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Blazing Beats From British Duo Rae & Christian

Gregory C. Han | Los Angeles, CA. USA | 06/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mark Rae and Steve Christian, more readily known as the Manchester hip-hop tandem Rae & Christian, bring the masses an impeccable selection of beats on their Mixer release, Blazing the Crop. With their last release Northern Sulphuric Soul garnering critical acclaim, it would have been easy for the duo to simply follow-up with a release that followed the same formula as their last album. But Blazing the Crop has a much different vibe than their darker, more edgy underground release. This compilation is an amazing selection of primo tunes that cross the usual boundaries set by the hip-hop genre, joining both new school and old school with a more upbeat production style. No "get jiggy" or "bling-bling" joints up in here....this is for hip-hop afficianados who appreciate the effort of digging the crates for rare grooves, and enjoy being suprised by two DJ's who apparently understand and respect the breadth of what hip-hop represents. Ninja Tune and Rawkus labels are represented alongside old school melodies from the past, and all are head-bob inducing. From beginning to end, the album delivers what most mix compilations fail at within the first few songs: a natural connection and progression of songs which blend into a single musical experience. Whether its the recognizable flows of veteran acts like The Jungle Brothers, the Ninja Tune styles of Mr. Scruff, or the smile-inducing soulful 1970's instrumental from Young Hold Unlimited, Rae & Christian somehow make all these individual musical elements blend in smoothly."