ARTUR SZARECKI
1. Kazik, “Spalam się”
From: Spalam się. ZIC ZAC 0009, CD, 1991.
The solo debut from Kazik, an artist associated with the post-punk group Kult, can be considered as the most noteworthy proto-hip-hop record in Poland.
2. Liroy, “Scyzoryk”
From: Scyzoryk. BMG Poland 74321264692, CD single, 1995. Also featured on Albóóm, BMG Poland 74321306632, CD, 1995.
The song that brought Polish hip-hop into the mainstream.
3. Nagły Atak Spawacza feat. Peja, “Anty”
From: Anty. AGD Records 001, Cassette Single, 1995. Another version of the track was featured on Brat Juzef, PH Kopalnia 009-2, CD, 1996.
Considered as the first diss in Polish hip-hop, this song was aimed at Liroy and became infamous for the number of expletives in its lyrics.
4. Kaliber 44, “Plus i minus”
From: Księga tajemnicza. Prolog. S.P. Records 33/96, CD, 1996.
One of the most iconic albums in the early period of Polish hip-hop, renowned for its psychedelic atmosphere.
5. Paktofonika, “Jestem Bogiem”
From: Kinematografia. Gigant Records B0042, CD, 2000.
The song that gave its title to the dramatized documentary chronicling the life and tragic death of Magik, who was the co-founder of the band.
6. Peja & Slums Attack, “Głucha noc”
From: Na legalu?. T1-Teraz, CD, 2001.
One of the biggest hits in the history of Polish hip-hop. The song features a sample from Stan Borys’ “Chmurami zatańczy sen” (1974), used without permission, which put both artists in a long-term legal dispute.
7. DonGuralesko, “Mochnacki”
From: Various Artists, Poeci. Warner Music Poland 5051865359227, CD, 2009.
The lyrics of the song come from Jan Lechoń’s famous poem. Harking back to the Romantic tradition and the struggle for Poland’s independence, it is a prime example of the “patriotic” brand of hip-hop that lately became popular in Poland.