The past year has been nothing short of incredible for the independent label, Definitive Jux. Founded by beatsmith extraordinaire, El-P, the label released 5 albums beginning in late 2000 and ending in September of 2001. Each album was not only met with critical acclaim, but was hailed as the most innovative hip hop around today. Their first release of last year was “Def Jux Presents…” and they will follow suit this year with “Def Jux Presents II.” The album will feature brand new material from Aesop Rock, Cannibal Ox, El-P, Murs, RJD2 (soon to be one of the most sought after producers in hip hop), Mr Lif, Y@k Balz, Camu Tao, Atoms Family, Rob Sonic and the Weathermen (Copywrite, Cage El-P, Breezly Brewin, Jakki da Motamouth, Masai Bey, Camu Tao and Tage Prototype).
If you slept on the near classic Cannibal Ox album “The Cold Vein” or on Aesop Rock’s incredible “Labor Days” LP then this would be a good time to find out what you are missing. Last week Aesop Rock dropped an EP entitled “Daylight,” which I strongly suggest to everyone, there are very few emcees that I am feeling more than Aesop these days. Here is a track listing for “Def Jux Presents II:”
1.Same As It Never Was – Weathermen
2.Dead Pan – Aesop Rock
3.Sneak Preview – Mr Lif & MURS
4.Hold The Floor – Camu Tao
5.F.U. For Failure Ugly – Rob Sonic
6.I Really Like Your Def Jux Baby Tee – RJD2
7.Paper Mache – Masai Bey
8.Fulcrum (Insight mix) – Mr Lif f. Opio
9.Dr Hell No & The Praying Mantis – El-P f. Vast Aire
10.Mic Molest – Atoms Family
11.Freak Show – Y@k Balz
12.Stepfather Factory – El-P
