Ghetto Pop Life [EXTRA TRACKS]

DM & Jemini

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 13, 2004)
• Original Release Date: September 9, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks
• Label: Lex Records
• ASIN: B00009RAW9
• Also Available in: Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #38,073 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
When DJ Danger Mouse (DM) blew up with his Jay-Z-meets-the-Beatles underground project, The Grey Album, the furor around DM's illegal mix all but overshadowed the release of this full-length album with rapper Jemini. On Ghetto Pop Life you won't find the Fab Four rubbing sonic shoulders with Hova, but you will find DM's excellent production skills at play behind the adroitly flippant Jemini. The creative producer is willing to draw from everything from old '50s pop tunes to smoky funk, underscored by his intricate drum programming. Jem's presence is immediately felt--his distinct voice, acrobatic verbal skills, and quick wit make for a memorable combination. The album is mostly filled with playful bravado on songs like "Omega Supreme" and "Take Care of Business" (the latter featuring irreverent rapper J-Zone). Even a song like "Don't Do Drugs" flips on the standard public service announcement and manages to dish out sage advice with a lolling tongue. --Oliver Wang

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Flawed, but still an awe-inspiring listen, February 7, 2004

By	E. J. Sawdey "sawdeye" (Galesburg, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Though OutKast recently took home 6 Grammy nods, including Album, Producer, and Record of the Year, it's easy to overlook the joys of indie-rap. And while Jemini is certainly a very good lyricist, he's no Aesop Rock, but when J fails to bring the heat (rarely, mind you), it's Danger Mouse who delivers some of the freshest beats you'll hear entering 2004.

DM drops a layered, complex, almost Basement Jaxx "Kish Kash"-era collage of sounds to the shifting, changing productions. "Born-A-MC" is filled with rising string and creshendos, "The Only One" using an early 70's guitar riff for a club-pulsating beat, while the sexy electro-funk of "Here We Go Again" sits nicely with the near-ballad of a song "I'ma DooMee".

Yet, when the heat clicks, jaws are dropped. "Copy Cats" is a brilliant sample-based satire, the dangerously underrated "Bush Boys" a thought-provoking yet still-hilarious take on the current state of affairs in America, while the comedic "Don't Do Drugs" and album highlight "Medieval" simply need to be heard to be believed. Production & lyrically - new watermarks for indie rap.

And any song that is as brilliant, short, and funny as the "Ghetto Pop Life (Intro)" garners two stars right there.

This is surprisingly accessible, yet also incredibly relistenable. Not a modern-day "Labor Days" or "Fantastic Damage" by any means, but this will no doubt be rocking off socks for years to come.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars BEATS BEATS BEATS!!!! (JUST AMAZING), January 17, 2005

By	Zeb91 "Hip Hop Head 4 Life" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

The beats are sick. That is the best thing I can say about this album and since it is Dangermouse (Grey Album Fame) who produced this album I would expect no less. DM has an uncanny ability of finding some really amazing samples and throwing them into beats to craft something never heard before. The title track is a perfect example; DM samples some chanting harmonies that work perfect with the drums and creates a haunting track. Every track on this album is the result of some kind of crazy sample that is flipped perfectly into a beat that Jemini flows to perfectly. Jemini is not a terrific emcee but he is by now means a terrible emcee. He has his moments but when combined with Prince Po or J-Zone it is hard not to be upstaged. He does drop some knowledge on (...) and "Bush Boys". He's got the braggadocio of typical Brooklyn emcees and demonstrates it on "The Only One" and "Omega Supreme". If you are looking for an album that can be played in the club and for the backpackers, for the intelligent heads and the ones who could care less about the lyrics, you have found the right album and it is all thanks to Dangermouse spectacular auditory creations.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Purple Turkey rates D.M. & Gemini, February 18, 2004

By	"purple-turkey" (Norfolk Fields UK) - See all my reviews

When listening to getto pop life there's no need to worry about skipping the 'next track' as they're all Bangers! When in an up beat mood this is the only CD you'll need. DM's impecable timing compliments Gemini's fresh style. A perfect combination for true Hip Hop. Feelin'! Respect, Purple Turkey...