Some cats maintain underground status because their music only appeals to a particular niche. Others are only there because indy distribution doesn’t lead to mass appeal. DJ/producer Danger Mouse and emcee Jemini the Gifted One certainly fall under the latter as “Ghetto Pop Life” could easily move major units given the opportunity. Possessing chemistry worthy of comparisons to Gang Starr, DM & Jemini seem to be after the same quality.
So what makes this album so special you ask? The beats, while deeply rooted in that ol’ boom bap, are insatiably catchy (as are the hooks for that matter). DM laces a variety of well placed guitar licks, horns, piano stabs and vocal samples over a constant offering of rugged drum patterns. The kicks and snares of “Medieval” may bust your ear drums but it is the alternating keys and opera vocals that really set it off. Even better is the appropriately-titled “Omega Supreme,” which is easily one of the year’s best songs. Rock hard drums and infectious acoustics fuel a crazy hook and Jemini’s precise delivery. “The Only One” is another sonic masterpiece that is just loaded with texture. Both “Take Care of Business” and “That Brooklyn Shit” are on some raw shit, backed by drums that recall the heydays of Pete Rock and Large Pro. It is the incredible “The Only One” that has more throwback than Mitchell & Ness though.
DM’s impeccable sound construction is not the only things this album has going for it. Jemini certainly lives up to his moniker of ‘The Gifted One.’ Much like Big Daddy Kane and Jay-Z, Jemini is smoother than silk as he flips verse after verse of ill linguistics with seemingly no effort. “Born To MC” couldn’t be a more appropriate way to start the album as Jemini spits bars more naturally than most people speak. Matched by a quirky DM track, Jemini spits some great material on “Don’t Do Drugs.” He doesn’t sacrifice content on the politically tinged “Bush Boys,” which also features a vicious Middle Eastern flavored beat (see a connection?). “Here We Go Again” is no slouch in terms of substance either. Upon first listen to this album you may think that there are a lot of guests, and there are a few; Tha Liks, J-Zone, Pharcyde, and Prince Po. Oh, did I forget to mention? Jemini rhymes in two different voices.
Commercial success of this album is only a distribution deal away. “Ghetto Pop Life” will appeal to everyone from the average hip-hop listener to the cats who reminisce over Pete Rock. Much like the days of the Soul Brother, this album is a throwback to the days when rap was fun, well produced, and still had commercial appeal. Unfortunately, the album is flying below the radar of even dedicated indy fans and it is almost certain that it won’t get its due. Those who do hear it, whether fans of Roc-A-Fella or Rhymesayers, will be including it as one of their favorite albums of 2003.
