Jedi Mind Tricks Violent By Design: Deluxe Edition CD

Like all excellent underground hip-hop acts, Philadelphia's Jedi Mind Tricks want to sound like Kool Keith but actually make some sense. That they've now moved on from their debut album's UFO-a-philia into more sociopolitical ramblings shouldn't distract you: Violent By Design again shows a group that still knows their nobly skewed stuff. Even when they add a third solid member, JusAllah (aka Megatraum), and about 400 guest spots. There are tales of pipe-wielding violence and obligatory Star Wars references, amusing uses of Hulk Hogan and Pi samples, but Stoupe's newly jagged and ominous turntablist hooks give you a new barren, kung-fu film landscape for those imaginative nights when you're truly feeling sinister. The Virtuoso, Esoteric, and Bahamadia collaboration "Exertions" superbly captures a sloping account of reparation, placentas, and Zodiac killers, while "The Prophecy" interlude sounds like a hip-hop cousin to the dark jazz played in the club scene of David Lynch's Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. Hardcore vulgarity and pointed, Wu-Tang hooks notwithstanding, Jedi Mind Tricks are well-versed in contradictions. They know how to intimidate without gangsta pretensions and they know how to create menace without losing sight of humor or clarity. ~ Dean Carlson

Like all excellent underground hip-hop acts, Philadelphia's Jedi Mind Tricks want to sound like Kool Keith but actually make some sense. That they've now moved on from their debut album's UFO-aphilia into more sociopolitical ramblings shouldn't distract you: Violent By Design again shows a group that still knows its nobly skewed stuff, even when adding a third solid member, JusAllah (aka Megatraum), and about 400 guest spots. There are tales of pipe-wielding violence, obligatory Star Wars references, and amusing uses of Hulk Hogan and Pi samples, but Stoupe's newly jagged and ominous turntablist hooks give you a new barren kung-fu film landscape for those imaginative nights when you're truly feeling sinister. The Virtuoso, Esoteric, and Bahamadia collaboration "Exertions" superbly captures a sloping account of reparation, placentas, and Zodiac killers, while "The Prophecy" interlude sounds like a hip-hop cousin to the dark jazz played in the club scene of David Lynch's Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. Hardcore vulgarity and pointed Wu-Tang hooks notwithstanding, Jedi Mind Tricks are well versed in contradictions. They know how to intimidate without gangsta pretensions, and they know how to create menace without losing sight of humor or clarity. [Violent By Design was reissued in 2004 with three bonus tracks and a DVD that includes a video scrapbook and the video for "I Who Have Nothing."] ~ Dean Carlson

The CD has been re-mastered and presented with additional material and an accompanying "scrapbook" DVD featuring 2003 tour footage and a rare insight into the creative process that spawned the band's latest CD "Visions of Gandhi." Packaged in a jewel box.

Audio Mixers: Chris Conway; Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind.

Liner Note Author: Fat Tony.

Recording information: BPM Studios, Boston, MA; Onesoul Bedroom.