After years of spinning records for the finest artists in hip-hop on The Wake Up Show with Sway and King Tech, it’s no wonder how Los Angeles native DJ Revolution was able to recruit such an extensive list of guest performers for his new LP, King of the Decks. The line-up offers a wide variety of popular and up-and-coming names in hip-hop who share the microphone with Rev’s usual Cali suspects. On “The DJ” KRS-One teaches the rules and regulations of being a well respected DJ over an intense Revolution instrumental, while further through the album Rakaa of Dilated Peoples rhymes alongside Revolution letting the people know the various “Casualties of Tour” over funky horns and fine drums courtesy of Marco Polo.
Even with a few nice verses scattered throughout the album, King of the Decks could have improved if more tracks were based solely around the cuts and scratches of DJ Revolution. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of cuts provided by Rev, but most are distributed around the verses of an army of rhyme-sayers. On Revolution’s 2000 album, In 12’s We Trust, there was a perfect balance of skits, rhyming, and record slicing that contributed to the success of the album. Opposed to In 12’s We Trust, King of the Decks has five skits, a disappointing four DJ tracks, and an overwhelming fifteen tracks with emcees. Regardless, the album is still a decent play. But, yo, Rev! Next album, give the scratch nerds what they want!
Filed under: Album Talk/Review, Hip-Hop, Music | Tagged: DJ Revolution, Duck Down Records, King of the Decks
I came across the blog via a Google alert for DJ Revolution, and I really like it. I’d love to add you to my database for audio/video blasts and press releases etc. Right now I am working projects for Joe Budden, Peedi Crack, Max B, DJ Rev, DJ Babu, Termanology, Heltah Skeltah, Ruste Juxx, B-Real, Big Shug, The KnuX, Greg Street etc.
Hope to hear back from you