**Prime Underground 1, 2 & 3 (1994/1995/1996)**

This one is a request I received months ago but totally forgot about.  I heard the first 4 Prime Undergrounds in their entirety and a large portion of 5.  1-3 are considered classics by old school heads meanwhile the other two were far less notable.  Because of this I decided to review the first 3 volumes at once.

The mastermind behind the Prime Underground series is none other than [Jorge "El Sexy Boy" Oquendo](https://youtu.be/Y4OcU1KVOQE?si=3tVHonHnWxbnDJZJ) who is a legend behind the scenes in the Reggaeton biz.  He famously gave Vico C his big break in the 80's opening for either Public Enemy or The Fat Boys (no one remembers).  Then he signed Vico C & DJ Negro to his prestigious "Prime Records" music label.

On top of that, Mr. Oquendo's "Prime Records" was the first Urbano label to ever achieve a joint venture with a major label, being the former BMG-Ariola Music label.  Mr. Oquendo signed some of the greatest acts in Urbano music history such as Vico C, Lisa M, El General, Kid Power Posse, Falo The Leader, Elvis G, Angel Lopez and even had the legendary merenguero Toño Rosario under his label among other notable acts.

In 1994, the genre was transitioning away from the influences implanted by Vico C, Brewley MC and Ruben DJ.  Mr. Oquendo saw the change eminent so he adjusted to the burgeoning underground movement in Puerto Rico with the "Prime Underground" series of albums.  The producer of these albums was Elvis G who would later go on to be known as Mr. G, famous producer of hits such as "Mayor Que Yo" and the intro to "Los 12 Discipulos".  DJ Chiclin became the co-producer for volume 3.

Mr. Oquendo's big coo in 1994 was signing away "Falo" The Leader from DJ Negro and DJ Eric Industry after the Reggaeton legend wowed audiences in the old "The Noise" discotec.  Initially he was in a duo with Blanco Flake and they were both going to be signed, but Blanco famously got into several legal problems over the years.  So "Falo" went solo.

"Falo" and Baby J scored the biggest hits on Prime Underground volume 1 with the all-time classic Reggaeton hits "Colecta", "Pal Cruce" and "Marihuana".  These songs weren't only big in Puerto Rico.  They were heard in places like Venezuela, Mexico, Panama and the Dominican Republic.  They were very big hits.

Vol.  II kept up the high quality of music with impressive songs from the likes of TNG with "Imposible Amor" and the infectious "Chica Tu Me Dices" from Two Much Flava composed of rappers Funky Ed and Kojak.  The first 3 Prime Underground albums went gold in Puerto Rico.

Prime Underground 3:  The Next Level is the most famous entry in the series and often regarded the best by fans.  Production was taken up another level by adding the legendary DJ Chiclin with Elvis G's masterful production abilities.  The album featured standout tracks by the likes of La Nana, TNG, Bam Bam, TMF & "Falo".

Famously, "Falo" and Bam Bam dissed Alberto Stylee, Maicol & Manuel who threw the first shots on DJ Goldy 2 a year prior.  The reason the "Mansion Crew" (Stylee's corillo) dissed "Falo" The Leader was because they felt he wasn't supportive enough of Blanco who was in a group with Maicol y Manuel known as 'Third World Underground' who recorded with Playero once "Falo" signed with Prime.  "Falo" and Blanco remained friends but Maicol y Manuel felt "Falo" wasn't supportive enough of their friend after he went into prison.  That started one of the most famous beefs in the history of Puerto Rican Urban music.

All of the first 3 Prime Underground albums are fantastic and a definite time capsule of the era.  They are a must listen for lovers of old school "Playero Style Reggaeton".

**Rating:  8.5/10 for all 3 albums**

**Worldwide Sales:  Over 30 Thousand Units each**

[Listen To Prime Underground 1 (1994) on YOUTUBE](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mgdVFim4jv7d59JIZ-pmp0fb_g9LW7prI&si=7rXt-h1IIaF4Pb3j)

[Listen To Prime Underground II (1995) on YOUTUBE](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kIU9sF9A9LCVTSmXqRRlBx7ULlWkS34lU&si=CQ2IFkWbiDLtxUyB)

[Listen To Prime Underground 3:  The Next Level (1996) on YOUTUBE](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_k3mORYl0qmW8A52T0XPV2GLV8WJohhbM8&si=1kIytgCErH3LMYcu)

**Label:  Prime Records**

Classic Reggaeton Album Of The Week #70 Prime Underground 1, 2 & 3(1994/1995/1996) prod by Elvis G & DJ Chiclin featuring classic songs from Falo The Leader, Two Much Flava, Baby J, TNG, Bam Bam, La Nana & more...