From the Mar 13 – Mar 19, 2003 issue

Music

The Electronic Beat

DJ Vadim

by Nicolae White

Who says you have to be from the inner cities of America to create profound underground hiphop? Russian-born DJ/promoter/producer extraordinaire DJ Vadim has effortlessly kicked that notion out the window, proving that some of the most unlikely conditions and backgrounds produce some of the most prolific and productive artists.

After releasing material on his own London-based label, Jazz Fudge, DJ Vadim signed to Ninja Tune and put out the much-acclaimed U.S.S.R. Repertoire (The Theory of Verticality) in 1996, exploring experimental, abstract hiphop instrumentals; comparisons to other international beat luminaries (such as Japan's DJ Krush and France's DJ Cam) followed. Next came the prerequisite remix album U.S.S.R. Reconstruction, on which producers like Kid Koala, Oval, Clatterbox, and Techno Animal gave their interpretations of Vadim's already distinctive pieces. The following releases, to the disappointment of a portion of his fan base, strayed from his emphasis on atmospheric instrumentals, instead allowing MCs to take the front seat. 1999's U.S.S.R.: Life from the Other Side saw Vadim team up with artists like Company Flow's El-P, Swollen Members, Blade, and poet Sarah Jones (whose positive feminist diatribe from this album, "Your Revolution," was misguidedly banned by the FCC).

As Vadim explores the role of rap producer, his beats have become more stripped down to accommodate the guest MCs, but they still retain his distinctive touch. Vadim's most recent album, U.S.S.R.: The Art of Listening, goes even further with the less-is-more ideology. The arrangements are crisp and spacious, allowing plenty of room for mic-skill flexing from recognized MCs like Atmosphere's Slug and Blackalicious's Gift of Gab, as well as newcomers like Vakill and Yarah Bravo.

DJ Vadim has stepped it up a notch in the live arena by putting together a live hiphop act, the Russian Percussion, which features various DJs, MCs, and musicians. On the U.S. leg of the tour, he'll be joined by vocalist Yarah Bravo and turntablist First Rate (Scratch Perverts/Morcheeba). By the time this act reaches Seattle, they'll have covered 14 countries and played over 100 shows; I'm willing to bet my hard-earned, recession-soaked dollar that this won't be your average performance. NICOLAE WHITE

DJ Vadim and the Russian Percussion w/DJ First Rate and DJ Vital, Tues March 18 at Chop Suey, 1325 E Madison, 9 pm-2 am, 21+, $10.

nicolae@thestranger.com

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