Various - Code Of The Streets

CD1 is compiled (not mixed)
CD2 is mixed by DJ Kane with the 8 tracks from disc 1 plus 9 more tracks.

“Code of the streets is a definite landmark in the TOV story. As their first full length album release. It marks a real coming of age for the label. And represents an important opportunity for the artists involved. More than that , code of the streets provides a snapshot of TOV’s artists and the diversity of their sounds now. Make no mistake the tracks found herein are fresh, they really are the sounds of now.

Perhaps the most interesting and important aspect of their story and philosophy is found in the development of their artists and sound. Apart from the development, the splits – or diversification, depending on your viewpoint – in the scene were regarded by TOV as opportunities, and not as setbacks. These diversifications allowed for the establishment of their two imprints – renegade recordings and renegade hardware – as avenues for their artists to explore and develop their sounds.

More than anything, the very title of the album reflects TOV’s self confidence, not just about the music but also about their position in the scene. The music on the album is definitely what TOV are about. As Guru so eloquently put it on the Gangstarr track of the same name. “You gotta be a pro, do what you know, when you’re dealing with the code of the streets.””

Ayo @ Illclectic August 1997