The Cenobites LP is the eponymous debut album by the American hip hop duo the Cenobites, composed of rapper Kool Keith and producer Godfather Don. It was first released as an EP in 1995 via Fondle 'Em Records and was later expanded for LP in 1997 and CD in 2000. Percee P and Bobbito Garcia made guest appearances on the record.

Cenobites LP
Studio album by
Cenobites
Released
Recorded1993–1994
GenreHip hop
Length37:31
LabelFondle 'Em Records
Producer
Cenobites chronology
The Cenubites EP
(1995)
Cenobites LP
(1997)
Demented Thoughts EP
(2008)

History

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In 1992, South Bronx innovators Ultramagnetic MC's recruited little known MC/producer Godfather Don to assist them on their third LP, The Four Horsemen. The dark, jazzy sound he contributed was something of a departure for the group, which was known for its futuristic funk. During and after the album's recording, additional material featuring Kool Keith and Godfather Don was created for the Cenobites side project.

Radio personality Bobbito Garcia aka DJ Cucumberslice, a longtime fan and supporter of Ultramagnetic, dropped the Cenubites EP in 1995 on his own Fondle 'Em label. He also made his rapping debut as a featured performer on two of the disc's eight tracks. Another South Bronx veteran, Percee P, also contributed a guest appearance. All the artists involved with the project were regulars on WKCR's Stretch Armstrong radio show in the early '90s, of which Bobbito was co-host.

Rumour has it that this album was recorded in a week, during a period where Kool Keith & Godfather Don locked themselves away from the outside world (in a basement), only adding additional vocals after they emerged from their retreat. This would be in keeping with the name of the group "Cenobite", as Cenobites are monks who would often shun the outside world in favor of a hermit type of life.

Release

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Originally released as a seven-track extended play in 1995, it was reissued as nine-track longplay record with two more tracks added into it and retitled the Cenobites LP. A CD version was finally issued in 2000 with another bonus track, an extended version of Ultramagnetic MCs' "Checkin' My Style" renamed "Return To Zero", which boasted a previously omitted Godather Don verse.

A handful of the Cenobites tracks remain officially unreleased including: "You Lose," "Lazy Woman," "Cold Peein' On 'Em," "Break 'Em Down" and "We Can Do This (ft. Mike L & TR Love)". In addition, Kool Keith and Godfather Don appeared together on Raw Breed's "Rampage/Outta Control" with the legendary Melle Mel, and reunited in 1998 for Godfather Don's "Voices".

Track listing

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1995 EP

All music is composed by Godfather Don

Side A
No.TitleLength
1."Lex Lugor"3:45
2."You're Late" (featuring Percee P)3:45
3."Kick a Dope Verse" (featuring Bobbito)4:11
4."How the Fuck you Get a Deal"5:43
Side B
No.TitleLength
5."Rhymes I Sniff AKA Carlos Died"4:18
6."Mommy"3:23
7."I Was Forgotten"3:51
1997 LP

All music is composed by Godfather Don

Side A
No.TitleLength
1."Lex Lugor"3:45
2."I Was Forgotten"3:51
3."Kick a Dope Verse" (featuring Bobbito)4:11
4."Mommy"3:23
5."You're Late" (featuring Percee P)3:45
Side B
No.TitleLength
6."Rhymes I Sniff AKA Carlos Died"4:18
7."Keep On" (featuring Bobbito)4:10
8."How the Fuck you Get a Deal"5:43
9."Kick a Dope Verse" (Battered Baby Seal Remix)4:16
Total length:37:31
2000 CD bonus track
No.TitleLength
10."Return to Zero" (Bonus track)4:19
Total length:38:00

Personnel

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Release history

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Region Date Format(s) Label(s)
United States 1995 Fondle 'Em Records
1997
2000
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  • "The Cenubites* - The Cenubites". Discogs.

References

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