Latyrx

Track Listings

1. Latyrx

2. Say That

3. Quickening (The Wreckoning, Part II)

4. Balcony Beach

5. Live at 90.3 '94 [Live] - Free Association, Latyrx, John Tchicai

6. Muzapper's Mix: Aim for the Flickering Flame/Rankin' No. 1

7. Funky Granules

8. Bad News

9. Off (With) Their Heads (Be Prompt)

10. Interlude

11. Burnt Pride

12. Scratchapella

13. Wreckoning [Live 45 Mix]

14. Burning Hot in Cali on a Saturday Night - Blackalicious, Latyrx

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Lateef and Lyrics Born (the two lobes of the Latyrx brain) definitely take symmetry seriously--right down to the CD booklet design on The Album. The first track, "Latyrx"--one of several produced by DJ Shadow--is relentless and spacy, with a mind-blowing left-right channel lyrical assault whipping through your headphones faster than a Pete Sampras overhand smash. It's one of many: try defending your ears on tracks like "The Wreckoning," "Burning Hot in Cali...," and the Lyrics Born freestyle on "Off (with) Their Heads (Be Prompt)." Though The Album's groove is sometimes alien funk ("Say That"), sometimes jazz ("Bad News"), it unfortunately tends to be more academic than ass-shaking. However, if you have any respect for rhyme skills, The Album is still required listening. --Todd Levin

Average customer rating:

mutant hip hop?
An unprecedented masterpiece
The Very Meaning of Originality
Cannot pass this up!
Stimulating, Emulating nothing you've heard.

Album
Latyrx
Manufacturer: Quannum Projects
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Solesides Greatest Bumps
Same !@#$ Different Day
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Quannum Spectrum

ASIN: B00006FI9Q
Release Date: 2002-08-20

Tracks:

Latyrx
Say That
The Quikening (The Wreckoning Part II)
Balcony Beach
Live 90.3 '94
The Muzappers Mix: Aim For The Flickering Flame/Rankin' #1
Funky Granules
Bad News
Off (With) Their Heads (Be Prompt)
Interlude
Burnt Pride
Scratchapella
The Wreckoning (Live 45 Mix)
Burning Hot In Cali On A Saturday Night

Customer Reviews:

mutant hip hop?.......2005-10-29

when i first bought this at the store, the clerk, who was a friend of mine, told me before i listen to this album that i needed to forget every preconceived notion of what hip-hop is...this would ensure maximum enjoyment and appreciation of the kind of daring and bold style that Latyrx are pulling off. i took this cd home, listened to it. felt nothing. played it again and again and i became more and more compelled and drawn to it every time i played it. it's flow is really really unique and special. it has such a warm, splashy feeling, and the production is all over the place...scattershot with live instrumentation, almost no sampling, and a very songlike structure to most of these pieces. the whole thing has a sort of jazzy feel, but very weird and experimental in the way that it is all executed. a very unique expression in the world of hip hop (i'm not even sure that i should label this as "hip hop", but...). apparently, this album has found it's place as a bit of an underground classic, and for good reason. this is a record worth exploring over and over again. it's content's value reveals itself the deeper and deeper you go.

An unprecedented masterpiece.......2005-08-03

This has got to be one of the most overlooked underground hip-hop classics to ever be released. Which is quite a shame, since "The Album" is as sonically original as Company Flow's "Funcrusher Plus", which was also released in 1997. Both of these albums were amongst the most abstract hip-hop albums to hit the scene, which brought avant-garde experimentalism to hip-hop (i.e. Definitive Jux, Anticon). Lets start with the extraordinary cast. Lyrics Born (a.k.a. Asia Born, Tom Shimura), originally born in Tokyo, then moved to Berkeley, California; was the founder of the Quannum/SoleSides Records collective in 1992. DJ Shadow, also co-founder of SoleSides Records, was fresh off of his critically acclaimed 1996 debut, "Endtroducing...", and ready to turn hip-hop heads on their sides. Lateef the Truth Speaker, a new remarkable talent, made his debut on "The Album".

