RJD2 - To All Of You

This little non asuming fella has more soul in his pinky than most have in a few lifetimes. Since We Last Spoke (Def Jux; 2004) is a bumpy trip around a funk-rock, tech synth, and hip-slop little town. Hip Hop producer R.J. Krohn lays it on pretty thick, not hanging around on any given vibe for too long. It's like being on a bus in a more urban part of town with the other passengers trying to find that one tune they can settle on for the duration of their ride. RJD2 coats his songs with an odd assortment of indie-esque vocals that, even in their occasional disharmonic sound, keep it smooth and even - bringing to mind that questionable part of town that barely keeps it's head above water.

The production of this is intentionally raw - playing on the little pops and hisses, keeping each track firmly planted in place. I dig this album to a degree, but it seems to me it would have been better to break it up into little EP's as the style swapping can be a bit hard to keep up with. But all in all it's a funky little journey.