Sound-Ink, 2005
DJ Mutamassik specializes in Egyptian/Afro-Oriental breaks. This compilation spans eight years of production work, featuring bass-heavy beats, deft cutting and scratching, and even a few guest MCs. On “War Booty,” layers of exotic samples give way to a scratched “uh!” as Mutamassik cuts between records. The epic “Babomb” juxtaposes more traditional hip-hop beats with flute and strings. The slow-mo drum-n-bass of “M28” is equally intoxicating. On “High Alert A’Ala Teta,” helicopter and sirens introduce a lengthy DJ Shadow-esque mix of downtempo beats, vocal samples, strings, and scratches, all building to a busy climax. None of the raps here are particularly strong, and after a while these tracks tend to blend together, but the beats are unusual enough to spice up any DJ’s crate, and they make for exciting home listening as well.
This is not about the MCs. It’s more about the breaks. And you say these are awesome.
Reccommended!