The consistency behind the work of producer Marco Polo in the last few years has been an impressive feat to say the least. With two collaborative albums (2009’s Double Barrel and this year’s The eXXecution) and one solo project released since 2007, the Toronto-native has garnered the praise of his Hip Hop peers as well as adolescent influences, DJ Premier in particular. Tying up loose ends, he now offers his latest installment with The Stupendous Adventures of Marco Polo, a collection of unreleased and rare material from his extensive catalog.
True to form, Marco makes his presence felt throughout the compilation without spitting a single bar. Dripping with confidence, rapper Shylow gets down on “Whylin’ Out,” an automatic head-bobbing track. Complementing Polo’s boom bap production with battle-infused rhymes, Shylow’s spitfire approach resembles a record straight out of the 1990s. Then on “Combat Drills,” Polo hooks up with Double Barrel brethren Torae as the two conjure up a hard hitting, high energy track that will have listeners pleading for a sequel to their 2009 disc. Of course, Marco Polo can’t forget about his roots in T-Dot as he enlists native emcee/DXnext alum Promise to kick rhymes with hometown flavor on “The Bridge.” Giving the typical response from doubters, Promise raps, “They say, ‘He can’t rap if he don’t curse / What he gonna do, drop a hot emo verse?’ / Please, the streets don’t need another common album / We don’t see nothing common about him” as Polo lays out a backdrop of infectiously sampled horns and bass line.
Showing off his creativity, Polo takes on a handful of remixes for The Stupendous Adventures that turn out as good, if not better than the original records. Take for instance his performance on “The Radar (Remix)” in which he transforms the Port Authority-edition into a version heavily reminiscent of a Premo cut. DMV’s own Diamond District are given the same remix treatment for “Who I Be (Remix)” 
. While this standout track from In The Ruff previously induced a rugged and raw vibe channeled by Oddisee’s production, Polo flips it into a cleaner piece of work with an east coast bounce. Then, with a murderer’s row of emcees in Royce Da 5’9’’, Elzhi and Supastition, Marco Polo acts accordingly by allowing their voices to reign supreme over his minimally-layered beat. While listeners won’t find new lyrics on any of the aforementioned tracks, they could simply change their focus on the art of Polo’s craft which is clearly highlighted in each of these cases.
The Stupendous Adventures of Marco Polo does warrant a handful of less-than stellar records, however, this is rarely the direct fault of Marco Polo and rather his decision to include underground rappers that have yet to polish their abilities over the microphone. While only 90 seconds long, “Official” could have easily been left off the album as Red Clay’s limited content sticks out like a sore thumb. Arcee doesn’t fare any better on “Ambition,” when his laid back rhyme style only exposes his inept lyricism. Giving Duck Down Records partner Ruste Juxx a chance to shine on “Bomb Shit,” the record ends up turning into a series of empty death threats from the Crown Heights rapper. Still, despite the overtly violent imagery behind Juxx’s lyrics, it’s surprising that this track didn’t make the final cut of The eXXecution for its production alone.
As highlights that were never properly released, The Stupendous Adventures of Marco Polo should act as a collector’s item to fans that follow the producer closely and likely have picked these songs up on various Hip Hop blogs. With plans to release his second studio album Port Authority 2 later this year, Marco Polo has once again reinforced the notion that quality will always outweigh quantity. Though in his case, the two seemed to be perfectly intertwined.
THE PROBLEM WITH THIS DUDES PRODUCTION IS THAT IT IS OUTDATED AND THE BEATS ARE PLAIN GARBAGE, I CAN GIVE HIM A 1 FOR EFFORT BUT THIS GUY IS NOT GOING TO SAVE THIS CONSISTENTLY DYING ART FORM, HIS SHIT WOULD MAKE MORE SENSE IF WE WERE IN 95 BUT SOMEONE HAS TO TELL BUDDY WE ARE NOT…YOU CAN STILL BE UNDERGROUND AND HAVE A UPDATED SOUND, BUT BUDDY DON’T KNOW THAT…..NEEDS TO GET OUT OF A TIME MACHINE AND POLISH UP HIS SKILLS CAUSE THIS ALBUM IS SHIT!
YO BUDDY, I KILL YOU BUDDY
jeez man. did you listen to the album? Your intitled to you opinion but I’m just wondering if you gave it a chance. It really is a dope album.
**entitled
Shut The FUck up!
BUDDY2 YOUR A GEEKY GUY WHO NEEDS TO GET SLAPPED TO THE FLOOR!
yea Marco uses the old school sample based production, and probably still records by using analog gear, but are u sayin his should give that up and go techno, that ‘new’ hip hop ain’t sellin much either (aside from drake and Em). bottom line is, most people who enjoyed mid 90’s hip hop are gonna at least enjoy half of this album. Might as well pay homage to the old school cause alot of the new school cats sucks.
pretty dope. not quite port authority, but that grand daddy iu track is a banger
this rec is dope, not nearly as dope as i thought the jawn would be, but the juxx song alone warrants 3.5 stars…i’ll give this bitch a 4….Marco can do much, much better….if you think marco is wack just wait for the port 2…heatrocks believe that.
http://www.youtube.com/user/305ilovemia
I Love M I A Music And Ent. Presents $WonDough$
No Image No Gimmicks Just Banging Ass Music
Raw And Uncut
Mediocre.
This guy puts out too much music… Double Barrel was fantastic. Should have been worked more.
that I AINT FEELING IT dude is liek handyyyy without all the lil wayne lol.
but no this shit right here is seriosuly good…and if you ever doubt marco polo listen to nostalgia with masta ace off port authoirty….that track with its video>>>>>>
that aint feeling it dude is liek handyyyy without all the lil wayne? Did you smoke your crack pipe this morning clown-o, you might want to go back and lay down with your mom, she is waiting for your wiener penis you fuckin douchebag!
