Rating:
Genre:
Rap
Release Date: 08/04/2009
In Control, Vol. 1 is a greatest-hits package (of a sort) featuring singles
Marley Marl produced for his stable of artists on the
Cold Chillin' label. Mostly though, the album serves to show exactly how important
Marley Marl was to the advancement of hip-hop. Before him, hip-hop relied mostly on primitive, artificial sounding 808 drum machine beats. He transformed the genre completely with his stock of drum loops, most lifted from
James Brown records. His crisp beats enlivened hip-hop and set the tone for the sample madness that would eventually consume producers.
In Control, Vol. 1 includes some of the best moments from the producer's hip-hop revolution. Rap heavyweights
Biz Markie and
Heavy D try their hands at a
Barry Manilow impression on their transformation of
"We Write the Songs." Master Ace and
Action attempt some hip-hop upliftment on
"Keep Your Eyes on the Prize," and
Master Ace,
Craig G.,
Kool G Rap, and
Big Daddy Kane join forces for one of the best posse cuts in hip-hop history,
"The Symphony." While some of these rappers, most notably
Heavy D and
Big Daddy Kane, would go on to further success, none ever would sound this tight again.
Marley Marl's groundbreaking production and the strength of the various MCs showcased on
In Control, Vol. 1 make the album a must for anyone even remotely interested in hip-hop's history. [The expanded edition includes commentary by
Marley Marl, as well as a second disc of material previously unavailable on CD.]
~Chris Witt, All Music Guide
;)
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