Controller 7- Expansions EP 2 x 7"
[Bully Records, 2003]
{7.9}


For all the hyperbole thrown about for every marginally competent underground hip-hop producer, this former Anticon affiliate is one of a handful that could reach DJ Shadow in mastering that rich, brooding, cinematic sound. While the first 7" effectively employs the familiar "creeping somber tones to offset the approaching percussion build" approach, the 2nd half counterbalances with a relentless drum workout. The fundamental flaw with all of these offerings is that whenever a fevered pitch is reached, he slips the rug from beneath you by abruptly ending the track. Until he issues a fully-realized product, we're left to enjoy these sketchbook glimpses of an ever-evolving beatsmith.
[Fredrick Thomas]


Cappadonna- Do It/Push 12"
[Code Red Entertainment, 2003]
{5.0}


Cap is back after a two year hiatus and without Wu-affiliation with this single off of his upcoming LP, The Struggle. It’s strictly a party jam, with stirring strings and wind instruments, a cooing background vocal sample and an air horn that denotes each verse (but, you know…a good air horn?). On the B-side we have “Role of a Lifetime”, which allows Cap to spit in straight Wu-Tang fashion, eschewing choruses for a linear flow. As for the “Money Cash Flows”- the less said the better. Unfortunately, it’s clear from this sampler that this Wu-expatriate’s album is only a few deep. Back to the struggle.
[Todd Burns]


Mya - Fallen 12"
[A & M, 2003]
{5.1}


The second single from Moodring features an alternate mix that features Fat Lip and Tre’ (formerly of The Pharcyde). The album version is Mya oozing her charms all over the smooth R & B track which lays on a bed of strummed guitar and sweeping, yet non-cloying, strings. It’s just fast enough to not be a ballad, but sweet enough to be taken that way. The guest mix features the lifeless rapping of the duo, which honestly takes away from Mya’s better rendition: “I’m a puzzle/you the missing piece” just isn’t cutting it- remain the strong, silent type and she’ll surely continue to fall for you.
[Todd Burns]


Paul Kalkbrenner – Steinbeisser 12"
[Bpitch Control, 2003]
{6.8}


A slightly uneven 12” from this member of Ellen Allien’s highly respected label. “Steinbeisser” is straight acid house with a very delicate melodic current residing beneath the hard hitting bass line and drum. It’s the sort of track that you wouldn’t mind hearing for longer than its eight minute length. On the other hand, the numbing effect of “Mundgucci” isn’t tempered as well by the soft gooey center that makes “Steinbeisser” work so well. Instead, it’s a failed experiment at basically creating the same track twice. And while the track is good, it barely measures any significance to the standard set by the A-side.
[Todd Burns]