REVIEW: Jungle Brothers, V.I.P. (Gee Street/V2)
- Joann D. Ball
The Jungle Brothers aren't kidding when they boast "you wanna get with us because we got it goin' on!" They offer the invitation on the title track of their new release V.I.P., and it's one that is too enticing to pass up.
Jungle Brothers Afrika (Nathaniel Hall) and Mike G. (Michael Small) have always recognized the global reach and appeal of their New York City grown hip-hop. They were the first rap artists to record with a house music producer and long ago recognized the kindred spirit and potential of British drum'n'bass music. A central force within the Native Tongues posse of like-minded progressive rappers (including De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and others), the JBeez dropped their groundbreaking debut Straight Out The Jungle in 1988 and backed it up with Done By The Forces of Nature the following year. The overlooked and underappreciated JBeez Wit Da Remedy and the experimental Raw Deluxe round out the Jungle Brothers' impressive catalog which now enhanced by the equally innovative V.I.P..
The adventurous Jungle Brothers are still doing what they have always done, pushing the boundaries of hip-hop. Their creative, hybrid-laden approach to the genre is center stage on the Brothers' funky fresh fifth record which was produced by big beat master Alex Gifford of the Propellerheads. The very important party opens with the inviting title track which samples the "I Dream of Genie" theme. It is followed by the retrospective "I Remember" which features the Holmes Brothers and details the duo's inspirations, contributions and continued dedication to the craft. Meanwhile "Get Down" lays out a serious house music vibe while "Early Morning" manages to mix elements of Zapp, George Clinton and James Brown into a bouncin' party jam. On "Down With The JBeez," The Jungle Brothers are joined by the Black Eyed Peas, Sense Live and producer Alex G. and take turns showcasing mic skills over old school flavored rhythms, loops and drops. "Sexy Body" is a raw, erotic tell-all that seems inspired by Cameo and the class, style and guitar licks of Prince's dirtiest moments, while "Playing For Keeps" borrows from jazz and low down dirty blues. And where "Freakin' You" is by far the best party anthem on V.I.P.., the Jungle Brothers speak their minds and throw out to the streets the rap history lesson and roll call "Strictly Dedicated."
With a running time of 75-minutes and thirteen tracks, including a revived and revamped "Jungle Brother (True Blue) (Urban Takeover Remix)" as the bonus final cut,_V.I.P.. is without a doubt a very important party thrown by some very important people. Welcome to the Jungle, brothers gonna work it out!
