The L.A. boardsmith has become something of a spokesman for his art, one he sees as slowly dying. But as was the case with Nas, his own stuff makes his claim seem silly. The new "King of the Decks" outing is full of turntable wizardry and dynamic interplay with whoever's on the mic.

Filed in: Underground Rap

In the overcrowded N.Y.C. retro-rock scene of recent years, the bands that have stood out most have done it with a twist. In the case of the Walkmen--the group that formed out of Jonathan Fire-Eater and the Recoys--that twist is dreamy vocals that soar when you'd expect them to shout. Taut guitars and pensive percussion take care of the rest.

Filed in: Indie Rock

Part black sheep, part bad seeds--these New Zealanders embrace any runt-of-the-litter idiom. What they're really saying is that they're proud to be different, and they should be. "Into the Dojo" is danceable reggae-rock aimed squarely at the indie kids who thought they were too jaded for it.

Filed in: Contemporary Reggae

The Spanish songman has found unlikely mainstream success with a blend of lilting grooves and frank lyrics. On this remix EP, both sides of that brew are explored. The seven takes of "Politik Kills" test out spikier versions of the beats and put new voices to the socially conscious message.

Filed in: Rock en Espanol

Acid music isn't dead, it has lived on throughout the years in Keith Tenniswood's (aka Radioactive Man) belly--swirling, morphing and sustaining itself until he spewed up what sounds like early NIN meets Two Lone Swordsmen. If you're a fan of early industrial music, then you'll find Radioactive a real treat.

Filed in: Electronica