Submitted By: ysp

Genre: Hip Hop

Date of Set: Jun 8th, 2004

Filesize: 33.00 MB

Total Downloads: 190

Contrary to popular belief, heroes sometimes lurk behind the curtains, actively choosing to elude visibility. Make no mistake, though-if the mystery man behind the boards is the man behind a classic beat, you'll soon know his name. In the late 90's, producers crept from the shadows to seize the spotlight of mainstream hip-hop, as well as the pop charts. In the last few years, one man shows such as Moby, DJ Shadow and Timbaland have proved what underground hip-hop fans have known since Marley Marl's heyday-a talented producer can shine solo. Enter RJD2.

From 1998 to 1999, he saw success blossom as DJ/producer for the Columbus-based group the Megahertz, with two twelve-inch singles on Bobbito Garcia's legendary NY label, Fondle 'em records. This explosive entrance to the underground hip-hop scene gave way to shows from Europe to Japan, not to mention garnering mention in Vibe magazine's 'History of Hip-Hop' historical volume. Opening doors outside of the east coast, the MHz went on to appear on the Bay Area's ABB records compilation, Always Bigger and Better, Volume 1. Their contribution (entitled 'This Year') was voted best track on the ABB website, while competing against major label heavyweights such as Dilated Peoples and Defari.

In 2000, the praise only continued for RJD2, producing Copywrite's debut single 'Holier Than Thou' on Rawkus Records. The work certainly didn't stop there; spring of 2001 was RJD2's formal introduction to hip-hop as a solo artist on Def Jux Presents, a compilation showcasing the roster of his record label, Definitive Jux Records. Having to hold his own next to NYC underground legends such as Company Flow, Cannibal Ox, and Aesop Rock, RJD2 did no less. That summer he followed up this string of releases with his own twelve inch entitled 'June', which featured fellow MHz member Copywrite laying down two incredible book-end verses. Melding the hip-hop tradition of raw, gritty samples with a more classical approach to song structure, he has concocted a style of production that pleases the most discerning hip-hop scholar without compromising that old dance floor aesthetic.

2002 saw RJD2 release the critcally acclaimed debut 'Dead Ringer', which not only solidified his spot as one of the underground's top producers, but also caught the ears of Grammy-man ?uestlove of The Roots who called the album one of his favorite of the year. Not to mention even landing the track 'Ghost Writer' in a Saturn ad, with juggling solo ventures, producing rappers, and DeeJaying, the man is certainly in the hot seat at the moment. It has been said by many legendary producers that the ultimate goal is to move a crowd-not just to dance, but sometimes also to feel and think. In this vein, RJD2 is only continuing a time-honored tradition.