The label made famous by Yonkers rapper DMX released its first compilation on April 27th, 1999, via throught Interscope and Ruff Ryders.

The album debuted at #1, selling roughly 285,000 copies in its first week and was certified platinum by June 2, 1999.

Mostly produced by Swizz Beatz, the album features Philadelphia rapper Eve for the first time.

Tracklist:

The LOX, DMX, Drag-On & Eve – Ryde or Die

Drag-On & Juvenile – Down Bottom

Eve & Nokio – What You Want

Jay-Z – Jigga My N***a

Talkin’ Money (Skit)

The LOX – Dope Money

Parlé – I’m a Ruff Ryder

DMX – Bug Out

Jadakiss – Kiss of Death

Drag-On, Beanie Siegal, Mysonne, Inf Red, NuChild & Jadakiss – The Hood

Jermaine Dupri, Ma$e & Cross – Platinum Plus

Buff Ryder (Skit)

Eve – Do That Shit

Sheek & Big Pun – Pina Colada

DMX – Some X Shit

Discussion:

Does the album make a good job showcasing the label’s deeper roster? The LOX were signed after a successful campaign to have Diddy release them from Bad Boy and had their first appearance for the label on this album. Jay-Z’s song was never signed to the label despite having a solo track on the album.

Do you think Dame Grease’s production – which was the majority of It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot is missing from this compilation? Dame had a fall out with Swizz Beatz and never produced for a Ryde or Die album.