More than during any period of its history previous or since, NYC hip-hop in the ’90s fixated on streets-centric authenticity. Being “real” – musically, ethically, biographically – was paramount. From their first release, however, Brooklyn’s Jigmastas proudly defined themselves by nobody’s measure of validity but their own. While others chased the so-called real, DJ Spinna and Kryminul claimed “Beyond Real,” the title of their 1996 independent single on the label of the same name, a debut gem that established their M.O. as purveyors of sonic sophistication and everyman truths.
“I don’t give a fuck about your keys of coke/Glocks that you claim you tote/ Lyrics that you say you wrote/ Or even if you slit your throat/ What I’m saying is nowadays nothing matters/ My intellect’s above your head you couldn’t reach with Jacob’s ladder/ You say it’s real, son/ I’m sayin’ it’s beyond that” – Jigmastas, “Beyond Real”