Catapulted to notoriety, fame, and serious hip-hop credibility with 2002's Dead Ringer LP, Philadelphia based DJ and multi-instrumentalist RJD2 has enjoyed a thoroughly prolific career; following that debut album with 2004's critically acclaimed Since We Last Spoke. For The Third Hand, RJD2 seemingly abandons all the notions and titles that have been placed upon him over the past five years. Underground hip-hop super-producer to some, virtuoso sample-based instrumental wizard to others, RJD2 embodies all of these things on The Third Hand but placates none who seek more of the same. Recorded, performed, arranged, and produced entirely by himself in his basement studio, RJD2 commands his trusty MPC 2000XL sampler/sequencer alongside analog synths, electric pianos and guitars, not to mention his own voice. The result is a cohesive pop album in the most classic sense, a sound more akin to Phoenix than Prefuse 73. In essence, this is RJD2's entrance into the continuum of enigmatic songwriter/producers (see Jon Brion, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder) capable of creating a record full of rich songwriting, complex arrangements, and clever production that transcends genre.
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating: 
Summary: Rj's Greatest Album
Comment: The Third Hand is a must have for all RJD2 fans. Rj transcends all music genres with his electric guitar as the master tool. He composes every single pieces of the album. From the clever and startling rhymes, to the beautiful and epic melodies passing by the rhythmic and powerful drum patterns; RJD2 has it so damn good. If you are a true RJD2 fan, you will disregard the negative reviews from the ungrateful close minded hip hop slaves (I'm NOT dissing hip-hop, just those who disregard all other music types). This work is a definitive turn from Deadringer, but in the opinion of a true fan, it's the most perfect turn RJD2 could've taken. This is the best album RJ's produced, arguably the best album of the year and one of the best of all time. Get it.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Good record
Comment: Rjd2 is just trying to give you the full regalia here. Check out his prior records for other great material. I expect good things from Rj in the future.
Customer Rating:
Summary: MEdiocre work from RJD2
Comment: i liked all of rjd2's earlier tracks with blueprint and on the def jux compilations. this was ok not exactly the kind of stuff i am used to hearing from him
Customer Rating:
Summary: Aweful
Comment: If you liked "Dead Ringer", don't buy this album. I can't even listen to a complete track. It is repulsive to me. I would give it zero stars if I could.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Really impressed
Comment: I didnt read one single review or hear anybody comment on this album before buying it. I simply saw the amazing video for Work it Out and went straight to the record store. What can I say? This album gets better and better after every listen. Simply put, its a remarkable achievement. I discovered RJD2 on dead ringer which I thought was a good album. I checked for Since We Last Spoke but wasnt feeling it at all. Tried many times but it fell flat for me. Its really nice to see an artist come back and put such a brilliant piece of work together. Im not quite sure why so many are having a hard time with this album. Its a pretty easy listen and I would think most people could find something in this. I guess the anticipation for something different must be preventing people for taking this for what it is, independantly of who it is by.
I was wondering who was singing on this... Had no idea that was RJD2. Knowing this doesnt make the music better but it does make the album such a better artistic accomplishment.
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