Jurassic 5 - Jurassic 5 - PAN - PAN 015 LP PIAS Recordings ‎

Refreshing old-school-style hip-hop. It would get old on later albums, but this one is a classic. J5 is actually made up of four MCs and two DJs, and their interplay is top notch. You get “Scenario”- or Beastie Boys-style collective chants on most every track, which go well with the simple beats. “Jayou” is just bass, drums, and the most bad-ass flute loop you’ll ever hear. Normally I detest skits and spoken-word interludes, but the retro clips on this album enhance the mood. It has also a few instrumental tracks, which you won’t find on most hip-hop records – this is where the group’s talented scratching team (including the legendary Cut Chemist) shows its stuff. Even the production is distorted to make the music sounds like a blast from the past – see the hazy reminiscence over a jazzy piano riff on “Concrete Schoolyard.” In fact, my only major complaint is that it’s too short (and the last two tracks are just reprises). But it’s infectious and fun, and I always feel cleansed after listening to it.

All songs recorded, mixed and produced at the Red October Chemical Storage Facility except A5 "Improvise" mixed at The Tilt.
Mastered at Bernie Grundman Mastering.
Graphic: Arber@Public Art

© 1998 [PIAS]
℗ 1998 Rumble/Pickininny
Distributed in the UK by Vital
Made in France
A PAN PRODUCTION
Released by PIAS [RECORDINGS]

Cat#s on the back of the sleeve:
821 0015 10
CMV 5 0015 10 851
280 PS