Def Jam 1985-2001: The History Of Hip Hop Vol. 1 [PA]

Performer: Various Artists
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Compilation producers: Randy Acker, Jeff Moskow. Includes liner notes by Bill Adler. Digitally remastered by Doug Schwartz (Auto Mechanics). Compilation producers: Randy Acker, Jeff Moskow. Includes liner notes by Bill Adler. Digitally remastered by Doug Schwartz (Audio Mechanics). This celebration of 17 years of Def Jam Records points up the both label's strengths and the weaknesses of contemporary rap. It's a journey back to a different time, where all the songs seemed to be in color, instead of the drab monotones of today's urban R&B. Starting with the fake hard rock drums of LL Cool J's "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and the seminal white-boy rap of the Beastie Boys' "Fight For Your Right to Party," the compilation rapidly gets down to business with Public Enemy's "Fight the Power," its blend of politics, social commentary, humor, and righteous anger still sounding like the monumental event that it was on its release in 1990. Even a title like "Sometimes I Rhyme Slow, Sometimes I Rhyme Quick," with its savvy co-opting of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" guitar lick, leads to a moving and human story about a girlfriend's drug habit that's an antidote to the dope, guns, and ho's diet that some may be accustomed to. Dr. Dre's younger brother Warren G's "Regulate," at the time the biggest seller in the label's history, is quintessential Def Jam-- sparsely produced, with a nicely understated vocal, and a smart, riveting storyline.

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