Reviews (4)

Solid Representation of Good DJ's in the Past Two Decades
Generally, I'm not a big fan of anything affiliated with MTV, but this disc is a promising sampler of a number of great djs from the past 15 years. The only disappointment is that Dj Shadow doesn't appear, but they got just about every other good dj on hear, so I can't complain. Best tracks: Showtime at the Dump by Peanut Butter Wolf, Cut Chemist Suite by Ozomatli, and the The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash On The Wheels Of Steel by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.

the Best C-D That I Own
this c-d really got me into the dj scene. i picked it up expecting about 2 or 3 really good songs, but instead, the Whole c-d Was AWESOME. This c-d has to be one of my favorites of all time.you HAVE to get this c-d, i reccomend it for people who love to hear the dj's who scratch and make tight beats, some of the better songs are numbers, 2,3,7,8,9,10,12,&16.LOTS of really good songs

Who's Who list of Hip Hop's most influential DJs
Where would hip hop be without pioneers like Grand Wizard Theodore, Grandmaster Caz and Granmaster Flash; turntable masters like DJ Q-Bert, Mix Master Mike, ColdCut and Rob Swift; and scratch geniuses/super-producers like Babu, Prince Paul, Peanut Butter Wolf, Cut Chemist and DJ Premier? If you wnated to start a hip hop university, these guys would make up your core faculty. Forget the emcees.

The only logical argument you could make against buying this is that you already own these tracks on their individual LP releases. But MTV did put some thought into this release, placing the tracks in chronological order--or close to it. There is a nice mix of old and young talent, but many legendary mixmasters were left out. They include:

Kool Herc, Kool DJ Red Alert, DJ Rhethmatic, Vinroc, Cash Money

The only criticism is that MTV should have treated these guys to a 3-disc box set instead of a just a single-disc complilation. But this CD provides a delicious slice of turntablist classics from the cream of the hip hop world.

yo,, 1&2 is tight
yo, if you want TRU scratchin and some old school beats,then pick up this album, i really reccomend it ... Read more

Amazon.com

Nowhere is the divide between the mainstream and the underground greater than in hip-hop. While most hip-hop fans nod their heads to Puff Daddy and Master P., still others take solace in the idea that artists like those who appear on Deeper Concentration exist to push the music further into the future. The artists featured on this compilation are the (presently) unknown saviors of the genre: turntablist warriors like the Beat Junkies, Mix Master Mike, and Rob Swift of the X-Ecutioners; the subversive art-hop of New York City's illbient DJ Spooky (here with Organized Konfusion); and the more straightforward hip-hop of Mass Influence. It's a shame that many mainstream fans don't know about the cut-up collages of beats and pieces found on Swift's "The Age of Television" or the understated, sublime rapping of Siah and Yeshua DapoED on the aptly titled "The Cure for Stagnation." And unlike in mainstream rap and hip-hop, here the chasm between electronic and hip-hop closes: jungle and dub inch their way next to slow breakbeats while weird, off-kilter rhythms supply a purely instrumental soundtrack and--surprise!--they don't feel a bit out of place next to the rapping and scratching. --Tricia Romano ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A True Cure For Stagnation
This album is a true cure for stagnation in the world of flossy jiggy rap .In an age of hiphop where to be a star you have to make enemys drive a benz smoke blunts and drink champaigne i was beginning to worry about where hip hop in general was going .The beats are refreshing the rhymes are funky the instrumentals and samples are dope this album rules. The clear highlight was Siah annd yeshua dapoeds cure for stagnation . if you liked these check REFLECTION ETERNAL and DIAMOND. a brilliantly made album but WARNING . If you are a fan of BAD BoY , Death Row , Master P etc do not buy this as you would be wasting the valuable cash which could help buy that benz and eventualy lead you to rap superstardom. EENNGGLLAANNDD RREEPPRRAAZZEENNTT......

Oh my G-d
Yo this is sick. The best cutting by the best D.J.'s known to man. Get this now! Crazy up's to the boys in the 5102, Shap holding it down in the hill, and all the peeps at S&S!

A head-nodder with sonic complexity
This is the future of hip hop. Musical fusion, without pop simplicity. Here, you'll find some of the world's finest DJs and DJ crews mixing vocal and instrumental samples with some original beats to create the progressive hip hop sound you've been searching for.

