Although he's still a student in DJ Shadow's collagist classroom, credit Rjd2 with dropping one of the finest debuts on the decks since his mentor's sonic splices altered hip-hop's landscape. Most importantly, Rjd2's traditional approach to song structure and rejection of esoteric turntable madness make "Deadringer" one of the most accessible DJ albums in years.
Rjd2 is best known for his work with Ohio's indie rap crew MHz, but if fans think this is simply another braggadocio-filled rap assault, the first cut proves otherwise. "The Horror" pieces together a plodding bass guitar and rising, high-pitched synths, while spooky voices howl Vincent Price-like. It also makes an eerie companion to the disturbing cover artwork, featuring a lifeless Rjd2 -- eyes open and creepily fixed on the listener -- apparently expired in a barren Ohio field.
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On tracks like "Smoke & Mirrors," Rjd2 gives Moby's signature blues loops a run for their money. He skillfully pastes down a bluesy male vocal riffing on our future's uncertainty and follows it with a motherly chanteuse assuringly crooning of positive vibes. Moderate piano and drums round out the mix, and their vinyl-based samples softly crackle in the background like pops from an inviting winter fire.
Even after frenzied cuts like the danceable "Good Times Roll Pt. 2," with its showcased piano stabs and bluesy couplets, Rjd2 shows that his greatest skill is concocting clever mood music. "Ghostwriter" offers a peek at how he layers tracks, as it builds with additional instruments from beginning to end. Opening with a repeating acoustic guitar and finishing with robust horns, it's a cut-and-paster's delight and the ideal calling card for Rjd2's formidable production skills.
With "Chicken-Bone Circuit," Rjd2 lets free-flowing, raucous drums and roaring cymbal crashes burst into the tune's forefront, just as DJ Shadow does so well. In fact, the technique is so overly similar that one might even mistake the track for a concoction from DJ Shadow himself.
Though it would make musical sense to eliminate MCs from the mix, Rjd2 doesn't neglect his hip-hop upbringing, including three songs with little-known underground Ohio rappers. For some, it's an obnoxious interruption to elaborate emotional tracks. But Rjd2 is well aware that this project would likely never have occurred without the distinguished reputation he gained from working with such rhymers. And so he welcomes them with open turntables.
"June" is the most noteworthy song -- a venture with MHz member Copywrite where more than three minutes pass between his first and last raps. Even with a gifted rhymer, Rjd2's beatmaking overshadows the MC with oddball electric guitar squelches and sampled acoustic plucks.
While DJ Shadow remains firmly entrenched at the teacher's desk in this turntable schoolroom, "Deadringer" ensures Rjd2 a well-earned spot at the head of the class.
