Madlib Album: “Stevie”

As a hardcore fan of madlib since Lootpack's debut "Soundpieces: Da Antidote" I have always sought anything with his name connected to it. And in recent years he has become something of a blessing to the often mundane, repetitive, bling-hungry, B.S. that has run rampant through the world of hip-hop. But he has done what not even legends like, Pete Rock or Premier have been able to do, and that is expand into another realm of music. Sure A Tribe Called Quest were pioneers at sampling Jazz music but they never created their own original music. Madlib's Yesterday's New Quintet concept has been exactly the kind of direction that producers need to explore in effort to keep the music that they are true to fresh. Madlib's latest release "Stevie" is, as evident by the title, an homage to the man that helped to shape music today and it does just that. While the album is somewhat stripped down compared to some other YNQ tracks it still delivers with a uniqueness that makes these songs his (MADLIB'S) and not just some replayed notes on a synthesiszer. It should be noted that this album was actually made some time ago and circulated on the underground as a promo only release (with a real cool cover I may add) and was one of his early demos not even meant to be released. YNQ's music has grown over the years. For those of you fortunate enough to still own a turntable look for vinyl by the group's fictional members (Joe Mcduphrey, Ahmad Miller, and soon Malik Flavors) chopped full of music that sound as if they were made years ago during the 70's. Madlib is to hip-hop what Nirvana was to rock, a twist to an already "established" genre. "Stevie" is a must have for your collection. Also, if you want more titles, be sure to check out MADVILLAN and go to www.stonesthrow.com for upcoming titles from this hip hop ecclectic.

A rather "stoney" approach to a Stevie Wonder cover album....... A great mix of dusty keys and funky drums; exactly what you would expect form the multi-ego of Mr. Otis Jackson (Madlib). But don't classify this as mere background music, this has a much more massive potential. YNQ sifts and discretely disassembles songs like "Send One You Love", "Rocket Love", & "Superwoman" and makes them all their own. Not the best YNQ album, never-the-less, a work of art indeed!!!!!

I own all four full length albums by YNQ and although this record is good i would say its the worst of the YNQ collection. i think part of that is because i dont like covers very much. the rest of the YNQ albums have loose concepts which is why i like them so much. They have there own feel and originality to them. all points specific criticism aside i would say this is my least favorite YNQ cd and if you are new to YNQ or madlib in general i wouldnt purchase this album first or for a while until after getting a feel for madlib's jazz related projects.

I have had the serious misfortune to have to work at two places of business that play this album. The first incident of having to listen to this utter piece of crap was at a pizza place, where the manager was a white kid in his early twenties that liked hiphop. I tolerated it for his sake. And then, at my next job, some idiot had the audacity to put it on the stereo system for some sadistic reason. The music is WRONG, the tempo BLOWS, and the keyboard sounds like it's gargling diarrhea. Everyone else I work with hates the album too - a lot of people say, "Why would anyone do this to Stevie Wonder?" and in my own opinion it's a terrible insult to a wonderful creator. So don't buy this piece of garbage. I'm ashamed that it was ever produced - ashamed and very, very sad for Stevie Wonder. And I especially feel bad for his fans.