Kwest Tha Madd Lad's Debut Album 'This Is My First Album' Turns 30

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kwest Tha Madd Lad's debut album 'This Is My First Album' was released 30 years ago, in 1996. The album, which was shelved for two years before its eventual release, showcases Kwest's unique blend of humor, storytelling, and exceptional emcee skills. Though the album didn't receive the promotional support it deserved, it has since gained a cult classic status among hip-hop heads.

Why it matters

Kwest Tha Madd Lad is a uniquely talented rapper who infuses his music with humor and creativity, traits that are often underappreciated in the genre. 'This Is My First Album' highlights his abilities as both a lyricist and a performer, making it an important part of hip-hop history, even if it didn't achieve mainstream success at the time.

The details

Kwest came up in the competitive New York City battle rap scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for his outlandish antics and ruthless skills. He was 'discovered' by Dan Charnas, who signed him to Rick Rubin's American Records and helped produce 'This Is My First Album.' The album features a mix of producers, including Kwest himself and Charnas, and covers a range of topics from Kwest's success with women to more serious narratives. Despite being shelved for two years, the album's quality still shines through, with Kwest's charisma and talent pulsing through each track.

• Kwest's debut album 'This Is My First Album' was originally released on April 9, 1996.
• The album was recorded over a few years, both in New York and Los Angeles, before being shelved for two years by American Records.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Over a decade after 'This Is My First Album' was released, Kwest put out 'These Are My Unreleased Recordings' in 2007, which included demos, remixes, and additional tracks that were recorded during the shelving of his debut.