Infamous Mobb – Special Edition (Preorder Feb)

Nearly 22 years after the release of Infamous Mobb’s debut LP, Special Edition, Coalmine Reissues is proud to breathe new life into this Q-Boro classic with a limited vinyl reissue that truly lives up to its name. Comprised of core members Ty Nitty, Big Twins (aka Twin Gambino), and Godfather Part III, IM3 is an integral part of the Q-Boro rap scene, with roots tracing back to Mobb Deep’s quintessential classic The Infamous, where the trio is featured throughout many of the album’s skits. They next appeared rapping on Big Noyd’s debut album Episodes of a Hustla and Mobb Deep’s 1996 follow-up LP, Hell on Earth. After various label entanglements, the group was finally able to unveil their debut album on March 26, 2002, through their own IM3 label imprint, in partnership with the now-defunct Landspeed Records. With hardcore street bangers like “IM3,” “Killa Queens,” and “B.I.G. T.W.I.N.S.,” along with the neck-snapping “Mobb Ni**as,” the album edged its way into Billboard’s Top 20 R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, peaking at the number five spot on their Independent Albums chart. In addition to a supporting cast that includes Mobb Deep, Big Noyd, Chinky, and the late Hostyle (of Screwball), among others, much of the album’s success can be credited to The Alchemist, whose sinister trademark sound emanates throughout the tracklist, with additional production supplied by Havoc, DJ Muggs, and others. Considered by many Q-Boro rap aficionados as a “Queensbridge holy grail,” the trio delivers high-octane synergy throughout the album’s 16 tracks, characterized by true-to-life street tales of life in the Bridge.