In early 2000, Blue Note invited Madlib to re-imagine their catalog. He put out both a compilation ("Untinted") and this album of reworks and sample-based productions. The result is a perfect blend of Madlib's hip-hop chops and YNQ's jazz thing, definitely one of Madlib's best albums from any alias. Madlib's left-heavy brain is in full effect as the pieces he chooses to sample or re-create are not the ordinary Blue Note bacon and eggs (even the "Song For My Father" is counter-intuitive in its non-hip-hop-ness). I love how he flips "Andrew Hill Break" and tackles something so epic as re-creating "Stepping Into Tomorrow." So many great moments here. 180 gram double vinyl pressing released as part of Blue Note's Classic Series. Recommended.

• 180g black double vinyl pressing
• remastered audio
  
• original release year: 2003
• music label: Blue Note Records 2023

reviewed by the mgmnt 07/2017