While each half of Dangerdoom has been a part of the hip-hop scene for quite awhile, both recently raised their profiles with individual album releases of cult status. Producer DJ Danger Mouse mashed Jay-Z and the Beatles on The Grey Album, while rapper MF Doom joined with renowned producer Madlib to create the classic album Madvillain.
As each artist is no stranger to collaboration, it makes sense that DJ Danger Mouse and MF Doom would join forces on The Mouse and the Mask. With rock-solid beats, patented monotone raps, and appearances by zany Adult Swim characters, The Mouse and the Mask looks to be one of the best hip-hop album releases of 2005.
The first thing to notice on the album is the consistent production quality. For the entire 40 minute length of the album, Danger Mouse shows that his name deserves to be mentioned in any conversation on great producers.
For instance, the track 'Bada Bing' displays shifting horns and guitar riffs that still foster cohesiveness. Once combined with Doom's off-the-wall narratives, this track becomes a definite crowd pleaser. The track 'A.T.H.F.' proves that DM loves his hi-hats, as the addictive symbol loop steals the spotlight from Doom's 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' braggadocio.
Though the beats of the album are mostly grimy in nature, Danger Mouse switches it up with the track 'Benzi Box,' which features hip-hop sensation Cee-Lo. The ghoully synthetic whistle, along with a pared-down piano loop and Cee-Lo's silky vocal hook make for a product that is dope enough for the iPod and clean enough for the radio.
Not to be overshadowed, MF Doom's performance matches all that should be expected from him. He delivers a monotone and unique flow in his vocal delivery, and writes original and often beguiling lyrics.
Though Doom's schtick and Madlib's production were a match made in heaven on Madvillainy, the Dangerdoom combo seems to be a relatively close second. This is illustrated best on 'Vats of Urine,' where Doom explains the various uses of the song title over a dirty trumpet sample.
Neither Danger Mouse nor Doom are strangers to the art of collaboration, and with The Mouse and the Mask, each can add another slash to their victory columns of successful collaborations.
While guest artists Talib Kweli and Ghostface add quality to the album, and Master Shake's phone messages to Doom are hilarious, it was the successful combination of DM's beats and Doom's flow that make this album a success. This release may not ever reach cult status like their previous projects, but it certainly does cement the already burgeoning profiles of DJ Danger Mouse and MF Doom.
