Jurassic 5 (11th Anniversary Edition) [Digipak]

Performer: Jurassic 5
Artist: Cut Chemist
Engineer: Alex Rose
Producer: Cut Chemist; Marvski; Akil; Nu-Mark
Distributor: RED Distribution

Notes: Jurassic 5: Akil, Zaakir, Marc 7even, Chali 2na (rap vocals); Cut Chemist, DJ Nu-Mark (DJ). 11 years after its original release the seminal debut from West Coast indie rap heroes Jurassic 5 returns in this deluxe re-issue on the Decon label. With upbeat, throwback rhyme styles and thorough boom-bap production from DJ Nu Mark and Cut Chemist, J5 remains a milestone for seamlessly combining the best elements of the old and new school eras. Repackaged as a double CD (with a bonus DVD), J5 DELUXE RE-ISSUE includes the original EP as well as 20 extra rarities, remixes, and promo tracks. Jurassic 5: Cut Chemist (scratches); Zaakir, Marc 7even, Akil, DJ Nu-Mark, Chali 2na. Personnel: Will Dog (bass instrument). Audio Mixers: Cut Chemist; Hardtop; Rich Costi; DJ Nu-Mark; This Kid Named Miles. Audio Remixer: Cut Chemist. The original EP clocking in at only half the running time of your average rap album circa 1997, Jurassic 5's debut was the most refreshing hip-hop release of the year, and not just because it abandoned the epic-length concepts of the rap mainstream. With old-school vibes to spare, excellent rhythmatic raps, and the production genius of Cut Chemist and DJ Nu-Mark, Jurassic 5 finally delivered on all the diverse talents promised by the growing hip-hop underground. "Jayou" is a flute-loop classic, and "Concrete Schoolyard" has that nostalgic "can it all be so simple" vibe so rarely heard from hip-hop. Interspersed with the songs are instrumentals, usually laced with the most obscure samples a veteran crate-digger could hope to shovel up, including an instructional record that listed definitions of common science terms and another that pointed out the absurdity of playing Led Zeppelin next to Frank Sinatra. This, of course, was what the group naturally did (it was actually Sinatra over Zeppelin), on "Lesson 6: The Lecture," titled in tribute to Steinski.) Here then was the answer for the legion of rap fans hoping to hear the same top-rank rapping that major labels often featured, along with the edgy productions and DJing that turntablists made standard. It was the perfect balance of quality and experimentation, all delivered in a slim 20 minutes. ~ John Bush Clocking in at only half the running time of your average rap album circa 1997, Jurassic 5's debut was the most refreshing hip-hop release of the year, and not just because it abandoned the epic-length concepts of the rap mainstream. With old-school vibes to spare, excellent rhythmatic raps, and the production genius of Cut Chemist and DJ Nu-Mark, EP finally delivered on all the diverse talents promised by the growing hip-hop underground. "Jayou" is a flute-loop classic, and "Concrete Schoolyard" has that nostalgic "can it all be so simple" vibe so rarely heard from hip-hop. Interspersed with the songs are instrumentals, usually laced with the most obscure samples a veteran crate-digger could hope to shovel up, including an instructional record that listed definitions of common science terms and another that pointed out the absurdity of playing Led Zeppelin next to Frank Sinatra. This, of course, was what the group naturally did (it was actually Sinatra over Zeppelin), on "Lesson 6: The Lecture," titled in tribute to Steinski.) Here then was the answer for the legion of rap fans hoping to hear the same top-rank rapping that major labels often featured, along with the edgy productions and DJing that turntablists made standard. It was the perfect balance of quality and experimentation, all delivered in a slim 20 minutes. ~ John Bush

Rolling Stone (2/5/98, p.62) - 3.5 Stars (out of 5) - "...Their phenomenal debut EP gives hip-hop's forgotten roots plenty of water and sunshine by matching charismatic solo rhymes and infectious group harmonies with deftly collaged beats and colorful sampling..." Spin (p.82) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[T]heir line-trading party raps and reflective narratives were undergirded by clever sample-based production..." Spin (2/98, p.110) - "...the most purely pleasurable indie release of late is Jurassic 5's self-title EP, which features the four MCs' Old Schoolyard styling over the hooky, turntablist science of Cut Chemist and DJ Nu-Mark. It's a Hip-Hop 101 lecture that scalds the playground asphalt..." Rap Pages (10/99, p.144) - "...an ample opportunity for the six extremely talented members of J5 to expand their horizons and get recognition on a universal level....JURASSIC 5 contains four explosive tracks and four entertaining interludes..." - Rating: B

One of the most popular and artistically engaging groups in the hip-hop underground, Jurassic 5 brought the conscious-rap style of the Native Tongues movement and a cratediggers ear for samples and production to L.A.'s overwhelmingly gangstafied rap scene. With production from the group's own Cut Chemist, J5's 1997 self-titled debut EP is considered an underground classic. The group continued its reverence for the old-school on subsequent releases while remaining decidedly contemporary.

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