BG's Top Ten Albums of 2004 - Number Two

Madvillain - Madvillainy

Did you purchase the new Jay-Z/R Kelly album hoping for greatness only to get more songs about cheddar rapped/sung over wack-ass beats? Are you wondering what a successful collaboration between two men at the top of their respective games might look like? If so, you need look no further than right here as Madlib and MF Doom have come together to give us an instant hip hop classic. Madvillainy is successful for many reasons, but the biggest is the unbelievable chemistry between the two participants. Madlib's jazzy beats of yesteryear are the perfect compliment to Metal Face's gravely, unpredictable flow. This record is also as innovative as it is entertaining. Songs drop out at unexpected times, creating an air of spontaneity. And unlike most hip hop albums these days, Madvillainy almost feels like it's over too quickly, even with 22 songs in 46 minutes. Only the sample heavy "America's Most Blunted" and "Rhinestone Cowboy" clock in at over 3 ½ minutes. The average track comes in at about 2. This, coupled with the elimination of deadweight like R&B choruses from the songs and tired, unfunny skits, are what ensure that things never have a chance to get stale. By most accounts, this was a slow year for hip hop, but any year that gives us as amazing an album as Madvillainy leaves us little to complain about.