DJ Krush | The Message at the Depth |Sony | Japan

Sonically, much of The Message at the Depth takes the dark, hypnotic sound of 2001's Zen and bit-crushes it, resulting in a low-res, post-apocalyptic sound, as if the samples were dying slowly from the effects of depleted uranium. Interestingly, Zen is listed on Amazon as coming out in the U.S. on September 11, 2001. If true, that's fitting because this album is the sort of reflection of post-9-11 paranoia and soul-searching that you would have expected to come out of the U.S.

"Trihedron" sets the dim-lit stage of the album--a menacing ambience swirls over the kind of abstract Krush beat that could have Timbaland reaching for his slide rule. "Taki No Tabiji" comes with drum hits time-stretched beyond recognition and the Japanese-language rap of Inden, whose voice and flow are reminiscent of Dr. Dre's West Coast compatriot the D.O.C. I don't understand the lyrics, but considering how stale the lyrical content of most American hip-hop has gotten, who cares?

When the guest appearances are in English, the lyrics evoke the precariousness of 2003. Both the Anticon crew and Angelina Esparaza give voice to the global fear and anger sparked by the U.S. revving up the engine of its war machine. But perhaps the best guest contribution is instrumental--Sly and Robbie lay down a solid dub groove on "The Lost Voices" that allows Krush to show off his considerable turntable skills.

The Message at the Depth ends with the reggae anti-war track "What About Tomorrow," sung by Abijah. There's no question what DJ Krush's message is, and no--it's not a new one. However, reframing an old message in a new context at a time of utmost importance is one of the highest aims an artist can take. It's an aim that more American artists would do well to take up.