Audio By Carbonatix
Continuing through his Rolodex of distinguished sub-popular MCs, producer Danger Mouse moves on from last year’s MF Doom collaboration, The Mouse and the Mask, to this potent (if less amazing) team-up with former Goodie Mob member Cee-Lo. Lacking Mask‘s Adult Swim tie-in gimmick as a comedic conceptual thrust, Elsewhere is merely a well-engineered romp, but if it helps elevate Cee-Lo’s visibility, then no complaints here. Though not as witty or rapid a rhymer as Doom, Cee-Lo does add a sensual/soulful component to Danger’s playful sound, especially on the velvety “Online” and the blues-funk anxiety of “Just a Thought.” The just-for-a-lark slightness sometimes feels like a waste of two talents; even the crossover hit “Crazy” is all shallow pleasure. But in an era of overlong rap records stuffed with delusions of grandeur, St. Elsewhere traffics in goofy weirdness — and you can listen to it twice in a row and never get bored.
When news happens, Phoenix New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