Pretty good album. These tracks are bsides and tracks that didn’t make port authority, double barrel and The Exxecution. Ain’t none of this new material. This album kicks off track 6 on down. Marco Polo is a Beast on the Beats!!! Just wait till Port Authority 2 drops. It’s gonna be classic like the first and The Exxecution!
Get Eminems Recovery!!!
its 1000X better then this wack shit
Really? can you please elaborate as to why we should go run and pick up Recovery instead of this dope ass album? Probably not, my guess is u didnt listen to this album so you really cant hate on it. And if you choose to hate you should back up your words and tell us why ths album sucks. I think your skinny jeans are cutting off the blood flow to ur brain or ur puffin sherm son, this album is sick. Stop pluggin Em’s album on other artists reviews, cuz u aint seein no ends from ur endorsement, and i can tell u Em dont give two shits either, come on Stan.
Fuck off you flammin faggot.
OK AGREED FULLY
u better bitch
& Marco Polos last joint with Torae Double Barrels 10000000x doper than Eminems Recovery groupie n before your dumb ass says it SALES DONT MEAN SHIT
Sales mean a lot to your mothers pimp, that bitch does unbelievable numbers every night.
ems a great emcee used to be one of the best doin it and his latest effort is solid i gotta say but got damn why does everyone gotta be on his dick right now like hes some kinda god? and aint no one got shit to say bout him other than confess their love. im kinda sick of hearin this shit does every fuckin piece of music released right now gotta be compared to em? the fuck?
*entitled
shyt is dope i aint heard none of it so it is new to me!
i fucks with Red Clay shout out to the homey Baron! i was not feeling that lil part of the interview.
Stay grinding Marco
100
WOULDN’T EVEN TRADE A SINGLE SUNFLOWER SEED FOR THIS PIECE OF SHIT RECORD.
HIP-HOP! i’d rather marco polo represent toronto than that nigga drake! 416/647!
this shit sucks
I cannot agree more
DAMN SON I NEVER SEEN SOMEONE CREATE A NEW PROFILE TO AGREE WITH THERE OWN SHIT…….YO STAN…IM GOIN HAVE TO TELL YOUR MOM AND DAD…..EXCUSE ME YOUR MOM AND UNCLE TO TAKE YOUR INTERNET PRVILAGES AWAY…
Im your father calibeatbox420….so shut the fuck up before I beat your ass
yo stan i gotta say that fool told you bro you should just chalk that one up to a loss and shut your mouth. shit was hilarious you got called out bro im still on the ground laughin at your ass through the miracle of the world wide web
Solid 4 out of 5. Shit’s got excellent production with some of the best underground MC’s around. Not to mention the throwbacks with Grand Daddy I.U. and Large Professor. Maybe a trip to NYC would make everyone apprectiate this more.
DOPE….
no1 cares, everyone shouldnt get overhyped about this album, get the new black sheep album and the roots album, more intelligent quality and more original music….this album is good for people who like up and coming rappers, I am more into the guys who can actually flow and can put strong albums together, not half baked material with the whos who of rappers who are unheard off virtually
agree!
Wonder who inspired Eminem’s positivity on Recovery? Yours truly! iBar! Come to my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I Love M I A Music And Ent. Presents $WonDough$
No Image No Gimmicks Just Banging Ass Music
Raw And Uncut
http://www.youtube.com/user/305ilovemia
dope release.
TDOT!
TDOT is soft
marco polo is wack, sorry to say but this guy makes fuckin shit albums
give it a listen
this is a hott album looks like the white rappers are gonna have a good year
so many lil kids in here CLEARLY, Marco’s production dope n Double Barrel is the shit but I can tell from the comments in here mos of y’all some lil bitch ass kids from the burbs who think dellusional shit like Eminems the G.O.A.T fuck outta here wit yo mainstream followin groupie asses this albums for HIP HOPPERS not your bitch asses n before one of you says shit bout numbers FUCK SALES TOO
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
I’m the one behind Eminem’s change in creative direction on Recovery. Visit my page and listen to “!”.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Meet iBar! The reason behind Eminem’s turn to positivity on Recovery. Get inspired by my track “!” just like Eminem.
http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline
Marco is one of the illest producers in the game right now, he aint on that bullshit studio gangster shit hes on the REAL hip hop tip, cuttin and scratchin and choppin samples the right way. all you fuckin kiddies with your lil wayne bullshit should just go hide and jerk off to lil waynes tight pants you fuckin fruits. Do some research and understand what real hip hop is….
I copped this shit yesterday, it’s fuckin grimy. Duck down’s still reppin hard. I also recommend the execution with him and ruste juxx. Marco’s a sick producer, i’m tellin u man, it’s like old school alchemist mixed with a little green lantern. Real heads respect this type of shit. The underground will allways prevail
Yo, DX is right, this album is about a 3.5. At first I was sayin this shit was COMPLETE trash but that was because I thought this was gonna be an actual NEW, REAL album. It’s more like rare tracks, and previously released tracks for the most part. BUt regardless, joints like “The Radar remix,” and lots of others are ridiculous. But I still think Port Authority has by far Marco’s best production. Every album since has been progressively gettin worse…
“Think Of You Now”
That track alone is worth the purchase but the truth is all the songs are nice.
GOOGOO24 is a faggot
Nice album.
Good sound
Lyrics could be better