Search - Various Artists :: Definitive Jux Presents, Vol. 4

DJXP4

Exxxxx | shack in the wilderness. | 03/22/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Def Jux really went out with a bang with this release, and the fact it's so good only adds to the disappointment of seeing the label go on "hiatus". I've noticed this has been one of the most slept on and least mentioned releases of theirs which is a real shame because it's definitely one of their stronger efforts in the last few years. There's a couple of tracks that miss the mark but all in all this is a solid compilation album, I'll break it down track by track:



1.Reports of a Possible Kidnapping - The Weathermen *****



This cut has such a spaced out grimy beat that it makes the track alone, but Aesop, El-P and Cage smash it properly leaving it one of the standouts of the album.



2.When You're Going Down - Camu Tao ***



Camu Tao (RIP) singing and rapping in a tin can over what sounds to me like a very rough cut on an unfinished beat. It's an interesting almost new wave sounding track that I can sort of see where it was going, but just didn't sound finished to me. It's catchy though, and if you can get around the incomplete feeling it will likely grow on you.



3.Look Alive - Despot *****



One of, if not the best tracks on the whole album. Ratatat came through with a neck breaking beat and Despot absolutely killed it. Lots of clever lines here, some people may not feel his voice, but I think this kid is nice.



4.Worm In Her Vein - Cage *****



Aesop Rock did this beat and it's one of the coolest beats of his I've personally heard. The beat is what makes this one a 5 star track, and although I'm not the biggest Cage fan I liked his verses on this cut. I'm not entirely sure who the song is about, but it's typical "new" Cage material.



5.Gas Galaxy - Yak Ballz ***



The first leak from the album from last summer and my least favorite song. This beat is great, but the chorus just ruins it for me. I can't explain it, but it's just annoying to me. I've heard he does this track justice live, but this recording just didn't register with me.



6.Digi Data Feat Miz Metro - Mr. Lif *****



Mr. Lif has been doing a lot of interesting stuff lately, this song is no exeption. I didn't think the singing on the chorus was mind-blowing, but Lif spits tons of knowledge on a sort of happy upbeat banger. The sort of beat I've never heard Lif on before, and it worked well.



7.D-Up - Hail Mary Mallon *****



Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz make up the group Hail Mary Mallon, and this is the 1st track released to the public. Wow, just crazy, that's the only way to describe this one. If you're not a fan of these guys individually then you're not going to get this, but if you are then it'll certainly standout for you in a good way. The scratching on this track is grade A work.



8.We Do the Work, You Do the Pleasure - Central Services *****



El-P and Camu Tao were hyping this project, Central Services, years ago on El's Myspace. I think they released a couple of free tracks, and one appeared on Collecting the Kid several years ago but this one is by far the best. It's basically El-P on the boards with a head nodding beat and Camu Going crazy singing. It's one of the shining moments on this comp. I want to talk to you about ducks...



9.Domestic Animals - Rob Sonic ***



I really didn't get this song at all. It's like punk rock rap, with Rob Sonic at his most uninteresting. I didn't like the beat, the chorus or the rhymes. I normally like Rob's beats but this one just did not sit well with me.



10.Halogen Glow - Yak Ballz *****



Yak redeems himself with his second song on this disc and he does so with the help of House of Blow (Sean Martin & Darryl Palumbo)who just come out of nowhere with this insane, sonically unmatchable beat. I don't know what Yak's talking about on this song, but it sounds really cool. One of the tightest songs in the bunch.



11.Live or Die - Chin Chin ****



I don't think most Def Jux fans cared too much about Chin Chin, I know I didn't but this song was pretty catchy. Just like them being on the label in general, this song just seemed out of place on this compilation.



12.How to Serve Man (The Meanest Things I'd Never Say) El-P *****



Best beat on the album, El-P made the right choice to end the album with this beast of a song. Everything about this will satisfy El-P fans, specifically the production.



Def Jux still has plenty to offer as this disc shows, but unfortunately the label's future is uncertain to most fans. Pick this up and encourage them to come back with more definitively hip hop, defiantly original music and art."