Like a few other notable sophomore records from hip-hop acts (De La Soul Is Dead, The Low End Theory), Jurassic 5's Power in Numbers is darker than their first full-length; not as fresh and exuberant, but much more mature and intelligent. Granted, fans may not be happy to hear they've changed the formula so soon, or that the production doesn't play a starring role as it did on Quality Control. Instead, DJ Nu-Mark and Cut Chemist play it close to the vest, setting off the rhymes with a few well-placed beats and split-second samples (as well as the usual flute loops). Of course, allowing more room to hear four of the best rappers in hip-hop twisting tongues and telling tales has to be welcomed, and Jurassic 5 prove up to the added responsibility. Displaying a focus and intensity basically unseen in ap music during the past decade, the group practically bursts with message tracks; the skeletal first single "Freedom" finds Chali 2na and Akil delving into the concept as it relates to everything from Third World poverty to the American penitentiary system. "Remember His Name" and "Thin Line" (the latter with Nelly Furtado) are dark tales of urban passions, and they're a step forward in that it's not just the raps that are intricate, but the storytelling also requires a few listens to understand. The group still has plenty of time for a few old-school anthems like "What's Golden" and "A Day at the Races," with Big Daddy Kane bringing his alliterative ammo to the track. And the instrumental jam "Acetate Prophets" shows DJ Nu-Mark and Cut Chemist refining their skill for merging urntablism and excellent productions. Perhaps the best statement of Jurassic 5's purpose comes from the group itself, on "If You Only Knew": "What we do is try to give you what you ain't used to."
Cpunks,Just when I had the universe neatly categorized and tucked into this three ring binder in my office, I thought about a curve ball. Instincts. Huh? Where do they fit in? How can I find the connection between instincts and music...? I quote from all knowing Wikipedia:"Instinct provides a response to external stimuli, which moves an organism to action, unless overridden by intelligence, whi...
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Blair has asked Thursday become Hip-Hop Night on the MOG. Fine. Only the real true shit allowed. No damned poseurs dancing around pools with more gold on than a slave hole. Which means Jurassic 5 will have to be in the house. Stand back.What's Golden, from "Power in Numbers (2004)"Freedom, from "Feedback (2006)", live on the Henry Rollins Show
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Blair has asked Thursday become Hip-Hop Night on the MOG. Fine. Only the real true shit allowed. No damned poseurs dancing around pools with more gold on than a slave hole. Which means Jurassic 5 will have to be in the house. Stand back.What's Golden, from "Power in Numbers (2004)"Freedom, from "Feedback (2006)", live on the Henry Rollins Show
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These guys have originality, even throwing in a little old school contribution from Big Daddy Kane...I know it's old, but I feel it......
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Cpunks,Just when I had the universe neatly categorized and tucked into this three ring binder in my office, I thought about a curve ball. Instincts. Huh? Where do they fit in? How can I find the connection between instincts and music...? I quote from all knowing Wikipedia:"Instinct provides a response to external stimuli, which moves an organism to action, unless overridden by intelligence, whi...
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..take ya' back to the days of yes-yallin'..J-5 is the shit, you keep all of that other noise.
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Had a chance to meet J5 this spring - some of the nicest guys I've ever come across. Between their philosophy, shows and records, I've become a big fan. This track in particular is a chilling story about what they call the "street life"...
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| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
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| 1 This Is |
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| 2 Freedom |
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| 3 If You Only Knew |
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| 4 Break |
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| 5 React |
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| 6 A Day at the Races |
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| 7 Remember His Name |
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| 8 What's Golden |
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| 9 Thin Line |
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| 10 After School Special |
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| 11 High Fidelity |
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| 12 Sum of Us |
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| 13 DDT |
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| 14 One of Them |
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| 15 Hey |
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| 16 I Am Somebody |
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| 17 Acetate Prophets |
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Click to purchase…
© 2006-2009 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved
 "Power in Numbers")
