RJD2 aka Ramble Jon Kohn started his career in a group MHz, but what really catapulted him to the stratosphere was his relationship with the record label Def Jux. Until his first noticed material Deadringer came out, RJD2 dropped few self-produced remixes. Back in the day, the art of sampling was closely attached to DJ Shadow who was considered as a culprit of that technique living its renaissance. With his appearance, RJD2 redefined and upheaved everything. I remember the first time I heard Deadfinger. What a trippy experience! If you are trying to directly connect the sound of Deadringer with the above-mentioned Def Jux label, do not presume. The subject of this week's throwback is something else.
Just as it was the case in his future work on the production of MF Doom album Vaudeville Villain, Deadringer sounded like it was made for a movie. The album unfolded with The Horror, a track that made you think like it was never before released song about James Bond's nemesis. Still, you would be wrong If you thought the rest of the album will continue in the same fashion. Following was my personal favorite, a melodic underground hit Smoke & Mirrors, and then it came an upbeat Good Times Roll pt. II with 70s sample. Another number worth mentioning is an instrumental killer titled Ghostwriter, a track you should put in repeat for at least one whole day. You wouldn't wake up the same person the next day, I guarantee you that.
The most important difference in comparison to modern production is that the major part of this album was purposely designed as a matrix for throwing hip hop rhymes. You can feel the breath of brilliance in the way in which every tone and every sample within songs are intricately intertwined and set in their right place. It's as If RJD2 spent hours and hours perfecting his sound.
For the end of this throwback, I will throw a bold statement and say that RJD2 is a legitimate successor of hip-hop revolution that was triggered by DJ Shadow. Deathringer is one of those albums you will keep returning to, even If hip hop is not your favorite genre. You're welcome.
