When Madlib, The Beat Konducta released 'WLIB AM: King of the Wigflip' in 2008, I remember seeing the vinyl version in the Berwick Street Market area and thinking, I'll get the CD!
What a mistake that was a it was part of the highly thought of Beat Generation series that featured the disc spinning and beat making talents of Pete Rock, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Spinna, Mr Thing, Jay Dee/Dilla, Will.I.Am(!) and more.
But the Madlib edition is now back on vinyl after many years that features not only Madlib but many of his friends like Guilty Simpson, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Defari, MED, J Rocc (Ed. I best DJ I've ever seen at the time). Prince Po, Karriem Riggins, Talib Kweli and more.
This Madlib's Radio station style as 'WLIB AM' on the dial and I wonder if it's survived the test of time? If you were into hip-hop/beats/skate as a young dude in early 2000s this was mind blowing and it's great to hear it again. And whilst it's no 'Madvillainy' (the seminal album he did as Madvillain with Doom) and whilst it was the last of 'Beat Generation' series, it's before the frenzy of the 13 album 'Madlib Medicine Show' mixture of hip-hop, jazz, remix and multi-genre DJ mixtapes.
The gatefold sleeve features some previously unseen photos by Brian 'B+' Cross (Ed. did I ever tell you about the time I met him? Unfortuneately there's no photographic evidence of this) and Madlib's beat making and sample fusing abilities are there for all to hear.
If I could speak to a younger me, I'd say, "buy the vinyl".
Artist: Madlib
Title: WLIB AM: King of the Wigflip
Release date: 5th June, 2025
Label : BBE Music
Catalog Number: BBE540
Format: 2xLP Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp
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