Contrary to popular belief, this album is not completely produced by DJ Shadow. In fact, Shadow only produces 4 tracks on the album. Label mate Chief Excel (Blackalicious) produces 2 tracks. Lyrics Born takes on the bulk of the production; coming to the table with 7 tracks. The highlight of the album is up for debate. The production brought forth is unbelievable, which sounds extremely fresh, even by today's standards. But one thing that Big Juss and El-P (from Company Flow) did not possess, are lyrical flows on the unique level of Lyrics Born and Lateef. Lyrics Born gives a whole new meaning to the idea of breath control. His perfectly annunciated flow is so fluid, it's almost baffling. Lateef, on the other hand, is quite a bit different. His flow is more menacing and outspoken, although very unique and coherent. The idea of your average hip-hop formula is completely pulverized here, making way for some truly adventurous material.

Moving on to the originality claims...The first cut "Latyrx" presents the most riveting production on the record. Lyrics Born and Lateef each recorded their verses separately. Each rap was split into their own audio channels (left/right). Since they are not interacting with each other lyrically, their raps are nearly impossible to comprehend, which doesn't really matter. Their flows mixed with the music creates a sonic texture of sounds that is utterly captivating. That's the most experimental track on the album, which turns out to be a nice choice since the album is filled with tons of variety. The album drives along through earthy trip-hop beats, ambient synth textures, as well as some jazz, funk and dancehall cuts. There wasn't anyone in hip-hop progressively using electronics the way these guys were. "Say That" is a welcomed change from the first cut, blending trip-hop and electronics well once again. "The Quickening (The Wreckoning, Part II)" by Lateef, is one killer track. His flow is captivatingly sweet, and since he raps alone here, it's easy to focus on him. Also similar to the previous cut, "Balcony Beach" features Lyrics Born, which is my favorite track as of now. The beat/rhythm is actually quite minimal, featuring soulful singing by Joyo Velarde. Lyrics Born's flow is real lazy and intoxicating; I love it. "Live at 90.3 '94" featuring John Tchicai and Free Association boasts some killer freestyle verses (which is more than I can say for the sound quality). "The Muzapper's Mix: Aim for the Flickering Flame/Rankin' No. 1" pushes the envelope nicely with another solid jam. Track 8, "Bad News", kicks off a funky set. It features a soothing funky piano loop and drum beat that backs Lateef's story rhymes quite nicely. The next cut, "Off (With) Their Heads (Be Prompt)" featuring Lyrics Born is also pretty funky, boasting a funked up guitar loop. "Burnt Pride" is a pretty sweet cut (and the longest). It features some pretty dirty and complex production (by Lyrics Born).

This is Lyrics Born and Lateef at their absolute best. And despite the big name backup (DJ Shadow), Lyrics Born produces most of the album, and provides the musical vision, as well as being the more distinguished emcee of the two. Nevertheless, this is a phenomenal debut for both of these mad talented cats. It is sad that only 14 other fans have reviewed this album besides myself. It will probably never receive the recognition it deserves. It also didn't help that the album was virtually non-existent for the first 5 years of it's release. I'm doing my part to change this, and I implore you to do the same. Because there's only one way to find out about great music like this, besides doing your homework on the internet. And that's word of mouth. Everyone I know is getting a taste of Latyrx, and they're loving it.

The Very Meaning of Originality.......2005-05-26

There is genuinely no hip-hop album, group-wise especially, that sounds like Latyrx's seminal debut, "The Album." Produced mainly by DJ Shadow, Lyrics Born, and Chief Xcel, the onslaught of originality begins with the title track, where Lateef the Truth Speaker and LB rhyme different verses simultaneously, and continues on "Balcony Beach;" a veracious exploration of the troubled mind.

Although both emcees spend a considerable amount of time battling - see "Live," "The Wreckoning," and "Off With Their Heads" - there is more than enough substance throughout. "Bad News" decries the devilish past time of gossiping, while "Burnt Pride" blasts all that is traditional and institutionalized. On "Aim For The Flickering Flame," Lyrics Born urges listeners to "day after day now with the rigorous training, face the pain, but with a disciplined brain;" speaking to the positive ideals of hope and aspiration.

