Return of the DJ - Volume II
Following their DJ renaissance compilationReturn of the DJ, Bomb Records continues its promise of "all hip-hop DJs, all scratching" withVol. II. This time it's a global thing, representing Holland, Norway, Canada, and the United States coast to coast. DJ Jeff from Amsterdam almost induces scratch seizures with the carpal-tunnel pace of "Change the Scratch." On "Static's Waltz," Canadian DJ Kid Koala slows the show down to molasses, setting what sounds like 15 records at once to incorrect speeds. Other legends, like DJ Jimmie Jam, Z-trip (who marries Run DMC to Black Sabbath on "Rockstar"), and the X-ecutioners' Roc Raida, represent. However, the most impressive composition is Tommy Tee's "Aerosoul," an anthem to graffiti art that paints its canvas with news commentary and samples from the mighty KRS-One. There's plenty of old and new blood onVol. IIto keep your ears pricked.--Todd Levin