Ill Insanity- Ground Xero

By: R.M. London

((2.12.2008))

In early 2007, after battle-tested turntablists/former X-Ecutioners, Rob Swift, Total Eclipse, and Precision performed alongside each other in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, they acted on a jolt of sheer spontaneity and began rocking stages and recording as a unit again. Rather than calling themselves Ground Xero, as was the original intention, the trio instead pinned the name on their debut and were billed as Ill Insanity from that point forward. In 2008, they bring us "Ground Xero," a tribute to true turntablism in a scene that they claim has reached it's boiling point with boring acts and way too many drum and bass sets.

Usually, if you are not a turntablist yourself, DJ albums have a tendency to get extremely repetitive as they perform their masterful tricks and scratches over one on-going beat. However, on this album the trio holds your attention by tossing out scratches on a buffet of hard drums, evil soundscapes, soulful loops, and recognizable vocals. From the DJ Shadow-esque "The Prelude," to the Kool G Rap vocally laced "5 Fingers of Death" with the highly touted DJ Q-bert, all the way to the organ grinding, horn lovers anthem "Non-Verbal Communication"-- Ill Insanity quickly prove that they have what it takes to make an exciting and alluring turntablist record.

As the album slid over its peak and began to wind down there were a few tracks that could easily be skipped and forever forgotten. However, it did pick up the pace as it moved to the outro. Songs like "Sound Science," a trippy track with moody sound effects, dark pads, and thumping slug-drums that oozed slowly from start to finish, and "Decorated Vets," featuring Dasha, the only artist featured on the entire album-- put the finishing touches on a well put together and elastic record that could stretch its sounds and please the ears attached to various moods.

The goal of Ill Insanity's "Ground Xero" was to bring the fun back in the lackluster art of hip hop turntablism. After my journey through 15 tracks of acid scratched soulful soundtracks for the gloomy streets, I say-- Mission accomplished.

Favorite Tracks: 5 Fingers of Death, Sound Science
What to do (Buy/Try/Frisbee): Buy.
Digits:7.0 // 10