Common, Beatnick & K-Salaam - S.T.O.R.Y. (Stories Told Over Remixed Years)

The trendy Hip-Hop production duo of K-Salaam and Beatnick are at it again as they release a full-fledged remix project for none other than Chi-Town legend Common. "S.T.O.R.Y.(Stories Told Over Remixed Years)", pairs some of Com's classic joints with all-new beats provided by the heady duo, who garnered much underground praise for their divine remixes of his "Resurrection" and "On The Corner" tracks leading up to this release. Truly two of the game's most slept on new producer's next to Blue Sky Black Death, their new project is absolutely something for any Common fan, or just a fan of creative, boom bap production in general. Having boastfully stated that "S.T.O.R.Y. was the "best remix album ever made", I was a bit skeptical at first. After listening however I can say I fully understand Beatnick and Salaam's convictions. It's excellent work, filled with airy, infectious and soulful sounds. Giving the listener's a lesson in layering on "6th Sense" and taking things in a different, yet provocative direction for "Go". Their sound definitely barrows from the electronic stylings of 80's dance music, but the twist they add is definitely new for Hip-Hop.

Tamping down the experimentation a bit and returning to the tried and true format of good ole' soul, Beatnick and Salaam weave a masterfully warm beat for their "Reminding Me" cover that leads you into the second half of "S.T.O.R.Y.". As things wind down the admirable re-working of the supremely classic track "The Light" raised my eyebrow. It does manage to capture some of the original's magic and surprisingly it was the track I replayed the most on this whole album but, I can admit it's nothing that special. Just a tune I enjoyed, maybe you guys will agree, maybe not.

Unfortunately, the hit or miss nature of tracks like "Dooinit" and "The Corner '09 pt.2" take away from things a bit as you push toward the end. Finishing on a high note however the pair's imaginative take on Com's "1-9-9-9" track is cleverly updated to "2-0-0-9" and puts him, Sadat X and Kweli over a sensational track filled with funky instrumentation chops. The final remix is for "I Used Love H.E.R." and is interesting for the simple fact that it takes on a much more melancholy feel....rounded things out nicely I thought.

Sure to please any purist lookin' to curl up with some honestly authentic attempts at creativity through production, and something that concurrently highlights some of the best moments in the career of a classic lyricist like Common. A more than worthy try indeed, but remix heads beware, "S.T.O.R.Y." is not really in the same vein as your 9th Wonder and Pete Rock remix joints. This is a good thing I suppose.

-BIG D O






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