feel was ahead of its time. Albums featured here are a cut above the
rest, and laid the blueprint for future releases in that particular genre.
Title: (Little Johnny From The Hospital)
Produced By: EL-P
Released: 1999
releases before they called it quits serveral years after signing to the label. Critics praised both of these
releases, Funcrusher Plus and Little Johnny From the Hospital, for their innovative and influential
qualities. Most would argue that Funcrusher is the better of the two, as well as the most important indie
release in hip-hop history. I would have to agree, however, I do not consider it to be as ahead of its time
as it is played out to be. Other artists, during the same era, were releasing albums similar in content.
Wu-Tang Clan's Enter the 36 Chambers and Juggaknots' Clear Blue Skies are similar to Funcrusher in
nature. Both contain dusty beats and witty intelligent lyrics, the same qualities that are paramount
throughout Funcrusher. This comparison shows that Funcrusher lacks a certain degree of breakthrough
innovation, which is a main determinant in choosing a "Classic Cut." This is why Cutting Edge Culture
chose Company Flow's second release, Little Johnny From The Hospital, instead.
Little Johnny From The Hospital is an instrumental release abstract in nature. The sound of this album
serves to abolish all similarity between Company Flow beats and those done by the rest of the hip-hop
genre. Little Johnny's sound remains unchallenged to this day. Current beatsmiths will not even attempt to
duplicate the sound present here. This only helps to prove that the album has an enormous creative edge
over other instrumental works. It incorporates different aspects of hip-hop, trip-hop, industrial, funk, and
electronic music, making it hard to identify a proper genre to place the album in. In my opinion, the terms
"future funk" or "cyber funk" are fitting names because they accurately describe the dark and moody sound
of this amalgamation.
Upon listening to the entire album, it becomes clearly apparent why EL-P and Big Juss chose not to rhyme
over these tracks. Almost all of the beats here are comprised of many different layers, most of which are
manipulated and distorted. This creates distraction, and makes it difficult for an MC to distinguish a
clear-cut rhyming pattern. Also, Vocals would only help undermine the masterful work done by EL-P on
each track. On Little Johnny, he crafts surreal soundscapes that are better understood if they are heard
alone. Only then can his utter brilliance and knack for programming be fully appreciated.
Q-ball (Febuary 2004)
Album: Timeless
Classic Track: Inner City Life
Genre: Jungle/ Drum n Bass
released in 1995. In my opinion, this album has stood the test of time, and will remain appealing to a broad
audience for years to come. When listening to this album with regard to today's standards, some of the
production may sound old school or outdated. However, the LP's groundbreaking quality is still evident.
Goldie chose to name his first major label full- length debut Timeless, a title that has proved itself fitting. It
sounds as innovative and perfected as it did when it was released in 1995.
Goldie was involved with the underground jungle circuit for quite some time prior to this release. However,
it was Timeless that pushed him to the forefront of the electronic music scene. The album's many technical
merits can be heard on all of the tracks. Soothing bass lines and melodic synths give Timeless a relaxed
vibe, and accommodate Goldie's skillful drum work effortlessly. He incorporates angelic voices on several
of the tracks, which is a common trait shared by many old school jungle beats. I consider all the work done
on Timeless to be classic, however, I would argue that "Inner City Life" is the defining song of jungle
culture.
"Inner City Life" garnered much popularity when it was released as the first single off Timeless because of
its ability to appeal to different tastes. The break beat driven drum loops prevalent in most hip-hop and
electronic music are incorporated into "Inner City Life." Also present, were powerful vocals normally
associated with Rn' B or hip-hop music. All of there elements, when combined, give a futuristic urban feel
and the urban aesthetic is an important ideal involved with Goldie's music and jungle/rave culture as a
whole.
~QBaLL (January 2004)