Stones Throw Records has announced the Egyptian Lover Anthology 1983-1988, a four album journey through the career of one of Hip Hop’s most innovative artists.
Any b-boy or b-girl from the early ‘80s most likely busted a few windmills or jack hammers to Egyptian Lover’s breaking anthem, “Egypt, Egypt.” In fact, there are probably plenty of breakers still throwing on the Los Angeles-based legend’s beats.
Egyptian Lover, real name Greg Broussard, is considered a West Coast pioneer of the electro-Hip Hop movement, which he introduced to the world with his seminal album, 1984’s On the Nile. Subsequently, he paved the way for early West Coast Hip Hop trailblazers like Dr. Dre and the World Class Wrecking Crew, N.W.A., Ice T, Rodney O & Joe Cooley, King Tee and DJ Pooh.
The anthology, however, takes it way back, even before On the Nile. Broussard’s story begins with The Radio Crew’s 1983 effort, Breaking and Entering, featuring Ice T, The Glove, Egyptian Lover and Super A J, and Uncle Jamm’s Army material from the early ‘80s. It’s something Broussard has been waiting to see for a long time.
“This anthology is very special to me,” Broussard tells The Source. “ To have them all on one box set is a dream come true. From the Breaking and Entering songs and Uncle Jamm’s Army to “Electric Encounter” [never released] and “Kinky Nation,” they’re done the way I always wanted to do them—with an 808.”
The Egyptian Lover Anthology also includes never-before-seen photographs from that era and unheard mixes of many of his early songs. The timing is perfect considering the 808-master has just released his ninth studio album, 1984, which is another masterpiece to add to his collection. With songs like “Killin’ It” and “Popper’s Anthem,” it’s clear he’s sticking to his roots, something that caught the eye (or ear) of Peanut Butter Wolf, founder of Stones Throw.
“I’m loving that Peanut Butter Wolf was a huge fan of my music to put it out in the most amazing way,” he says. “The pyramid vinyl was the first taste of what’s to come. We have a lot of things in the works. A video for “I Cry Night After Night,” T shirts, concerts— they’re all coming. The anthology is the beginning and my new album is the now. 2016 is the year of the Freak.”
