behind the boards and on the mic.  The album follows a distinct pattern, presenting either Dilla or Madlib as an emcee over the other’s beat on each of the 19 tracks.  What ensues is arguably one of the best two-man collaborations in recent memory, predating the likes of Madvilliany, St. Elsewhere, and Liberation. The album’s production is stellar, with both artists showing versatility within the LP.  “Nowadays,” features a signature Dilla clap driven track, with Madlib reflecting on some of the everyday B.S. that one faces on the daily.  On “React,” Dilla dabbles in

funk, creating a track that showcases the lyrical dynamics of the spaced-out Quasimoto/Madlib combination.  “The Official”, positions Dills as emcee over an ear-pleasing trumpet laced track.  The song’s energy is high, commanding the listener to bare witness to the authentic composition created by the two.  “Heavy” presents a gutter, dancehall-like baseline that bangs rough enough for hop fans, and live enough to make any female wind her waistline.

Madlib’s lyrical style is in direct contrast with Dilla’s, providing the project with a balanced feel.  The former tends to utilize a calmer, more “head nodding” lyrical display and will select a Dilla beat to fit (“Starz”, “The Red”).   The latter frequently selects the more up-tempo, “live” Madlib-tracks to showcase his higher energy, “get ‘em up” lyrics (“Mcnasty Filth”, “No Games”).  The difference in styles allows the album to cover a wider set of moods, and provides a clever tactic that both uses to mask their lyrical limitations and showcase a broad range of the beats.

As an added gem, the album features breaks that are implemented on the tail end of six of its tracks.  These breaks are at most 30 seconds long, but can stand alone as full length songs if lengthened.  In fact the break attached to “The Heist,” was later used by De La Soul on the album Impossible Mission: TV Series Part I for the song “Friends.”

Noticeably, Dilla is outshined on the boards.  Madlib is very much on top of his game throughout Champion Sound, claiming the album’s best beats (“Heavy”, “Champion Sound”, “The Mission”, etc).  Jay Dee does not disappoint (“Starz”, “React”) but is not as prolific as Lib on this LP.

As the final track, “Ice”, winds down, what you’ve just listened to becomes clear:  Two of this generation’s greatest musical minds, having linked to produce and album that was dynamic, complete, and enjoyable throughout.  Those that have heard it, celebrate it.  Feel free to join the celebration.  Jaylib’s Champion Sound is heavy heavy heavy heavy . . .

A.     Knight II
Anthonyknight2@thisisrealmusic.com