Cunninlynguists Southernunderground Record Store Day 2025 Vinyl Edition

"This RSD edition features the illustrated version of the album cover
(previously only paired w/ a CD reissue), printed on reverse board
jackets. Both discs are pressed in a three-color segment
configuration with emerald, cobalt and lemonade translucent vinyl.
Coalmine Reissues in partnership with Stunning
English are pleased to announce this special
Record Store Day vinyl reissue of
CunninLynguists’ acclaimed sophomore LP,
SouthernUnderground, marking the first time
that the album has ever been reissued on wax.
Originally released in April of 2003, the album is
a masterclass in Southern hip-hop that artfully
balances lyricism, storytelling, and soulful
production. The trio—consisting of Deacon the
Villain, Kno, and at the time Mr. SOS—carves a
niche in the Southern rap landscape with a
sound that's deeply rooted in the region's
musical traditions while pushing the boundaries
of the genre. From the outset, tracks like
""Southernunderground"" and ""Dying Nation""
showcase Kno’s eclectic production, blending
soulful samples, live instrumentation, and
organic boom-bap beats. The production style
complements Deacon and SOS’s sharp lyricism,
adding depth to the album's social commentary
on race, poverty, and politics.
One of the album’s standout features is its
impeccable balance between introspection and
wit. Songs like ""Love Ain’t"" offer a somber
reflection on love and heartbreak, while ""War"" presents a poignant
critique of the United States' foreign policy. However, the group
doesn’t shy away from playful and humorous lyricism either, seen in
tracks like the Masta Ace assisted ""Seasons,"" which cleverly uses the
metaphor of changing seasons to chart hip-hop’s evolution.
What makes SouthernUnderground particularly timeless is its unique
fusion of Southern roots with a boom-bap sensibility, allowing the
group to avoid the typical rap tropes often associated with Southern
rap. All things considered, SouthernUnderground cements the
CunninLynguists as underground rap titans capable of crafting
complex, thought-provoking music without sacrificing Southern
charm."