Leftfield hip-hop from Lex Records.

Good to see Lex pushing off with a reasonably straightforward hip-hop release, reassuringly expanding their leftfield aesthetic. Uncomplicated (and occasionally hilarious) lyrics from excitable MC Jemini, listing over Dangermouse’s bounding, solid beats. Feels like a party record, calling in favours from Pharcyde and J-Zone, placing these around taut snares and Dre hi-hats. While the root of this record lies in its shabby, kaleidoscopic production and thematic posturing, it’s difficult to deny the purely FUN dynamic of Ghetto Pop Life. Check the title track: a droll live choir gives way to sampled applause, Western gunshots and straight-up attitude. Like labelmate TES’s recent release, x2, this debut stands tall and proud between left and centre. (8/10) James Rutledge 11 July 03

DM & Jemini – Ghetto Pop Life, released 14 July 03 on Lex Records.

useful link: www.lexrecords.com