Plan B

Released in 1998 under the Funtime Records label, Plan B represents a snapshot of the late 1990s underground hip-hop and rap scene. The project, credited to Skool’s Out & Frisko’s for Free, emerged during a period when independent labels were frequently experimenting with raw, lo-fi production aesthetics to distinguish themselves from the highly polished major label releases of the era. This release functions as a piece of regional musical history, capturing the creative output of artists who utilized the CD format to distribute their work through local distribution networks and independent music shops.

The design of the album reflects the DIY ethos prevalent in the late-90s independent circuit, often prioritizing bold, utilitarian graphic design over the high-budget photography common in larger studios. While specific documentation regarding the primary graphic designers for Funtime Records is sparse, the aesthetic choices of the period often relied on stark typography and collaged elements to convey an artist's identity. The album serves as an archival artifact of a time when the barrier to entry for releasing music was shifting, allowing localized collectives to reach broader audiences through the ubiquity of the compact disc.