5one6 - Mystic Microfon - 1994

12" - 1994 - Ill Labels  

During the 90s, Ill Labels (sub label of American Recordings) quietly built an impressive roster of underground hip-hop talent. The label was home to sharp lyricists and inventive groups such as Kwest Da Madd Lad, Chino XL, Blaque Spurm, Pretty Tone Kapone or the enigmatic duo 5one6.

It's that last name, 5one6, that deserves a closer look today. Their unique 12" single "Mystic Microfon" released in 1994, remains a very dope record from hip-hop's golden era. You'll find no information about this group if you search online... all I can tell you is that the duo consisted of Erik Romero (MC/producer) and Caysonn Lake (MC), two artists hailing from Strong Island, New York. The group's name itself is a clever nod to their roots, referencing Long Island's area code, (516).

The 12" is composed of the lead single "Mystic Microfon" (Original version, Radio version & Instrumental) on the A-side, and the tracks "Dirty Little Bitch" (Vocal & Instrumental) and "Rap Attack" (Radio version & Instrumental) featuring Bill-Kin and Boog Knight, on the B-side. All the productions were handled by Erik Romero.

Outside of 5one6, Erik Romero also produced a few tracks for other hip-hop artists, such as Chino XL ("Kreep"), Kwest Da Madd Lad ("Lubrification", "Disnexone" and "Kwest Gets His Rocks Off") or Rumpletilskinz ("Sweet Therapy"). As for the members, it seems that C. Lake is no longer active in the music industry, while Erik Romero is still going strong... currently producing for Dinco D, the former member of Leaders of the New School.