Doom - Unexpected Guests Album Review

Now that's what I call real Hip Hop! Unexpected Guests is the new mix CD from DOOM aka MF Doom aka Viktor Vaughn aka Zev Love X. For those who have never heard of DOOM, he is one of the most important players in the underground hip hop scene since the formation of his original group KMD. This album sees Doom selecting tracks from from his back catalogue, choosing the best guest appearances, non-album tracks, remixes and vinyl only singles. Big name appearances from hip hop heavyweights like De La Soul, Talib Kweli, J Dilla, Vast Aire of Cannibal Ox and Wu Tang's Ghostface, Masta Killa, Deck and GZA let's you know that you're in for a treat.

 

The album opens with one of the better known MF Doom appearances, De La Soul's "Rock Co. Kane Flow" then on to a more recent track "Get 'Er Done" from his work with Seattle producer Jake One off the highly rated "White Van Music" LP. We also see rare track "Sniper Elite" a track recorded with J Dilla and Ghostface. The release of this track was postponed after J Dilla's death in 2006 but now after its recent release on Stones Throw you can also catch it on this mix.

 

Also featured on the album is John Robinson's "Sorcerers" giving fans a taste of the "Who Is This Man?" LP (which dropped last year for those who were sleeping!) "Da Supafriendz", a track from Vast Aire's "Look Mom.. No Hands" album gets the head nodding with a loop that sounds like it came straight from a Charlie Brown cartoon. "All Outta Ale" (the b-side to the 2002's 12 inch release of "My Favourite Ladies") sees DOOM rapping over a looping dark piano beat.

 

The album continues to impress towards the end with an all out DOOM and Wu Tang Clan free for all, Masta Killa's "E.N.Y. House" with it's big horns and strings complimenting both MC's, followed by the rolling drums and superhero cartoon samples of "Bells of DOOM". The album finishes with DOOM's remix of Masta Killa's "Street Corner" featuring Inspectah Deck and GZA, a slow, hypnotic beat providing a perfect end to the mix... 

 

..."It's me and you son, forever in the struggle. No doubt, we hustle, survival is the motto. Will you soon follow, for a better tomorrow?"...

 

I hope we see more volumes of Unexpected Guests in the future while we wait for his future studio albums, I'd definitely recommend this album to all MF Doom fans, and those hip hop fans who've yet to check out this living legend.

 

5/5

Martin Sundholm