Madlib – Shades Of Blue (2xLP)

Shades of Blue: Madlib Invades Blue Note, released in June 2003, is a bold reimagining of the Blue Note Records catalog by Madlib, who was granted full access to the label’s archives. Rather than simply sampling, he blends remixing and reinterpretation—applying hip-hop sensibilities over jazz originals and inserting original instrumentation under various pseudonymous ensembles like Yesterday’s New Quintet, Morgan Adams Quartet Plus Two, and the Joe McDuphrey Experience. The project occupies a unique space between tribute and transformation, with mood, texture, and layered rhythm taking precedence over strict fidelity to source material. The album unfolds as a nocturnal journey across jazz, downtempo grooves, beats, and subtle sonic collage.

Certain standout moments—such as “Stepping Into Tomorrow,” “Slim’s Return,” “Mystic Bounce,” and the medley “Peace / Dolphin Dance”—reveal Madlib’s deft ability to isolate emotional cores in complex arrangements and recast them with contemporary heft. Interspersed interludes, voice snippets, and label commentary deepen the sense that this is not simply a remix record, but a conceptual encounter bridging eras. Though opinions differ on its consistency, the album is celebrated for expanding listeners’ vantage on jazz-informed hip-hop and its possibility of dialogue across musical eras.

Reviews

"Overall, a good time is had by all, as he doesn't just sample the tracks as much as fit them into his own sound" – AllMusic

“Appropriately enough, Madlib’s multiple-personality disorder creates the ‘shades of blue’ the title refers to … the role reversal of foregrounded breakbeat and buried melody on the disc’s centerpiece ‘Stepping Into Tomorrow’ illustrate exquisitely.” – Pitchfork

“The fusion of the two genres works well and provides both jazz and hip-hop aficionados a highly palatable introduction into the works of the other form.” – The Absolute Sound