On DJ Premier and 'The Wrath of Math'

A couple of weeks ago we dedicated our show to the imperious DJ Premier. It goes without saying that he is one of the best hip-hop producers of all time. Nick and I played all the classics and some of our favorites that Premier has produced along with songs that he has sampled to create his unique production style. Because our station complies with FFC regulations, we were not able to play everything we wanted. I'll use this blogpost as an uncensored extension of our show and to give you a broader understanding of Premo's prolific body of work.

Jeru the Damaja - Wrath of Math

I have to rant about Jeru the Damaja because he was one of the my favorite MC's growing up. Many, including myself, would say that Jeru is easily one of the most underrated 90's era rappers and 'Wrath of Math' definitely proves this notion. The project was produced entirely by DJ Premier which gives the album a continuity in terms of sound. Jeru's scientifical flow rides the production style of Premier's beats with impetus and voracity and his subject matter is conscious without being corny. But enough with the superlatives.

You can listen to this whole album without skipping a song but I'll pick out some gems that stand out above the rest.

"Wrath of Math" (intro)

This is the first song and it definitely sets the tone for the rest of the album. The beat is dark and ominous and Jeru's flow is more that of a meditation or spoken word poetry. Premier sampled the Miles Davis song "Will O' the Wisp" to create the beat. "Will O' the Wisp" happens to be from one of my favorite Miles Davis albums 'Sketches of Spain'.

 "One Day"

One of my favorite aspects of Jeru, and many other MC's of the 90's, is that he is a great story teller. "One Day" exemplifies everything good about 90's hip-hop lyricism with allegory and metaphors. Jeru takes you on a lyrical mission to take back hip-hop from the commercial interests that hold it for ransom. 
Premier sampled "Don't Misunderstand" by Ahmad Jamal for the beat. The sample break can be found at 1:23.

"Revenge of the Prophet"

This is another song that demonstrates Jeru's great narrative flow. The song's story centers around 'The Prophet' (an alter ego of Jeru) and his mission to stop a villan named Ignorance and his henchmen Tricknology, and Greedy Lou. This song's subtext about ignorance and greed influencing the world is as poignant today as it was back in 96'.
Premier used samples from Q65's song "Get Out of My life, Woman". Its been a while since I have heard this song and on second listen I have noticed that several other producers have also have sampled this. Maybe its time I start digging for Q65 records.

I could go on all day about DJ Premier and MC's he's produced for but I'll spare you. Make sure to tune into our show every Thursday at Noon. We have some great shows lined up for you. In the meantime you should follow 5th Element Radio on Twitter @5thelementksfs. Interact with us. Let us know what you think of the show.

--Ryan (@Bair_clause)