Ahmad is the debut studio album by American rapper Ahmad.[1] It was released on May 24, 1994, through Giant/Reprise Records. It was produced by Redfoo, Brian C. Walls, Maurice Thompson, and Ahmad, who also served as executive producer with Cassandra Mills and Lloyd Winston. The album produced two singles: "Back in the Day" and "You Gotta Be".

Ahmad
Studio album by
ReleasedMay 24, 1994
Recorded1993–94
StudioWinsonic Process & Recording Studios
GenreWest Coast hip hop
Length54:42
Label
Producer
Singles from Ahmad
  1. "Back in the Day"
    Released: 1994
  2. "You Gotta Be"
    Released: August 30, 1994

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [2]
Robert ChristgauA−[3]
RapReviews8.5/10[4]

The Charlotte Observer likened Ahmad to "a young Heavy D."[5]

Track listing

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No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Freak"
  • Brian C. Walls
  • Ahmad (co.)
5:06
2."Back in the Day"
5:18
3."Touch the Ceiling"
  • Kendal
  • Ahmad (co.)
3:54
4."The Jones'"
  • Lewis
  • Gordy
  • Kendal
  • Ahmad (co.)
4:24
5."Can I Party?"
  • Maurice Thompson
  • Ahmad (co.)
3:47
6."You Gotta Be..."
  • Kendal
  • Ahmad (co.)
4:26
7."We Want the Funk"
  • Lewis
  • Gordy
  • Kendal
  • Ahmad
4:52
8."The Palladium"
  • Lewis
  • Gordy
  • Kendal
  • Ahmad (co.)
4:49
9."Homeboys First"
  • Lewis
  • Gordy
  • Kendal
  • Ahmad (co.)
3:51
10."Ordinary People"
  • Kendal
  • Ahmad (co.)
3:53
11."Back in the Day" (Remix)  5:07
12."Back in the Day" (Jeep Mix)  5:15
Total length:54:42
Sample credits

Personnel

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  • Ahmad Lewis – vocals, producer (track 7), co-producer (tracks: 1-6, 8-10), re-mixing (tracks: 11, 12), arranger, executive producer, sleeve notes
  • Brenda Lee Eager – backing vocals (tracks: 1, 4, 6, 7, 10)
  • Cynthia Bass – backing vocals (tracks: 1, 4, 7)
  • Della Miles – backing vocals (tracks: 1, 4, 7)
  • Roger Troutman – backing vocals (tracks: 4, 7)
  • David Elliot – backing vocals (track 10)
  • Stan "The Guitar Man" Jones – guitar (tracks: 1, 2, 7, 10-12), bass (track 5)
  • Michael Angelo Saulsberry – strings & horns (tracks: 11, 12)
  • Brian C. Walls – producer (track 1)
  • Stefan Kendal "Redfoo" Gordy – producer (tracks: 2-4, 6-10), sleeve notes
  • Maurice Thompson – producer (track 5), re-mixing (tracks: 11, 12)
  • Winston Johnson – recording (tracks: 1, 2, 4-8, 10), mixing (tracks: 1-10)
  • Richard "Segal" Huredia – recording (tracks: 2, 3, 5, 9)
  • Nazeeh Islam – recording assistant (tracks: 1-10)
  • Brian "Big Bass" Gardner – mastering
  • Cassandra Mills – executive producer
  • Lloyd Winston – executive producer
  • Gregory Gilmer – art direction
  • Amy Guip – photography
  • Dave Jacobson – A&R

Charts

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Chart (1994) Peak
position
US Top R&B Albums (Billboard)[6] 48
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard) 8

References

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  1. ^ Hunt, Dennis (September 17, 1994). "He Wants to Chase the Gangstas Out of Rap: Pop music: Ahmad's single 'Back in the Day,' which offers a different perspective on life in South-Central L.A., is G-rated--and a hit". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  2. ^ Loftus, Johnny. "Ahmad, Ahmad Lewis - Ahmad Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  3. ^ Christgau, Robert (July 1994). "Ahmad". Robert Christgau. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  4. ^ Jost, Matt (May 10, 2005). "Ahmad Ahmad Giant Records". RapReviews. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  5. ^ Wertz Jr., Langston (June 10, 1994). "Rap". The Charlotte Observer. p. 5F.
  6. ^ "Top R&B Albums". Billboard. Vol. 106, no. 31. July 30, 1994. p. 22.
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