Jurassic 5: Feedback

If there was ever a time for good ole throwback hip hop, 2006 is it. However, the usually dependable Jurassic 5 do not quite quench the thirst like they’re usually known to do. On their third LP, Feedback, the group strays from tradition and give us an album with mixed results and feelings.

What should be noted is that DJ/producer Cut Chemist is absent from this album due to work on his solo album. DJ Nu Mark handles the majority of the album with ease, but the outside production fails to provide the classic Jurassic 5 sound.

There are still plenty instances of unison rhyming and melodies, but some of the beats either fall short or are a poor attempt at crossing over. Their lead single “Work It Out” featuring Dave Matthews unfortunately sounds more like a DMB song than a J5 tune.

There are a handful of songs Jurassic 5 fans will fiend over, including “Where We At,” “Future Sound,” and “Red Hot.” The mesmerizing laidback anthem “End Up Like This” finds the group contemplating how various circumstances in life have led them to their current state. There is plenty of diversity on this album, but this is one of the few times in life diversity does not mix as well as it should in theory.

– Mike LaCroix
Jurassic 5 (Interscope)