If you like the Invisibl crew, Beat Junkies, Z-trip, Shadow, DJ Craze, Primo, material from the Return of the DJ series Rob Swift and the rest of the X-ecutioners, you'll love this. If you've never heard of the aformentioned, then you're probably not ready for this album.

I especially like the big band sound from track 4 (or is it 5?) combined with that big beat. Lovely. I promise you, this purchase will be money well-spent.

Super-funky mutant hip-hop at it's most raw
While it might not be quite as groundbreaking as it's predecessor, Deeper Concentration, Vol. 2 is just as innnovative as the first installment. This version places much more emphasis on rapping than the expanding instrumentals on the first volume. For the most part, the lyricists hold it down (the highlight being Siah and Yeshua DapoED's "The Cure for Stagnation"). A special treat comes in the form of "Liquidized Language," featuring a trio of British MCs who rip it just as hard as any Brooklyn head ever did. The instrumentals are also mind-blowing at times. J-Boogie's "Ritual of the Nile" is probably the best track on the whole disc, using an Indian melody and building it into a funky percussive jam. This CD has it's downfalls, though. While the idea behind Rob Swift's "The Age of Television" is great, the music backing the sample timeline is mediocre at best, as is the syncopated piano boredom of Mass Influence's contribution to the album. But for the most part, innovation + technique + Technics = Deeper Concentration, Vol. 2... pick it up.

If your not a DJ, you won't appreciate its greatness!
THIS ALBUM SOUNDS GOOD. HOWEVER THE 'X-MEN' "EXECUTIONER" ALBUM WAS BETTER AND MORE TRUE TO FORM. ... Read more

Album Description

Audio Research Records was founded in July 1997 with a total budget of 900 Canadian dollars. The goal was to provide an outlet for hip hop talent out of Montreal (one of the most slept-on cities in the universe) and elsewhere in Canada. The label owners are DMC, ITF and Vestax world champion DJ A-Trak, his brother Dave One, rap editor at Vice magazine, and former Rawkus art director Willo. With its series of critically acclaimed singles and battle records, Audio Research has crafted a unique aesthetic which combines hard-edged, true school beats, no-nonsense rhymes, turntablism and avant-garde artwork.

As their first CD release, Rugged Radio Saturday is an introduction to what Audio Research has been up to for the last five years or so. It includes some of AR’s best selling singles as well as a bunch of new and unreleased tracks. Three time world DMC champion and friend of the Audio Research family, DJ Craze takes on turntable duties for the album and reminds you just how damn skilled he is, whether he’s creating battle routines or letting the songs breathe, as he does here, creating a seamless mix of cuts and blends. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Hip-Hop at it's finest
I bought this cd because i saw Ill Bill was on it,and i figured i would take a chance and buy it,not knowing anything about it.I don't regret it,i've had this in my cd player ever since.If you're into underground hip-hop this is the best cd you'll buy for a while. ... Read more

Album Description

Deleted domestically, this 7 track EP which was releasedback in 1997 comes from the highly influential Mo' Waxlabel. 7 live tracks continuously mixed by Q-bert (InvisblSkratch Pickles). Tracks, 'Napalm Brain', 'Midnight In APerfect World', 'Organ Donor', 'Hardcore', 'Bonus Beat','In Flux' & 'Number Song'. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Dope mix, phat beats
This is @ 27 minute of complete funked out madness. Q-Bert takes DJ Shadow to another level all together. Definitely worth owning this one.*
*Preemptive Strike owners beware. I have come to know that there are limited copies of Preemptive Strike that include this album as a bonus second disk (that is what I own). But, there are other copies of Preemptive Strike that don't have this album included. So, don't get hosed by buying another copy of what you already own. If you happen to have purchase Preemptive Strike without the bouns disk included, pick this one up today, it is essential for your colletion.

Q-BERT MEET SHADOW...
This album is qbert's remix album. Dj shadow's song exchange to qbert's style! very wonderful remix!! ... Read more

Album Description

The incredible DJ Jazzy Jeff presents the second installment of one of the best loved hip hop compilations of all time. The legendary first volume of Hip Hop Forever was mixed by Kenny Dope of Masters At Work fame and now DJ Jazzy Jeff is set to raise the bar with his star-studded collection. Classic hip hop, hard to find jams and new favorites are all represented and mixed as only DJ Jazzy Jeff can. Hip Hop Forever has commanded respect from hip hop heads old and new, the series’ UK launch party in 1998 was hosted by hip hop legends Marley Marl and Pete Rock.