The album's pinnacle, "Burning Hot," is a blazing, hold-onto-your-hats whirlwind through the daily "ritual" of live performing: "Mumbling my whole rhyme, and re-rehearsing my lines, hummin' tunes on the solo, so the voice is prime...in a minute, no gimmicks, just hyped from the start to finish / wondrous night, beats thunderous us, lightin' it up," Lateef boasts.

Criticisms, meanwhile, come few and far between. "Burnt Pride" rambles on to the point where the listener may lose interest, and the group's breakthough hit, "Lady Don't Tekno," is noticeably absent. The album's wildly experimental edge also limits its utility to strictly headphone listening.

However, these minor flaws are beside the point. With "The Album," Latyrx arguably gave birth to the post-millenium "nerd rap" genre, fathering the styles of Buck 65 ("Balcony Beach") and Sage Francis ("Latyrx") in the process. And out of fourteen tracks, seven are undeniable classics. Cop this album to own a piece of hip-hop history.

Cannot pass this up!.......2005-05-05

The reviewer below was wrong about this album being released when Nia blew up - it actaully came out years before Nia. Anyway, this album just can't be passed up. Anyone into good hip-hop will enjoy the smooth/"not trying too hard" beats, the fun/intelligent lyrics, and the interaction between these two talented MC's. Make sure to listen to the follow up (The Muzapper's Mixes/Remixes)!

Stimulating, Emulating nothing you've heard........2005-03-11

In my opinion originality is at an all-time high in the world of underoung hip-hop at the present time, and you could find no better example of that than this Lateef and Lyrics Born collabo project. This is a lyrically based album- so if your main concern is funky-fresh beats, I wouldn't suggest buying this album. The Album is more of a lyrical showcase than an actual album. Many of the tracks are freestyles and most of the tracks use very raw production methods which give it a pretty old school feel. The lyrics are anything but old school, however, and if anyone appreciates an original style and sound they should check out Latryx.

Average customer rating:

I LOVE THESE GUYS! (4.5 Stars)
Latryx debut and it's hot

Muzapper's Mixes EP
Latyrx
Manufacturer: Ssi
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Trip-Hop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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West Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000003LWG
Release Date: 1997-10-07

Tracks:

Rankin' No. 1
Aim For The Flickering Flame
The Bumpin' Contraption (The Recalibration)
Rankin' No. 1 Version
The Recalibration Version
Lady Don't Tek No
Cloud
Lady Don't Tek No Words
Cloud # 9 Version

Customer Reviews:

I LOVE THESE GUYS! (4.5 Stars).......2005-02-22

Creative, Original, Very Talented Duo. Lady Dont Tek No is a classic. This is a great companion to "Latyrx The Album". But only for those who like the "Album". Disregard the last reviewers comments about this being their debut. This is an EP released after their all-time classic debut "Latyrx The Album"(see my review)

Latryx debut and it's hot.......2004-12-02

I first of Latryx on the "Scatch" DVD when Z-Trip gives his lesson on how to rock a party. The Track he played was "Lady Don't Tek No" produced by DJ Shadow. I was like WHAT!!! that's some dope ish. Alls to say that from hearin these guys rip up the mic on Blackalicious' NIA & Blazin Arrow plus that track it's worth it. It's an ep but you get intnstumentals of hot tracks like Lady Don't Tek No and Cloud #9.

The Lyrics Born Variety Show: Season Two

Average customer rating:

The Lyrics Born Variety Show: Season Two
Lyrics Born
Manufacturer: Mobile Home Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000PH8TFQ

Product Description

Second in series of tour only CDs from Lyrics Born featuring non album cuts and collabos!

