Film : Boyz N The Hood Album : Straight Outta Compton

The film Boyz N The Hood was released in 1991. The film is about a group of friends that try to live their lives in the ghetto, each taking a different path. The film stars notable actors such as Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Laurence Fishburne. The film itself is definitely a tragic drama with bits of comedy sprouting up here and there. It does a good job at realistically viewing the ghetto and the "gangsta" lifestyle. The film has earned numerous awards and for good reason. Its a very good and thoughtful story. I don't want to reveal any of the details as certain ones are crucial. It is definitely recommended for those interested in African American culture in the early 1990's.

The album Straight Outta Compton by N.W.A. was released in 1988. The album is considered one of the biggest influences of the gangsta rap genre. The music itself is very sample-heavy. The album is littered with good ole fashion profanity and with songs about sex, violence, and social injustice. The album is much more 'hardcore" than the rap that is around today. Rappers Ice Cube, Ren, Easy-E, and Dr. Dre can easily rap with the best rappers. Their style is much more aggressive than the rappers of today. This album is a must have if you would like to see where gangsta rap originally started.

Film : The Crow Album : Wildhoney

The Crow is a film that was released in 1994. The film's genre could be classified as a revenge film or a romantic action film. The film uses a good amount a Gothic imagery to enhance the mood of the film. The story is rather touching as well. It is about a man who returns from the grave to avenge his and his lover's death. It is based on The Crow graphic novels. The film is a good watch every once in awhile but don't binge on it. Brando Lee, Bruce Lee's son, was killed on set when a special effect involving a gun went wrong and he had a dummy bullet shot into his abdomen. That only increases the dark atmosphere that the film can contain. Some of the villains are cheesy but that tends to happen in action flicks. A good movie if you miss the 1990's.

Tiamat's Wildhoney was released in the year 1994. Many consider it to be one of the first mixtures of Death Metal and Progressive Rock. Now there aren't any deep growls or lyrics about violence, gore and death on this album. Most of the songs are psychedelic in nature with a few odd ones. There's one about the Pentagram, another about nature, and another about Satan. There's even one about love, though it might be a little bit of odd love. There's a few instrumentals too. You can almost sense all of the drugs these guys were on when the recorded this album due to the massively trippy atmosphere.Some may also describe it as Gothic but if they were to look they would notice that this is vastly different from what was considered goth back then. A good album if you don't mind your music to be mixed with old psychedelic and some harsh-ish vocals.

Film : Bram Stoker's Dracula Album : October Rust

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is directed by Francis Ford Capolla and it was released in 1992. The plot’s summary consists of a real estate agent who is helping a vampire travel to England. Along the way meets the reincarnation of his long lost love who just so happens to be the agent’s wife. Once he manages to sway her things take a turn for the worse. Though she loves the Dracula she goes back to her husband. Dracula is hunted all the way back to his homeland where he is killed. The film takes more of a romantic look at the Dracula story. The visuals are absolutely fantastic. The only drawback is the acting (cough… Keanu Reeves… cough cough.) Gary Oldman gives the best Dracula performance yet. This is ideal for those who like horror and romantic elements.

October Rust is and album by Type O Negative and it was released in the year 1996. The album is much more Gothic in feel than the previous album. Peter Steele ( singer, bassist, and song-writer) writes much more commercial friendly songs this time around. He still croons and he still employs his awkward sense of humor. The electronics are much more pronounced this time around. There is only one song that manages to pass the 10 minute mark on October Rust. The guitarist Kenny Hickey doesn't sings on this one as much but when he helps you'll be able to notice. You should definitely play this album if you want to set a romantic mood for the night.