It's Whateva

iTunes Review

While Sean Price, KRS-One and other old-school touting diehards from the East Coast are busy calling for a return to the intricate lyricism and blocky beats of New York’s golden age, the irreverent troublemakers in the Federation are busy drawing inspiration from the more venerable and party- friendly sounds of old-school electro, and making music that puts most other contemporary hip-hop to shame. The electronic bleeps and space-age synth patches on tracks like “Got Me F***ed Up” and “My Rimz” recall an era when stylistic innovation was synonymous with rocking dancefloors. On It’s Whateva the supremely talented producer Rick Rock provides the Federation with a set of mind-expanding beats whose spare yet futuristic electro aesthetic evokes the best work of the producers Mantronix, Man Parrish, and Afrika Bambaataa. Rick Rock’s masterful drum programming and undeniable flair for dramatic yet minimal compositions make him one of the best producers working right now. It’s Whateva features some of his most galvanizing production work.