Those who searched in vein for Peanut Butter Wolf's 'Run The Line' waited months before the track finally emerged on UK-based Copasetik. Since then the label has licensed some of the most exciting US hip-hop that hasn't already been tied down by the majors or independent big guns like Rawkus.
Rasco, Dr Doom, Phife Dawg and Kutmaster Kurt have all been regular bit players on the label, the latter turning out one of last year's most original gems, 'Partnas Confused' and the excellent 'Magnum Be I'. Phife Dawg, about to blow up as an album artist in his own right post-Tribe, adds his unique snappy flavours to the compilation with the Jay Dee produced 'Ya Heard Me'.
The odd one out on Copasetik is Terranova, the German collective who err more towards a trip-hop sentiment but are given the hip-hop remix treatment in both instances here: Kutmasta Kurt and DJ Spinna.
On the second CD most of the tracks from the first, plus a few extras, are mixed up with a skilful lack of intrusion by San Francisco's DJ Apollo. The only showing off comes when Apollo cuts together different mixes of the same track and mighty impressive it is too.
'Definition Of Ill' is an epic trawl through some of the liveliest independent hip-hop of recent times and very possibly this month's essential hip-hop purchase.
