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See all on eBay →“Comin’ Out Hard” is the debut studio album by 8Ball & MJG, released on August 17, 1993, through Suave House Records.
The story
Premro “8Ball” Smith and Marlon “MJG” Goodwin met as students in Orange Mound, Memphis, in 1984. They moved to Houston to work with Tony Draper and his new Suave House label, and this album became one of the label’s first releases. 8Ball later said early tracks were cut in an empty, unfurnished apartment bedroom. The nine songs include “9 Little Millimeta Boys,” “Armed Robbery,” “Pimps” and the title track, plus solo showcases for each member.
Sound and production
Draper is credited as producer and executive producer, with James Endsley also serving as an executive producer. The duo drew on soul and R&B records passed down from their parents, sampling acts such as Rufus with Chaka Khan and Simply Red and pairing those smooth sources with street narratives and pimp tales.
Legacy
The album reached number 40 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and has reportedly sold more than 500,000 copies. In 2006, Spin named it among the definitive Southern rap albums. AllMusic counts it among the first Southern rap albums to earn wide recognition, and it laid the groundwork for the duo’s long career.
Tracklist & credits
Produced by T-Money, Eightball, MJG
- 1Intro1:53
- 29 Little Millimeta Boys5:08
- 3The First Episode5:13
- 4Armed Robbery4:34
- 5Pimps6:25
- 6Comin' Out Hard4:27
- 7Mr. Big5:46
- 8Nigga's Like Us4:54
- 9Pimps In The House3:20
Tracklist and producer credits: Discogs. Gear credits: Breakbeat Archive, sourced on each credit.
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Released August 17, 1993. More from hip hop in 1993.