Craft of the Lost Art is essentially a showcase for the formidable talents of Philly-based producer Jneiro Jarel. Layering handclaps over a whirling dervish of guitars on “OPR8R” and pumping out squelchy glitch-funk for “Lullabanger,” he blends hip-hop and electronics with a fresh style reminiscent of Madlib and J Dilla at their abstract best. But Jarel’s awkward rapping (under a variety of pseudonyms) slows the momentum. He’s better off handing the mic to guest MCs Count Bass D, MF Doom, and Stacy Epps and focusing on his richly textured, next-level beats.
Now Hear This: Shape of Broad Minds – “OPR8R” DOWNLOAD MP3
