REQUIREDAUDIO HEARD BEFORE THE HERD TEXT BYJOEL MARASIGAN

Death of a Dynasty The Mood: Soundsational Volume 03 Fear of a Black Tangent A Film by Damon Dash Avila Brothers DJ Juice Busdriver We never knew about the rift Stepping from behind the curtains We’re moving on from the music of bred a phenomenal between Jay-Z and Damon Dash— are brothers Bobby and IZ. If some of the South, Midwest and New York— group of highly talented emcees we bet you didn’t either. This cameo- their stuff sounds built for Janet (Ms. we were just visitors anyway. Since (like Aceyalone, and ridden mockumentary of Roc-A-Fella Jackson if you’re nasty), thank influ- we’re nowhere near mixtapes—and Volume 10) back in the early ’90s Records shows the label’s business ences from Jimmy Jam and Terry it seems the people we know forgot whose complex rhymes raised the at its finest and, at times, its worst. Lewis. Mood enhancements are about keeping us in the game— bar beyond the reach of their con- This movie probably won’t win any made by the sexily soulful Shelea we’re a little handicapped in the temporaries. Busdriver’s follow-up to Oscars or make a killing at the box and Lauren Jones and pulls into the “fresh-off-the-street” action. As Temporary Forever (2002) returns office, but Damon Dash probably mix Little Brother, Dirty Birdy, Sly music junkies you know we needed heavyweights AbRude, Ellay Khule knew he’d reap profits on a hot Boogy and Ahmad Jones (of 4th our fixes so we called DJ Juice in the and Micah 9 to the microphone. DVD—the man has it locked on two Avenue Jones). The “this-is-their-hit” Bay Area. We’re really feeling his Production soundscapes of Omid, cash fronts. Like the saying goes, debate rages between the housey “I style: less microphone shouting, Danger Mouse and Paris Zax main- you can’t knock the hustle ’cause in Want You” and the love song of the more hot music and turntable line the hip hop directly to the artsy the end it’s all hip hop. year “Nic of Time.” styling. You’d like it. www.djjuice.biz avant-garde.

56.www.importtuner.com The Further Adventures of Lord Quas Awfully Deep Push Comes To Shove Track MVP Quasimoto Roots Manuva MED Sne7en Madlib and his split personality are In 2001 we were mildly amused with The West Coast emcee most know Who doesn’t love gangster funk? back from astro-travellin’ but only for bourgeoning U.K. hip hop by acci- as Medaphoar, is the guest appear- Sne7en’s style and the album in gen- a minute. As usual you’re thrown dentally catching a whiff of Roots' ance any producer would enjoy. It’s eral is reminiscent of Snoop’s around broken beats and jazzy loops Run Come Save Me. The Streets' a wonder why main honcho Madlib “Murder was the Case.” He says he but the flirt with late ’70s funky bass Original Pirate Material led us to let four tracks go to J Dilla and Oh wants you to feel his music. With his lines and ’80s synth pop results in a believe some Brit rap was actually No. A Stones Throw breakout must bass lines and hooks we’re seeing nice 27-tracked mixtape in album palatable. Hopes were high, but this be in the works since the obvious seven guaranteed bomb cuts of his form. Emcees are sparse; Madvillin year, with this album, that hope was radio friendlyness of the raps from 17 being felt by the masses . That’s and MED pop in for a track each. A lot kicked in the sternum (not helping Diamond D and Poke, croonings pretty damn good for his first time of the music at Stones Throw is the movement was last year’s from Noelle (of The Rebirth) and pro- out of the gate. With a few touch- made for and built around the hydro. Dizzee Rascal release). The U.K. had duction from Just Blaze—with possi- ups here and there, Sne7en could be Lord Quas shows you why you its chance at redemption, but bly the hottest underground-jiggy a G-Funk household name. Make should invest in quality headphones Skinner knows the deal and bailed track a backpacker could stand— sure you visit www.calikrucial.com for anti-wildin’ in your La-Z-Boy. while he was on top. Pity. assist in polishing the apple. to support his move. Westside!

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