Search - Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth :: The Funky Technician

Pure Unclassified Dopeness - 100% Masterpiece

Alan Pounds | Minneapolis, MN | 12/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Founder of the phenomenal Diggin' In The Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.), Lord Finesse will arguably be the sickest punch line emcee you will ever hear. In my opinion, no emcee can match Finesse's microphone dexterity. No emcee can match his lyrical endurance. And I dare you to find an emcee with superior wordplay. No, you've never quite heard an emcee lace a beat quite like Finesse. The only comparable emcees in terms of skill would be Rakim & Big Daddy Kane. His multi-syllable verses are among the elite. A hip-hop head not owning this classic album is like an R&B fan not owning Marvin Gaye "What's Going On".



Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth signed to the legendary Wild Pitch Records in 1989, and in 1990 they dropped "Funky Technician" on the scene like a ton of bricks. The producer lineup is ill - DJ Premier, Diamond D, Showbiz, and of course the scathing DJ Mike Smooth.



This album is a wildly boisterous and exciting ride. It doesn't creep up on the serious tip in the least really. This duo is about dope beats & ill rhymes. And very few duos can execute this somewhat narrow spectrum with such vivid success. Tracks like "Funky Technician", "Back to Back Rhyming" featuring A.G., "Bud Mutha", "Just a Little Something" are just a few examples of the perfection these guys have to offer. There isn't a wack track in the bunch.



Despite the stellar lineup of talent, this album never received the respect it's due. In which case, it remains wholly underrated. And to the unconverted, without a question, you need this in your collection as soon as humanly possible."

Nice with..and with..

Adam W. Goodell | Brooklyn, NY | 06/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lord Finesse caught uncanny wrek on this LP in cool indifference to the hostile (first) Bush Administration...he's nice with the mic and he's "nice with his clothes off." Deads nearly all rap LPs today."

Groundbreaking, Funky, CLASSIC

? | United Kingdom! | 06/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lord Finesse, the funky brother, has to be one of New York's most criminally slept-on & un-appreciated artists to ever come up. The DITC legend has been going for round about 13-14 years and STILL he does not get the props and recognition he deserves. 3 classic LP's and a notable remix album, Lord Finesse is straight consistency, I guarantee you'll never hear a weak verse. Although it is debated that yeh Lord Finesse does lack the complexity and the ability to switch up the speed of his flow like others, it can not be argued that his funky, double-rhyming style is next to none! when he starts to talk, any true hiphop fan knows what they're in for...

"Funky Technician" being Lord Finesse's debut is an absolute timeless classic. Released in 1990, originally, it sounds as fresh as fresh can get. With the seemingly endless use of funk-legend samples, like James Brown, the beats are the most notable significance of the album. Well what do you expect? Hip Hop LEGENDS; DJ Premier, Diamond D, Showbiz & Mike Smooth handle the production (Yes, and you slept on this?!)and produce some of their best work yet, if not THE best. The relationship between Lord Finesse and the flawless production, is unexplainable. They suit perfectly, I don't think they could have created a better sound.



There are 12 full-length tracks and 1 skit (the intro) on here, and not one single track can be dubbed "weak" or even "average". Every one is likely to BLOW YOUR MIND!



1. Intro (the intro to the funk, prepare yourself)



2. Baby You Nasty (produced by premo), is one of Lord Finesse's most recognised songs, with Finesse talkin' about just why he is the man, and the funky technician.



3. "Funky Technician" is my personal favourite, with Diamond flippin' one of my favourite samples of all time (also used on Das Efx's - They Want efx & others). Similarly, you can bet lord finesse is untouchable here. CLASSIC, peep it and you'll see.



4."Back To Back Rhyming" (Produced by Showbiz) features fellow DITC legend AG. The charisma and chemistry demonstarted by both MC's on this track is just phenomenal, a boom-bap classic.



5. "Here I Come" (Produced by Diamond) is straight FUNK, with finesse rippin' it over one of the most laid-back and jazzy beats on the album. With James brown on the cut, you know what's up...



6."Slave to my soundwave" (produced by Mike Smooth)is the most up-tempo track on the album. With finesse speeding up a little bit accordingly. flawless.



7. "I Keep The Crowd listening" (Produced by Diamond) is also one of the more laid back tracks, with Rakim on the cut.



8. "Bad Mutha" (produced by Diamond) uses one of James Brown's most famous and memorable samples (check Nas-Get Down). "I don't front and pretend cause thats imaginary, I get funkay with the use of vocabularly...". Enuff Said



9. "Keep It Flowing" (Produced by Premo), again features DITC affiliate AG. HARDCORE FUNK, more uptempo, AG & finesse demonstrate how it's meant to be done, prepare to be captivated.



10. "Lesson to be taught" (produced by premo) has a very "charming" vibe about it. With finesse droppin' knowledge about the importance of school, and the alternative route you can take. peep.



11. "Just a little something" (produced by Showbiz), as the name implies this is the shortest track, with only one verse and then finesse shoutin' out to those he holds dearest



12. "Strictly for the ladies" (produced by premo). 3 words - OH MY GOD! One of premo's best beats, check the vibe! Symbols, heavy bass and a ridiculous sample is what your brain will endure. Prepare for the ride...CLASSIC "Now girls step up to this"



13. "Track the movement" (produced by Premo)veryyy jazzzzy. One of the album's most satisfying tracks, with the beat switching up from time to time. Premo lays the foundation for finesse to kick the knowledge before the end of one of the best debuts, ever.



If you still haven't heard this, HURRY UP! 16 years is better than never, and get ready for one of the most charismatic, funky and hardcore hiphop albums you will ever have laid your hands on. Please do not sleep any longer. PEACE!



Lyrics - 10/10

Beats - 10/10

Originality - 10/10

Replay Value - 10/10



If you found this helpful, check my other reviews!"