In case you haven’t been schooled yet, let it be known that there’s a lot more to Oaktown hip-hop than tools (.357s and Hammers). This month, proof came in the form of Capital Tax, a group consisting of DJ Cool Al, Smooth G (on the beats), and the 21-year-old MC Total Mind Devastator (TMD).

     TMD claims that he had the second rap record ever put out of Oakland (after Too Short) back in ’85 when he recorded All Rapped Up with his former group Just Us 2 featuring Mr. Fresh (Cherry Records). Still striving, TMD formed Capital Tax in ’88 and came out with a self-titled single in ’89 on T-Cap Records.

     After almost four years on the d-low, Capital Tax returns with a cameo appearance on his homeboy Father Dom’s album (see “Now We Gotcha”). Following close behind is a solid demo package of beats, rhymes, styles, and fat little logo done by TMD’s nephew, Bozi, who also did Too Short’s last album cover, Short Dog’s In The House.

     TMD doesn’t just kick flavor about “Mr. Wonka” (read: Mr. Bozack) hoolding out on the stiffness, but he does that too. He deals with issues of poverty and drug addiction on “I Can’t Believe It,” and he addresses theimportance of “Givin’ It Back” to your community and remembering where you came from.

     After paying ‘nuff dues in Oakland, Capital Tax is ready for a real deal.