Mood - Doom (17 tracks) +Album Reviews

Creepy as hell; and equally dope!

Pablo | 10/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mood, who maybe most recognized for launching DJ Hi-Tek's career, at least outside of their core fanbase, are a group of cats from Cincinatti who are truly as ill as it gets. Their style is menacing, but not to the hardcore effect; they're not the Gravediggaz or Three 6 Mafia, but they manage to intimidate challengers with dope flows, tight lyrics, and top-notch production.

In ways, while not stylistically, they could be compared to Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's early material. They have a laid back, and confident approach to some rather malevolent subjects, and they're obsessed with the impending apocalypse. At the same time, don't get that sly comparison twisted; that's merely in their approach to lyrics, and slightly to delivery. Their flows themselves are average cadence, with a relaxed, and clearly comprehendible flow.

The production is some of the finest I've heard on a hip-hop release, handled exclusively by Hi-Tek and Jahson. As the title of the album suggests, there is a lingering sense of doom, and danger throughout the album, and the two talented producers provide a musical loundscape which is similar to a horror movie score. The emcees themselves compliment these dope beats by dropping knowledge, and lyrical gems all throughout. Among their apocalyptic views, they clearly show a conscious side of them, longing for a better world before the one we're currently living in is extinct.

There is no sense in singling out tracks, as each song is as dope as the next. This maybe their only release, but it serves as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of the late nineties; and a sadly very obscure one. People may not fully appreciate this album for its brilliance, but if you're a true hip-hop, and don't own this classic, reward yourself with some of the dopest music to come from the genre, found in Mood's Doom."

Illest CD of all time

Pablo | 07/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"DOOM is by far the best bucks I have ever laid down for a CD inmy life. It has the most intelligent, clever lyrics unlike the"hustlin' pimp cheese drop-it-like-its-hot whoa murda murda ugghhhhhhh" garbage you hear on the radio every day. DOOM is chock full of hypnotic East-inspired beats mixed with seance-like chants and the tightest lyrics you have EVER heard in your life. MOOD will make ALL you commercial so-called "hiphop heads" think twice before you ever turn on BET again. What's even more terrific is how Mood maintains a positive vibe throughout the whole LP. It sounds great in your ride too. I can guarantee two things: [1], You will love this album, and [2], Everyone will want to dub it from you. BUY THIS ALBUM!"

Eerie basslines, apocalyptic wordplay

Pablo | 09/02/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mood's debut offering is a crafted mixture of deeply melodic beats with conscious uplifting rhymes which complement each other. Issues range from the new world order ("peddlers of doom") to their hometown ("Cincinatti") to their stagnant views on hiphop ("industry lies") to various definitions of God ("peace infinity", "millenium"). DJ Hi-Tek does an excellent job on this album, and deserves recognition among hiphop heads, as a member of the ever decreasing group of dj's that offer pure unadulated beats virtually free of samples. My choice cuts on the album are "millenium", "karma", "info for the streets", "the vision", "secrets of the sands" and "illuminated sunlight" with sunz of man. Overall, this album is designed for heads who can appreciate well thought out philosophical rhymes with engaging consistent beats."

"Six days, I amaze...on the seventh I rest"

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 06/11/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mood's 1997 album "Doom" was overlooked upon its release and is often forgotten today. In addition to its quality, it was an important springboard for the careers of underground stars Talib Kweli, DJ Hi-Tek, and Sunz of Man. "Doom" is an artistically experimental album marked by excellent production and lyricism that remains on-point throughout. The Cincinnati rappers Main Flow and Donte really appeal to me, as they kick apocalyptic rhymes that cite sacred scripture, ancient history, and politics. Their rhyme schemes are strong and their chemistry is tight. One of "Doom"'s strengths is that the production matches the lyrics so well. This was DJ Hi-Tek's coming out party, and he produced 9 tracks, with newcomer Jahson also producing 9. Both DJs are really on the same page musically and their contributions are invaluable. They add to the sense of claustrophobia, darkness, mystery, and eeriness that pervades the album. The sound is often quite Wu-Tang-esque.

Although the first half is stronger than the second half and sonically much of the LP sounds somewhat similar, the consistency is noteworthy and the album flows fluidly. My favorite song is "Info for the Streets," a cleverly constructed track featuring one of Hi-Tek's finest piano lines. Talib Kweli appears on five tracks, including the epic "Peddlers of Doom" and "Peace Infinity," where he displays remarkable young talent. Hi-Tek's scratches also indicate great things to come. I love "Tunnel Bound"'s creepy menace, and the spiritual verses are excellent. Jahson utilizes an ingenious Arab flute for the delightfully cryptic "Secrets of the Sand." Another highlight is the ironic anthem "Cincinnati," a sarcastic profile of their hometown.

"Doom" is lyrically and musically excellent and stands out from the pack as one of the best albums of 1997. I recommend it to fans of Wu-Tang, as well as those interested in Hi-Tek and Talib Kweli. This album is creative and quite effective on all fronts. The dark spaciness will not appeal to everyone, but underground listeners of a certain distinction will dig it."

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