Search - X-Ecutioners :: X-Pressions

Shows Instances of Brilliance

Paul H. | USA | 01/09/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The X-ecutioners, comprised of turntablists Roc Raida, Mista Sinista, Rob Swift, and Total Eclipse, are without a doubt very talented and innovative on the wheels of steel, but that doesn't stop their debut album X-pressions from having some flaws. X-pressions is no doubt a great album, but it suffers some of the fates of other "turntablist" albums (including Rob Swift's The Ablist): guest MC's overshadowing the DJ's, lack of scratching, etc. The tracks where the DJ's really cut loose and let it all out with no outside assitance are the tracks that show just how brilliant the X-ecutioners are. "Mad Flava," "The Countdown," "One Man Band," and "Turntable Exhibition" have to be heard to be believed. Other tracks may lack the all-out scratching assult of those tracks, but they work thanks to excellent production, some nice MC'ing, and good cuts from the crew. "Raida's Theme," "Musica Negra," and "The Cipher" will result in repeated listens while "Musical Intuition" has some truly amazing and dope production courtesy of Rob Swift and Sinista. There is filler, however, that brings down the album. Some of the instrumental tracks ("Pianos From Hell," "Scratch To This") are unnecessary and lack any real development or excitement. In a moment of unfortunate irony, the speech about DJ's being unappreciated and going unnoticed in the hip-hop world ("X-outtakes 5") is immediately followed by the turntable-less "Poetry In Motion." Helix The Armaggedon drops some poetry regarding the state of hip-hop and how the X-Men are its savoirs, but the track lacks cuts, scratches, or turntable tricks from the crew. "Table Talk" is embarassingly egotistical, contrived, and pointless as the X-ecutioners bring in some guests to talk about how great and amazing the X-ecutioners are. C'mon guys, "Mad Flava" is proof enough of how great you are. Why do we need a track with some people rambling on about you? The best cuts on X-pressions should be enough to stroke their egos. All in all, X-pressions is a very good album despite its flaws. It could have been better, but you should still give it a listen as it shows some moments of brilliance."

Keeps Your Head Nodding

Paul H. | 07/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is definitely tight. The group manages to produce a nice balance of jaw dropping technique and fat beats that you expect from them. Their strength lies in the fact that they have definite skratch skills but never let displays of virtuousity bog down the groove. This has definitely been getting lots of play ever since I got it.The only dissapointment was that I had gotten Rob Swift's new album, The Ablist, first and so his newer mix of "Musica Negra" feels a lot smoother than the one on this album. But that's not a mark against the X-Ecutioners as much as it proves that they're nowhere near the end of their brilliant musical careers."

Kings of the Cross-fader.

Paul H. | 10/21/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For me, finding this album was like finding the Hope Diamond after years of searching coal mines in vain. X-pressions will cure all your ills, ease all your pains and make your forget all your troubles. This is turntablism at its absolute finest."