Today marks the 20th anniversary of the release of one of my favorite albums from one of my favorite groups in Hip Hop. On March 26, 1990, Digital Underground released their debut album, Sex Packets.
Sex Packets was a concept album about "G.S.R.A." (Genetic Suppression Relief Antedotes), a pharmaceutical substance that is produced in the form of a large glowing pill (about the size of a quarter), that comes in a condom-sized package, and is allegedly developed by the government to provide its intended users (Astronauts and the like) with a satisfying sexual experience in situations where the quest-for/attainment-of such experiences would be counterproductive to the mission at hand.(wikipedia)
Sex Packets & Digital Underground may best be known for the song, The Humpty Dance, which was performed by Shock G's alter ego Humpty Hump. The Humpty Dance was so catchy & the bassline so hyponotic that it was sampled many times over the years.
Sex Packets introduced P-Funk to a new generation of listeners. Digital Underground even coined themselves as the rejects of the P-Funk family who were black sheeped for being to crazy & funky for the P-Funk forefathers. Personally, Digital Underground is the catalsyt for my obsession with funk music & led me to research & listen to music by Bootsy Collins, George Clinton, Parliament & others.
Not only did Digital Underground bring funk into the spotlight, but Shock G & the Digital Underground are also responsible for introducing the world to a young Tupac Shakur. Initially Tupac was a backup dancer & roadie for Digital Underground, then a few verses on some DU songs to eventually releasing his solo material, which was initially produced by Shock G; including Tupac's first hit (and one of the few Tupac songs I dig), I Get Around
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The world may not have been into Digital Underground as much as I was, but they were pioneers in their use of funk samples, which became a main staple in 90s West Coast Rap & Hip Hop. Sex Packets opened my mind to different sounds as well as made me curious about sex, as it was a prominent theme throughout the Sex Packets album. Songs like Freaks Of The Industry & Gutfest '89 were like audio pornography to a young teenger like myself, full of hormones.. The Way We Swing & Rhymin' On The Funk were just to funky to not listen to. Then there was the Jazz Piano sounds the Packet Prelude that seduced the listener with every strike of the keys. This album was & still is a classic that deserves recognition & respect.
Originally I intended to celebrate Sex Packets' 20th anniversary with a DITR: Digital Underground Session mix; but after a year or so of serious thought, I realized that I would be the only one who would enjoy it. If there are Digital Underground fans out there, let me know. Maybe I'll creconsider & release DITR: The Digital Undeground Session for the 25th anniversary in 2015. In the meantime, thank you Shock G & all your alter egos; Money B & Raw Fusion; and everyone who was involved in Digital Underground for your creativity & inspiration. I have always been & will always be a fan.
Enjoy some Digital Underground today!!
and finally.. If you didn't believe me when I said Tupac was a back up dancer? Here's video proof:
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