Never is Now

Primarily known for his work as Beck’s DJ, as well as 1996 DMC US National champ and 15-year DJ veteran, Swamp is already a heavy-hitter in the scratch/remix world. The release of Never is Now marks the next progression in DJ Swamp’s impressive career. In an era where every MC/Producer/DJ seems to be on every other MC/Producer/DJ’s album, Swamp takes the road less traveled by handling everything himself. With Never is Now, Swamp steps behind the boards and up to the mic to produce and rhyme. What has resulted is an album that reflects Swamp’s love of the evil, sinister, and truly demented.

Throughout the record, Swamp brings his level of turntablism to new heights, utilizing cuts of obscure vocal samples and tones to create guitar–like "leads" and textures around the many funky instrumental tracks. Swamp’s appreciation for tongue-in-cheek sadism (Evil Dead is one of his favorite flicks) also shines on Never is Now. "Malakai" comes off like a touring DJ’s episode of The Twilight Zone, as Swamp morphs the tale of a rave date gone bad into a Rod Serling nightmare. Sonically, the beats on the vocal tracks recall the best, early West Coast gangsta production, adding to the cuts’ dark vibe.