DangerdoomThe Mouse and the Mask

Hip Hop hasn't been this fun since the 80's

In a time where everyone's, particularly in the world of hip hop, so concerned about "keeping it real" it's refreshing to have such an amazing collaborative effort from producer Danger Mouse (who also worked on the Gorillaz album Demon Days which was released earlier this year) and mastermind rapper MF Doom, with help from the cast of the Adult Swim from Cartoon Network. From the moment you play the cd you realize that it's really just all about having fun, from the opening line of "Why did you buy this album? I don't know why you bought this album, you're stupid" to the absolutely hilarious track "Sofa King," which revolves around the age old joke of "I am Sofa King We Todd Did." Both Danger and Doom are in top form on nearly all of these tracks as well; as Doom effortlessly raps playfully matching the happy go lucky nature of Danger Mouse's production on each track. The guest artists that appear also do their share, as Ghostface does a solid job in backing Doom on "The Mask," and Cee-Lo chimes in on the funkified "Benzie Box." The best guest effort, however, is that of Talib Kweli who provides surprisingly playful yet exceptionally strong lyrics on the track "Old School" which provides a nostalgic look at the cartoons of years past. Another hilarious moment is on the track "A.T.H.F" which features Meatwad doing his best to freestyle before being interrupted by Carl who would rather listen to "something badass, like REO Speedwagon." After the skit, MF Doom chimes in as he raps about each character in the Aqua Teen Hunger Force show, over the relatively subdued bass. The two following tracks, "No Names" and "Crosshairs" also shine, Doom plays off the espionage feeling bass line of "No Names" with his now-accustomed witty wordplay. "Crosshairs" on the other hand, while being the first track to feel somewhat serious with it's looped guitar, shows the impressive ability of both Danger Mouse and MF Doom to go from one end of the spectrum to the either without breaking a sweat. All in all, this is an outstanding album and easily ties (and possibly even beats) Kanye's Late Registration for best Rap album of the year, a definite must have.

★★★★★