Styles on the CD range from introspective grooves such as Deceptikon’s “Cut & Revision” to the abstract journeys of Mikrosopht’s “Cedilla Spits;” even flexing some turntablism on behalf of Blake9 for Olive Green’s contribution, “The Do Bad Hustle.” The album starts with a banging joint by Avida Dollars entitled “Skump” that masterfully alternates between jazz/funk breaks and seems to pick up where Ninja Tune and Mo’ Wax left off in the mid-90’s instead of simply trying to re-create what has already been done. However, quickly afterwards, it becomes apparent that there are a number of consistency issues throughout the disc.
Some tracks are immaculately produced (“Mother’s Movement” by Ill Cosby & Nalej and King Calculator’s “Appendix A”) while others are sloppy, if even a little amateurish. At times it appears that some of the artists are more concerned with trying to come off as experimental instead of actually being experimental. It is a common slip up- but forays into lo-fi, freeform meter, and micro tonality don’t automatically excuse poor sound engineering, irrelevant rhythm, or non sequitur themes. “00000014” displays that K-the-I??? has a lot of talent and potential, but it just isn’t fully developed yet. The woodwind hook is nice and the lilting beat starts off as a nice idea until the fact that it just really isn’t in sync at all gets a bit grating. The mixing is inconsistent and unfortunately covers up most of the vocals.
I already know the prepared response to my criticisms- the typical mantra of underground hip-hop is how you (the listener) have never heard anything like what you are hearing, before. You are lead to believe that it is so fresh and so ground breaking that if you don’t like it, it is only because you don’t understand the divine musical revelations blessing your ears. This attitude is present on Crude Conception as well, with most of the 7 emcees making some sort of similar assertion- but it is misdirected. There is nothing wrong with trying new and unexpected things. If anything, I felt that the tracks that were professing to be ahead of their time were actually dated- not really breaking any new ground, just playing around with DSP a little, sampling slightly ‘weirder’ sounds, etc. Regardless how innovative new musical ideas may or may not be, the effort needs to be put in to make sure that all the technical work is secure. Once that is achieved, experimentations can be accepted on their own merit instead of being interpreted as a crutch.
After repeated listens, the compilation has grown on me more and more, and I do look forward to subsequent releases from this label. They have the heart, creativity and drive- it just feels like they are still getting their footing. Fans of hip-hop, regardless of genre or style, will each find at least a few tracks that will have them hitting the repeat button. Refinery Records is off to a good start and, after a little more work, will definitely be a label to watch.
Crude Conception is OUT NOW on Refinery Records.
