Definitive Jux Presents III

They Say...

Review by David Jeffries, All Music Guide

Now three volumes old, the Definitive Jux Presents series pleases fans with new and exclusive tracks and makes for a good introduction for newcomers with its roster-spanning lineup. As underwhelming as his debut was, S.A. Smash offers up a contender with "Devil in the Hole," a track so lively, tight, and catchy you can close your eyes and see the Hype Williams video. C-Rayz Walz is another rapper who could actually slip into the mainstream -- and his "Jello" is excellent -- but the rest of the collection sticks with the classic, grimy, and gritty Definitive Jux sound. Camutao and the man behind Definitive Jux, El-P, give Moby, P. Diddy, and Usher a good slap on "WMR," an underground anthem that turns "stereo" into a six-syllable word. El-P's also behind the first-rate "Oxycontin, Pt. 2" -- a compelling narrative about respect between drug addict and drug dealer -- but he's also turned over more of the album than usual to other producers. Nasa and Aesop Rock get plenty of turns, but it's DJ paWL who trumps them all with a fresh, futuristic production on Hangar 18's track and a remix of Aesop Rock. Spreading out the consecutive academic tracks that slow down the beginning would have helped make this collection more necessary, and the debut from the promised El-P and S.A. Smash project, Central Services, is notably absent. Regardless, Definitive Jux Presents, Vol. 3 maintains the label's respected status and points to a bright future. [Upon its release, Definitive Jux Presents, Vol. 3 was packaged with a bonus DVD with videos from El-P, Mr. Lif, and C-Rayz Walz.]