The French Connection

by John BushBorrowing the wider name recognition of mixer DJ Cam, its compadre in the French rap scene, the Parisian avant-hip-hop imprint Artefact Records released this 2000 label retrospective, with tracks from ten different producers. Though none of these artists are well-known in the international electronic community, they acquit themselves quite well, each taking the template of downbeat hip-hop and adjusting it thanks to influences from jazz and soundtrack work ("Hide & Seek" by Shinju Gumi, "Spook" by O'Neill), fusion or quiet storm R&B ("Garance" by Art Ensemble, "One of These Days" by Zend Avesta), scratchy, sample-driven American rap (the DJ Cam remix of "More" by Baron Samedi, "Underwater Rhymes" by Doctor L.), and true avant-garde ("Fog Plants" by Naruhisa Matsuoka). DJ Cam's mixing is smooth; it spotlights the diversity of the label, quite underrated considering the quality on display here.