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Da Lench Mob – Guerillas In The Mist (Orange & Green Splatter LP Reissue) [Get On Down GET52736CLP]

Da Lench Mob’s 1992 album “Guerillas In Tha Mist” was initially released only on vinyl in the UK. The first official US vinyl release happened in 2019, courtesy of Get On Down, who pressed it on orange and green splatter vinyl, except for US Promo Only copies.

Their music is heavily focused on political and social justice themes, deeply influenced by West Coast gang culture and Islam. Da Lench Mob gained attention when they featured on Ice Cube’s 1990 track “Rolling With Da Lench Mob” from his solo album “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted.” Over time, the group adopted the name “Lench Mob” for themselves.

Their appearance on Ice Cube’s track garnered critical interest and anticipation for their own studio album. “Guerillas In Tha Mist,” their 1992 debut, was recorded during the Rodney King riots and drew its name from comments made during those riots. The album was uncompromising, addressing urban decay and an unjust system affecting economically disadvantaged Black communities.

The tracks, such as “Freedom Got An A.K.,” “You And Your Heroes,” and “All On My Nut Sac,” were harsh and realistic, complemented by Ice Cube’s jazzy G-funk and Bomb Squad-influenced production, which sampled classic songs by artists like Parliament, Kool & The Gang, The Incredible Bongo Band, and Vangelis.

Ice Cube made guest appearances on the album, along with B-Real of Cypress Hill on the track “Ain’t Got No Class.” “Guerillas In Tha Mist” found success on the Billboard charts, reaching #24 on the Billboard 200 and spawning radio hits with the title track and “Freedom Got An A.K.” However, Da Lench Mob faced creative differences, financial disputes, and the life conviction of rapper J-Dee for suspected murder in 1993, leading to their eventual separation.

Despite their commercial decline, “Guerillas In Tha Mist” gained recognition as an underappreciated gem among hip-hop enthusiasts and critics. In 2018, Complex even named the title track one of the “100 Best L.A. Rap Songs.”

In 2019, as a tribute to the late Da Lench Mob member Shorty, Get On Down reissued “Guerillas In Tha Mist” on a deluxe Green and Orange Splatter-colored vinyl, featuring remastered audio and a meticulously recreated full-color jacket and now, in 2023, they’ve done it again for those that missed out.