O.C.’s 1994 debut album, Word…Life, is among one of the albums that makes the year so special in the Hip-Hop memory. Known then as a longtime affiliate of Organized Konfusion, O stepped to the front with some help from Buckwild on the boards, Lord Finesse filling in, Roc Raida on the cuts, and extensive background vocals by Pharoahe Monch. In addition to Nas, MC Serch’s Serchlite was also in conjunction with Wild Pitch Records (which the 3rd Bass co-founder was now an executive) to release the LP by the MC reppin’ both Brooklyn and Queens (sorta like Serch).

With the hit lyrical bravado single “Times Up,” the album went on to be a cult favorite, before going out of print for years, due to Wild Pitch’s issues. The effort, according to O, led Puff Daddy (years before “Diddy”) to offering the D.I.T.C. artist a spot on Bad Boy Records, IF Puff could remix it. Well, Heads know that Word…Life, albeit a low-key sound, needed no remixing.

Interestingly enough, the true remixes that came with the 12″ singles of the album were by DJ Eclipse. Eclipse would later become a manager at Fat Beats Records, as well as be a founding member of Non-Phixion (who had Serch’s interest/involvement at the time). Eclipse remixed “Born 2 Live.” However, there was a demo mix prior to the one of wax/some CD/LP pressings. 2DopeBoyz got the mix from E, and it sounds like a 1994 relic that makes any Head do the raindance with a nod.

Related: It’s Organized Konfusion As Pharoahe Monch & O.C. Rock With Prince Po & Oh No (Audio)