In the vast realm of hip-hop, there are albums that transcend time, capturing the hearts and minds of listeners. However, occasionally, there are albums that, despite their immense potential, never see the light of day. One such album is Father Dom‘s Mellow Madness. Originally scheduled for release in 1995 under Too Short‘s Dangerous Music/Jive Records label, this unreleased masterpiece produced by Ant Banks, The Dangerous Crew, Tone Capone, and others stands as a testament to unfulfilled promises and untapped brilliance. Let’s delve into the captivating story behind Mellow Madness and the ten tracks that were destined to leave a lasting impact on the rap world.
Father Dom emerged from the vibrant hip-hop scene in Oakland, California, during the early 1990s. With his quick-witted rhymes and introspective lyricism, he quickly gained recognition and respect. Following the release of his self-titled debut Father Dom in 1991 via Wrap Records, Father Dom joined the legendary Dangerous Crew of Too Short, Ant Banks, Shorty B, Goldy, Pee-Wee, and Bad N-Fluenz.
After making appearances on several of the Dangerous Crew’s projects including Too Short’s Get In Where You Fit In (“Way Too Real”) and Cocktails (“We Do This”), Ant Banks The Big Badass (“Clownin’ Wit Da Crew”), and the Dangerous Crew’s Don’t Try This At Home compilation album, Father Dom was ready to make his Dangerous Music/Jive Records solo album debut with Mellow Madness.
Prepping the album’s release, Father Dom released the lead single “Rumors”, produced by Father Dom and The Dangerous Crew, in 1995. Dom’s smooth rapping flows seamlessly over the bass-heavy track, complete with a hook based around the Too Short “Cusswords” vocal sample: “Keep your jealous ass thoughts to yourself”.
The cassette single also included the Tone Capone-produced “Rumors (Jealous A. Remix)” which utilized a replay of the music from the original “Rumors” song from Timex Social Club and featured the group’s lead singer Michael Marshall.
On the single’s B-side, there’s the song “Let ‘Em Know,” which offers a sneak peek of Father Dom’s additional Mellow Madness material. On this rare track, Dom flexes over another fresh, laid-back Tone Capone-produced track.
As Mellow Madness was set to boast an impeccable lineup of producers, including the legendary Ant Banks and The Dangerous Crew, among others, the album’s tracklist of ten songs promised a sonic experience that blended catchy hooks, funky, melodic grooves, and Father Dom’s signature lyricism. Anticipated tracks like “Rumors,” “Player Hating,” and “Don’t Disturb This Groove” teased a captivating journey through Father Dom’s world.
Despite the album’s completion and immense potential, Mellow Madness faced a cruel twist of fate. For reasons unknown, the album was shelved, leaving fans astonished and disappointed. The ten tracks that could have cemented Father Dom’s place as a hip-hop luminary have remained unheard, locked away in the vaults of Dangerous Music/Jive Records. Each track on Mellow Madness would have been a testament to Father Dom’s approach to crafting his art.
Though Mellow Madness was never officially released, whispers and rumors of its existence circulated among dedicated followers of Father Dom’s work. Glimpses into the unheard album only serve to heighten the curiosity and yearning for its release. The mere mention of the album’s title sparks a collective imagination, as enthusiasts envision the potential brilliance that could have reverberated throughout the genre.
Father Dom’s unreleased album, Mellow Madness, is a tantalizing reminder of the unpredictability of the music industry. With unreleased production by Ant Banks and The Dangerous Crew, each song held the promise of elevating Father Dom’s artistry to new heights. Though stowed away and lost in time, Mellow Madness remains a symbol of untapped potential and unfulfilled promises in the world of hip-hop.