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Review: Jack Foley
MASH-UPS don't come much more spectacular than Jay-Z and Linkin
Park - two heavyweights from their respective genres, whose own
collision course delivers some seriously wicked tunes.
Hot off the heels of the single, Numb/Encore, the album
delivers more of the same thrills, with mash-ups of two of the
artists greatest hits, such as Izzo/In The End and Points
of Authority/99 Problems/One Step Closer.
For those who don't know, the album came about as a result of
the once-in-a-lifetime performance by Jay-Z and Linkin Park on
MTV on July 18, 2004, at West Hollywood’s famed Roxy Theatre
in front of a select group of lucky fans.
The ensuing session marked a meeting of musical minds inspired
by mutual admiration and a passion for music, resulting in a combination
of great songs 'mashed' together as if they meant to be paired
in that way all along.
The tracks were cut in the studio with Linkin Park and Jay-Z
while they rehearsed for the Roxy performance.
Hence, fans of both artists are treated to studio versions, plus
the entire MTV concert on the accompanying DVD - making it a must
for all fans.
Of the highlights, the Izzo/In The End mash-up is probably
the best, featuring a genuinely brilliant Jackson 5 sample, laid
down across Jay-Z's memorable hip-hop style. Linkin Park, for
their part, sound perfectly suited to the hip-hop style and the
track remains in hip-hop throughout.
The reverse is true for the nu-metal heavy Authority/99 Problems/One
Step Closer, which is as gutsy as you might expect from some
of the artists' heavier tracks. The guitars positively reverberate
around the room if you have it turned up loud enough (which I
urge you to).
Big Pimpin/Paper Cut is another gem - a flute-laden,
beat-driven mix of musical mayhem that sounds like the two styles
were made for each other.
Fans of both artists will probably relish the collaboration,
while the uninitiated might just be surprised at how well this
works.
So why not place yourself on Collision Course with the nearest
record shop?
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