Def Jam 1985-2001: 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). A flawless compilation, Def Jam 1985-2001: History of Hip Hop, Vol. 1 showcases just how powerful the New York-based record label was during the '80s and '90s. In fact, no label came close to challenging Def Jam's status as the premier rap label -- not Death Row, not Jive, not Sugar Hill, not Cold Chillin'; no label even came close. The early mid- to late-'80s hits that catapulted the label to recognition during the Russell Simmons/Rick Ruben era are here: LL Cool J's "I Can't Live Without My Radio," Beastie Boys' "Fight for Your Right," and Slick Rick's "Children's Story." So are plenty of the early-'90s hits that solidified Def Jam's status during a time when it finally had to fend off competitors and a fledging West Coast scene: Public Enemy's "Fight the Power," EPMD's "Crossover," and Onyx's "Slam." And there are also a handful of the late-'90s hits that redefined Def Jam's image once the label shed many of its veteran artists: Jay-Z's "Can I Get A...," DMX's "Party (Up in Here)," and Method Man's "I'll Be There/You're All I Need." While the Def Jam Music Group -- Ten Year Anniversary box set is undeniably more thorough and informative, this convenient single-disc compilation features nothing but the big hits and also features the late-'90s artists that aren't found on that pricey box set. ~ Jason Birchmeier 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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