Fruits of Nature

Fruits of Nature is the debut studio album by the American hip hop group the UMC's. It was released in October 15, 1991, via Wild Pitch Records. The recording sessions took place at Such-A-Sound Studio in Brooklyn. The album was produced by member Haas G, RNS, Shlomo Sonnenfeld, and Chip Taylor. It features guest appearances from Kwazi, Prophet, Alton Sharpton, Tonya Wilcox, and Berkeley Carroll Summer Choir. The album spawned two singles: "Blue Cheese" and "One to Grow On".

Critical reception
The Christian Science Monitor noted that "the UMC's fit into the East Coast trend toward clever rhyming with a nod toward black musical tradition, while delivering messages of self-reliance, individuality, friendship, education, and respect between the sexes."

Personnel

 * Carlos "Haas G" Evans – songwriter, producer
 * "Kool Kim" Sharpton – songwriter
 * Berkeley Carroll Summer Choir – backing vocals (track 6)
 * Alton Sharpton – backing vocals (track 9)
 * Tonya Wilcox – backing vocals (track 9)
 * Kwazi – vocals (track 11)
 * Prophet – vocals (track 11)
 * Richard Locker – cello
 * D.J. Kid Magic – scratches
 * Arby "RNS" Quinn – producer
 * Shlomo Sonnenfeld – producer (tracks: 2, 8), engineering
 * James Wesley "Chip Taylor" Voight – producer (track 6)
 * Young Technique – co-producer (track 8)
 * Carlton Batts – mastering
 * Janette Beckman – photography