From the film that crystallized a subculture comes the soundtrack, finally reissued on Rhino, that first gave people a window into the exciting and innovative world of hip-hop. The names--like Grand Wizard Theodore & K... more »evie Kev Rockwell, Double Trouble, and The Cold Crush Brothers--may not have lasted, but their continuing influence on contemporary rap music is easily apparent. Digging through the minimalistic, hard-hitting tracks that fill this compilation, it is easy to discover where everyone from A Tribe Called Quest to LL Cool J and DJ Shadow found the original impetus to create their music. Wild Style is not so much about individual artists or songs as it is overall effect; highlighting the manic turntable scratching, the precise synthesizer beats and the spirited verbal gymnastics crucial to classic hip-hop. This soundtrack serves as a vital history lesson for anyone interested in the origins of the last major cultural revolution, or those who simply appreciate raw energy gelling into a new art form. A pair of bonus tracks and a long-lost Fab 5 Freddy cut make this nothing less than a crucial purchase. --Aidin Vaziri« less
From the film that crystallized a subculture comes the soundtrack, finally reissued on Rhino, that first gave people a window into the exciting and innovative world of hip-hop. The names--like Grand Wizard Theodore & Kevie Kev Rockwell, Double Trouble, and The Cold Crush Brothers--may not have lasted, but their continuing influence on contemporary rap music is easily apparent. Digging through the minimalistic, hard-hitting tracks that fill this compilation, it is easy to discover where everyone from A Tribe Called Quest to LL Cool J and DJ Shadow found the original impetus to create their music. Wild Style is not so much about individual artists or songs as it is overall effect; highlighting the manic turntable scratching, the precise synthesizer beats and the spirited verbal gymnastics crucial to classic hip-hop. This soundtrack serves as a vital history lesson for anyone interested in the origins of the last major cultural revolution, or those who simply appreciate raw energy gelling into a new art form. A pair of bonus tracks and a long-lost Fab 5 Freddy cut make this nothing less than a crucial purchase. --Aidin Vaziri
CD Reviews
One of the most sampled albums of all time!
H. Brumfield | St. Louis, MO | 11/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not only is this record a great listen in and of itself, it's also fun to come across the sources for countless hip-hop scratches. Cypress Hill sampled and stole their name from Rammellzee on this album. Public Enemy, the Beasties, A Tribe Called Quest, Common, Marley Marl, Gang Starr, Nas, and House of Pain, among others, all picked this record clean to dress up their own. If you have even a passing interest in the history of hip-hop, or musicology in general, be happy that the Wild Style Soundtrack is back in print."
"The bible of Hip-Hop culture"
"Old Skool" Ran-Dee | "Da' Bronx" | 08/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD here embodies the true essence of Hip-Hop culture in every aspect. This is the soundtrack of of all B-Boys and true Hip-Hoppers world wide. Before MTV2, Yo! MTV Raps!, Rap-City, HOT97, The Source, Breakin' and Beat-Street there was "Wild-Style"! If you ever owned the record, you'll notice the extra trks. on this CD edition. This is the real deal people! The Fantastic Romantic 5, Cold Crush Bros., double trouble are all in here! this is a CLASSIC!!! All true Hip-Hop heads should own a copy!"
SUPERB!!!
Funky Freak | London,UK | 06/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd definitely reminds me the time of real old-school.You can find all hip-hop masters on this album to listen.More importantly if you've never seen that film before i recommend you.Its must have album and film as well.whay are waitin for?Don't waste your time purchase them.Time to reveal real old-school now!!!"
Building blocks of all hip hop songs are right here
Mrmarcus@loop.com | Inglewood ,Ca. | 03/05/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"although the rhyme style might be dated give a little tune up to a few key phrases and rhyme patterns and you have all new hits. All of the beats,basslines,and synths are timeless and if you listen to the first Cypress Hill album you'll notice grand wizard's military scratch on a couple of cuts. Busy Bee's cuts are perfect examples of what a real MC is supposed to sound like when he is holding the mike. With his call and response from the crowd. Busy Bee's live cut should be the model for all new rappers before they try to perform in front of a live crowd. All these cuts make you feel like your back in the parks of the South Bronx. It goes without saying this is a classic."
Track Listings (17) - Disc #1