Ground Floor - One, Two UPSC 1080pFHD (1994)

Discogs: Ground Floor, a pivotal but enigmatic group in the indie hip-hop scene of the early ’90s, captured attention with their single “Dig On That / One, Two.“ Despite the buzz and industry recognition, especially with “Dig On That“ produced by the legendary Lord Finesse, the group’s story is one of untapped potential and abrupt endings. Comprising Manhunt, T.O the Funk Flow, and J.D from Newport, RI, Ground Floor represented the first Rhode Island group to secure a record deal, a significant achievement in the hip-hop world. Their connection to the broader scene, notably through affiliations like Dark Flow Productions and interactions with figures like Lord Finesse, positioned them for success. However, their journey was cut short. After a promising debut and a series of connections that placed them in the center of the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry, the group vanished following their last demo tape in 1995. The reasons, as hinted by T.O, were complex, involving their label’s entanglements in the industry’s tumultuous dynamics at the time. This left fans and critics with a “slight taste of bitterness“ and a plethora of what-ifs. Their story is not just one of music but also of the era’s cultural and industry context. Ground Floor’s experience reflects the unpredictable nature of the music business, where talent and potential sometimes collide with circumstances beyond control. As such, they remain a fascinating subject for those interested in the intricate tapestry of hip-hop history.