Black Whole Styles
Various Artists
Big Dada/Ninja Tune
Calling itself “rocket fuel for the inner city space program,” the Black Whole Styles compilation provides dope beats and wild-ass rhymes from both sides of the Atlantic. Straight off the independent English label, Big Dada, Black Whole Styles’ DJ’s and MC’s drop spaced-out lyrics and unlikely funk straight to your unbelieving head. Highlights include Roots Manuva’s forceful rap, “Feel Da Panic.” The powerful lyrics and understated beat put to rest outdated prejudices against British hip hop. Also memorable is Saul Williams’ “Twice the First Time,” which blends poetic words with a human beatbox, a minimalist drum machine, and a string trio. Several other tracks, including Asylum’s “Gemini Twins,” invoke futuristic themes and mad scientist rhymes. Metaphoric, hallucinatory, and funky, Black Whole Styles represents another positive evolutionary step for independent hip hop. Ninja Tune, 1751 Richardson, Suite 6109, Montreal, Quebec H3K 1G6, Canada
