Ill Mannered Playas

Ill Mannered Playas is the best-known album by I.M.P., the San Francisco group led by Cougnut, released on In-A-Minute Records. Discogs dates it to 1995; Wikipedia gives 1996.

The story

I.M.P. had been recording since the 1989 EP No Prisoners and released Back in the Days in 1993. Tony Jackson is credited as executive producer, with management by Fogtown Entertainment, also credited as advisors on Big Herm’s Trying to Survive in the Ghetto.

Sound and production

The thirteen tracks were produced by Cougnut, Race, Reg, Rob V., T.C. and The Enhancer, with Stingy producing “Wild Ass West” and Shawn Rhodes “No Witnesses.” Reg played guitar and keys on “Don’t Get It Twisted,” and Steve Williams played piano on “Boss Mackin’.”

Legacy

“The Last Breath” and “Don’t Get It Twisted,” also issued as a single backed with “Shinin’ Star,” are the songs most associated with Cougnut. The album remains the main document of I.M.P.’s mid-90s lineup.