DJ Krush has been laying down his cold krush grooves for 10 years by the time JAKU came out, and you can hear his progression as an artist. The beats are still there, but, as on the skittering "Still Island" or the electro-clap of "Univearth," there's more variation. As well, a cinematic quality lays over the tracks, like on the background strings of "Road To Nowhere" or the aching shakuhachi on "The Beginning." But lest you think he's abandoned his hip-hop roots, Mr. Lif send in lyrical delivery to "Nosferatu" and "Kill Switch," respectively, and "Decks-athron" is all about the scratching madness. But he also explores other genres: "Stormy Cloud" goes into piano-based jazz with Ken Shima at the keys; "Slit of Cloud" has what sounds like a yukara joined together with a jazz saxophone; and "Distant Voices" develops a low-toned growl. Another Krushing blow.

Jaku is DJ Krush at his darkest. A textural, cinematic release that explores space and depth rather than simply the cracking beats he's famed for, this album is not only the best Krush album but also one of the greatest Hip-Hop albums in existence. People who are looking for an easy listen will not appreciate this; much of it is quite abstract when compared to the rest of the genre and there are very few tracks with vocals. Mr Lif provides one of the best MC'd tracks of Krush's catalog with Nosferatu, while the sinister swagger and warped samples of Distant Voices displays why Krush is so widely revered as a producer. It's been a long time since the release of this album and we've not had anything by way of a follow-up, and one can easily understand why.... Topping an album as brilliant as this is nigh on impossible.

Krush goest natural and essential here... His roots' cultural prophecy is heard in almost every song. Whole album is very melodic, deep and atmospheric. Being a big fan of this guy's output, i met this album a bit _different_, but i wouldn't say it's bad. No! - Krush puts more ethnic drops in this piece, big space, more feeling. It goes warm, slightly out-a-space and, of course, melancholic. More live instruments and improved sampling-technique. It's more that hip-hop now. It's Krush in his unique gifted new look. Groovy and wise. Respect to the author!