DJ Krush - Kakusei

DJ Krush is known as an excellent beats producer. Kakusei ("The Awakening") is one of his releases that make his skill truly shine. Be it laid-back or driving, kicking or shuffling, the beats are what makes this record absolutely outstanding in his catalog.

Most tracks on this album are based on extremely limited instrumentation, such as only drums and a piano loop. Reducing the music to mostly beats is makes this release haunting in its simplicity.

A record that might be considered bland on first listen, getting deeper into Kakusei rewards the listener with a quite unique experience of minimal, yet sophisticated music.

Favorites here include 'Inorganizm' which really kicks off at the 4 minute mark with ominous orchestration, the moody orchestration and stuttering beats of 'The Dawn', laid-back '1200' which brings in a cool bass line in the second part, 'The Kinetics' with its ace scratching ("Is there any other sounds you guys can scratch besides .. ptchhhhh?"), 'Final Home' in its instrumental outing and of course 'No More' with a wicked bass line and double bass frenzy in the second part. There really is no filler on this album though.

Kakusei should be considered a milestone in Krush's production career and one of the bold releases that opened hip-hop to different musical horizons.