Vintage Kool Keith as Ultramag. An often overlooked classic from 88, Critical Beatdown, although a 80s emcee tour force, has come to be known more for its ahead of its time production. The drum sampling is so raw, sounding a bit like Criminal Minded, but with much more advanced patterns. Just check out the tracks: "Ease Back," "Ego Trippin," and "Give the Drummer Some." Once you get marvelling at the '88 sound, you'll snap your neck to a young Keith fast rapping in Gucci suits. Gotta love the cover.

• 180g yellow colored double vinyl pressing
  
• expanded edition w/ 6 bonus tracks
• 1st time on vinyl since 1997; 1st time on double vinyl
• includes limited edition print + full color foldout insert w/ extensive liner notes + interviews
• individually stamped + numbered
  
• limited edition of 2000
• music label: Music On Vinyl 2021

reviewed by the mgmnt 08/2005