VARIOUS ARTISTS
Who's America
System Recordings/Definitive Jux
· Features the talents of RJD2, El-P, Wink, Junior Sanchez and Dieselboy, among others.
It is easy to forget that this politically and socially charged album was first released a couple of months before last year’s United States presidential election to motivate that country’s young citizens to get out and vote. Now re-released domestically on the eve of Dubya's inauguration, the arguments that the artists pose regarding the anger-inducing disaster that was (and still is) the Bush administration become stronger. That Who's America enlightens the listeners with this message is a good thing, but being able to execute it with such musical finesse makes it even better.
Affecting the feet as much as the mind, this lineup of club music and underground hip-hop artists contribute their talents on this solid compilation. There are bits of jungle, house and all things funky on this album of club-worthy tracks. From Wink's four-on-the-floor "Rise Above" to Dieselboy's skittery "Subculture" to RJD2's downtempo "Get off My Spaceship Bitch," the music is what ultimately makes Who's America a great album.
Not to be outdone by the DJs, the rappers hold their ground, with Mr. Lif ("Home Of The Brave") and Hangar 18 ("Rumors of War") spitting lyrics worthy of a protest album. The most scathing attack on Dubya's Republicans is delivered by the Perceptionists ("Memorial Day"): "Where are the weapons of mass destruction/ We been looking for months and we ain't found nuthin'/ Please Mr. President tell us somethin'/ We knew from the beginning that your ass was bluffin'." Sean Penn couldn't have said it better himself.
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