Mike Ladd: Nostalgialator

Label: Definitive Jux

It took four years, but finally Nostalgialator is released in the U.S. (it came out in Europe in 2004 on !K7). Since he made this album, he’s had several collaborations with jazz pianist Vijay Iyer, so this serves as a reminder of just how original his production is even when he’s the only artist on the album. Ladd covers way more musical ground than most hip-hop artists; there’s even a low-key, gruffly sung adaptation of the folk song “Sail Away Ladies” closing the disc. There’s a lot of political commentary, but Ladd’s wordplay is so witty, and his poetic vision so surreal, that he never sounds preachy. (Steve)