Return of the PNC Boyz: A Deep Dive into Smif-N-Wessun’s After nearly six years away from the spotlight, Brooklyn’s legendary duo Smif-N-Wessun
(Tek and Steele) returned in 2019 with their seventh studio album, . Released through Duck Down Music
on February 22, 2019, the project is a masterclass in mature, "age-appropriate" boom-bap that stays true to their hardcore roots. The Soul Council Sound The defining characteristic of is its cohesive production. The entire album was handled by 9th Wonder and his production team, The Soul Council
(including Khrysis, Eric G., E. Jones, and Nottz). This collaboration brings a dusty, soulful, and polished aesthetic that perfectly complements Tek and Steele’s seasoned delivery. Heavyweight Collaborations
The duo didn't come back alone. They enlisted a star-studded lineup of guest features that bridge the gap between underground grit and mainstream appeal: on "Let Me Tell Ya" on "Dreamland" Musiq Soulchild on "Ocean Drive" Heather Victoria SmittytheCAINSMITH across various tracks Essential Tracks
The album balances spiritual perspectives with street wisdom. Notable tracks include: "Stahfallah" : A reflective track with a spiritual lean. "Letter 4 U" : Adds a personal, matured touch to the duo's narrative. "Illusions"
: A standout track where the duo addresses critics with street-smart poise. Why It Matters
serves as a bridge for fans who grew up with the duo's 1995 classic Dah Shinin'
. It offers a "matured and astute perspective" on life without falling into the trap of over-the-top nostalgia. It’s a solid addition for any vinyl collector or fan of authentic East Coast hip-hop. or more info on their latest 2025 release,
Smif-N-Wessun released their sixth studio album, The All, on February 22, 2019, through Duck Down Music. This project marked a significant collaboration with 9th Wonder and his production team, The Soul Council, who produced the album in its entirety. Album Overview
Production: Entirely handled by 9th Wonder and The Soul Council, including Khrysis, Nottz, Eric G., and E. Jones.
Thematic Core: Unlike their gritty 1995 debut Dah Shinin', this album showcases a "matured and astute perspective" on life, with Tek and Steele reflecting on family, loss, and their longevity in hip-hop. Key Tracks:
"The A.L.L.": The title track features lyrics focusing on community and street survival, with the acronym referring to "all man pon deck" or "arm, leg, leg, head".
"DreamLand": A soulful, autobiographical track featuring Raekwon and Heather Victoria where they reminisce about their youth.
"Letter 4 U": A deeply personal song dedicated to their mothers and children.
"Let Me Tell Ya": A confrontational track featuring Rick Ross that blends his mainstream style with the duo's underground grime.
Guest Features: Includes Musiq Soulchild, Rapsody, GQ, and SmittytheCAINSMITH.
The album is often described by fans and critics as "dad rap" in a positive sense—dusty, boom-bap production paired with gems of street and esoteric knowledge. You can stream the full project on platforms like SoundCloud or Spotify.
Because The All Zip was a bootleg, no two copies were exactly identical. However, collectors agree on a core set of tracks that define the Smif N Wessun The All Zip experience. Here are the rumored highlights:
The Context: The Blueprint of the Bucktown Sound When Smif-N-Wessun ( Steele and Tek) dropped their debut Dah Shinin’ in 1995, they cemented themselves as icons of the gritty, basement-dwelling New York sound. But by the time the calendar flipped to the new millennium, the landscape of hip-hop had changed. The shiny suit era was fading, and the underground was simmering with a return to lyrical hardness.
Released in 2003 (under the name Cocoa Brovaz due to legal issues with the Smith & Wesson firearms brand), "The All" arrived at a pivotal moment. It wasn't just a follow-up; it was a statement of survival.
The Sound: Alchemist-Grade Alchemy While their debut was defined by the dusty, lo-fi loops of Da Beatminerz, The All expanded the sonic palette without losing the soul. The production is noticeably sharper, leaning into the soulful, heavy drum kicks that defined the early 2000s Boot Camp Clik resurgence.
Tracks like "Spit Again" and "My Home" showcase a group that matured from street-corner poets to seasoned vets. The album feels like a bridge between the 90s boom-bap golden era and the polished aggression of the 2000s. It avoided the pop-rap traps of its time, offering instead a masterclass in "adult rap"—street narratives delivered with a calm, menacing authority.
The Standouts: Lyrical Gymnastics The feature of the album—and the feature on the album—is the chemistry.
Why It Matters Now In an era where "gritty NY rap" is often a caricature of itself, The All remains a textbook on how to age gracefully in the genre. It didn't chase trends; it solidified a subculture.
For fans looking for the missing link between the Boot Camp Clik's 90s dominance and the modern renaissance of groups like Griselda, The All is the essential listening experience. It proves that while trends come and go, the "Bucktown" sound is timeless.
