Droppin' Science is defined by the Urban Dictionary as, "laying down something revolutionary, that changes you or messes you up crazy."
I find this amusing, "messes you up crazy". This isn't all that characteristic of the album, but "laying down something revolutionary" is a good definition of the track selection. This most recent Blue Note release doesn't give the listener anything new. In fact, the tracks have been around for awhile, both in their own right and as resurrections in a laundry list of early hip-hop singles.
The playlist for this album was compiled by ?uestlove, drummer for The Roots, and in it he has exposed 13 tracks that make up the foundation of musical inspiration for both himself and for many other hip-hop artists. As a side note, I saw ?uestlove play a DJ gig at Elixer Ultra Lounge in Pittsburgh's SouthSide about a year ago. His whole show was based around playing popular hip-hop tracks and then mixing them together with the original music beds. Exposing secrets. It was pretty interesting.
Due to this subtle nuance, I think that this album was rightly compiled by ?uestlove.
"Droppin' Science" is a great compilation of classic break beat, jazz, funk and soul compilations from the likes of Donald Byrd, Grant Green, Ronnie Foster, Lou Donaldson and a bunch of other names you've probably never heard of.
Check it out. It's a good road map to the hip-hop industry, and a good soundtrack for relaxing on a Sunday afternoon.
Track List:
1. It's Your Thing- Lou Donaldson
2. Mystic Brew- Ronnie Foster
3. Think Twice- Donald Byrd
4. The Edge- David McCullum
5. Oblighetto- Brother Jack McDuff
6. Get Out Of My Life Woman- Joe Williams
7. Down Here On the Ground- Grant Green
8. Spinning Wheel- Lonnie Smith
9. Howling For Judy- Jeremy Steig
10. Who's Making Love- Lou Donaldson
*If you download this on Itunes they'll give you three extra tracks. It's worth it just for the Ronnie Laws track.
11. Tidal Wave- Ronnie Laws
12. Little Green Apples- Monk Higgins
13. Wind Parade- Donald Byrd
