2008 Woodie Awards
Shifting Into Gear
Natan Pill-Kahan
Issue date: 4/27/05 Section: Valley Life
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When DJ Z-Trip's "Uneasy Listening" debuted in 2002 the buzz was definite, fans of all genres were enthralled by his mix of hip-hop and classic rock. He mixed The Pharcyde with Pat Benetar, and Nas with the Police, among others.
Z-Trip's new album "Shifting Gears" is an equally inventive mix of rap, breakbeat and rock. "Shifting Gears" is 15 tracks of inventive scratching, funky jazz and excellent sampling.
Z-Trip's mix of oldschool beats and his imaginative use of breaks and guitar riffs create energetic beats capable of making even the most rhythmically challenged bob their heads.
"Shifting Gears" is full of collaborations with a diverse group of artists including Jurassic 5's Soup, who raps impressively on the first track "Listen to the DJ," a rock influenced break track. The next track "All About the Music" features 1970's MC Prince Whipper Whip rapping over a funky party track.
Lyrics Born, Chestor Bennington of Linkin Park and freestyle phenomenon Supernatural also lend their talents to the album. One collaborator the album could have done without is Public Enemy's Chuck D, who disappoints while sounding angry but uninformed about the war in Iraq on "Shock and Awe."
While Z-Trip's production has its rough spots, it's incredible throughout and at $8 it's worth picking up.
Z-Trip's new album "Shifting Gears" is an equally inventive mix of rap, breakbeat and rock. "Shifting Gears" is 15 tracks of inventive scratching, funky jazz and excellent sampling.
Z-Trip's mix of oldschool beats and his imaginative use of breaks and guitar riffs create energetic beats capable of making even the most rhythmically challenged bob their heads.
"Shifting Gears" is full of collaborations with a diverse group of artists including Jurassic 5's Soup, who raps impressively on the first track "Listen to the DJ," a rock influenced break track. The next track "All About the Music" features 1970's MC Prince Whipper Whip rapping over a funky party track.
Lyrics Born, Chestor Bennington of Linkin Park and freestyle phenomenon Supernatural also lend their talents to the album. One collaborator the album could have done without is Public Enemy's Chuck D, who disappoints while sounding angry but uninformed about the war in Iraq on "Shock and Awe."
While Z-Trip's production has its rough spots, it's incredible throughout and at $8 it's worth picking up.
