Many of the heads out there will have heard of a crew called D.I.T.C. (Diggin in the Crates). It consists of Diamond D, Lord Finesse, O.C., Big L (R.I.P.) and these brothers, Showbiz and A.G. Well, back in what many consider to be the good old days of hip-hop, before Showbiz became just Show, an album was released called Runaway Slave. While very few people have ever heard of this album, it is without a doubt a hip-hop classic, introducing the world to such gems as "Fat Pockets," "Bounce Ta This," "Hard to Kill," "Party Groove," and "Soul Clap."

A.G., while not the world's greatest rhymer by any stretch of the imagination, he manages to relate tales of ghetto success without overly glorifying violence, drug use or sales as an escape. In fact, in the track, "More Than One Way Out Of The Ghetto," he relates tales from his past to try to encourage people not to make the same mistakes he did.

Showbiz's rhyme skills have never been his strong point, in fact, on later albums he wisely chooses to step back from the mic altogether. However, on beats, he is one of the top producers you've never heard of. I'm sure that if you looked at the credits on many of your favourite albums, you'd find Showbiz's name up in there somewhere.

Guests on the album are mostly from other members of D.I.T.C., but "Bounce Ta This" features a brother known as Dres (yes, Dres from Black Sheep). Tracks to check for: "Fat Pockets," A crazy horn riff, and a beautifully intricate drum loop make this a classic; "Bounce Ta This," "Party Groove," which would get asses shaking in any club even today; and "Soul Clap," which would do the same.

The final verdict: A classic album which everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime. You're very unlikely to ever find a copy of this one, as I believe it's out of pressing, but if you ever get the chance to give it a listen, take it.

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