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• Shades of Blue: Madlib Invades Blue Note, released in June 2003, is a bold reimagining of the Blue Note Records catalog by Madlib, who was granted full access to the labels archives. Rather than simply sampling, he blends remixing and reinterpretationapplying hip-hop sensibilities over jazz originals and inserting original instrumentation under various pseudonymous ensembles like Yesterdays New Quintet, Morgan Adams Quartet Plus Two, and the Joe McDuphrey Experience. The project occupies a unique space between tribute and transformation, with mood, texture, and layered rhythm taking precedence over strict fidelity to source material. The album unfolds as a nocturnal journey across jazz, downtempo grooves, beats, and subtle sonic collage.

  Certain standout momentssuch as Stepping Into Tomorrow, Slims Return, Mystic Bounce, and the medley Peace / Dolphin Dancereveal Madlibs deft ability to isolate emotional cores in complex arrangements and recast them with contemporary heft. Interspersed interludes, voice snippets, and label commentary deepen the sense that this is not simply a remix record, but a conceptual encounter bridging eras. Though opinions differ on its consistency, the album is celebrated for expanding listeners vantage on jazz-informed hip-hop and its possibility of dialogue across musical eras.

  Reviews

  “Overall, a good time is had by all, as he doesn’t just sample the tracks as much as fit them into his own sound” AllMusic

  Appropriately enough, Madlibs multiple-personality disorder creates the shades of blue the title refers to the role reversal of foregrounded breakbeat and buried melody on the discs centerpiece Stepping Into Tomorrow illustrate exquisitely. Pitchfork

  The fusion of the two genres works well and provides both jazz and hip-hop aficionados a highly palatable introduction into the works of the other form. The Absolute Sound

  Review

  AllMusic rating: AllMusic users: (212 votes) Read the AllMusic.com review

• Artist: Madlib Label: Blue Note, Music On Vinyl, Universal Music Format: LP Units: 2 Country: Europe Genre: Hip Hop & RnB Style: Instrumental

• A1 Intro
  A2 Slim’S Return
  A3 Distant Land
  A4 Mystic Bounce
  B1 Stormy
  B2 Blue Note Interlude
  B3 Please Set Me At Ease
  B4 Funky Blue Note
  B5 Alfred Lion Interlude
  C1 Stepping Into Tomorrow
  C2 Andrew Hill Break
  C3 Montara
  D1 Song For My Father
  D2 Footprints
  D3 Peace/Dolphin Dance
  D4 Outro