Runnin’ Off At Da Mouth

“Runnin’ Off at da Mouth” is the debut studio album by Chicago rapper Twista, released on June 6, 1992, under the name Tung Twista through Loud Records, with distribution by Zoo Entertainment and BMG.

The story

Twista, born Carl Mitchell and raised on Chicago’s West Side, arrived with a rare calling card: in 1992 he was recognized by Guinness as the fastest English-speaking rapper, clocking 598 syllables in 55 seconds. The album followed that recognition and was recorded across 1991 and 1992. It was the first release on Loud Records, and the only one the label put out through Zoo Entertainment.

Sound and production

Production was spread across several hands, including DJ Rhythm, Fabian Fade Duvernay, Eric the Wiz, Low Level Productions, Quick Silver Cooley and Titan. The record is built around its main selling point, Twista’s rapid-fire, tongue-twisting delivery, which was the focus of the singles “Mr. Tung Twista,” “No Peace Sign” and “Ratatattat.”

Legacy

None of the singles reached the Billboard charts, and the album drew a lukewarm critical response. Twista’s next project, “Resurrection” (1994), was released only in Chicago, and it would take until 1997’s “Adrenaline Rush” for him to chart nationally. Still, the debut documents the origin of a chopper style that later carried him to a No. 1 album.

Released June 6, 1992. More from hip hop in 1992.