Key "The All" Stats for your Feature:
Released on February 22, 2019, The All is the sixth studio album by the legendary Brooklyn hip-hop duo Smif-N-Wessun. Released through Duck Down Music, the project marks a significant collaborative milestone, being produced entirely by 9th Wonder and his Soul Council production team (including Khrysis, Nottz, Eric G., and E. Jones).
The album represents a "matured and astute perspective" for Tek and Steele, moving beyond the gritty street anthems of their 1995 debut, Dah Shinin', into more reflective and soulful territory. Tracklist and Featured Artists
The 12-track album features a blend of veteran hip-hop icons and contemporary soul artists: Featured Artist(s) (Intro) The Education of Smif-N-Wessun Testify DreamLand Raekwon & Heather Victoria Ocean Drive Musiq Soulchild & Rapsody Let It Go Letter 4 U SmittytheCAINSMITH Let Me Tell Ya The A.L.L. We Good GQ & Heather Victoria StahfAllah Illusions One Time Key Musical Themes and Production
Soulful Boom Bap: Unlike their earlier work with Da Beatminerz, The All relies on the polished, sample-heavy "Soul Council" sound. 9th Wonder produced standouts like "Dreamland" and "The A.L.L.," while Khrysis contributed the soulful backdrop for "Ocean Drive".
Personal Growth: The lyrics often touch on spirituality and responsibility. On "Stahfallah," the duo explores a more spiritual perspective, while "Letter 4 U" provides a personal touch rarely seen in their earlier "hardcore" catalog.
Chemistry: Critics have highlighted the enduring chemistry between Tek and Steele, noting their ability to "punch in" on each other’s lines with a flow honed over 25 years. Critical Reception
The album was generally well-received as a "solid comeback". Album Review | Smif-N-Wessun – The All - Focus Hip Hop
While there is no record of a project titled "The All Zip," the Brooklyn hip-hop duo Smif-N-Wessun (Tek and Steele) released their sixth studio album, titled The All, on February 22, 2019. This project marked a significant "renaissance" for the Boot Camp Clik veterans, showcasing a shift toward mature, reflective "Dad Rap" without losing their signature street edge. Production and Sound
The album was produced entirely by 9th Wonder and his Soul Council production team (including Khrysis, Nottz, and Eric G.). Moving away from the gritty, distorted New York boom-bap of their 1995 debut Dah Shinin', the production on The All is described as:
Spacious and Clear: Critics noted a "mellow and relaxed feel" with angelic samples.
Soulful Boom-Bap: It pairs dusty, classic rhythms with polished, high-fidelity mixing.
Mature Tempo: Some reviewers found the album's pacing "sluggish" or "lethargic" compared to their high-energy early work. Key Tracks and Collaborations
The 12-song project features a heavy-hitting lineup of guest artists across the underground and mainstream spectrum: Warriorz Heart (Gangbang)
Smif N Wessun, a hip-hop duo from Brooklyn, New York, known for their affiliation with Da Beatminerz and their contributions to the underground hip-hop scene. Their music often features dense lyricism and gritty production.
Here's a post about Smif N Wessun:
Smif N Wessun: The All Zip Duo
Smif N Wessun, composed of members Tec and West, hail from Brooklyn, New York. As part of the underground hip-hop movement, they've built a reputation for their lyrical prowess and association with Da Beatminerz.
Early Days and Career
Smif N Wessun emerged in the late 1990s, gaining recognition through their collaborations with other notable underground artists. Their debut album, The All Zip, showcases their unique blend of lyrical dexterity and raw energy.
The All Zip (2000)
The All Zip is Smif N Wessun's debut full-length album, released in 2000. The album features 15 tracks, including:
The album received positive reviews from fans and critics, solidifying Smif N Wessun's position in the underground hip-hop scene.
Style and Influence
Smif N Wessun's music is characterized by:
Their style has influenced a generation of underground hip-hop artists, and they continue to be respected for their contributions to the genre.
Legacy
Smif N Wessun's The All Zip remains a beloved album among fans of underground hip-hop. Their music serves as a testament to the duo's skill, creativity, and dedication to their craft.
If you're a fan of underground hip-hop or appreciate lyrical dexterity, be sure to check out Smif N Wessun's The All Zip.
Are there any specific aspects of Smif N Wessun or their music you'd like to explore further?
Smif N Wessun — "The All Zip"
In the grey of dawn I lace the beat, steel-toed rhythms on cracked concrete, Bass like a heartbeat, steady, low — this borough never sleeps, just breathes. Cobblestone prophets on corners preach in ciphered tones, Smif and Wessun speak for the ones whose names got turned to numbers.
