ILL COMPILATION
10/14/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'm really feelin' 'Constant Elevation', lots of bangers on this one. I don't think the title fits though, since the elevation certainly is not constant. I have tons of illbient, down tempo, and turtabilist compilations from '96 and '97 that sound a lot like this one. Nothing groundbreaking or different here...but all of the tracks are quality. The El-P track could have easily been on Company Flow's 'Little Johnny...' breaks album. Really dope...but if you are looking for that next ish...check Chocolate Industries or Big Dada."
Nothing special...
maxheaddrone | 09/05/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"First disappointment is that the El-P track is an instrumental. I was hoping for vocals - bummer (hadn't read the review before I bought-oops!). The rest of the album failed to really hold my attention, with the exception of the Steinski track, which was fresh as hell, and the closer by Chief Xcel - very nice dynamic shifts. The other big disappointment was the Freestyle Fellowship track - decidedly uninspired rhyming from Aceyalone, which is most out of character. Not the high level we've come to expect.
In conclusion, this album feels like a compilation of throwaway tracks that the artists didn't feel were good enough to make it on their own releases. Unless you are insane backpacker-obsessive, your money is better spent elsewhere."
This is HipHop Evolution, Man, Don't Hate on the Future!
maxheaddrone | Charlotte, N.C. United States | 02/24/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Man...'Nothing Special'!?!?!
This compilation's line-up is the A-list for the future hope of hiphop: a bible, a black-book, a family tree, a glimpse at artists from every side of the continental U.S., as well as a few from abroad. These artists will keep the true art-form alive, while Eminem, Diddy and the Big Tymers sink the glittery, iced-out Titanic Rap has become... And El-P's instrumental work is just as good as Steinski's (I actually favor Z-Trip's 'Backyard Banger'!!!)
+Plus we've made no mention of a dope Madlib/P.B. Wolf joint that starts with a grimey street beat, then switches to a jazzy YNQ style!!! +No mention of Nobody and O.D. breakin a craaayzee ragga-hop old school relooping session!!! +No mention of Recloose bringing that old Sugarhill/Grandmaster-breakin-feelgood music back in the game!!! +No mention of 'Crab Lice', a sick, sick, ferocious Antipop track that is not available anywhere else!!!('What's your last name?....Nope, you're not on the list.')
Man, come on, the Fellowship releases this type of throw-away material all the time,(like 'The Planets Ain't Aligned' on Nobody's 'SoulMates' album)How many vaults full of old tapes you think those guys are stashing, anyway? If you want some nice Acey rhymes check his new album with Elusive on the beats (w.LLcrew.c). Mikah9 or Acey could sneeze in a DJ booth and somebody would want a copy of it....
And, yeah, Chief Xcel's joint IS a nice, chill outro, but to put it plainly, it's a Blackalicious remix of the Beatles 'Dear Prudence', so to me it is one of the most unoriginal tracks featured here...but its still fresh!!
Take it from a music fan (below) or take it from a HipHop Basehead--I say: Buy now, Agree later>> When you're nodding uncontrolably..."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1