(hed)'s infamous debut album is a tight piece of musicianship. (I say (hed) because this early in their career they were known as (hed) and not (hed)pe.) The album features early versions of many of the songs that highlighted their major label debut, albeit many of the songs feature different patterns and flows from their refined siblings which appear on their self titled album. An intriguing thing that this album contains is the recurring theme of extra-terrestrial life and government conspiracies, The version of "I.F.O." on this album clocks in at 18 minutes with the greater portion of the song being a cornucopia of samples from alien and sci-fi b-movies. The use of illegal samples definitively permeate through the release as clips of Mr. Burns of The Simpsons fame and sound effects from the video game Mortal Kombat sneak their way in. The definite catalyst of this (hed) release though would definitely be the cuts "Inro and "Hangman". Both showcase (hed)'s innovative G-Punk sound well and really let M.C.U.D.'s vocals flare to a boiling point. Two components that make this album shine above the crop of other bands are the experimentation done by D.J. Product and the almost apocalyptic feel to it all. The album is littered with samples and scratches which really give immense almost cosmic auditory soundscapes. (hed) combine constricting lyrical flows, dope bass lines and resounding bass hits, tense drum beats, howling distorted guitar parts and erupting spillovers of turntable wizardry. The album top to bottom is a ripping volatile experience which vividly depicts the core of what (hed) and G-Punk are all about. A definite must have for any (hed) fan.
(4 / 5)