Ultramagnetic MCs were a pioneering hip-hop group that emerged from the Bronx in the mid-1980s. Comprised of Kool Keith, Ced Gee, TR Love, and Moe Love, the group’s music was characterized by its innovative sampling techniques, futuristic soundscapes, and intricate wordplay. With their unique style and artistic vision, Ultramagnetic MCs helped to define the sound of hip-hop in the 1980s and influenced countless artists and genres that would follow.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the 10 best Ultramagnetic MCs songs of all time. These songs represent the pinnacle of the group’s discography, showcasing their ability to craft unforgettable beats, lyrical dexterity, and sonic experimentation that continue to inspire and influence hip-hop artists today.
From the explosive energy of “Ego Tripping” to the cerebral wordplay of “Critical Beatdown,” the songs on this list are all masterpieces in their own right, each one showcasing Ultramagnetic MCs’ unique sound and artistic vision. Through their music, the group explored themes of social injustice, personal struggle, and the challenges of urban life, giving voice to the experiences and emotions of a generation.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Ultramagnetic MCs or a newcomer to their music, this list is sure to offer something for everyone. So sit back, turn up the volume, and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of one of the most innovative and influential hip-hop groups of all time as we count down the 10 best Ultramagnetic MCs songs of their legendary career.
1. Poppa Large
“Poppa Large” is a classic hip hop track by Ultramagnetic MCs, released in 1992. The song features a sparse and minimalistic beat, with a hard-hitting drum pattern and a simple bassline that allows the group’s intricate and complex lyrics to shine. Kool Keith delivers the verses with his trademark flow, showcasing his dense and abstract rhymes that touch on a variety of topics, from his lyrical prowess to his street credibility. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious hook make it a fan favorite and a staple of classic hip hop playlists, solidifying Ultramagnetic MCs’ place in the genre’s history.
2. Ego Trippin’ (Original 12″ Version)
“Ego Trippin'” is a classic hip-hop track by American rap group Ultramagnetic MCs, released in 1986 as a 12-inch single. The song’s minimalist beat, punctuated by sparse drum breaks and funky bassline, serves as the perfect backdrop for the group’s inventive rhymes and flows. MCs Kool Keith and Ced Gee’s witty wordplay and clever lyricism showcase their unique style and delivery, while the song’s catchy chorus and memorable samples add to its appeal. “Ego Trippin'” is a pioneering example of the Golden Age of Hip-Hop, and it continues to be regarded as one of the genre’s most influential and groundbreaking tracks.
3. Ease Back
“Ease Back” is a classic hip-hop track by American rap group Ultramagnetic MCs, released in 1986 as a 12-inch single. The song’s funky and uptempo beat, built around a loop of James Brown’s “Funky Drummer,” provides the perfect canvas for the group’s signature lyrical style. MCs Kool Keith and Ced Gee’s rapid-fire rhymes and clever wordplay showcase their innovative approach to hip-hop, while the song’s catchy hook and memorable samples add to its appeal. “Ease Back” is a testament to the group’s musical prowess and remains a beloved classic of the Golden Age of Hip-Hop.
4. Watch Me Now
“Watch Me Now” is a standout track from Ultramagnetic MCs’ debut album, “Critical Beatdown.” Released in 1988, the song features a hard-hitting beat and a catchy hook that has become a fan favorite. The group’s trademark use of samples and experimental production techniques is on full display, with Ced Gee’s production providing the perfect backdrop for Kool Keith and TR Love’s rhymes. The song’s infectious energy and intricate wordplay make it a classic example of the group’s unique style, and a must-listen for any fan of classic hip hop.
5. A Chorus Line
“A Chorus Line” is a standout track from Ultramagnetic MCs’ second album, “Funk Your Head Up.” Released in 1992, the song features a funky and uptempo beat that is typical of the album’s more aggressive sound. Kool Keith’s dense and abstract rhymes are complemented by a catchy hook that showcases the group’s trademark use of samples and experimental production techniques. The song’s complex and multi-layered sound is a testament to the group’s innovation and influence in the hip hop genre, and has cemented “A Chorus Line” as one of their most beloved tracks.
6. Critical Beatdown
“Critical Beatdown” is a classic hip-hop track by American rap group Ultramagnetic MCs, released in 1988 as the title track of their debut album. The song’s hard-hitting beat, built around a sample of James Brown’s “Funky Drummer,” sets the tone for the group’s raw and unapologetic lyrical style. MCs Kool Keith and Ced Gee’s aggressive rhymes and bold wordplay showcase their fierce and uncompromising approach to hip-hop, while the song’s memorable chorus and gritty production add to its impact. “Critical Beatdown” is a seminal track of the Golden Age of Hip-Hop, and it continues to be celebrated for its pioneering style and influence.
7. Give the Drummer Some
“Give the Drummer Some” is a classic hip hop track by Ultramagnetic MCs, released in 1988 on their debut album “Critical Beatdown.” The song features a catchy sample of James Brown’s “Funky Drummer,” which forms the backbone of the track’s hard-hitting beat. Kool Keith and Ced Gee trade verses over the funky instrumental, showcasing their unique style and dense, abstract rhymes. The song’s title has become a popular phrase in hip hop culture, paying tribute to the importance of the drummer in creating the genre’s iconic beats. “Give the Drummer Some” is a prime example of Ultramagnetic MCs’ influential sound and their impact on the development of hip hop.
8. One, Two, One, Two
“One, Two, One, Two” is a classic hip hop track from Ultramagnetic MCs’ third album, “The Four Horsemen.” Released in 1993, the song features a catchy and upbeat instrumental, with Kool Keith and Ced Gee’s complex and intricate rhymes taking center stage. The track showcases the group’s unique sound and style, with its dense wordplay and experimental production techniques. The song’s title is a nod to the importance of rhythm and timing in hip hop, with “One, Two, One, Two” serving as a call-and-response to the beat. “One, Two, One, Two” is a beloved track among fans of the group and hip hop enthusiasts alike.
9. Travelling At The Speed of Thought
“Travelling at the Speed of Thought” is a classic hip-hop track by American rap group Ultramagnetic MCs, released in 1988 as a single from their debut album, “Critical Beatdown.” The song’s infectious beat, driven by a loop of James Brown’s “Funky President,” provides the perfect backdrop for MC Kool Keith’s inventive rhymes and rapid-fire delivery. The song’s chorus, featuring a catchy sample from the 1978 disco hit “Boogie Wonderland,” adds to its appeal, making it a dancefloor favorite as well as a classic of the Golden Age of Hip-Hop. “Travelling at the Speed of Thought” is a testament to the group’s creativity and musical prowess, and it continues to be celebrated by hip-hop fans worldwide.
10. Kool Keith Housing Things
“Kool Keith Housing Things” is a classic track from Ultramagnetic MCs’ debut album, “Critical Beatdown,” released in 1988. The song features a funky and hypnotic beat, with Kool Keith’s distinct and abstract rhymes delivering an unforgettable performance. The track is a testament to the group’s innovative and experimental approach to hip hop, with its use of obscure samples and unconventional production techniques. “Kool Keith Housing Things” has become a fan favorite, with its memorable hook and hypnotic instrumental still resonating with hip hop fans today. The song remains a hallmark of the group’s influential and trailblazing sound.