Deltron 3030 - Deltron 3030 (2001)

Before I start adding new content, I'm going to move all my old reviews over from my old address,  just so that you won't be missing anything by only checking out the new site.  I'll see if I can get permission from the writers on the previous sit, as well, but I can't guarantee they'll all make it over.

I’ll kick off the site with a review of my personal favorite hip-hop album, Deltron 3030.  Deltron unites the talents of legendary underground MC, Del tha Funkee Homsapien with producer Dan, the Automator and the relative newcomer DJ Kid Koala.  As the title insinuates, the album takes place in the year 3030 and follows our rapper/soldier/mech pilot/hacker protagonist, Deltron Zero on his journey to compete in the Galactic Rhyme Federation Championships.  During this journey, he must avoid being captured by the oppressive government.  In reality, the plots only semi-cohesive, but it’s there.  Along the way, Del covers a myriad of topics, ranging from racism to corporations to the state of hip-hop.  Of course, being Del, he has to make sure everybody knows exactly how cool he is in relation to everybody else, as well.  While somewhat abstract, the lyrics have a clearly discernible theme, and you’re rarely left wondering what a song was supposed to be about.

Arguably even better than Del’s masterful storytelling and lyrical gymnastics is Dan, the Automator’s production.  The beats are downright weighty at times, in the best way possible.  Automator does a great job establishing the sense of the overbearing Big Brother government present in 3030 when necessary.  Many of the beats would have been equally at home on the previous Automator produced release “Dr. Octagonecologyst.”  However, he shows he capable of expanding beyond his normal fare into more upbeat production on tracks such as “Positive Contact” and “Memory Loss.”

In conclusion, Deltron 3030 is a masterfully executed album; a perfect storm of creative concept, stellar rapping and ambient production.  While the album has standout tracks, it really needs to be heard as a whole to be fully appreciated.  At 60 minutes, it’s not excessively lengthy.  For all you Gorillaz fans out there, you can thank this album for their creation.  Damon Albarn himself has said that his parts on this album are what inspired him to create the group.

Best Tracks: 3030, Mastermind, Madness, Time Keeps on Slipping, Memory Loss

Score: 96/100