Treacherous Three

Sequel's winning wrap-up of one of the best old-school crews does have a major miscue (not including their debut, "The New Rap Language"), but it certainly overwhelms all the other poor excuses for Treacherous Three compilations. From Kool Moe Dee's blistering speed rap to open "Whip It," Treacherous Three proved that hip-hop was soon going to transcend the block-party aesthetic to become a phenomenon focused on MCs testing each other in dramatic rap battles, more akin to jazz blowing contests. Still, for all the party jams and braggadocio exercises ("At the Party," "The Body Rock," the title track, "Bad Mutha"), Turn It Up also illustrates that these three were already looking to the emergence of message tracks; "Yes We Can Can" is an example of classic empowerment hip-hop years before it became popular, and "Dumb Dick" preaches (albeit rather crudely) about the benefits of staying in school and staying away from promiscuity -- a prelude to Kool Moe Dee's own solo hit "Go See the Doctor." Though most of these had the sound of Sugar Hill in full effect ("Feel the Heartbeat" is the classic Treacherous Three track from the label), "Get Up" was an imaginative detour into electro, while Sequel wisely chose the rarer X-rated version of "Xmas Rap" (one that barely would've prompted a parental advisory 15 years later). ~ John Bush, All Music Guide