The original incarnation of Golden Age hip hop collective Brand Nubian consisted of two DJ’s, Alamo and Sincere, and three similar-minded yet distinct MC’s: the witty and playful Grand Puba, who dropped Islamic ideology and colorful party rhymes in equal measure; Derek X (now Sadat X), whose nasally inflection was capable of biting criticism and social critiques, and Lord Jamar, a smooth-tenored lyricist specializing in braggadocio with a fierce command of metaphors and street vernacular. Like many of the early “positive” hip hop groups, Brand Nubian was an assortment of contradictions, able to wax eloquently on the Five Percent Nation and black empowerment, then spew hateful homophobia and gross misogyny in the next track (much like Big Daddy Kane’s “Children R the Future” and “Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy”). Puba left the group after their acclaimed and near-classic debut One for All, and the past decade or so has found each of the members focusing on solo work, with the occasional reunion album or tour every few years.

“All for One” was the first single from the debut and still remains a hip hop gem, showcasing the talents of each MC over a scratchy, bouncy guitar loop that somehow doesn’t get tiring. Puba begins with a dextrous verse introducing himself, followed by Derek X, then a few choice boasts from Jamar. What’s notable about Derek X’s verse isn’t so much the content as his delivery. During the course of 30 bars, Derek completely abandons the clunky seven-syllables-per-line flow that was well on its way out by then and rhymes in a natural, conversational style that’s become de rigeur these days. It may sound tame by today’s standards, but at the time no MC had dared to play with the beat to the extent that he displayed. (I’ve underlined the syllables that fall on the first beat of each bar.)

On file is a style, that’s why you caught a clip
My suitcase is packed and I’m going on a trip to Mic-a-delphia
I go for self and still be slamming
The school bell is ringing and I caught somebody cramming for the test
Oh yes, my study guide was thick

Derek’s playful enunciation of “slamming” gives a glimpse into the nature of his delivery, as he proceeds to stretch and tease his words across the beat. He also begins a pattern of placing his rhymes on the first beat rather than the fourth (”test”).

I cut you with my verbal, didn’t hurt you, just a nick off your face
Don’t play possum, watch me and I’ll blossom like a rose
And get some new clothes and a fresh fade from Rob

Some interesting imagery here: Derek’s rhymes are sharp but not deadly, and as long as one pays attention, will allow him to grow as an MC. The shout-out to the barber is always a nice touch, mimicking a line from Puba in the first verse (”I give Trev a call/’cause he works in the barbershop right behind the mall”).

Jump on the phone and dial the Now Rule Mob
Now come one, come all, we about to get hectic
If my crew don’t get in, then the X makes an exit to the rear
I’m outta here, don’t front on my brothers
I take care of them before I take care of others

Here he professes his love for his crew over all others, threatening to leave the venue if one member is left behind. The internal rhyme scheme in these lines is notable, including a slick “X” to “exit” combination.

Now wood bats is doomed, in the 90’s it’s aluminum
Step to the stage with a mic and I’m doing him something awful
I’m a citizen and I’m lawful

This is my favorite part of the verse: after “lawful,” Derek X, apropos of nothing, drops out for nearly an entire bar! This unexplainable and audacious decision adds a unique sense of pacing to the verse and reveals a clever, cocky disposition from the MC; a silent bar during the middle of a verse is a lifetime in rap, yet Derek seems unfazed by it. He also begins ignoring the beat, spitting out words haphazardly and letting them fall into the rhythm loosely.

I go to hunt another fall, rip the policeman’s ball
I got the power to make a car stall
I guess I’m great from blackness
And when the crowd slackens I stop drinking
And then I start thinking about days in the past
When Derek X was last, but now I’m on the top
Damn, news travels fast, ’cause I’m like that!

Speeding up, pausing, slowing down, ignoring the bars, speaking against the beat - it’s all here, culminating in a powerful declaration of self at the end.

They can’t see this
Read my book, it contains many pieces of verses
I took the time to delete all the curses
So moms reach deep in your purses
And buy me, take me home, and try me and do me well!

Reason #497 why I love hip hop: Derek plugs his Rhyme Book, which he has meticulously edited for obscenities, then politely asks all mothers to take him home and have their way with him - all in a casual, speakeasy flow that had heads shaking in amazement in 1990. Outstanding.

“All for One” – Brand Nubian 4:53 (One for All, Elektra 1990)