SouthernUnderground (RSD 25)

This RSD edition features the illustrated version of the album cover (previously only paired with 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, is 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 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 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.