Hook: All Zip, all grit — tug the zipper, let the story out, All Zip, all bricks — block by block we shout. From stoop to stoop the echoes flip, the ledger's writ in ink and grit, All Zip, all truth — pull the world together, stitch by stitch.
Verse 1 (Tek): Jacket zipped to the throat, clinic of survival, cold nights test resolve, Checkered cap low, eyes catalog the moves, the tales revolve. From backyard cipher sessions to courthouse whispers, we adapt, Smif's cadence like a chronicle — every line a map. Gunmetal poetry — the city hums in minor key, Neighborhood hymns, rusted swings, a child's geometry. We carry ancestry in our pockets — lint and lighter tales, All Zip — a unity of threads that never fray or fail.
Verse 2 ( Steele): Steele steps through fog, breath cold like coin clutched tight, Soul stitched seams, a tongue that trades the darkness for the light. Block-level sermons, barber-shop philosophy in chairs, Truth's currency traded in glances, in the media glare. We move like seamstresses on asphalt, mending holes with names, Patchwork of futures sewn from yesterday's flames. Let 'em unzip the rumors; let the fabric speak the proof — All Zip: every hood, every heart under the same roof.
Bridge: Zip the past, unzip the present — flip the tab, expose the linen, No hem too small to keep the truth from the given. Stitch up trauma, stitch on pride — every needle makes a vow, To hold the weight, to carry the story, to show the how.
Verse 3 (Hook Reprise / Duo): Tek: Hear the zipper sing — it's a chorus made of footsteps, Steele: Hear the zipper rip — it's a loud unravel of regret. Together: All Zip — from basement radio to rooftop sermons, From broken stoops to corner stores — we hold the vermin. All Zip — fold the pain into the coat that keeps you warm, Zip the night to morning, ride the calm through the storm.
Outro: So every zipper closes memory but stitches a kin, All Zip — pull the metal down, feel the kinship from within. We Walk. We Stand. We Zip — together, seams reborn.
Released in 2019 via Duck Down Music, is the sixth studio album from Brooklyn duo Smif-N-Wessun, entirely produced by 9th Wonder and The Soul Council. The 12-track project, featuring collaborations with Raekwon, Rick Ross, and Rapsody, is recognized for its soulful, polished sound and mature lyrical themes. Read the full review at RapReviews
The Brooklyn hip-hop duo Smif-N-Wessun released their seventh studio album, titled The All, on February 22, 2019, through Duck Down Music Inc.. The project was produced entirely by 9th Wonder and The Soul Council. Album Features & Tracklist
The album consists of 12 tracks and includes guest appearances from several notable artists: The All Testify DreamLand (feat. Raekwon & Rapsody) Ocean Drive (feat. Musiq Soulchild & Rapsody) Let It Go Letter 4 U (feat. Heather Victoria) Let Me Tell Ya (feat. Rick Ross) Stahhr Illusions One Time Wolf Tickets The Smoke
You can stream or download the album on various platforms, including Amazon Music and Qobuz.
While there is no specific song or album titled "Proper Paper" or "The All Zip" by the Brooklyn hip-hop duo Smif-N-Wessun, the query likely refers to their 2019 studio album The All.
In hip-hop terminology, "Proper Paper" often refers to having correct business documentation (like contracts or publishing) or significant money. "The All Zip" likely refers to a "zip file" (a compressed digital folder) of their album The All for downloading or streaming. Key Album Details: The All (2019) Release Date: February 22, 2019.
Producers: Entirely produced by 9th Wonder and The Soul Council (including Khrysis, Nottz, and Eric G). Record Label: Duck Down Music. Notable Tracks: The A.L.L. (the title track). Testify. Let Me Tell Ya (featuring Rick Ross). Dreamland (featuring Raekwon). Ocean Drive (featuring Musiq Soulchild and Rapsody). Recent Activity
The duo released a new album titled Infinity on February 21, 2025, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of their classic debut, Dah Shinin'. Smif-N-Wessun - Apple Music
Title: "The A.L.L." | Writer(s): Yates Jr. Williams Douthit | Producer(s): 9th Wonder | Length: 2:51 | row: Apple Music Hip-Hop and R&B Top 40 - iHeart
Released as the second single from their 2019 album, The All, this soul-smacking track. Featuring Heather Victoria & Raekwon.
Here’s a short story inspired by the phrase "Smif N Wessun The All Zip" — treated as a title, a mood, and a code.
"Smif N Wessun The All Zip"
Brooklyn, 1996. A basement booth with peeling wallpaper and one red light.
The beat dropped like a cinder block wrapped in velvet. Tek and Steele stood shoulder-to-shoulder, no headphones, just the room tone and the hiss of the two-track. The engineer, a ghost named Cee, nodded once.
“This the last one for the tape,” Tek said. Not a question. Smif N Wessun The All Zip
Steele lit a cigarette, inhaled, spoke through the smoke: “Then let’s zip it.”
