Lowdown Da Sinista - Going Thru A Thing [1996]

Straight outta Memphis with a voice that's unique
Have to lay down with this Glock just to get some sleep

By '96 the norm of Memphis rap delivery was already settling around Three 6 Mafia's hushed, smoked out mumbles. So when Lowdown Da Sinista released his first (and unfortunately last) album Coming For Your Soul, it was rejuvenating to hear a more aggressive, visceral tone reminiscent of groups like N.W.A and Geto Boys over the same familiar Memphis production. The project itself can be a little hit or miss but underground classics like Going Thru A Thing place Lowdown's hard-hitting horrorcore raps right at the forefront despite the thumping instrumental's best efforts.

Natas - Doubelievengod [1995]

In the mid-90s it seemed that horrorcore was permeating every city on the American rap circuit, from the Gravediggaz in New York City to Brotha Lynch Hung in Sacramento. A young Detroit scene would spawn the trio Natas, consisting of rappers Esham, Mastamind and TNT, in '91. By the time the group reached their third album - Esham's eighth if you count his solo material - they were peaking both lyrically and musically. Check out the title track here featuring a sinister synth groove, haunting vocal hook, and their signature cinematic horrorcore raps.