D.S.P.: In The Red (2002)

By

LUCY BEER,

Lucy Beer

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Published: May 10, 2002

D.S.P., otherwise known as Dynamic Syncopation, is producers Jonny Cuba and the Loop Professor - veterans of the UK hip-hop scene. Students of the classics, the duo root their head-nodders in a dusty, loop-diggin’ schema similar to that of Pete Rock, DJ Premier and Diamond D. Breathing lyrical life into their tracks, are a variety of MCs, from both sides of the pond, with resumes of varying lengths. But all bless the mic with equal skill, contributing diverse lyrical content, not to mention a pot-pourri of accents. Underground faves Mass Influence contribute to two tracks including the smooth-as-butta "2 Tha Left." D.S.P. also bring a couple of unsigned up-and-comers into the mix, including Eve.On who rips into "Where Is It" with gusto, alternating forceful lyrics with husky finesse. Brooklyn unsigned MC Dell Wells carries his tracks more than comfortably, including "No Regrets", an introspective contemplation. D.S.P. display an ease in turning out tracks of a more reclined nature with a jazzy touch, alongside more aggressive material for their MCs to tear up, like "My Verse First" and "Trife-A-Saurus Rex." In The Red showcases the versatility and consistently satisfying production skills of D.S.P. It also benefits from a colorful cast of MC talent who each contribute their unique character to their tracks. With this release D.S.P. definitely lends a helping hand to the developing UK hip-hop scene, but In The Red ’s appeal is very much universal.

Record Label: Ninja Tune | Style: Beyond Jazz