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In similar fashion to his American contemporary DJ Shadow, Japan’s DJ Krush has inspired awe in a legion of music fans for his leftfield interpretative take on the hip hop genre since kicking off his solo career in 1992. Regarded as a pioneer in the art of turntable manipulation in his live shows, Krush is just as revered for his production work that has spanned eight studio albums. With ‘Stepping Stones’, DJ Krush has selected and remixed 26 tracks from his back catalogue. The first disc is entitled ‘Lyricism’ and features a number of Krush’s high profile collaborations with vocalists such as Black Thought (The Roots), Aesop Rock and Mos Def. The second disc is entitled ‘Soundscapes’, focussing on Krush’s instrumental work, including a collaboration with DJ Shadow.
In his career to date Krush has worked with a number of high profile peers from around the globe. From those previously mentioned to the lesser known C.L Smooth, Twigy & Rino and Esthero, collaborators have been chosen to complement Krush’s darker musical leanings. Whilst still falling in the mould of beat driven hip hop, Krush ensures these collaborations are far from stock standard. In each tune he injects his own brooding and atmospheric touch.
However it’s without vocalists to accommodate that Krush really shines. The second disc ‘Soundscapes’ lives up to it’s name in evoking this type of feel. ‘Soundscapes’ reflects Krush in full expression, taking an idea and letting it evolve around him. Each track follows a feeling without being dictated by a leading beat or bass line. Influences from freeform jazz to modern day electronica are ever present. ‘Soundscape’ is Krush at his most masterful’.
‘Stepping Stones’ offers an excellent snapshot of the prolific career of DJ Krush. However all it is going to do is lead you to wanting to delve deeper into his back catalogue. For this reviewer ‘Soundscapes’ is the standout of the two discs and the preferred for having playing around the house. For the uninitiated go check it out!
