Respect the Architect: 1992-1998

When it comes to the mid-90s underground scene of New York City and New Jersey, few artists were as prolific as Ran Reed, without ever releasing a full-length album. Originally known as "Hitman", the Patterson, New Jersey native started his well known association with Nick Wiz back in 1992, when he first started recording in "The Cellar". Repeatedly making the trip out to the studio, he soon became one of the regulars; along with artists like Shabaam Sahdeeq, Native Assassins (Shadowz In Da Dark), and the Cella Dwellas. Eventually, Nick became a producer of choice for the Echo Unlimited "Underground Airplay" series of cassettes, and Ran, as well as many of the other groups Wiz worked with, was featured prominently on many volumes. These collectable tapes and their connection to the burgeoning "Lyricist Lounge" venue were calling cards for many of the area's top up-and-coming talent, and Ran started buzzing because of the exposure. Dropping the "Hitman" moniker around 1995, Ran Reed and Nick Wiz continued the mission; recording dozens more songs together. Solo songs, as well as collaborations with the likes of Chubb Rock, DMX, Chino XL, Cella Dwellas, and Pudgee were released over the years on various white labels and 12" singles, but the full length debut LP never dropped. In 2008, when Nick Wiz started compiling his discography for the "Cellar Sounds" series, many of these tracks finally started to get proper release on CD. Ran's catalog actually ended up comprising a significant portion of the first two volumes of the series. Therefore, when "Cellar Sounds 3" was being compiled, the over abundance of still-yet unreleased Ran Reed material made the decision obvious to release a dedicated solo project. So in 2012, twenty years after the journey began; a long overdue Ran Reed CD finally drops! Featuring nineteen previously unreleased songs plus bonuses, this compilation spans the duration of the 90s recording era of Ran Reed and Nick Wiz. It includes the very first songs they did together for the "Hitman" project, as well as key cuts from various demo packages done in the mid-90s. Presented and produced by Nick Wiz, with DJ Slyce and Andre "Be Divine" Perry adding additional production, this CD is offered in perfect digital quality! Part seven of the "For Those That Slept" series.