Trying to Survive in the Ghetto

1993Big Herm Various Artists Black Power Productions The Golden Age The Bay

Own the record

Trying to Survive in the Ghetto is a 1993 compilation released by Black Power Productions and compiled by Andre “Herm” Lewis.

Who’s on it

It gathers early San Francisco street rap: I.M.P., Rappin’ 4-Tay, Young Cellski, RBL Posse, Cold World Hustlers, and JT the Bigga Figga with D-Moe and a young San Quinn on “Back 2 The Shit.”

Why it matters

Compilations like this were how Bay Area independents introduced artists before they had albums, and a sequel, Still Trying to Survive in the Ghetto, followed in 1995. Read more in our story on the NorCal compilation boom and Murder Dog.

Tracklist & credits

1
IntroProd. T.C.
3:30
2
Comin' Out The CutsProd. T.C.
3:28
3
I Smell JealousyProd. T.C.
4:16
4
Call It What You WantProd. J-Mack
5:02
5
The BankstaProd. T.C.
5:11
6
It's Like ThatProd. Young Cellski
3:38
7
I Got My Nine (9mm)Prod. T.C.
5:49
8
Back 2 The ShitProd. JT The Bigga Figga
3:43
9
Kickin' Real ShitProd. G.R.P., T.C.
4:52
10
Cold Day In HellProd. T.C.
5:43
11
OutroProd. T.C.
2:48

Tracklist and producer credits: Discogs. Gear credits: Breakbeat Archive, sourced on each credit.

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