DJ Venom carves out some of his best stuff to date for Far Out. Between the flute and vocal sample-infused digi-bossa of the title cut, the Prefuse-evoking downtempo sample-mania of “Case Closed” and the dramatic Detroit-ish broken beats of “Universal People,” there’s plenty to get with here. Search out.
Libretto Dirty Thangs
With fat backing from Lifesavas producer Jumbo, former Watts resident Libretto brings irresistibly scruffy flow to Portland dub label BSI’s hip-hop imprint One Drop. On the East Coast-ish title tune, Lib rhymes of street struggle and “low times on the brain” over a guitar-plucking monster beat, while the flip’s “Alma Mater” harkens back to golden-age SoCal G-funk. Hot.
Domu & Volcov The Last of the Great Apes
The guys who otherwise comprise the lite-jazzier Rima give up the percussive goods for Ohioan Titonton Duvante’s imprint. You selectors will hate choosing between “Nutsuki”‘s busted-down 808 percussion and twangy synth lines, the rubbery chords and thumpy breakbeats of “Secret Powers” (which Titonton strips down, Midwest techno-style, in his mix), and the Detroit-tinged beat convulsions of “Battech,” so get two copies. This music’s future continues to unfold.
DJ Love Pusshin’ Buttons
With all that retrogressive bootleg/mash-up crap still clogging up the culture, surely there’s room for an original disco-breaks jam that folds in old-school house piano chords, the “Good Times” string stab, and Shalamar’s “Make That Move”? Or have we lost our souls in easy-peasy cut ‘n’ paste-ism? If ya don’t feel the a-side, flip for “Steady Fire”‘s bass-heavy, ragga-infused ska/breakstep opus. Murder tune!
Saj Supreme The Won
The skilled Saj Supreme busts out, announcing that he’s on a one-way mission to get your “casket closed.” “The Won” highlights both his impressive, brazen flow and his DJ Mick Boogie’s tight cuts, but Moss’s unfortunately trebly production leaves the side sounding thin and shrill. Thankfully, Moss gets more spare on the flip’s more martial “Bump Da Gunz,” and though the gun-cock sample’s a lil’ tired, it comes off well-crafted.
Nottz Presents DMP Life Ain’t Sweet
Virginia’s given us producers like Timba, Neptunes and even Premier (born in Norfolk, baby), and your boy Nottz stands tall among ’em. This time (unlike last year’s “Don’t Wanna Give That Up”), his MC DMP finds his mark with the compelling ghetto-existentialist “Life Ain’t Sweet;” “‘Where was the ‘hood when my stomach was growlin'” indeed. The gorgeous soul vocal on the chorus doesn’t hurt a bit, nor does the flipside’s bold and disciplined “Uncutt Raw.” This slab could portend big thangs for these cats.
Luciano and Matthew Jonson Alpine Rocket
Perlon’s 32nd release offers a deep, two-track minimal techno experience. This isn’t your regular tracky minimal either, but whole songs beautifully crafted with all the nuances of glitch house. The a-side is garnished with tasteful vocals and a short synth break, while Luciano’s solo “Mr. Chancleta” on the flip is harder with a strong, repetitive bassline. Just brown and serve!
MAS 2008 Forward Contraire
German electro artists Ren? Kirchner and Ive M?ller bring their third release on the Detroit-based DJ Godfather’s Twilight 76 label. It lives up to that imprint’s standard-robotic 140 BPM techno bass that’s begging to blast out the bins and pack the floor.
Freddie Foxx A.K.A. Bumpy Knuckles Konexxion
On “Konexion,” the self-proclaimed “Rakim with muscles” lets you know that he’s hip-hop and you’re not. His newfound spirituality and self-knowledge do nothing to temper his trademark invective-he’s still Freddie from the (cell) block. The flipside’s “P.A.I.N.E.” is a dark Premier beat, tailor-made for the man with mic skills and hand skills.
Mathematics Respect Mine (Feat. Wu-Tang Clan)
On “Respect Mine,” extended Wu-Tang family member Mathematics graciously hosts the Clan. So graciously, in fact, that he’s outshined on his own song. If you like the Wu, you’ll like this. Math’s featured more prominently on the flip’s “Just Can’t Luv,” as is a repetitive/abrasive vocal sample that makes you miss the Wu.
