it's a madlib invazion

madlib - montara

"From the unlikely beach town of Oxnard, 40 miles north of Los Angeles, the multi-dimensional Madlib quickly rose to prominence as one of the most interesting figures in late-'90s hip-hop. With his childhood buddies in the Lootpack, Madlib quickly made a name for himself as a rapper, producer, and DJ. In particular, his expansive style and deft touch for composition made him one of hip-hop's most sought-after producers. An enthusiastic crate digger, with a deep reverence for jazz and soul, Madlib branched out into a number of ambitious, engaging solo projects." - Stones Throw Records

Out of all the releases by Madlib under his various monikers (ie the Beat Konducta, Quasimoto, Yestersay's New Quintet, Madvillain, Jaylib, Jackson Conti, etc) my favorite this past decade has been Shades of Blue, a remix/interpretation of some of Blue Note Records finest recordings. This album opened up a whole new world of music to me - providing a glimpse of jazz-funk legends such as Donald Byrd, Lou Donaldson, Bobby Hutcherson, and many more. It's a lesson in hip-hop history laced with the fine touches of the one and only Beat Konducta.

Can't wait to hear his global explorations via the Madlib Medicine Show this year. This month we get a taste of Brazil, followed by a dose of Africa in March.