In terms of having a legit impactful legacy in Hip Hop, Tony Touch has a resume that trumps most. He is revered for his outstanding work as a deejay and his significant additions to the culture have spanned over nearly four decades. True to the essence of the genre and well versed as a producer and a wordsmith as well, not too many people could get fifty different artists together for a project of this magnitude. The talent pool on this release is simply incredible from the production to the lyrics as well.
Here are the SOHH.com 5 Reasons to download “The Piece Maker 3 (Return Of The 50 MCs)
1. 3’s A Charm
This is the third chapter of “The Piece Maker”. The first installment dropped in 2000 and the second one dropped in 2004. These compilations featured some of the most gifted emcees across the board from both the mainstream and underground. The “The Piece Maker” series contained both elite lyricism as well as all-star beat makers. This go-round doesn’t disrupt that legacy and brings together some of the same sharp elements the first two had to offer. For example,Kool G Rap and B-Real were featured on the first joint and make their presence felt again on this new release. Tony Touch brings more the table than just an executive producer title to his drops, he’s hands on and brings his signature skills throughout the album.
2. Legendary Status
Tony Touch is a legendary figure in Hip Hop. From his B-Boy days in the 80’s and becoming an official member of the Rock Steady Crew he has had a major impact in the rap community. He was influenced by the early pioneers in Hip Hop and is respected heavily by his peers. His transition to the turntables just added to his overall expertise in the game. In 1991, he began recording live sessions on cassette tape. Toca has a classic mixtape discography under his belt. Drops like the “5 Deadly Venoms of Brooklyn” (Mr. Cee, DJ Premier, PF Cuttin, Tony Touch & Evil Dee on one tape!), “The Diaz Bros” (with DJ Doo Wop) or the “Power Cypher 50 Emcees” series are monumental releases and higlights in mixtape history. With all that experience and knowledge gained over the years, this is brand listeners can trust.
3. Prolific Presentation
This project is put together in pure vintage mixtape form but has an album-like quality as well. The shout-outs from Hot 97 Personality Angie Martinezon track two amps up a serious feature from Brick City’s own Rah Digga. Tony Touch does a good job placing a plateau of well respected vets from all regions. California, Detroit, New York City, Philadelphia and Texas are all in on the check in. The transitions from track to track, samples, classic scratches and cuts are all mixed terrifically. This is hardcore rap at it’s finest with the best collective of representatives in a long time. It’s one of those albums where the listeners can debate who had the illest song or the strongest verse because everyone is on their A game.
4. Steel Sharpens Steel
This mixtape is comprised of some of the nicest emcees out. Knowing that some of the best to ever spit it would be involved with this project had to be motivation for each and every artist featured. Legendary host Ralph McDaniels of Video Music Box spoke with another historic name in Hip Hop, Kid Capri at the “Piece Maker 3” release party about Toca’s achievements with this new release. “It takes a lot of preparation and a lot of patience to get fifty emcees and make something that counts. When you make it count and you really don’t compromise the artists that you got on there, and you don’t compromise yourself because you want to make a good quality mixtape, or whatever it is you’re making – that says a lot for him. That’s what he (Tony Touch) does man. He puts his work in heavy.”
5. Features
Here is a complete run down of emcees on “Piece Maker 3”. Rah Digga, Angie Martinez, A.G., J. Doe, Fat Joe, Uncle Murda, Jadakiss, Prodigy, Sheek Louch, Roc Marciano, Styles P, Tha Alkoholiks, Raekwon, Guilty Simpson, Al Joseph, Reek da Villian, Erick Sermon, Gob Goblin, Starvin B, Kurupt, Spit Gemz, D-Stroy, Black Thought, Ghostface Killah, RZA , JD Era, The Beatnuts, Bun B, Thirstin Howl III, Willie the Kid, Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, Busta Rhymes, M.O.P., Papoose, Too $hort, Xzibit, B-Real, Sean Price, Eminem, Twista, KRS-One, Sadat X, Termanology, Joell Ortiz, Royce Da 5’9″, Action Bronson, Crooked I, Redman, Method Man, and N.O.R.E. Production credits go to DJ Premier, Tony Touch, Lil Fame, Thirstin Howl III, RZA, Just Blaze, PF Cuttin, Charlie Brown, Dready, JuJu, Koolade, Psycho Les, Eminem, Erick Sermon, A Villa and Statik Selektah.