Two albums that I don't think have received enough buzz, despite being out for 2-3 years, are DJ Max Tannone's Mos Dub and Jaydiohead, both hip- hop albums mashed up with the music of a completely separate genre. Mos Dub mixes the lyrical genius of Mos Def with a funky arrangement of Dub music from artists such as Toots and the Maytals and Michael Prophet. Jaydiohead combines Jay-Z's dominating, electric flow with a soothing, melodic variety of Radiohead songs. Although initially the combination of these artists may seem discordant or incongruous, the opposing sounds come together to form two incredibly overpowering and consummate albums.
Mos Dub
The Mos Dub album takes the often time serious and intellectual Mos Def Lyrics and adds a reggae twist on them, inciting a sort of uncontrollable sway in the listener. This is by far one of my favorite mashup albums, being that hip-hop and reggae are two of my favorite genres. If you like both of these genres, are even one, this album is for you.
Favorite Tracks: 1. Johnny Too Beef, 2. History Town, 6. Shroud the Stars
You can download this album for free HERE.
Jaydiohead
Jay-Z and Radiohead are two groups of music that prior to hearing this album, I would never have thought to produce such a euphoric sound. Jay-Z's harsh, raspy voices flows innately with Radiohead's mellifluous instrumentals and the occasional Thom Yorke chorus. I highly recommend listening to this one in a large group of people by yourself with noise canceling headphones. My first listen was in this setting while listening to "Change Order" and everything became simplified and more compelling.
Favorite Tracks: 1. Wrong Prayer, 2. 99 Anthems, 8. Change Order, 9. Fall in Step
You can download this album for free HERE.