They didn’t write. They never did. Instead, they traded bars like stolen goods — grimy, heavy, precise. Tek murmured about rain on Eastern Parkway, about fiends nodding off in vestibules, about the weight of a .38 tucked inside a Carhartt. Steele countered with echoes of half-built projects, of loyalty that cost more than rent, of nicknames earned in alleys where the streetlights never worked.
Between takes, Cee threaded fresh reels. “All zip” meant locking the final mix, no second-guessing, no radio edits, no label notes. Just the raw splice — gun claps as snare drums, a bassline that crawled under your skin, and two voices weaving like twin engines on a stolen ride.
They laid the verses in three hours. No chorus. No hook. Just two men talking to a city that never listened back.
Cee slid the faders up. The room vibrated. Steele crushed his cigarette into an ashtray shaped like a broken clock.
“That’s the one,” Tek said.
“Smif N Wessun,” Steele replied, tapping his chest twice. “The all zip.”
And they walked out into the rain, leaving the tape still spinning — because some stories don’t need an ending. They just need a trigger pulled once, in key, on wax, forever.
Want me to adapt this into a song structure, a comic panel sequence, or a beat narrative?
Why did "The All Zip" matter? Because it occupied a legal and cultural grey zone. This wasn’t a leaked album—there was no official album to leak. This was orphaned content: music that the record labels had forgotten, that the artists had moved on from, but that the fans refused to let die.
In the pre-streaming era, if a track didn’t make the final cut, it vanished into the ether. "The All Zip" was the underground’s answer to corporate vaults. It was a statement that said: If you won’t release it, we will.
Before streaming, before leak culture on Reddit or Twitter, there was the "white label" and the "bootleg cassette." Smif N Wessun The All Zip refers to a specific, notoriously rare promotional tape (and later, digital rip) that circulated in New York City in late 1994 and early 1995.
The term "All Zip" is street vernacular of the era, often used by DJs and street hustlers to describe something that is complete, untouched, or full. In this context, "The All Zip" meant the full, uncut, pre-mastered collection of tracks that Smif-N-Wessun had recorded prior to the formal release of Dah Shinin’ on Wreck/Nervous Records.
Unlike the polished retail version, The All Zip contained alternate mixes, unaired skits, and raw vocal takes that were later smoothed over by producer Da Beatminerz (Mr. Walt, Evil Dee, and Baby Paul). This bootleg is the sound of the group before the label got involved—gritty, aggressive, and unfiltered.
Why does a bootleg from 1995 matter today?
Because Smif N Wessun The All Zip represents a moment in time before Hip-Hop was fully corporatized. It is a time capsule of the "tape trading" culture. In the pre-internet era, your value as a Hip-Hop head was measured by what you had that nobody else had.
Owning The All Zip in 1995 meant you had access. It meant you knew a DJ, a producer, or a hustler. It was a badge of honor.
Furthermore, the bootleg has influenced modern "lo-fi" and "underground" aesthetics. Artists like Griselda (Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine) have built entire careers replicating the feeling of that raw, unmastered Smif-N-Wessun sound. When Westside Gunn shouts "BOOM BOOM BOOM" before a beat drop, he is channelling the same energy that Tek and Steele captured on that dusty cassette.
Here is where the myth gets sticky. No two "All Zips" were ever the same. Downloading this file was like opening a sonic time capsule—or a digital grab bag.
One version of The All Zip contained a pristine, studio-quality collection of unreleased Dah Shinin’ B-sides. Another version was a Frankenstein’s monster: live freestyles from Stretch & Bobbito, lo-fi demos recorded on a four-track in Brownsville, and solo tracks from Tek and Steele that had only previously appeared on white-label vinyl.
The most famous (and controversial) iteration of The All Zip included the track "Sound Bwoy Bureill"—a precursor to the grimy, reggae-tinged sound they would perfect later. It wasn’t mastered. You could hear the hiss of the subway in the background. It was raw, dangerous, and beautiful.
In the early 2000s, a user on the now-defunct Hip-Hop forum The T.R.O.Y. Blog uploaded a low-bitrate rip of their personal All Zip cassette. Despite the hiss and the 128kbps compression, the file spread like wildfire.
Today, searching for Smif N Wessun The All Zip on YouTube yields several results. Most are fan restorations. Some have added artificial reverb. A few purists have uploaded "untouched" needle-drops directly from the tape deck.
However, in 2020, Evil Dee himself addressed the bootleg on Instagram Live. When a fan asked about The All Zip, Evil Dee laughed and said:
"Man, that tape? That was the rough drafts. We gave that to DJs to test in the clubs. I don't even have a copy anymore. If you find one, don't send it to me—sell it to a Japanese collector for ten grand."