You can beat me later for using the term, but this is the CUTTING EDGE of hip-hop. If you're not into the genre, it can certainly seem to drone on at times, but I enjoy good, distinctive hip-hop, and this certainly fits the bill. Ahem. Ill Bill's hardcore hip-hop anthem-banging boasts all the heady beats, ripping hooks and raging energy any hip-hop fan could desire. But it rises above the standard stereotypes of the genre without alienating those who maybe like the traditions/fads of rap as it stands today. It's agressive and face-punching, but it's also permeated with so much lyrical creativity, smart delivery, hard-edged attitude and brilliantly charismatic vocals. Then there are the instrumental aspects, which are just as potent as Ill Bill's haranguing. His willingness to venture into unconventional territory for rap (including a tribute to the band Slayer, believe it or not!) without abandoning the staples of great rap mark him as a messiah of the genre. Guest stars include: Raekwon The Chef, Immortal Technique, La Coka Nostra, B-Real, Necro, Tech N9ne, Bad Brains, DJ Muggs, Howard Jones of Killswitch Engage, Max Cavalera of Sepultura and Soulfly, Vinnie Paz and others. Five stars.
This review has also been published at raves.com
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AUTHOR: Upchuck Undergrind
Upchuck Undergrind listens to a little bit of a lot of things - just note the eclecticism of his reviews. He also reads voraciously and loves movies. He is a very open-minded Episcopalian (and student of Buddhism and Hinduism) who thinks Slayer is one of the greatest metal bands. Ever. In addition to his work with Corazine - for which he has written since its inception (he is a Fishcomcollective veteran) - he also writes for DJFix.com.