THE AUDIENCE’S LISTENING - CUT CHEMIST
Woven through with turntable wizardry, innumerable samples and a smattering of live instrumentation, former Jurassic 5 DJ Cut Chemist’s solo debut expertly navigates the line between old-school hip-hop homage and forward-looking experimentation. This aurally nutritious blend tastes best on the lilting “The Garden,” which imagines “Future Days”-era Can jamming with
Os Mutantes, and the hazy, head-nodding “Spoon,” which matches longtime pal DJ Shadow toke for toke in stoner friendliness. “2266 Cambridge” is a neighborhood drive-by set to a soulful backdrop, while hip-hop takes center stage on the humorous romantic tale “What’s the Altitude” featuring Hymnal and the Eric B. & Rakim-worthy “Storm” featuring Edan and Mr. Lif. Finally, a DJ album that doesn’t need big-name guests or tired gimmicks to get its music and message across. Billboard
