A New York producer known for his work with Blacastan, Arsonists, and Grandaddy I.U., DJ Doom hits us with his first official album, an 18-track effort that flaunts surprisingly diverse beat styles and a literal who's-who of underground rappers old and new. Legendary NYC vets Prince Po and Large Professor get busy over mystical plucked strings on the aptly titled "Classic Hip-Hop," M-Dot goes to town over the frantic drums and freaked-out synths of "False Acts," and Beantown favorites Krumbsnatcha and Reks join J-Ro (from Tha Liks) on "Rookies." Other features include Pacewon, Cymarshall Law, John Robinson, Finsta Bundy, Tableek, Wordsworth, F.T., and Punchline. Yet Blacastan is arguably the most impressive guest here, doing his thing on three fantastic songs: "Hitman 4 Hire" (with Blaq Poet), "Hey Young World," and the '80 funk–enhanced self-improvement jam "Betta My Self." A quality release from one of hip-hop's most promising young producers.