Tony D, Droppin' Funky Verses

You might listen to 1991's Droppin' Funky Verses by Tony D. and wonder "Why is Napster featuring this?"  The rap style sounds dated.  It's true.

Anthony Depula (better known as Tony D.) definitely wasn't the biggest hip-hop artist during the early '90s. He didn't write mind-blowing verses, and sometimes his flow on the mic was awkward. Tony says it the best on the track "Listen to Me Brother" when he says "This style may not sell many units/It's just to protect the rep of our music."

He was more known for his work behind the board. The beats. Beats he made for other golden-era groups and artists such as the Poor Righteous Teachers, King Sun, and Pace Won. Wait. You mean to tell me that this Italian wanna-be-rapper produced for 5% Nation of Islam rappers? How? Why? Because Tony D. was nice with the beats. Beats that more successful groups jacked from him, eventually leading to out-of-court settlements. You down with O.P.P? That was originally a Tony D. beat.

Tony D. died On April 5, 2009, after being involved in a car accident near his home in New Jersey. R.I.P. Tony.

Comments

[RememberingTonyD.blogspot.com]

Let's never forget Tony D... http://RememberingTonyD.blogspot.com

[Doug A]

I had his record on vinyl(old school) back in college. No matter how people flowed, you have to admit the 90's era was when people learned that anybody could get their voice heard and rep where they were from. You could even put your thing down coming out of South Jersey. I used to tape his stuff off WLFR out of Princeton. I know nobody tapes off the radio anymore, but that is what you did when you were waiting for the album back in the day. I will remember Tony D fondly. My condolences.