Reviving the Legacy of Lootpack: An Analaysis of ‘Soundpieces: Da Antidote!’ (1999)
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The 1999s witnessed the emergence of an uber-talented hip hop group, Lootpack. This brilliant group, comprised of Madlib, Wildchild, and DJ Romes, featured on the 1993 album by Tha Alkaholiks, which marked their first-ever public appearance. Using Stones Throw Records as their launch pad, Lootpack’s journey has been a unique blend of talent, timing and dedication.
Carrying with them an enviable lineage – their label, Crate Digga’s Palace was founded by Madlib’s father, Otis Jackson Sr.-, Lootpack made waves with their vinyl, Ill Psych Move EP, in 1996. This release caught the attention of artist Peanut Butter Wolf, a renowned artistic genius who sensed potential in them that eventually led to their signing with Stones Throw Records.
Adding spark to Lootpack’s brilliant rise was the definitive year of 1999. It was in this year that their unparalleled talent took center stage with the release of “Soundpieces: Da Antidote!”, a classic that forever cemented Lootpack’s place in the annals of hip hop history. However, it’s unfortunate for the fans and the hip hop music lovers around the world that Lootpack did not release any follow-ups to this classic album.
Interestingly, their talents went beyond the collective synergy of Lootpack, as all three members pursued successful individual careers. DJ Romes, for instance, entertained the crowds with his 2001 album, “Hamburger Hater Breaks.” Likewise, Madlib, the versatile maestro has released concept albums and been part of ensembles like Quasimoto and Yesterdays New Quintet, making his unique mark in the industry.
The echo of Lootpack still reverberates in the contemporary music setting as their distinct sound and style have influenced a whole generation of artists. Artists like Wildchild have also continued the Lootpack legacy, releasing his debut, “Secondary Protocol” in 2003. The whole album was produced by Madlib and his younger brother Oh No, reflecting the everlasting musical connection of the members of the Lootpack even after they decided to follow individual paths.
Despite the disillusionment of Lootpack, their sole album “Soundpieces: Da Antidote!” remains a critically-acclaimed work in the hip hop lexicon—an enticing endorsement of the musical genius of the Lootpack as a collective and of every individual artist part of the group that still remains in the annals of the hip-hop industry’s history.
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