: The beats are characterized by a "raw and funky vibe," blending boom-bap foundations with jazz, soul, and psychedelic samples.
: Reviewers from sites like Rate Your Music and Legends Will Never Die generally view it as a "must-listen" for historians of the West Coast underground but a less essential "front-to-back" experience than Vol. 1 . Release Date January 13, 2023 Runtime 35 Minutes (17 Tracks) Highlight Tracks "Ill Minded," "12th Floor," "Rollem Right" Label SomeOthaShip Connect / Fat Beats In The Beginning (Vol. 3) | Declaime & Madlib
: A significant point of criticism is the album’s flow; of the 17 tracks, nearly half are intros, interludes, or skits. This can make the 35-minute runtime feel fragmented. Declaime & Madlib - In the Beginning (Vol_ 3).zip
Dudley Perkins, performing under his alias, provides a glimpse into his development as an emcee.
: Listeners will recognize his signature melodic, laid-back delivery. However, critics have noted that his performance here can feel "monotonous" or "soporific" compared to his later, more refined work. : The beats are characterized by a "raw
: Tracks like "12th Floor" showcase Madlib’s early ability to craft atmospheric soundscapes, utilizing rapid harps and ocean wave samples to create a calm yet eerie mood. "Laff Now Cry Later" features a vibrant bassline and dry midtempo drums that hint at the sophisticated "Beat Konducta" style he would later master. Performance: Declaime’s Origin Story
: The project features fellow Oxnard pioneers, including MED , Roc C , and God’s Gift . The chemistry between these artists is clear, representing the birth of the Crate Diggas Palace crew. Critical Reception and Composition Release Date January 13, 2023 Runtime 35 Minutes
As with previous volumes, the primary draw is the vintage production from a young Madlib.