Search - Majesticons :: Beauty Party

A very well-done hip-hop satire; bound to astound

E. J. Sawdey | Galesburg, IL United States | 05/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mike Ladd's jazz experiments gave the world two fantastic hip-hop albums ("Easy Listening 4 Armageddon" and "Welcome to the Afterfuture"). His experiments with the Infesticons gave way to one of the finest hip-hop albums of the new millenium: "Gun Hill Road", a mind-numbing indie experience. From the lyrical acrobatics of Antipop Consortium's "Quarterback Theme" to the opera-based "Cave Theme", and the triumphant chorus of the lead single "Hero Theme": "God bless the Infesticons / ---- the Majesticons!"Yet, it wouldn't be until 2003 until we heard a word by the mainstream-lovin' Majesticons. And "Beauty Party" delivers. While the album is a complete satire of mainstream rap, it does something far superior than any parody before it: the album is actually BETTER than the object it's satiring.The more you know about hip-hop, the better it is. (Take the opening track's hilarity shoutout to put an end to all hip-hop intros: "Alan Greenspan: put yer hands up!") "Piranha Party" actually sounds like it could take on 50 Cent's "In Da Club" any day, while "Fader Party" puts the Neptunes to shame. Pet Shop Boy's-sampling "Brains Party" odes to the absurd overuse of samples these days. "Game Party" out-moneys Cash Money, while "MajestWest Party" shows underground giant Murs in his prime, posing as the king of hip-hop.The album is stunning in satire, but is simutaniously a very very fun listen. Few albums can compare in breadth and scope. Let's just hope the trilogy-closer Trajecticons will raise the bar yet again."

HOT FOLLOWUP

MCscottD | seattle, wa | 02/25/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Man after the hilarious concept album Infesticons, Mike Ladd comes up completely unexpected with the alter-ego of Infesticons with the Majesticons! PArty based jams from the enemy of hip-hop, too bad this album is so packed with ill beats, hilarious lyrics and catchy melodies that one will wonder if the infesticons can defeat the majesticons! Quality music all around from one of the best hidden wonders in hip-hop. Oh and too all you backpackers, open your eyes cause just cause the 4 elements arn't mentioned in every line doesn't mean its not hip-hop! ONE!!!!!!!!!!"

Majesticons vs. Infesticons

E. J. Sawdey | 06/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even though this whole album is a big parody of all things mainstream, there is something that makes this album more appealing than the countless rap albums of mainstream today, catchy tunes and all, this album doesn't get on your nerves nearly as much as say...Nelly or Ja Rule, maybe if this album was overexposed like most mainstream artists, i would grow sick of it, and turn my nose to it. but this album has a consistent amount of hot tracks...if you're looking for some fun in your music, and the overall seriousness of underground hip-hop grows tiresome on your, pick this album up pronto....it's mainstream, minus the endless self-deification, womanizing, and materialism (er, it's there, but its making fun of it...which is better)"