After releasing his amazing artist album The Magnificent in 2002, it was inevitable that we would present to the world DJ Jazzy Jeff’s first official mix CD. Those of you who saw DJ Premier, Grandmaster Flash, Kid Capri and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s tribute to Jam Master Jay at the BET awards last year will remember how Jeff received a standing ovation. It is this uncanny ability to move a crowd coupled with unprecedented turntable wizardry that is captured on volume two of Hip Hop Forever.

For the collectors, this very special installation of Hip Hop Forever will be available as a mixed full-length CD as well as in limited edition, un-mixed 2xCD. Regardless of which format you choose, sit back and enjoy a fine mix by possible the greatest hip hop DJ of all time. A great mix of old, new, classic and fine obscurities from artists including: Nas, Raekwon, Cypress Hill, Pete Rock, Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest and Jaylib. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Mixed CD vs. Limited Edition
Ok, the original mixed cd version of this was great. Just great classic tracks from (or at least staying true to) the golden era of Hip-Hop. After listening to this version and herd that the Limited offered an Unmixed Cd as well, I was excited to have many of these great tracks in full form as well. Unfortunatly, somehow all of the songs on the mixed cd DO NOT appear at all on the unmixed disc. Why???? I have no clue. Either Jeff wanted to include more tracks or what, i have no idea. Surprisingly enough it takes away more than it does help. It's especially dissapointing to see Jeru's Can't Stop the Prophet Remix (which is hard to find) replaced with the original version that everyone can get on his album. Other tracks you might be dissapointed not to find in full form are:
I.N.I. - Square One
Phife Dawg - Flawless
Wildchild feat. Vinia Mojica - Party U
J-Live - Braggin' Writes
The Pharcyde - Drop

I don't wanna take anything away from the Original Mixed version of this cd, which is outstanding, but buyers should be weary of some surprises.

Wow you must buy this album
YEAH YEAH he's back with all the scratchin, the hip-hop sound and all the greatest track hip-hop knows. Jazzy bring us to the source, the point of start, scratchin, beats, mc and a lot of great MC. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

If you like REAL HIP-HOP
Super rappin is a "gem" that i picked up in my endless search for "real" hip-hop i.e. (great lyrics,original beats,creative production). rarely if ever in this day and age can you buy a hip-hop album and just let it play! Super rappin is definately one of them.with unknown artists like square one,brixx,and da grassroots to hip-hop heavywieghts like mos def and el da sensai this album is classic material! no matter what part of the world u claim,if you are a TRUE head this is one of the best pieces of hip-hop i've bought in years!

A musical masterpiece
Super Rappin' is a compilation of some of the greatest MC's and lyricists from New York's underground. When I first heard this album, I was in disbelief that it didn't get much hype. Bearing qualities similar to those of Rawkus Records, this is some of the phattest stuff availiable. To those heads out there who know the true meaning of hip-hop, pick this album up. ... Read more

Album Description

Hailing from Los Angeles, DJ Revolution is best known for his nationally syndicated Hip Hop radio show with Sway & King Tech – The Wakeup Show.Aside from his featured appearances on Sway & King Tech’s This or That CD, Revolution has also released two CDs of his own: R2K Vol. 1.0, in 1999 and In 12"s We Trust in 2000.

As the perfect closure to the High Fidelity series, DJ Revolution takes us once more on a journey into his realm of classic breaks, funk cuts, rare loops and all-around turntablistic skills, mixed and remixed in an unprecedented style.He cuts and samples classic funk, soul and rock 45s as well as film soundtracks before laying the mix down personally while using the latest equipment.To be listened to at high volume, The ABC’s of High Fidelity is a magnificent musical journey! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Overview of CD
Rappers and DJ's unite on the The Real Deal to expose the corrupt music industry. This CD will appeal to musicians, starving artists, washed-up rappers, record company personnel, hip-hop fans and youths with huge amounts of disposable income.

After hearing this album consumers and hip hop fans won't be brainwashed by music videos, advertising and commercial radio ever again. The Real Deal, a new creative direction for Bomb Hip-Hop, is fun, intelligent and interesting to listen to... the album major record companies do not want you to hear!