Average customer rating:

I must join the crowd
Classic
Just amazing
Ask Lyrics Born
The best rap album ever

The Album
Latyrx
Manufacturer: Solesides
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Trip-Hop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

West Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000003LWD
Release Date: 1999-06-29

Tracks:

Latyrx
Say That
The Quickening (The Wreckoning Part II)
Balcony Beach
Live 90.3 '94
The Muzappers Mix: Aim For The Flickering Flame/Rankin' #1
Funky Granules
Bad News
Off (With) Their Heads (Be Prompt)
Interlude
Burnt Pride
Scratchapella
The Wreckoning (Live 45 Mix)
Burning Hot In Cali On A Sunday Afternoon

Amazon.com

Lateef and Lyrics Born (the two lobes of the Latyrx brain) definitely take symmetry seriously--right down to the CD booklet design on The Album. The first track, "Latyrx"--one of several produced by DJ Shadow--is relentless and spacy, with a mind-blowing left-right channel lyrical assault whipping through your headphones faster than a Pete Sampras overhand smash. It's one of many: try defending your ears on tracks like "The Wreckoning," "Burning Hot in Cali...," and the Lyrics Born freestyle on "Off (with) Their Heads (Be Prompt)." Though The Album's groove is sometimes alien funk ("Say That"), sometimes jazz ("Bad News"), it unfortunately tends to be more academic than ass-shaking. However, if you have any respect for rhyme skills, The Album is still required listening. --Todd Levin

Customer Reviews:

I must join the crowd.......2003-06-04

I'm going to join the flock here thinking this is an awesome album, cuz it obviously is... not one review below 4... but i must give it a 5 to prevent it being dragged down to the DREADED "4 and a HALF STAR" RATING... MWU-HAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAA...

Classic.......2002-11-23

This album is a book... it is more than that, it is a garden of fruitful poetry. Ranking amongst some of the best albums to ever make it into the ear of the listener, this is by far my #1. Lateef and Lyrics put it down like The Beatles did on The White Album, or like the now over rated, over comercialized, over talked about Wu-Tang put it down on 36 chambers, better maybe, the way that Moment of Truth by Gang Starr, is strong and brutal towards the fake and tired in the hip-hop scene. These kids are that dope and beyond yo. Their broad view on music is thicker than my 83 year old grandma's reading glasses, if that makes any sence. All I'm saying is that this album "The Album" is pure genius, pure effort; i'm not saying that these cats bleeded on this album, but i can surely tell that they did swet with imagination and sharpness. their lyrical inventiveness can not be measured. 1997 was a very good year, and i'm sure that this album will sound so brand new even up to the year 2067. I'm buying another copy just to save till that point. I won't even open now, just to better savor it, and to let its taste salivate in my watering mouth, as i take the insentive to open it 40 years from now. i will long for the moment when i again feel the crispness of its plastic cover wrinkleing in my fingers, and the emotion that will run through my finger tips as i lay it down on the wheel of magic. thanks Latyrx for making the music world a better place. You are to me, what george bush is to the upper wack, white race, blue coller, money hungry, american people,...my heroes.

Just amazing.......2002-09-08

I've never written a review and do not plan on making a habit of it, but I feel I should say something about this album just to give it the proper credit it deserves. This album changed my life and the way that I view hip hop music and music as a whole. It's innovation is outstanding, and it is overwhelmingly creative. This is a very special album that should not be missed by any fan of brilliant music. Five stars do not do it justice.

Ask Lyrics Born.......2002-07-16

This is a great album, lets get that out of the way before we go any further. If this was the only thing that Lateef the Truth Speaker and Lyrics Born ever put out it would be a 6 or 7 out of 5 start rating from me. The trax are imaginiative, heartfelt, soulful, powerful, great to listen to, deep to dance to and easy to make out to. So why didn't it get the full 5 stars? There are a couple of reasons and the primary one is that it's not PERFECT, and everything else they have ever done is. There are perfect joints on here (balcony beach, Burning Hot in Cali on a Saturday Night etc.), but there is one thing which is missing. Lady Don Tec No is possibly the best music your ears will ever hear, it's right up there with Midnight in a Perfect World and Imagine and Cut Chemist Suit, and it's not on here and it should be. Don't get me wrong the whole thing is worth more than can be expressed in mere monetary value, it would just be better with that track. So, buy this album, NOW, don't waste time reading the rest of this rubbish - do it NOW - and buy all the rest of their stuff as well, and don't stop until you have everything, and then you might be happy. But only then.

The best rap album ever.......2002-07-15

These guys really rules. Best flow. Best beats (thank Dj Shadow). Just the best hip hop album ever produced in the 90's.
Every rap fan MUST own it.

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