On Stones Throw Records’ website, this little piece of news appeared in the profile of Yesterday’s New Quintet’s artist section: “Yesterday’s New Quintet broke up.” You can’t expect anything less cryptic from the musical enigma that is Madlib. This was followed by news of their final release, Yesterday’s Universe, as well as a solo member release from Madlib’s Otis Jackson Jr. Trio in June. Now to be clear, the “group” is composed of one person – Madlib. Other renowned artists such as Phil Ranelin have come in from time to time to be part of this effort which in it’s different incarnations has produced thirteen EP’s and LP’s to date. I want to take you back to the album that defined Madlib as more than a rapper/producer, Angles Without Edges and explain just how groundbreaking this album was.

When Angles Without Edges was released in 2001, there wasn’t that much fanfare. Stones Throw Records was beginning to gain ground through music released by Peanut Butter Wolf, but it was still considered a fledgling indie label. The album begins with a soft, mellow snippet before assaulting your ears with the kicks and snares of “Julani”. “Uno Esta”, the first promoted single from this album is the type of song you’d want to play at a house party while serving Johnnie Walker Blue in chilled glasses. It has a steady stride to it, laden with light horns until it snaps into a bare bones bass driven choral hook. “The One Who Knows” seems to be a set piece for an action film; the overall sound evokes the thrill of driving a fast car at night with no one else around. “Thinking of You” is a sweet, cheery tune bolstered by soft organ tones. The entire album on a whole displays the gritty and improvisational marriage between hip hop and jazz on every track. Madlib has a fondness for thumping basslines, and here and there he does get carried away but not so much that it takes away from the music.

Angles Without Edges is an album that fits whatever mood you’re in, be it summer chill or winter reflective. It’s a testament to Madlib’s versatility as a producer that he could put out an album that is a throwback to that phase of hip hop when US3 and Digable Planets took centerstage in the early 1990′s as well as a look to the future where hip hop could incorporate influences from Brazil’s Azymuth and the Kashmere Stage Band. Listen to it to find your own funky side of life.

Yesterday’s New Quintet – Angles Without Edges

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