rock the bells (original version)

produced by rick rubin / def jam

Well this is a bit different. This is not a remix it's the original version hence the production credit for Rick Rubin. For reasons unknown it was replaced with the version most people are familiar with on the Radio album. Rumor has it that this version was dropped after MC Shan accused LL Cool J of ripping off the beat from Shan's ode to his producer "Marley Marl Scratch". MC Shan released a dis record aimed at LL, "Beat Biter", after hearing a pre-release copy of the original. I've listened to "Marley Marl Scratch" and I have to admit that MC Shan has a pretty good case. The original version sports completely different lyrics & music, a 7 minute running time, bells, and furious rhymes.

On a personal note I am very happy to finally add this record to my collection. In 1989 I picked up the UK 12-inch of "I'm That Type of Guy" which had this track on the B-side. Unfortunately I think that record suffered from pressing or mastering errors since it skips in multiple locations. I thought it was just my copy until I heard another copy which skipped in exactly the same parts. Recently I decided to get the original 1985 12-inch and it's in mint condition. This version is also included on Def Jam Classics Vol. 1 released in 1995. I hope you enjoy this fine version of "Rock The Bells" from the golden age of Def Jam.

radio

def jam classics vol. 1