The Cactus Album established 3rd Bass as a significant force within rap. The trio of MC Serch, Pete Nice, and DJ Richie Rich were one of the first interracial acts to gain prominence within the hip-hop scene. “It may not have completely integrated rap,” AllMusic Guide once wrote of The Cactus Album, “but it was a precursor to a culture that became more inclusive and widespread after its arrival.” It helped that the album was not just socially meaningful but vibrant, fun, and full of skillful rhymes.

Decades later, The Cactus Album stands as a crucial document of rap on the brink of the ‘90s. 3rd Bass proved themselves as charismatic emcees and engaging producers, and they attracted an impressive slate of collaborators, including co-producers such as Sam Sever and the Bomb Squad. “In an era when being an outsider meant at best you’d get your chain snatched and at worst catch a serious beatdown, the members of 3rd Bass commanded respect,” wrote Jesse Ducker at Albumism.

The project is perhaps best known for its single “The Gas Face,” which boasts production from Prince Paul—then riding high from his work with De La Soul and the Beastie Boys—and the recording debut of the young rapper Zev Love X, who later took on the alias MF Doom. With disses targeted at figures including MC Hammer and 3rd Bass’ own record label boss Lyor Cohen, “The Gas Face” is both a fun listen and an important document of rap’s relational skirmishes.