C.I.A. – Cru’ In Action!

Description

“Cru’ In Action!” by C.I.A., released in 1987 under Kru-Cut Records, is a pivotal hip-hop record from South Central Los Angeles. The 12″ vinyl features a trio of tracks that showcase the early talent of iconic figures in the hip-hop industry. The group, consisting of Ice Cube, K-Dee, and Sir Jinx, marked a significant moment in the development of West Coast hip-hop.

The A-side of the vinyl starts with “My Posse (Vocal),” a 5:24-minute track highlighting the group’s cohesive energy and lyrical prowess. This is followed by “Jus 4 The Cash$ (Vocal),” a 4:30-minute song showcasing their storytelling abilities and street-savvy perspectives. The A-side concludes with “Ill-Legal (Vocal),” a 4:55-minute track that demonstrates the group’s skill in delivering powerful messages through their music.

The B-side mirrors the A-side but offers instrumental versions of the same tracks, allowing listeners to appreciate the production quality and beats. Each instrumental track runs parallel in length to its vocal counterpart, providing a full-bodied experience of the group’s musicality.

The album was produced by Dr. Dre, with executive production by Lonzo Williams. It was recorded and mixed at Audio Achievements, with engineering by Donovan Smith and mixing by Dr. Dré. The artwork was created by D. Davis, and the record was distributed and manufactured by Macola Record Co. The album’s writing credits primarily go to Ice Cube, with Kid Disaster contributing to the track “Ill-Legal.”

“Cru’ In Action!” stands out not only for its raw and authentic sound but also for its historical significance in the hip-hop genre. The group’s time together was brief, active only from 1986 to 1987, but their impact was lasting. C.I.A. laid the groundwork for the members’ future successes, particularly for Ice Cube, who would go on to become a major figure in the music industry as part of The Lench Mob.

This album, with its gritty lyrics and beats, is a snapshot of the burgeoning West Coast hip-hop scene in the late 1980s. It captures the essence of a transformative period in hip-hop, driven by the creative energies of its pioneering artists. “Cru’ In Action!” is more than just an album; it’s a historical document, chronicling the early steps of artists who would go on to shape the future of hip-hop music.