ALBUM THE

ALBUM THE

To the uninitiated, the electro-whoosh and drum-box theatrics of Mantronik and MC Tee's 1986 debut may sound a bit dated. Yet this pioneering hip-hop album introduced a style and sound which blesses nearly all of today's beat-centered music, from the massive, head-knock electronics of "big beat" artists such as the Chemical Brothers to the 808-obsessed minimalism of the Cash Money clique. Mantronix's production and programming introduced synths, drum machines, and electro aesthetics to the young hip-hop nation. Bouncy, bass-heavy, and decidedly "electronic," <I>The Album</I> radically expanded the possibilities of electronic programming in hip-hop and dance music. Though overshadowed by Mantronix's production, MC Tee's brash and simple party-starter rhymes echo along brilliantly on the thundering (and appropriately titled) "Bassline." With classic b-boy jams "Needle to the Groove," "Fresh Is the Word," and the scratch-heavy "Hardcore Hip-Hop" also anchoring the album, it's safe to say countless careers were inspired by this modestly titled volume. <I>--Hua Hsu</I>