Features Abstract Rude, Azeem, Foreign Legion, J-Zone, Charizma & Peanut Butter Wolf, and Swollen Members. This CD is a rap compilation featuring songs, interludes and skits that focus on breaking down the music industry for the average person. Some of the material exposes information aboutradio, payola, retail, returns, music videos, marketing and promotion. It's intended to educate the hip-hop fan about the inside workings of the music industry allowing them to be better informed consumers. This is a tongue-in-cheek revelation that shows the listener a behind the scenes view of the workings of the music industry, and how stars are elevated, manipulated, and deflated on a whim. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

DJ Who?
No, I know who this guy is...thanks to some downloads.
DJ Shadow is a very together young sir who knows what he wants to do...and then he does it.

and if this thing he wants to do is make music, then he's done it.
it's interesting how he can take a 1960's soul tune and change it juuuust enough to make it hip to listen to it again.

recommended if you like multi-genre cds... ... Read more

Album Description

Japanese only B-Sides & rarities collection from the quirky alternative Australian collective. 9 tracks in allincluding, 'Electricity (Dr. Rockit's Dirty Kiss)', 'ADifferent Feeling' (Ernest St. Laurent Remix), 'Everyday'(non-LP), 'Slow Walking' (non-LP), 'Thank You Caroline'(Andy Votel Remix), 'Yamaha Superstar' (non-LP), 'UnderseaCommunity' (non-LP), 'Since I Left You' (Cornelius Remix)(exclusive to this pressing) & 'Electricity' (Harvey'sNight Club Re-Edit). Packaged in a sturdy gatefoldminiature style LP sleeve with exclusive artwork & lyrics.2001. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An more 'Eclectic' Set....but Arguably worth Anyone's time..
Rob Swift (of the phenomenally talented "The X-Ecutioners", collective group of turntable wizards), produces his solo effort, that as well as some quite frankly astounding Hip-Hop turntablism, impresses far more when he base's the album around "eclecticism".....this means that as well as expected Hip-Hop/Rap turntable skills, he showcase's why he's one of the world most technically gifted turntable wizards, by mixing sets that feature astounding influences as far a field as: "Latin, Jazz, Samba, rhythm guitar & Techno" all incorporated, as if they were his main style of music..... and Rob isn't interested in making this album one long "Scratch-fest" (even though the idea of that sounds fantastic), No....this is more an appreciation of music in its various forms, with Rob given each and every track room to actually breathe before being incorporated into part of a quite frankly superb set. Those looking for beat juggling & Vicious scratching at every turn may be slightly disappointed by the more restrained approach taken here, but it could be argued that this album is all the more impressive for the seamless integration of other genres of music without upsetting the fluidity of mixing. And even if Turntablism is not your preferred style of music, you'd been hard pressed not to (at the very least), appreciate just how far, Turntablism has evolved into an art form.

The art of scratch
At first this was a difficult listen. About half the tracks on Rob Swift's Sound Event, his follow up release to his full-length debut The Ablist, are straightforward turntable scratching over beats. No vocals. No perceived structure. To fully appreciate a truly DJ-centered album, the listener must discard the narrow view that hip hop is simply rhymes over a beat. Thankfully, Rob Swift tries to make the experience as painless as possible by supplying beats that are varied and accessible even to fringe-hip hop heads. The Latin-flavored funk of "Salsa Scratch" is irresistibly cool, while the jazzy "The Great Caper" is a strict lounge affair. Both are probably the least conventional-sounding hip hop songs on the disc but also the most enjoyable. That's not to take anything away from the straight b-boy cuts. "The Ghetto" contains a nice juicy beat accompanied by well-placed vocal samples and dope horns, while the spaced out "Tronic" is highlighted by unreal human beatboxing from The Human Orchestra, Kenny Muhammed.

As for the four vocal tracks, they're excellent. Underground legends, J-Live, Supernatural (yes, he freestyles on both tracks) and Large Pro are in top form. Even relative unknowns, Gudtyme and Eddeganz, shine on the political track, "The Program." On these cuts, it is especially fun to hear Swift interact with the vocalists through his creative use of samples. The hilarious "The Interview With Colored Man" is classic.

From a technical standpoint, the scratching is surprisingly understated. Swift, a long-time member of the legendary DJ group, the X-ecutioners, relies heavily on placement of the scratch as well as type of color it adds to the music. Don't expect to be blown away by Tigerfist-style, nanosecond speed-scratching. It is obvious that this album was not made for the sole purpose of showcasing his formidable skills (even if he does so on "2,3 Break"), but instead to further advance the turntable as a musical instrument. Not only does he succeed in doing this, he has produced an thoroughly enjoyable piece of work in the process.

