the things we think but do not say

Originally uploaded by georgeaye.

The creator of many guises, metaphors, characters, rhymes, pseudonyms and beats, MF DOOM is power house producer.

After listening to “Vaudeville Villain”, realising that I had listened to DOOM in KMD when I was about 16, “King Geedorah”, “Madvillainy”, “MM… Food”, going back to listen to “Operation Doomsday” and freaking out along the whole journey… I am quite honestly fascinated with this guy.

Seeing him perform live with Madlib, at B.B. Kings in NYC for the release party of Madvillainy, I the two hardest working guys in hip hop today.

My friend April said just recently, that Kool Keith could have been what MF DOOM has become. I was struck by how right on she was. Keith and DOOM share many similar qualities; multiple alter egos, other worldly lyrics, lots of non mainstream production. I’ll have to think about this one some more… I think she might have hit upon something here…

Read the excellent Wire interview here.

After 15 years of pushing hip hop forward in unexpected ways, De La Soul (from Strong/Long Island, NY) come out with their best album in years, right up there with “Stakes is High” which is still listenable years after its release.

Somehow managing to feel like a band that’s just burst out on the scene, veterans of this level rarely make an album that’s as fresh and modern as this. Working with some of the cream of hip hops stars - 9th Wonder, Madlib, Common, Ghost Face, MF DOOM and Supa Dave West - “The Grind Date” has a great roster of artists.

Almost every track is a banger, with deep beats thumping their way through many comments about the state of hip hop. With a great mix of 70s samples throughout, with the occasional reminder of Kanye West, there’s a lot of soul to be found in this album.

My favourite tracks:

“The Future”, breaking out with a light hearted sample, ‘We are singing, you this message, through our music, reaching for a brighter new tomorrow…” the beat kicks with strings and guitar riffs overlaid with precision. Hook heavy and a banger.

“Much More”, steeped in 70s soul records, this track grows and grows… a banger.

“He Comes”, with Ghost Face’s lyrics ripping into Uday and Qusay. I’d previously heard this as an unreleased Pretty Toney album track… and it still kills.

“Rock Co.Kane”, An insane track with a choking beat that stutters and crashes into each new stanza. With MF DOOM spitting “He eats rappers as part of a complete breakfast” and “battle for your Atari cartridges or put your kicks up” Totally sick.

And if that wasn’t enough, the cd artwork is the best I’ve seen in ages. Remember to support your local music emporiums!