Crustified Dibbs - Night Of The Bloody Apes - 1994

"Before we even get things moving, it’s arguable that the long lost Crustified Dibbs’ “Night Of The Bloody Apes” LP, which was named after a Mexican Lucha Libre/Horror movie from 1968, could even be classified as an unreleased album.  For what it’s worth, I’m almost positive that Jive unveiled this album on cassette back in ’94.  However, one thing is for certain, Jive did release the promo 12″ “Bloodshed Hua Hoo” (which, featured a plethora of remixes to accompany the track) which featured production from 1/2 of the Trackmasterz, Tone.  It’s almost unimaginable to think that the label that provided a home for the likes of N Sync and Brittany Spears intended to release this hardcore classic only 6 or 7 years prior.

Just in case you didn’t know already, Crustified Dibbs would later evolve to become RA The Rugged Man, who’s most memorable appearance on wax is attributed to a collaboration with the Notorious B.I.G. (similar to Pudgee).  “Cunt Renaissance”, with it’s vulgar, in your face content can still to this day, can still be found on many of B.I.G’s “Greatest Hits” compilations."

"However, here’s were the confusion often begins, RA has always been RA, Crustified Dibbs was intended to be RA and Niles (who also handled some of the album’s production). Yet, the moniker (Crustified Dibbs) has always been associated with RA as a soloist. “‘Night of the Bloody Apes’” was the only album by the duo, a release that served as a perfect vehicle for Long Island’s Rugged Man to make a splash within the underground hip-hop scene.

After a bidding war between record labels, RA was signed to Jive Records. The album, which is very impressive in my humble opinion, features production from the likes of Erick Sermon, as well as D.I.T.C.’s Buckwild. Yet, the true star of the show is Rugged Man, whose twisted lyrical content and slurred rhymes contain no remorse and are laced with blunt, stomach turning tales that are strangely enough….enjoyable.  Many rumors surrounding the ‘shelving’ of this project have circulated over the years, but it’s believed to be due to lewd behavior of RA at the Jive offices (it’s well documented in Ego Trip’s Book Of Rap Lists, that R.A. was accused of sexually harassing one of his female label-mates among other things) and the content of the record which involved sex, gore and extremely profane language that turned the label off. "

Courtesy of R.A The Rugged Man 

"While I’ve found much of RA’s material recorded after the “Bloody Apes” to be much more enjoyable, this album is still a great find for it’s production, which is loaded with the signature ’94 golden-era sound.  However, this jawn is not for those with a weak stomach." 
Review courtesy of  Eric C 

Scan courtesy of Werner von Wallenrod