Now Playing

Ayatollah | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 24, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nature Sounds
• ASIN: B000CCZQJQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #266,695 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Now Playing is the debut CD release from hip-hop production icon, Ayatollah. Ayatollah has produced hits for just about everyone that matters in hip-hop including G-Unit, Ghostface, Mos Def, Rakim, Styles P, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, Inspectah Deck, Cormega, Tragedy, Black Rob, Masta Ace, Vast Aire, and more. Ayatollah's signature soulful sound played a key part in the beat driven explosion of mid-90's hip-hop. While its clear that Ayatollah's music speaks volumes, very few have gotten a glimpse into the world of the soft spoken producer through his own eyes. Now Playing is a collection of Ayatollah's favorite compositions, many of which have never been heard before. Nature Sounds. 2006.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Upbeat and original, March 9, 2006

By 

Huehuechiwa - See all my reviews

This review is from: Now Playing (Audio CD)

Ayatollah has done it again. His original tracks are great to listen to. As a Baby Boomer who works with adolescents and young adults, I rate this a must have, as proof that not all Hip-Hop is bad. The sound engineering is excellent as well.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Who Got It? Ayatollah Got It... {4.5 Stars}, September 11, 2006

By 

Norfeest "Yes Yes Y'all" (Washington DC USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Now Playing (Audio CD)

Many people would remember Aytollah as that cat that crafted bangers for Mos Def, Ghostface, Talib Kweli, or Rakim......if they knew who he was. He's what I like to call a "known unknown" -- heads know who he is, but for some reason he never seems to get his due credit. An instrumental album is practically impossible to mess up unless your beats suck. Cats like Madlib, J Dilla, Nicolay, and Pete Rock have been putting out instrumental albums for a while now and Ayatollah's debut is right on par with some of the best producers in the game. The sound could be described as sample driven boom bap and the engineering/sound quality is definitely on point. Whether it's laid back joints like "Nag Champa" or head nodders like "Movement", Ayatollah has a little something for everyone on this LP.

The only two joints that may be skip material are "Intimate Connection" and "Highway To Heaven" because the production on both joints are kind of drowsy. If you're in a laid back mood they're good though. There are no wack joints on the album.

Now Playing is a excellent chunk of instrumental hip hop. Ayatollah has always been an underrated producer, but anyone that comes across this album will be forced to give the man his props. I recommend grabbing this one if you see it on the shelf. You won't be disappointed at all.

Standout Tracks: Movement, Nag Champa (Intro), Hold U, Go For It, Highway To Heaven, Devil Is Sweet (My Favorite), Kingston, Stomping Grounds, Blood Red Roses, and Platinum

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No doubt, February 3, 2006

By 

Soular (Norwalk, CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Now Playing (Audio CD)

Dont Sleep. Ayatollah is one of the most profound producers in hip hop. Beats are simple but they are smash hits. This is a must cop.