D 2 Tha S - Livin In A Hellhole / Doomsday

D 2 Tha S, short for Dedicated To Tha Streets, is a legendary rap duo from Chicago, Illinois, comprised of rapper Kay-Tone (RIP) and rapper/producer The Legendary Traxster. Both artists were also members of the influential Ill State Assassins collective alongside E.C Illa, Cayex, Chainsaw & Toxic of Tha Chamba, D. Villa and several other key figures from Chicago's underground hip-hop scene.

The group caught attention in the early 90s following a highly publicized beef with Treach and Naughty By Nature. Throughout the decade, D 2 Tha S released several singles that are now considered true Chicago rap classics and remain an important part of the city's hip-hop legacy.

Their first 12" (Livin In A Hellhole) came out on Deep Dish Records in 1993. It consists of the lead single "Livin In A Hellhole" (Radio, Remix and Instrumental) on the A-side, and the tracks "Gimme My Reck", "Livin In A Hellhole" (Hellhole Original) and "Sound Of Revolution" on the B-side.

12" - 1993 - Deep Dish Records

All these songs were supposed to appear on their debut album "Funky Flava", which was meant to be released shortly afterward, but unfortunately it never saw the light of day. In 1994, they released their second 12" (Doomsday) on another Chicago-based label, Under Cover Productions.

12" - 1994 - Under Cover Productions

Tracks like "Come Wit It", which can only be found on the CD version of the single, make me think that other excellent unreleased tracks are probably sleeping somewhere...

"Doomsday" would be followed by a third single that unfortunately failed to catch my attention.

In later years, The Legendary Traxster went on to become one of Chicago's most respected and influential producers, working with many major artists from both the local and national rap scene. Meanwhile, Kay-Tone, born Trevor D. Caston, gradually disappeared from the spotlight during the late 90s. Sadly, he passed away on September 12, 2010, at the age of 36, due to complications from asthma, leaving behind the legacy of a respected artist and pioneer of Chicago rap. Rest In Peace.