Def Jux is in a much better position in 2004 than they were in 2003. In ’01 and ’02 the Jux camp released nothing but goodness, classics and near classics. Expectation became astronomical and ’03 was the year that El-P tried to take his label out of the box that people were trying to put them in, a west coast artist, SA Smash, PAFC’s parody, and of course C-Rayz. People didn’t like, people didn’t get, people got uncomfortable, people hated. Fortunately, expectations were lowered and kids were forced to realize they couldn’t pigeon hole the jukies so easily. So here comes the Hanger. Emcees Alaska and Windnbreez (Atoms Fam), and DJ/producer pawl.
“The Multi-Platinum Debut Album” is not the easiest album to describe. paWL’s production hints at El-P’s other-worldly style, but for the most part they are much more up-tempo and much less apocalyptic. This is certainly a necessity as Alaska and Windnbreez tend to rhyme like you’re holding the fast forward button. The album’s first single is a “Where We At?” is a perfect example of that, its like a friendlier iron galaxy. “Beatslope” fits better into the so-called “Jukie” mold in terms of the booming, ominous beat. But Alaska and Wind keep it from being cookie cutter because their deliveries give it such a unique feel. Their rapid-fire flows work even better when they have to keep up with the beat, rather than the other way around. “Go Git That” is like techno meets hip-hip in the year 2050, and it works dammit. That style works much better for them, “Boombox Apocalypse” follows it up and kills the momentum of the album. Alaska and Wind have no problem slowing things down and making some points to ponder, but paWL’s poor El-P imitation is corny. Thankfully all is redeemed with “Sadat X Appears Courtesy of…” with great performances all around, particularly the guest. “Hanger 18 And The Temple of Doom” is very El-P’ish as well, but this time it is ill and Alaska and Wind going back and forth is on some ol’ Run DMC, EPMD shit.
Speaking of Run DMC, “Saved By The Beezy” should ring a bell or two. Their track from DJXP3 “Take No Chances” is included here as well and remains my favorite song from the trio. Great content, great deliveries, incredible hook and a really slick beat. Listeners must be aware here, much like the last offering from Aesop Rock, this album requires multiple listens. I really didn’t dig this album until about 4 full listens and now it seems to get better each time. Def Jux music has always required cultivated tastes and Hanger 18 is no exception. The best part is, you’ve never heard an album like this. Influences are apparent but it is entirely its own entity. Listen to say “Keep It Movin,” and try and classify that with anything else you’ve ever heard, it ain’t easy. Plus their reference Walken, Farrell and the cowbell was enough to win me over. I’d be doing you and myself a disservice if I didn’t recommend you check out this album.
7/10
