Any review that begins with this phrase ‘legendary crate digger’ is going to end in a happy place musically, as far as I’m concerned. So with out any further ado, legendary crate digger Idem has produced this outstanding selection of rolling gems.

If you don’t know the name Idem it’s time for you to do a severe and necessary oz hip hop history lesson. When names like Trem and Prowla were establishing themselves as stars with releases that are still treasured today on tape (yes, tape), Idem was working the boards. Now well over a decade on he brings us 37 tracks of musical bliss captured on the MPC2000. At 37 tracks deep on one CD, things are kept short sharp and shiny from go to woe but it doesn’t matter one iota, as the simplicity of the samples is the key to their brilliance.

When your house is an ode to the 12” and your life revolves around dusty crates in discount stores, you’re obviously pretty passionate about music. It is this passion and an ear for a quality break that have made this release a must own for all beat heads, hip hop or otherwise. It’s very rare that I enjoy any instrumental hip hop release immensely I can think of maybe three that I have kept on solid replay, yet I have not been able to get this CD out of my player for a solid week on repeat. If you are an up and coming emcee looking for some instrumentals to hone your craft on this is for you, if you are a vinyl nerd who thrives on picking a break this is for you too. Most importantly if you are a fan of good music of any genre, this blunted out journey is calling your name.

An excellent release this should inspire artists to do better and people, with a passing interest in beats to head to the next vinyl fair with an expensive new habit.