King of the Wigflip

Photo: B+

Obvious statement: My man Madlib can’t sit still. He just released Sujihno, a collabo with Brazilian drummer Mamão of the band Azymuth, re-imagined the classic Madvillain project with Madvillainy 2, and trumpeted his boy by dedicating his latest Beat Konducta installment, Vol. 5: Dil Cosby Suite, to Jay Dilla. Ok already, time for a vacation. But no, that would be too easy.

Mad’s latest LP, WLIB AM: King of the Wigflip, is released on BBE’s Beat Generation Series, which included Pete Rock, Jay Dee, DJ Spinna, Marley Marl, Jazzy Jeff and King Britt. Word is that Wigflip will be the final installment for Beat Generation. Sad news for those of us who pay attention, but at least they left off on top of the world.

Wigflip’s beats are premium quality, of course. Always a smoky blend of grit and soul, Madlib’s orchestrations reach beyond your everyday hip-hop ballads for some true jazz spirit. Through the music, he summons you to follow where his mind leads. Like it or not, that is the signature. As usual, Madlib brought along his crew to ground the heady work. On call we have Guilty Simpson—one of my favorite MCs—as well as Talib Kweli, MED, Oh No, Defari, J-Rocc, Frank N Dank, and Murs. The result is a required addition to the library. This is tomorrow’s hip-hop today.

While you’re at it, pick up the newly re-released 2001 Beat Konducta Vol 0: Earth Sounds available exclusively on the Stones Throw store.