DJ Theory
Classics and Customs Vol. 1
Mystika Music / NMM

Some DJs make mixes so overflowing with technical bravado that only another DJ could love them. Kind of like the hip-hop equivalent of a Dream Theater album. And then there are DJs who make mixes where very little work seems to have been done on the DJs part, aside from knowing the right people to get advance copies of records from. Kind of like the hip-hop equivalent of a Hillary Duff album. Okay, that may be a stretch, but what Im trying to get at here is that in constructing his mix, Classics & Customs, Vol.1, DJ Theory seems to have been conscious of both pitfalls, and deftly maneuvers his way around them, putting together a smooth 70-minute blend that will please turntable enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

Theory throws an impressively wide variety of ingredients into the pot; early-90s hip-hop, more recent underground joints, reggae past and present, rare groove, and soul all find their way into the mix, but none of the combinations feel forced. One of my personal favorite tracks is Mixed Feelings, wherein Theory impressively interpolates Aretha Franklin, Atmosphere, the Mad Lads, Wu-Tang, the Charmels, and quite a few others outside of my limited crate-digging knowledge. Other highlights include the clever use of vocal samples to lament the re-election of our commander-in-chief on Worldwide Disaster and Theorys flexing of his scratch muscles over an uptempo reggae beat on Selekta fi Murda.

And, of course, what DJ mix would be complete without exclusive joints from unknown emcees? Two of the final tracks of Classics & Customs Vol. 1 feature Theorys longtime collaborator, 1ne Man Sound. Closing out a mix with a local hero is a risky move, no doubt, but these tracks blew me away. When 1ne Man Sound asks Whats your reason for living? over Theorys funky breaks, see if you dont find yourself scratching and nodding your head at the same time. These are the delicate balances between groove and intellect, technical skill and danceability that make Customs & Classics a uniquely vital contribution to a genre too often characterized by imbalance. Its like the elegantly banging dance party you never had, and probably never will.

[ Casey Hayman ]-Beautiful Decay Magazine