Search - Elusive :: Elements of a Prototype, Vol. 2: Freestyle Fellowship - Living Legend

Archetype of outstanding prodcution

ivan | Woodland, CA USA | 01/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're into conscious/underground hip-hop, you are looking at a masterpiece that is yet to be fully praised for its level of excellency. Elusive is on the top of the list of many an underground producer, probably because of his ability to combine insanely dope piano and string samples with a standard (but always unique) approach to drums and create [awesome] beats. This particular CD has quite an array of fresh MCs on it too, from L*Roneous to Aceyalone to Living legends' Scarub, Eligh, Murs, and Grouch; and believe you me, these aren't your average run-of-the-mill rappers. You'd expect from a compilation CD that the MCs might not give there all, but these guys seem to put out 110% on each and every track. There are also a few instumentals that help the songs flow together smoothly, including an enchanting down-tempo cut with Josh Koslow (Elusive's brother?) on the trumpet. But my favorite would have to be the melancholy, oddly-timed track called "Love" (although I don't know if this could actually be considered an "instrumental"). When it all comes together, it seems to be the perfect combo of beats and rhymes, yet another flawless album from Elusive producer and his lyrically skilled counterparts."