Description
“Volume 1” is the debut studio album by New York-based rap group Powerule, released on September 17, 1991, by Interscope Records and Poetic Groove Records. The album features guest appearances from Leaders Of The New School, showcasing Powerule’s unique blend of hip-hop styles and compelling lyrical content. The album offers listeners a diverse range of tracks, highlighting the group’s versatility and creativity.
The 18-track album opens with a series of interviews with the group, offering insights into their thoughts and experiences. With songs like “Ruff Neck Style,” “5 Minutes 2 Showtime,” and “Young Stars From Nowhere,” Powerule demonstrates their ability to craft catchy hooks, memorable verses, and skillful wordplay. The album also features collaborations with industry greats, such as The Large Professor, who co-wrote and arranged “Gots Ta Get This.”
“Volume 1” includes a mix of upbeat tracks like “Rub Of The Wax,” featuring Leaders Of The New School, and more introspective songs like “Premises.” The album incorporates various samples, ranging from LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” to U2’s “Bullet The Blue Sky” and Lenny Kravitz’s “Freedom Train,” showcasing Powerule’s diverse influences and sound.
Recorded at Chung King Studios, Soundtrack Studios, and North Shore Soundworks, “Volume 1” was mixed at these same locations and mastered at The Hit Factory by Chris Gehringer. The album features art direction by Bob Defrin, design by Larry Freemantle, and photography by Anthony Barboza.
Powerule’s “Volume 1” serves as a testament to the group’s talent and potential, offering a solid foundation for their future work in the hip-hop genre.
