On Gang Starr’s 1998 single “The Militia,” Freddie Foxxx rapped, “When you speak of who’s the dopest MCs, I don’t come up / But when you speak about who’s the livest MC, I stay one up.” In the midst of a career transformation, the Long Island, New York veteran knew he was in a class of his own. At that point, Foxxx had one album out (the same year Gang Starr dropped) and at least two shelved LPs after.

By 2016, the Freddie Foxxx discography has expanded greatly. After fair warning on some O.C. features, “Bumpy Knuckles” (Foxxx’s alter-ego) released The Industry Shakedown in Y2K. An Underground jewel, the album opened up the floodgate for an assortment of projects to follow, including full-length collaborations with DJ Premier, KRS-One, Statik Selektah, and others. In between those periods, there was a lot of great music on 12″ promo vinyl, bootlegs, and rare appearances that Heads might have missed or be unaware of.

Bumpy Knuckles Salutes ’70s & Early ’80s Rap Pioneers On A Nottz Track (Audio)

DJ Wayne Ski, who works closely with the MC, made The History of Bumpy Knuckles. This 50-minute mix pulls from the Crazy Like A Foxxx sessions, those game-changing features, and some things you’ve never heard (featuring Preemo, J Dilla, and Pete Rock beats) to show you want Hip-Hop missed, and what the industry was scared of.

In 2017, Bumpy Knuckles is joining Treach and Trick Trick for the group O.G.ology (produced entirely by Nottz). Additionally, he has announced plans for Industry Shakedown 2.

Treach, Bumpy Knuckles, Trick Trick & Raekwon Serve Shots Of O.G.ology With No Chaser (Video)

Spotted at GrandGood.