Artist: Dj Krush Album: Meiso

Year: 1996
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album Meiso by DJ Krush

Music is a universal language that speaks to our hearts and minds in ways that words cannot describe. The essence of it lies in the emotions it evokes and how it connects people. DJ Krush, a Japanese producer and pioneer of instrumental hip-hop, is one such artist whose music transcends boundaries. In this blog post, we'll explore his album Meiso - its history, the music genre, the best songs, and what makes it innovative and how it fairs in terms of critique.

DJ Krush's journey as a musician began in the 1980s when he performed as a DJ in underground clubs in Tokyo. He drew inspiration from funk, soul, jazz, and other genres, which led to the creation of his unique sound. In 1996, he released Meiso, his third studio album. The album's title means meditation in Japanese, setting the tone for a record focused on the spiritual and emotional aspects of music.

Meiso is primarily an instrumental hip-hop album with elements of downtempo, jazz-fusion, and other genres. The use of samples is prominent throughout the album, with Krush's skills as a DJ evident in how he manipulates them to create a cohesive sound. The use of Japanese instruments, such as the koto, adds an Eastern flavor to the music, making it stand out from other instrumental hip-hop albums of the time.

The album consists of 12 tracks, each with its distinct sound and emotion. The opening track, Only The Strong Survive, is a powerful song that sets the mood for the rest of the album. It features a sample from the R&B group, the Dells, which Krush manipulates to create a hypnotic beat. Meiso also features collaborations with artists such as Black Thought from The Roots and CL Smooth.

One of the most innovative aspects of Meiso is the way it blends different genres of music to create a unique sound. Krush's ability to combine jazz-fusion with hip-hop is impressive, and it's evident in tracks like Kemuri and Vision Of Art. The use of Japanese instruments seamlessly complements the other genres, creating a sound that's both modern and traditional.

As with any album, Meiso is not without its faults. The track D Code feels repetitive and lacks the emotional depth of other songs on the album. While the use of samples is a strength, with some tracks, such as Blank, it can be overwhelming and feel cluttered.

In conclusion, DJ Krush's Meiso is an essential album for any instrumental hip-hop fan. Its unique sound, blending of genres, and use of Japanese instruments make it a masterpiece. The album's emotional and spiritual aspects add to its appeal, making it a listening experience like no other. While not without faults, Meiso remains a testament to Krush's skills as a producer and DJ. It's an evergreen album that still sounds fresh even after all these years, earning its place in the pantheon of instrumental hip-hop.