Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rud’s “Girls, I Got ‘Em Locked” was hardly what would constitute a hit by today’s radio standards. However, like so many 12″ plates of the 1980s, the 1988 Elektra Records single was known amongst inner-circles. With the New York City duo signed to a major label, there was even a video—still unavailable in HQ 26 years later.

This record/video, has some interesting history. Firstly, it was produced, mixed, and arranged by the great, late Paul C. The same producer credited with giving Large Professor some of his earliest chops, made classic Hip-Hop with the likes of Ultramagnetic MCs, Eric B. & Rakim, and Main Source. Super Lover and Cee’s record re-appeared on 2000’s Vinyl Exams Epic Records compilation mixed by Bobbito (as DJ Cucumber Slice). The rhyme patterns, especially from the chorus into verses make “Girls, I Got ‘Em Locked” an innovative and important piece of Rap history. This pair (as the b-side “Do The James” cemented), were highly influenced by James Brown, and used some of the Godfather of Soul’s swag, confidence, and style to mimic it all amidst what is often considered Hip-Hop’s greatest year.

“Girls, I Got ‘Em Locked” is an eloquent “song about nothing.” It’s carefree, as the video suggests, and braggadocious without taking itself too seriously. With so many contemporary songs about chillin’ out, being cool, and having no issues finding a mate, this is timeless Hip-Hop that deserves ongoing consideration:

Purchase Music by Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rud.

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