Clear vinyl reissue. 2003 EP of B-sides, remixes, and instrumentals from Philly's Ramble Jon Krohn (aka RJD2). You know the deal - epic instrumental hip hop beats (many taken from Deadringer) with a couple fierce verses from some of the underground's finest thrown in for good measure. A vintage Woodman review for your reading pleasure - Why couldn't RJD2 have been one of those obscure electronic guys that nobody's ever heard of? Then I could play his music at some trendy party and get some drunk admirer groupie action. Instead, Def Jux blows up the spot and releases the lead track from the Deadringer LP on 12" and here I am playing the mild-mannered DJ. This is some "Get Ready To Have Your Ass Kicked By Me" music and should be required at frat hazings or drive-bys. Making something this sinister out of samples just goes to show that it's like doing an impression of Flavor Flav; easy to do, hard to do well (seriously, you have to get like a tophat and gold teeth that spell your name). I'll probably never play this out, but I'd do my Vampire dance to see one of you ambitious DJs kick off a mash-up set with this. Also includes the LP cut "Smoke & Mirrors", and a remix of "Final Frontier," with new verses from Blueprint, Aesop Rock, Vast Aire, and Murs. Instrumental for "Final Frontier Remix" included.

• clear vinyl repress
• digital download of bonus material included
• music label: Def Jux 2003 / RJ's Electrical Connections 2015

reviewed by Klaus Humdinger 07/2015