Various Artists: Still More Bounce- Though '80s electrofunk outfit Zapp only scored a few hits during its run ("More Bounce to the Ounce," "Dancefloor," "Computer Love," etc.), the group's trademark electronic handclaps and vocoder-ed "talkbox" sound were destined to become a part of hip-hop's DNA. While the group's mastermind, the late, great Roger Troutman, has become a full-fledged member of the pantheon of hip-hip godfathers -- taking his place alongside James Brown, George Clinton, and Iceberg Slim.
Troutman's bass-heavy sound has been a sampler's staple since EPMD's 1988 classic, Strictly Business, but it was on the West Coast where the musical mutation reached it's full flower. Simply put, Cali's classic G-Funk sound couldn't have existed without Troutman. Everybody from Eazy E to Dre to Snoop to Compton's Most Wanted to DJ Quik to tha Doggpound owed a steep debt to Troutman's funky, disassociated vibe; and after Troutman was gunned down in 1999 (a true O.G.'s passing), some of L.A.'s finest rhymers are (again) paying their respects on wax.
Produced by Tha Liks' J-Ro, the Still More Bounce tribute boasts an all-star lineup that includes Snoop, X-Zibit, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, Ice T, Rass Kass, Tha Liks, and even Chico Debarge (!), all doing their own thing over Troutman's immortal sound. Unlike 2000's Tribute to Roger Troutman, most of these tracks aren't covers of Troutman's work, but rather originals inspired by it. The result is a funky, innovative record that celebrates one man's creativity -- while letting other artists exercise their own. You can't help but think that Roger would have wanted it that way.
8 OUT OF 10 |
