DJ Krush Stepping Stones: The Self-Remixed Best CD

As Japan's most acclaimed hip-hop emissary, DJ Krush has been expanding the lexicon of turntablism, loops, samples, and boom-bap since the early 1990s. Taking his early inspirations from the concrete jungle of the South Bronx, and charting them into distinctly jazz-influenced waters, Krush has influenced legions of like-minded hip-hop renegades. STEPPING STONES is a unique career retrospective spanning nine albums and a myriad of styles, moods, and tones. Expanding the very notion of a "best-of album," Krush has re-cooked the originals, lending his distinctive touch once again to tracks that have outlasted musical trends and have become classics in their own right.

Approaching his musical canvas like a painter, DJ Krush contrasts soft-focus atmospherics with hard-edged beats. On the track "Duality," an orchestral sample swells over an arpeggiated synth stab--a contrast between light and shadow akin to an aural chiaroscuro. STEPPING STONES, however, is not just for the blunted chill-out set. On the updated "Shinjiro," a slinky double-time bass groove provides a sinuous counterpoint to Mos Def's languid rapping, evidence that Krush has the chops for club bangers as well. Showcasing the full breadth and Zen-like depth of Krush's hip-hop artistry, STEPPING STONES is a diverse collection by one of the genre's true originals.

The self remixed greatest hits from one of the most prolific identities in beats and hip hop today. DJ Krush celebrates his 12 year recording career with a 2 disc compilation remix of selected songs from his previous 20 albums. Disc 1 - "Lyricism" contains tracks that feature rap and vocal from such artists as The Roots, DJ Shadow, Mos Def, Zap Mama, CL Smooth, Company Flow, Esthero, Rino & Twiggy, Aesop Rock and a newly recorded track featuring Kan. Disc 2 - "Soundscapes" is a compilation of remixed instrumental tracks including the hit track "Kemuri".

Audio Remixers: DJ Krush; Toshihiko Miyoshi.

Recording information: Ameraycan Recording Studios, LA; Anticon's 59th St. Chemist Studio; Battery Recording Studio, NY; Boca Music, IL; Definitive Jux Studios; Hal Studio, Tokyo, Bunkamura Studio, Tokyo, Japan; Platinum Island Studios, NY; Show-on Studio, Tokyo, Japan; Studio Shangri-La, Tokyo, Japan; The Deadcloud Studio, Oakland, CA; The Studio, Philadelphia, PA; Vehicular Lab.

Photographer: Daisuke Ishizaka.

Personnel: DJ Krush (scratches).

Audio Mixers: Koichi "Oppenheimer" Matsuki; Chris Bemand; Eliud "Lou" Ortiz; Toshihiko Miyoshi; Brandon Abelin; Ken Ifill.

Alternative Press (p.206) - "STEPPING STONES is a testament to Krush's longevity, as well as his profound impact on hip-hop and electronic music."
CMJ (p.38) - "Krush's finest moment might be the Mr. Lif-guested 'Nosferatu,' whose beat skips along with giddy glitchiness over sinister clanking and ominous whooshes and whispers."
Vibe (p.166) - "His work here is foreboding and propulsive, and slightly more abrasive than the originals -- an unexpected accomplishment."