Description
DAS EFX – Straight Up Sewaside – 180 Gram Silver Vinyl Record
“Straight Up Sewaside” is the sophomore album by Das EFX, released on November 16, 1993, through EastWest Records. Coming off the explosive success of their debut Dead Serious in 1992, Das EFX found themselves at a pivotal moment in East Coast hip-hop. That debut had introduced the world to their rapid-fire delivery, hyperactive flows, and their now-famous “iggedy” style—an infectious verbal tic that became their signature and helped shape the early ’90s rap aesthetic. With Straight Up Sewaside, the duo—composed of Skoob (Books in reverse) and Dray—took a deliberate step away from some of the cartoonish elements of their debut, opting for a harder-edged, more street-oriented sound while retaining the lyrical complexity and offbeat humor that made them stand out.
Production-wise, the album remained grounded in the gritty, sample-driven boom-bap sound that dominated early ’90s New York hip-hop. Much of the production was handled by the Solid Scheme duo (Chris Charity and Derek Lynch), who were instrumental in shaping the sonic landscape of Das EFX’s music. The beats on Straight Up Sewaside are darker and more minimalist than their debut, relying heavily on chopped-up jazz and funk samples, deep basslines, and dusty drum loops that reflect the increasingly hardcore tone of East Coast rap during that period. The shift in production style wasn’t just cosmetic—it mirrored the broader changes happening in hip-hop at the time, as the genre began gravitating toward grittier street narratives and a more grounded realism.
Lyrically, Das EFX matured without losing their unique voice. They retained their love for pop culture references, dense internal rhymes, and wild similes, but the “iggedy” inflections were toned down significantly. The duo began focusing more on crafting intricate rhyme schemes and punchy flows that still moved at breakneck speed. Tracks like “Baknaffek” and “Gimme Dat Micraphone” showcase their aggressive delivery and lyrical bravado, with rhymes that bounce effortlessly across the beat while exuding a newfound toughness. “Check It Out” continues that trend, blending playfulness with verbal dexterity, while “Freakit,” the lead single, stands out as a bouncy, infectious jam that retains some of the fun of their earlier work while fitting neatly into the harder aesthetic of the rest of the album. That track in particular gained heavy rotation and remains one of their more recognizable hits, blending a funky beat with a brash, confident hook that stuck in listeners’ heads.
While Straight Up Sewaside didn’t match the commercial impact of Dead Serious, it solidified Das EFX’s reputation as serious lyricists in an increasingly competitive hip-hop landscape. The album was well-received by underground heads and critics alike, praised for its tighter production, more refined lyricism, and its ability to evolve without abandoning the core elements that made the group unique. It arrived during a golden age for New York rap, a time when groups like Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, and Black Moon were emerging with a raw sound that defined the hardcore East Coast aesthetic. Das EFX’s shift in tone on this album mirrored that cultural change, helping to usher in a darker, more rugged phase of hip-hop’s evolution.
In retrospect, Straight Up Sewaside is often seen as a transitional work—not just for Das EFX, but for hip-hop itself. It bridges the gap between the playful, exuberant energy of early ’90s rap and the colder, street-hardened realism that would dominate the rest of the decade. For fans of hardcore lyricism, raw beats, and innovative flows, the album remains an underrated gem. It may not have had the crossover flash of its predecessor, but it offered something arguably more lasting: proof that Das EFX were more than a gimmick, and that their place in hip-hop history was earned not just through innovation, but through consistent, high-level artistry.
Limited edition of 2000 individually numbered copies on silver coloured vinyl
Includes Insert
1800 Gram audiophile Vinyl
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Intro
Undaground Rappa
Gimme Dat Micraphone
Check It Out
Interlude
Freakit
Rappaz
Interview
Baknaffek
Kaught In Da Ak
Wontu
Krazy Wit Da Books
It’z Lik Dat
Host Wit Da Most (Rappaz Remix)
