Jurassic 5 - Jurassic 5 (13 tracks) +Album Reviews

Hip-hop's premier collective

Charles R Gigante | 03/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hip-hop, though always a dynamic force in music, has, until recently, been on a sort of downward spiral due to the watering down of creativity by the likes of Sean Combs, Tupac Shakur, and other money hungry sorts (you know who I'm talking about.) Many, myself included, were turned off of hip-hop because of its steady seat in the mainstream music world. Mid to late nineties hip-hop brought about dreadful results, and though the underground still flourished, the west coast had no true heros of the underground. Or so we thought... Jurassic 5 have literally re-invented west-coast hip-hop. Melding old-school hip-hop rhymes with beats and samples courtesy of Cut Chemist's extensive rare-groove, funk, and instructional records collection, this band has created a sound unique to them, while smoothly paying homage to their influences. This EP is perhaps the best hip-hop record in recent memory, as it not only demonstrates their intensely rich vocal skills, but also has opened people's minds to a more authentic sounding style of hip-hop. Jurassic 5 are original and honest, which makes them somewhat of an anomaly in the rap game. This EP and the 12" "improvise" are two of my favorites in my hip-hop collection, so do yourself a favor and open your ears and mind to them."

Jurassic 5 is one of the dopest hip-hop groups today

Charles R Gigante | 06/07/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jurassic 5 is a breath of fresh air. The self-acclaimed old school hip-hop revivalists is something to watch out for in the future. Already with a strong and dedicated fan base, their debut self-titled EP is the foundation of global support. Anyone remotely framiliar with the whole hip-hop DJ scene will instantly recognize Cut Chemist and DJ Nu-Mark, J-5's beat producers. "Concrete Playground," easily in my five all-time favorite hip-hop songs, is their ode to the old school. Coming with tight rhymes incorporated by dope beats, this track is easily a classic. The rest of the album is by all means completely supplemental to "Concrete Playground." Everything ranging from funny skits to Cut Chemist's scratch tutorial, you won't be disappointed. In final, if you are disgruntled with the state of mainstream rap, refresh yourself with Jurassic 5's EP."

J5 is fresh!

Charles R Gigante | 06/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Attention all REAL HIP HOP fans! J5 has come from the underground to save you from the noise of puff daddy, the family, no limit, and all the rest of the main stream B.S. that makes you want to vomit. If you like phat,ORIGINAL, beats and a crew that can rhyme better than Mother Goose, check out Cut Chemist, Chali 2na, Zaakir, Marc 7even, Akil, and DJ numark- JURASSIC-5."

This is only the beginning...

David G | Tasmania, Australia | 02/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is hip-hop classic. I mean, this is a fresh EP that has tracks that rival and in some case better some of the best hip-hop out there, and it sh*ts all over any LPs commercial "hip-pop" has to offer.

J5 offer a refreshing new hip-hop perspective that contains both old and new school influences, tights flows over some of the strongest and most original beats and cuts you'll hear.

Being an EP it only has 13 tracks (8 originally plus the 5 bonus tracks), and only 6 are actual songs (although Cut Chemist's little skits are quite entertaining), but all of these are strong and show (just a taste) of what J5 have in stall for us in the future. "Concrete Schoolyard" is an instant classic, my other favourites being "Jayou" and "Action Satisfaction". I also don't mind the dubs, freestyle any one?

The only thing you'll be disappointed about buying this CD is that you'll be craving more tracks so pick up their LPs (Quality Control and Power in Numbers)if you're feeling it.

P.S. don't give this CD 3 stars just coz its short, its an EP, so rate it as one. (although it'd still be worth a least 4 if it WERE an LP...)"

Real hip-hop with an edge

David G | 07/27/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you're tired of all the "bling bling, gold chains, platinum rings, playboy" [music] being played on the radio and getting the undeserved title of hip-hop, look into Jurassic 5 for some fresh air. You won't hear them rapping about their cars (...), slicing up their girlfriends (...), or the other no-thought-required drivel being played all over rap airwaves around the United States.Making use of two DJs to cut some solid beats up that puts anything by Juvenile or Jay-Z to tearful shame, the 5 rappers in turn have some of the meanest flow since Gang Starr. And contrary to most of the mainstream garbage, these guys can actually perform that forgotten act of singing when they want to as well, making good use of it on the refrains of the tracks. "In The Flesh" is instantly catchy, "Concrete Schoolyard" is top performance hip-hop at its best with an ode to old school rhyming, and "Action Satisfaction" showcases J5 at their best.With an already growing following and 2 classic releases behind them, J5 may be well on their way to changing how hip-hop is perceived, and it's definitely for the better. The only complaint about the EP is the large number of interludes and skits. Personally, I detest such a thing on full length albums, but its just ridiculous putting it on an EP, when the group really should have focused more on full-length songs to impress their listeners. Depending on what version you buy there's only 4-5 real songs on the EP. However, if you want to check out J5 before committing to a full length LP, grab this.Don't hesitate to get the full-length album "Quality Control" if this grabs your attention at all or if you have a strong desire to hear something other than the usual Ja Rule garbage being forced on you right now."

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