Mr. Lif
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In a move that’s sure to be copied by other indie labels, the underground hip-hop imprint Definitive Jux recently created what it’s calling “The Pharmacy” or “DJRx,” an on-line store that mimics the amazon.com/iTunes model. Everything from new releases from the Def Jux stable — El-P, Aesop Rock, Mr. Lif, Cage — to Def Jux merch to news about tours is available at//store.definitivejux.net/store/index.htm. Oryou can buy individual songs, videos, and ringtones by Def Jux artists for 98 cents per song and $1.98 per video. Of course, the site also has a few freebees to lure potential customers. Here’s a little of what’s up there now . . .Mr. Lif, Mo’ Mega Mixtape mixed by DJ Big Wiz
Apsci DJ Big Wiz takes Lif’s latest Def Jux album, Mo’ Mega, and turns it inside out, upside down, and three times sideways, incorporating verses from all over the disc, regular shout-outs to Def Jux, a whole lotta scratching, and some deep, thundering bass to string together this mash-up. It jumps, thunders, and booms, with a dizzying array of breakbeats, skewed horns, ringing telephones, and, well, I think I even hear the kitchen sink in there somewhere toward the end. An epic tribute to Lif.
Aesop Rock, “Frijoles Instrumental”
It’s a freestyler’s dream: a track from Aesop Rock’s Bazooka Tooth disc stripped of its lyrics. All you get is the murky, stoned groove, which does get a little boring after the first few minutes, but think of it as a pleasant opportunity to enjoy the intricacies of one of Aesop’s tracks as pure music.
Aesop Rock, “Mars Attacks Instrumental”
“Frijoles” sans lyrics is fun, but this takes things to a whole other lunatic fringe, with its rubber-band funk intro segueing into minimalist drum ’n’ bass breakbeating peppered with sci-fi synth and other ominous, echoey sound effects. Dare you to freestyle over it — this orbit’s reserved for Aesop.
On the Web
Definitive Jux: //www.definitivejux.net
