The importance of Madvillainy can never be understated. The collaborative 2004 album from the duo dubbed Madvillain (co-producers Madlib and the late, great MF DOOM) will remain a forever standout for its jazz-forward production, multi-dimensional sampling techniques, and ground-breaking distinction in the underground hip-hop scene.
Its paramount value among the musical realms surpasses mere monetary gains and chart-topping placements, embedding itself into the historic record of an endearing masterpiece to be appreciated by fans for generations to come. Madvillainy captured the hearts of music lovers and die-hard hip hop and jazz listeners since its release over two decades ago. It has influenced countless musicians since its inception, including Earl Sweatshirt, Flying Lotus, Childish Gambino, Denzel Curry, and so many players in the game.
Among those players also includes the four cats who threw down a reimagined live tribute to the iconic album in Denver last Saturday, July 27th, at the city’s newest music lounge, Two Moons Music Hall. The night saw two separate shows with Break Science (Borahm Lee – keys & samples, Adam Deitch – drums) plus two (Hunter Roberts – bass, Enmanuel Alexander – guitar) leading the auditory journey honoring the reigning Stones Throw classic.
Adam says “Borahm presented the concept to me in early July and I suggested we incorporate DOOM’s vocal tracks from the songs we chose. Madlib is a huge influence on us.” The early showed commenced just after 8PM, with an intimate crowd of hip hop heads gathered to witness the extremely thought out presentation featuring 70 solid minutes of genuine odes to one of the greatest albums of all time.
On par with the album’s opening, the escapade kicked off with “The Illest Villains,” with Borahm sampling the vocals, playing keys, and setting the soundscape for the vibe. Meanwhile, the rest of the band recreated note-by-note, the entire symphony of the song. Using the set stylings as the base point, the musicians expand on the legendary hits, utilizing their own skills in the worlds of jazz, hip hop, and improvisational jam.
Mimicked by Borahm, MF DOOM’s pivotal bars refined by Madlib’s production and orchestrated artistry fused with the boldness of the live band were absolutely next level when it came to delivering cult classics like “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Figaro”.
Halfway through the set, local songstress and multi-faceted artist, Brittany Beckett, graced the stage in a clearly MF DOOM inspired ‘fit to wow the audience with a performance of “Eye”. The original track features Stacy Epps, an inspiring vocalist, advocate for creative communities, and attorney fighting for the rights of all creatives.
The band entered into one of the album’s nastiest licks, “Meat Grinder,” comprised of so much genius on DOOM’s bars fitting into such a short, but packed musical structure that samples some golden oldies (“Sleeping in a Jar” by The Mothers in Invention and “Hula Rock” by Lew Howard & the All-Stars). A straight-up banger interlaced with everything we love most about hip hop, brought to life by way of this more-than-qualified quartet.
Before closing out the show, Borahm headed to the mic and elaborated on the intention behind the show and extended thanks to the crowd:
“Both Madlib and MF DOOM are incredible producers. Madvillainy is one of the most unique combinations we’ve ever heard and this record influenced all of us and we heard it since day one, we’ve been rocking since day one…it’s 20 years old now…it’s still rocking! Thank you guys so much for coming out and appreciating good music.”
When we asked Adam more about the show, he said that “this might become a series where we present classic albums live, while incorporating the sample chops and vocals from the albums we choose,” and we sure hope this rings true!
