Unsigned Hype: Brothers of the Same Mind & MC Class

In the fourth edition of The Source magazine's Unsigned Hype (the third edition claimed that they "didn't get anything good enough to make it" in the column), the third act to appear was Brothers of the Same Mind. The Seattle-based "inter-racial trio" consisted of rapper MC Class, producer Nerdy B, and turntablist DJ Swift.

The Source writes that the "best thing about the Brothers' demo is the excellent street-wise production", mentioning that it is obvious "Nerdy B has dome [sic] his homework". The group's demo tape possessed a "straight up New York-style sound" that is "unlike anything we've heard from the Emerald City" (in a scene that had a sound defined prominently by Sir Mix-a-Lot). Although "not every cut is outstanding", "the Brothers can hang with many popular NYC rappers" "at their best".

Electing to pursue an independent route, the group released a seven-track self-titled EP in 1991 on Conspiracy Records. The group additionally released the single "Cool Drink" b/w "Suspect" that same year. Interestingly, the cover features five people on the cover, perhaps suggesting the group's membership expanded in the one year timespan between their Unsigned Hype feature.

MC Class then pursued a solo career, independently releasing the heavily jazz-influenced EP Brother from the Projects and the single "Hope You're Listening" in 1993, which have become staples of the early 1990s Seattle sound. His EP is produced by himself and Born Supreme, who would later become a prominent producer in the Seattle scene in the late 1990s under the name Mr. Supreme. In 2000, Class released his second album Black Rose, which I was completely taken aback by because it features conventional rapping, spoken word poetry and instrumental tracks that stand in stark contrast to his previous work.

Although never signing to a major label, the Brothers of the Same Mind are the first Unsigned Hype features to release material commercially. MC Class appears to be the only group member to have a long career after the group's 1991 debut, but his solo career was also short-lived. At least he was able to release one dope EP, which I'm listening to right now. The whole EP is solid, but the title track is its standout. I can't find a download of the Brothers of the Mind EP though, so if someone has it and can hook me up with a download link I'd be super grateful.

Discography
Brothers of the Same Mind: Brothers of the Same Mind EP (1991)
1. "Cool Drink"*
2. "Suspect"
3. "Throw Up Your Hands"
4. "A&R"
5. "Keep Sleepin on Me"
6. "Soul 2 the Rhythm"
7. "Brothers of the Same Mind"

MC Class: Brother from the Projects (1993)
1. "Brother from the Projects"
2. "Fishin'"
3. "Trippin'"
4. "What Do You Think"
5. "Hope You're Listening"*
6. "Something Funky for You (Freestyle)"

Class - Black Rose (2000)
1. "Fishin'"
2. "Quality Time"+
3. "Free Your Mind"
4. "Black Rose"
5. "Tennis Shoe Pimp"
6. "Psychic Vampires"
7. "Drama"
8. "Don't Stop"
9. "Throw Up Your Hands"
10. "It's All in My Head"
11. "Sticky Rice"
12. "Those Were the Days"
13. "Ragtime"
14. "Can't Stand the Rain"

* - Released as single
+ - For some reason, the only song on Black Rose not on YouTube

Peace to Pacific Northwest Hip Hop for the pictures used in the article.