Here is another very good 12" for you record collection if you're lucky enough to find a copy... It was released in 1998 on Soul Purpose Records by an MC/Producer called SPECS from the DMV area. The 12" consists of 2 tracks entitled "Welcome Mats" and "Put Ya Money On Us".
Both tracks are available in their Raw and Radio versions. About the productions, the samples used by SPECS for "Welcome Mats" come from the songs "Ike's Mood / You've Lost That Loving Feeling" and "Walk On By" performed by Isaac Hayes. No info about the samples used for "Put Ya Money On Us".
If you're looking for more info about SPECS, his first appearance was on Jack The Rapper's compilation entitled "Family Affair ‘93", a comp of unsigned artists released in 1993 as a promotional CD especially for Jack The Rapper's convention. Surprisingly, nothing released by SPECS between 1993 and 1998.
1998 is the year which marks his official debut with the release of this 12" and a few productions for the indie hip-hop scene and for emcees like K-Skills & Dr. Becket (First Class / Hitten Hardest) or groups like Defined Print from Washington, DC (Cavernous Rhythms) in 1999.
I've been in contact with SPECS who was ready to tell me more about his story at the beginning, but he changed his mind unfortunately... No luck but of course I respect his choice ! Peace
