Hip-hop Interpretation

One of my favorite albums of 2001 was Jay-Z's Unplugged - a recording of his MTV Unplugged 2.0 episode. To those unfamiliar with the concept behind the popular series, it entails artists and musicians who typically rely on electronic equipment to 'unplug' them and perform acoustically. The show has featured music icons ranging from Bob Dylan to Nirvana in the past, however at the time it was rare (and well, still is) to see a hip-hop artist featured. Given the severe regression of quality live rap performers who also enjoy mainstream success, the absence is understandable. Another glaring issue revolves around replacing the electronic soundtrack that the emcees rap over. While rock acts could simply swap electric for acoustic, the potential transition for their musical cousins wasn't so easy.

Enter Ahmir '?uestlove' Thompson and his world famous The Roots band.


The Roots

While it wasn't the first time hip-hop music had been recreated using instruments, The Roots' interpretation of beats from Timbaland, Just Blaze and Kanye West among others was so seamless that they gave the electronic originals a run for their money. Who better to do it than a hip-hop act themselves? If you haven't heard it already, check their interpretation of the seminal diss track, "The Takeover," which is particularly ill considering how they flip Mobb Deep's "Shook Ones" and Nas' "N.Y. State of Mind" & "Oochie Wally" while Jay throws his darts live. Don't sleep on the always dope Jaguar Wright doing her thing with the soulful vocals.

Jay-Z - The Takeover unplugged
Jay-Z - Girls, Girls, Girls unplugged
Jay-Z - Song Cry unplugged



------------------------------------------------------------------



Based out've Brooklyn hard rock and steeped in lush funk grooves are the El Michels Affair band who've lately been on tour with Raekwon the Chef in preparation for his highly anticipated Only Built for Cuban Linx II album. XM Satelitte radio captured the sounds of Shaolin Soul interpreted by the funk band for a special showcase. Hearing how they flipped classics such as "Criminology," "CREAM" and "Glaciers of Ice" is worth the download alone. Check out the Truth and Soul website if you like what you hear, their Sounding Out the City album is ridiculously good. Click the links below to hear hip-hop interpretation at it's finest.

El Michels Affair and Wu Tang Clan - Live in Concert 10-22-05
El Michels Affair - CREAM Instrumental
El Michels Affair - Glaciers of Ice Instrumental



------------------------------------------------------------------



On a mission to reclaim Jazz from the lounge Lizards are Marc Mac's Visioneers. Last year, The studio project released their Dirty Old Hip-hop album on BBE Music to relative critical acclaim. Interpreting classics such as Nas' "The World is Yours" and The Pharcyde's "Runnin'," this joint is a must-cop for the heads. Check out the Treacherous Three styled "Funkbox" featuring Capitol A to escape to '84. Fresh.

Visioneers - Funkbox feat Capitol A
Visioneers - Runnin'
Visioneers - The World is Yours

------------------------------------------------------------------


Josh Verdes

Hailing from Richmond, Virginia is guitar impresario Josh Verdes who caught the attention of many with his electric interpretation of Jay-Z's "Dead Presidents II" and Nas' "New York State of Mind." A ballsy attempt considering the anthemic status of both songs respectively, but to his credit he flipped them both with the niceness.

Check out the Youtube clips right hurr:

Josh Verdes - Dead Presidents II Interpretation:


Josh Verdes - New York State of Mind Interpretation: