“Special Herbs Volumes 0-9”
MF Doom - Hunter Walker

Heads up think fast and all that because you're about to miss out on a hip hop classic, MF Doom's “Special Herbs Volumes 0-9” box set. Doom A.K.A. the metal-fingered villain is a hip hop veteran who is widely acknowledged as one of the most lyrically gifted MC's in the game. Additionally, he is also known for having a rabid underground fan base. Despite the adulation he gets from the backpacker set one thing MF Doom isn’t often recognized for is his status as an innovative producer. This aspect of Doom’s hip hop arsenal is showcased on the “Special Herbs” records which are the basis for this set. Originally put out on High Times Records these eccentric instrumentals seem to have been made with mary jane in mind. These tracks may be focused on repetitive spaced out loops, but Doom is no burn out. The “Special Herbs” are not just beats- they're full fledged compositions, sampling from a selection of such diverse sources as Sade and Sesame Street Doom crafts hip hop opuses; tracks that demonstrate a classical knowledge alongside a jazz man's improvisational soul. Along with artists such as Jay Dilla, Japan’s Silent Poets, DJ Design, and Boom Bip, MF Doom is sparking up the genesis of a new genre. These revolutionary producers are adding to the possibilities of hip hop’s sound by subtracting the emcee from the traditional equation of “two turntables and a microphone.” Their instrumentals take rap back to it’s dub reggae roots and bring a much needed concentration on the actual sound of the music to the “crunk’d” out culture that has been cramming the charts. I really dig this sound, but excepting Dilla's most recent release Donuts, none of these other musicians have taken the medium to the same heights that Doom has on each set of his “Special Herbs” beats. As a fan I can say firsthand that it's hard to get your hands on all of the albums in this series, but even if you're already hooked on the herbs as I am this new collection still has something to offer you. The villain personally remixed every cut to flow together in two seventy-five minute mixes. Plus, this set also includes a third disc of never before released instrumentals from Doom’s old school group KMD, a crew so far ahead of their time when they initially came out that they’ve remained stuck under the radar ever since. This third disc alone is enough of a reason to get the whole box. Basically what I'm saying is if you're a fan of music at all, especially if you love hip hop, you need to get this album. But like I said, think fast, this set is in a limited release of 7,500, and since it's already been out a few weeks there might not be much time left. Besides, despite the fact that this is a limited edition box set it is priced to move. You can find it online for around $19-$25, so like I said don't miss out, the Special Herbs collection just needs to be bought and played to death.