An all-time great strikes again

Cut Chemist has made some big waves on the hip-hop scene, building a following that few artists can reckon with. His latest release pays homage to the classic boom bap sound, while also remaining true to the modern electronic production techniques and instrumentation. Cut Chemist takes the best of both electronica and classic hip-hop, to create his latest project Die Cut.

The blending of the styles on Die Cut is arguably the album’s strongest element. Cut Chemist takes the diversity of electronica and old-school hip-hop and then mixes them throughout all the tracks. Yet the range of the instrumentation does not take away from the fluidity of the project, with each track flowing seamlessly from one to the other.

The album also features several prominent artists, such as Laura Darlington, Biz Markie and Myka. Laura Darlington lends her vocal talents on the track “Home Away From Home” and creates a soulful electronic essence. Cut Chemist craft slick drum patterns layered over a light electronic bassline and light melodies. There are also exotic samples littered throughout the track.

The album’s hip-hop elements are also relatively easy to spot, yet don’t interrupt the album’s fluidity. Myka has his rap lyrics featured on the track “Rhythm Method” and Biz Markie lends his lyrical talents on the track “Moonlighting with Biz.” Markie probably has the tougher track of the two, but Myka takes a much more creative, lyrical approach to his rapping. He rhymes at a faster pace over quicker instrumentation. It has a slight drum and bass feel, which helps to complement the faster-paced lyrics.

Markie takes a much more hardcore hip-hop approach and Cut Chemist gives him the perfect track to showcase his talent. “Moonlighting with Biz” uses classic lo-fi loops over simple beats at a slow tempo. The track has a thick sound that comes from the bassline and the lo-fi production, giving it a ’90s hip-hop feel.

The track “Work My Mind” is the strongest track on the album and it comes about halfway through the project. This is the track where Cut Chemist proves why he considered by many to be the greatest DJ of all time. He not only crafts sick hip-hop beats for the rap lyricists, he also mixes in a DJ solo, reminiscent of the guitar solos of the ‘70s.

Die Cut is an extremely strong release from Cut Chemist. He proves why he is considered by many to be the greatest DJ of all time.