Peace, carterfactor. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

THIS STUFF IS OFF THA HOOK!!!
Danny the Wildchild once again drives home his mix of drum & bass and turntablism. If you like drum & bass even in the remotest amount, this is by far THE BEST album to date to make you fall in love with junglism. Danny takes his mix from one continent/label to the next of some of the finest drum & bass in the world. His skills cannot be matched by many, and his live performance will slam the dancefloors round the world anyday. If you like Danny the Wildchild, also check out some of his other mixes and you will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Christian Marclay's name should be well known to any connoisseur of experimental music. Although his use of the turntable as an instrument started in the late '70s--around the same time as the rise to prominence of the pioneer hip-hop DJs--Marclay has always seemed much more rooted in the mid-century development of "musique concrète," which is created by manipulating pre-existing sound sources (as opposed to electronic music, which is created with synthesizers). Yoshihide Otomo followed a similar path, starting with a youthful hobby of building electronic sound-generating devices and making tape collages. He then immersed himself in free jazz and experimental rock, becoming best known in the '90s through his group Ground Zero. On Moving Parts, the two create an intense, noisy tapestry of sound, encompassing a wide range of sources--from the baroque-sounding flute and harpsichord snippet that opens the CD to squalls of Hendrix-flavored guitar, opera, flamenco, movie soundtrack music, purely electronic sound, and so on. Marclay firmly favors the analog, intentionally letting his records get scratched and even gluing pieces of vinyl together, while Yoshihide employs mainly digital methods. The combination helps keep the sound from getting homogenous. Unlike a lot of the people identified with turntablist world, they never go for laughs with sharply contrasting stylistic juxtapositions or the ironic use of spoken-word records. Sometimes the source materials are pummeled and entirely reshaped, and other times a melodic quotation will stand out untreated; the results are at times reminiscent of Stockhausen's "Hymnen" or Eric Salzman's "Nude Paper Sermon." --Bob Bannister ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A myriad of unpleasant sounds and pleasure
Unpleasant, as I believe there is a dentist drill in the mix, but only on the greatest and final track, as that track goes from a loud piercing drill to a light buzzed silence with operatic voices quietly singing in the background. This is experimental, nothing to be played at parties, unless the group is understanding of the genre, Avant Garde. The whole CD is a mix of record stratches with hints of sound effects records or other bits, along with the electronic sounds yoshihide produces. Although, each track is different, in different taste. For instance, track two, derailment, is nothing but pops and skips of the record.

Buy this to broaden your horizons when it comes to listening to music. It will bring an occasional enjoyous listen, but most will find the "lack-of-a-beat" distasteful and offensive. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

mr dibbs 30th song
the only way i'd get this one is on vinyl, and if your into turntables, theres no rapping and this is the weakest rhyme sayers cd i've ever heard,Slugs voice does appear on this cd but its not even song format, dont waste your money on this one

Ladies and Gentlemen, MR. ... DIBBS
This album is incredible! It shows the diversity and range of Mr. Dibbs and his growth. One of today's finest turntablist. Another fine record from the Rhymesayers crew. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

one of the best cds ever made
this is probly the best cd iv ever herd the mixing is so good mad scratching sick songs u must get it now the first time u here it just sit back have some cones this cd is so good

Hip Hop's Most Versatile DJ Strikes Again
This is one of Rectangle's finest efforts. Great songs mixed well. If you like hip-hop, you'll love this album. The ultimate mix for a house party!

SUPER-DOPE HIP-HOP MIX
I just recently picked up the latest CD by Mr. DJ Rectangle and all I've got to say is WOW. His Phat mixing skills and just straight up ill cuts and scratches make this mix my favorite hip-hop mix to date. Although it doesn't have as many freestyle flows as some of his other mixes have, and alot of the tracks may be a bit old, like Luniz "I Got Five On It" rmx, and Ol' Dirty's "Shimmy Shimmy Ya", they' are still some of my favorite songs that I listen to on a daily basis. Oh yeah, And Rectangles' intros always get my head bouncin. This really is a great mix and I recommend it to all fans of Hip-Hop. Peace. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good scratching, okay beats...not for first-time listeners
T-Rock is on the right label: Bomb is ALL about the hip-hop. They've released great DJ records, great beat-box records and the list goes on. T-Rock's effort, however, is just okay.

