Fear Itself

Fear Itself is the debut solo studio album by American rapper and record producer Casual. It was released on February 1, 1994 via Jive Records. Recording sessions took place between July 1992 and February 1993 at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco, California. Production was handled by fellow Hieroglyphics Crew members Domino, Del the Funky Homosapien, Jay-Biz, and Casual himself. It features guest appearances from Del the Funky Homosapien, Pep Love and Saafir. The album debuted at number 108 on the Billboard 200 and number 22 on the Top R&B Albums chart in the United States. The album had three singles issued: "That's How It Is", which peaked at No. 22 on the US Hot Rap Singles, "I Didn't Mean To", which peaked at No. 29 on the US Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales and No. 34 on the Hot Rap Singles, and "Me-O-Mi-O", which peaked at No. 50 on the Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales. Critical reception AllMusic's Chris Witt commended Casual for his lyrical abilities, noting how the MC "produces an unending and seemingly unstoppable flow of boasts and taunts", and also remarking that "the simplicity of his message belies the complexity of his vicious wordplay". Cheo Hodari Coker of Vibe said, "Casual's braggadocious, rip-roaring flow is fortified by upright bass lines, serpentine jazz/funk horns, and thunderous drum kicks". In 2008, it was listed by Vibe as one of the 24 Lost Rap Classics.