TURNTABLE LAB

Count Bass D
L7 (Mid-Life Crisis) CD

It's been a minute since we've heard from the Count, but he's back with this mini-album humorously sub-titled "Mid Life Crisis." There's twelve tracks that sound straight from his bedroom MPC. No professional mastering, no elaborate outtros, no traditional structure? Who cares, this slacker-type production is what Count excels in. Packaged in a slim CD sleeve.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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John Robinson
Who Is This Man? (MF Doom) CD

Not to be confused with the recent I Am Not For Sale album, this album is separate 2008 release, entirely produced by MF Doom. As a refresher, John Robinson is one of the few bright spots in the current indy scene. He's got one foot in the classic 90s era and one foot in modern stuff... a good combination (he's got a Stones Throw feel). The Doom production is the perfect match in my book, as the Masked one drops new beats and some of those lovely loops from Special Herbs. 13 tracks in all.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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J.Rawls
The Liquid Crystal Project #2 CD

J. Rawls and the gang are back for a second full length dose of that smooth "jazzhop" style they've come to master. If you're not up on the sound, think of your favorite hip-hop beats replayed by a live band and given an overall smooth-jazz flavor (Shipset likes to call these "soft bangers" LOL). The band has covered everyone from Dilla to Pete Rock and CL Smooth's "TROY" to a good level of success and this latest batch of beats follows the same formula as well as adding in some original compositions. First check some of the known classics to get you into the mood - "Tribute To Beatnuts(1)" covers the infamous "Off The Books" beat and "Tribute To Beatminerz(2)" goes for the Brooklyn anthem "Bucktown." Now check some sampled gems which are covered like "Loran's Dance Redux(3)" by Grover Washington which was sampled for "Push It Along" by ATCQ, as well as the lesser known "Capricorn's Reprise(4)" used by Five Deez. Personally, I really like some of the original works going on in here, especially "Digital Funky (5)" that gets some help from the Soul Makossa drums, "Charlie Chop's Gem(6)" with those tough drums cooled out by the mellow sax work, and the tripped out vibes of "Hebejeedees(7)." Also note that LCP aren't scared to show their roots as evident with the straight ahead jazz of "Retreat At Turnberry(8)" and the deep gospel vibes of "We All Fall Down(9)." 17 tracks total.
reviewed by snackmaster


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KMD
Black Bastards CD

Mr. Hood is an early 90s lost masterpiece... deceptively playful. For their second album, their subversive tone came out stronger... enough to scare away their label Elektra, and burying the infamous cover art like slavery stories. But like all shit that is meant to be, this sophomore masterpiece is finally available after being pressed in rare, short runs. Production-wise this is truly one of my favorite full-lengths. "Suspended Animation(1)" with that blown-out bass has been my rationale for the last couple months. "Plumskinzz(2)" from the hard to find "Nitty Gritty" 12" is also represented here split into 2 parts. Ask Authentic about the heavenly beat, it's on his tape. If you were lucky to catch the one-off singles on Fondle Em, you've heard the catchy loops of "What A Niggy Know(3), It Sounded Like A Rock(4), Constipated Monkey(5), Smokin That Shit(6)," and the others. Shame that SubRoc had to go directly to home, him and Doom were like peanut butter and bananas. 13 tracks in all. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Roc C
All Questions Answered CD

The latest Stones Throw family affair, Roc C comes with one of their best full lengths in a minute. His buddy Oh No handles production on most of the album and these guys sound right in tune with each other. I'll be honest, I don't know Roc C from a hole in the wall and I wasn't entirely sure that I wanted to get to know him better, but this album kinda hit me in the head. First things first, the beats are pretty frickin good all the way through. Seriously, Oh No hit him with some shit and his beats are real consistent. Second things second, Roc C has a good voice, strong presence and enough charisma that you want to find out what he's saying. "Hear Me Now(1)" got me interested, "Don't Stop(2)" made it apparent this was gonna have some shit, and by the time "Dirty Dirty(3)" came on I was ready to just let the whole album roll (we rarely do that on the mngmt side of the office. It's either pete's itunes on shuffle, jonesey's jukebox podcasts or the frogman on 45s). "R.O.C.(4)" with Dudley Perkins is one of my favorites from that dude, and the crew track "Watching You(5)" with Aloe Blacc, Oh No and Bizzy Bone is especially hitting. This is that solid Southern Cali hip hop, made for the walkmen, the beat heads and the cars… but it's not corny.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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