything you may have heard about hardcore rap music. M.O.P. is the primary representateive of hardcore, with all others trailing in their wake. With two full albums and one EP already earning much respect on the streets, M.O.P.'s FIRST FAMILY 4 LIFE further proves why this Brownsville duo has been around for so long, despite decidedly noncommercial appeal. FIRST FAMILY 4 LIFE is hip-hop in its truest form, with lyrical realism and head-nodding production. "4 Alarm Blaze," which features Jay-Z and Teflon, raises as much adrenaline as "How About Some Hardcore" did in the Mash Out Posse's early days. Freddie Foxxx drops in on "I Luv," a song that captures the essence of hip-hop, with lyrical beatdowns over a DJ Premier track. Salute.

• Genre: R&B
• Format: CD
• Released: 8/11/1998