He's a good DJ, make no mistake, but a DJ needs really strong beats and/or ambience to bring out the true character of what it is they're doing. As it stands, the beats fall a little flat about half-way through...it just starts to sound the same. At least it's better than Rob Swift's "Abilist" record, so if you liked that, you'll love this.

Doesn't even really scratch the essence that is the success of DJ Q-bert or Mix Master Mike's records.

T-Rock blows it up!
T-Rock takes the turntables to the next level on this one. This album blew me away, and is HIGHLY recommended to anyone who appreciates a good dj.

The best original beats, breaks and skratches this year!
I picked this album up the other day and was blown away....the best original beats, breaks and skratches I have heard from a DJ in a long time. T-Rock does not appeal only to hardcore turntablists. This is something everyone can listen to and enjoy.

Most Listenable Turntablism CD ever made!
So...you heard Q-bert, Mix Master Mike, Craze and thought they were ill? Well...add DJ T-Rock to that list..at the top. Tell your friends, this is 1999's best kept secret (not for long). T-Rock makes turntablism an art form that everyone can enjoy. He cuts and scratches some of the most original beats out there and combines them with clever themes tied in to the samples. Bomb Records delivers another winner! ... Read more

Album Description

URB PRESENTS A COLLECTION OF ELECTRONIC + HIP HOP ARTISTS FROM SYSTEM RECORDINGS & DEFINITVE JUX JOINING FORCES TO RAISE VOTER AWARENESS

Who’s America?, a collaborative compilation born of some of electronic music and hip hop’s finest coming together to raise civic awareness and draw attention to the upcoming Presidential Election, perhaps the most important one in decades. System and Definitive Jux have contributed exclusive new tracks in addition to some well known classics, in the attempt to highlight the powerful platform our culture and community can be when brought into sharp focus and how ownership of the principals that support this nation leads directly to the ownership of power itself. Who’s America? is meant to inform, encourage and challenge a demographic made apathetic by manipulative and self-serving powers that be. Worse, this apathy is rapidly giving way to antipathy amongst those who feel their views are not considered nor their voices heard, and that their government acts not as an extension of the peoples will, but by an agenda all its own.

This is completely against the principles behind the founding of this country and the great documents that outline and define in whose hands ultimate power is supposed to rest. Representative democracy is dependent upon participation by the people and by helping to bring citizens into the political discourse with the force of precious ideas behind them, we can help change the course of our nation for the positive. Given the times we live in today, few things could be more important. Together, URB, System and Def Jux are doing their small part. Who’s America? We’re America. Our America. Stand up. Join in. ... Read more

Album Description

The third full length from the hardest working man inHip-Hop. Featuring Mic duties from Gift Of Gab(Blackalicious), Slug (Atmosphere), Motion Man (Masters OfIllusion), Vakill, Phi Life Cypher (Gorillaz), Gruff (Super Furry Animals), Killer Kela, Demolition Man, TTC and more.15 tracks. Ninja Tune. 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Better live than on CD - 3.5 stars more appropriate
I had a chance to see Vadim with Blurum 13 and DJ 1st rate on 'the art of listening' tour. Trust me when I say that their performance just cannot be transposed onto a disk. Still, this album has redeeming qualities. Vadim's style of blending hip-hop with abstract jazz fused with beats is unique and unparalleled. It's no wonder he's a star of the ninja tune label, along with other well deserving artists (none of which really sound alike except in the most rudimentary sense of being abstract, slightly twisted, hip-hopesque, and heavily beat oriented in the ninja tune style... His music which, at first, sounds very simple and minimal is layered, introspective, and very intelligent upon further examination. This is especially illustrated with his compositions that involve the fusion of beats with stolid, yet subtly emotional, Russianesque soundscapes (as with conquest of the irrational). He hints at this in tracks like 'Ghetto Rebels', but inexplicably leaves the compositions listless and dissapointingly unfullfilled. This album is warm, pleasant, and subtly varied with diverse styles musically and lyrically. Yet it seems somewhat lacking in the moody emotion he is capable of producing. Still, a fair/good effort. Summary- Disk good, live better.

Crafty
I bought this album because I dig the Gift of Gab, Motion Man and enjoyed Vadim's "Your Revolution" with Sarah Jones. I was pleasantly suprised at how unique the whole album is. The beats are organic, and the special guests on the album are all fun to listen to. Vadim is crafty with his cuts. If you like DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist, Kut Masta Kurt, and Aphex Twin, this album is a must have. ... Read more