Ayatollah

NYC producer Ayatollah has been the man responsible for the beats on some of the most memorable underground tracks of the '90s (Styles P and Pharoahe Monch's "The Life" and Mos Def's "Ms. Fat Booty") and has handled production duties for everyone from Sean Price, Rakim and Smif and Wessun to various members of the Wu. He may not be a household name yet, but there's no doubt you've grooved to one of the many excellent tracks on his resume. Fingertips is an entirely MC-less affair, a soulful, instrumental hip-hop album that acts as an aural palate-cleanser. This record is meant to be enjoyed with your eyelids closed, your favourite vice and a set of headphones. The ethereal bliss of "Atlantis," which samples the Isley Brother's classic "Voyage To Atlantis," is a shimmering example of what this record is about and where it can transport you. Ask yourself this: when's the last time you felt relaxed and reinvigorated after listening to a rap record?