The “Beat Konducta” series has become one of the more essential works in Madlib’s extensive catalogue. Over the years, the “Beat Konducta” has taken us to far away lands and paid tribute to Madlib’s partner in crime, J Dilla. The first installment, however, acts as a soundtrack to a film that only exists in Madlib’s imagination. Released about a month after J Dilla’s “Donuts” album, “Beat Konducta Vol 1-2: Movie Scenes” shares a few obvious similarities with that modern day masterpiece, such as the heavy use of soul samples by a pair of producers known for their diverse sampling sources. Madlib also pulls some funk, rock, jazz, and early electronic music out of the crates, making this a varied and eclectic listening experience, not unlike everything else in Madlib’s discography.

“Beat Konducta Vol 1-2″ opens with a Busta Rhymes monologue, before a cut up soul sample fades into the mix. “The Comeback” has a very Wu-Tang esque style, due to the track’s overall rawness and absence of Madlib’s own drum sounds. “The Payback” revolves around a sample of a well known James Brown track and features vintage drum machine sounds and various vocal samples to help carry it along. “Open” displays Madlib’s versatility with a bounce orientated track that wouldn’t be out of place on a mainstream hip hop album. Some of my other favorites include the off-kilter loops found on “The Rock”, the Black Ivory piano samples on “Understanding”, the hypnotic bump of “Third Ear” and “Whutkanido.” “Pyramids” would have to be my overall favorite beat, with its frantic drums, reflective samples and D’Angelo’s vocals for good measure.

Madlib’s catalogue may be a little overwhelming at first, but the “Beat Konducta” series is definitely one of the best places to dive into his work. ”Beat Konducta Vol 1-2″ wonderfully displays Madlib’s talent and ear for music, and is an essential album for anyone interested in instrumental hip hop.

by Kyle