Madlib

Madlib may be the hardest-working man in hip-hop. After concluding his Beat Konducta series in 2009 with a tribute to J. Dilla (who was equally prolific during his short life), he’s moved on to a new trilogy of smoothly executed mini-songs calledMadlib Medicine Show, producing left and right, and fronting his Last Electro-Acoustic Space Jazz And Percussion Ensemble. Neither slowing down nor courting burnout, he’s on an enviable hot streak. Though an able rapper (either as himself or alter ego Quasimoto), Madlib has always described himself as a DJ first and foremost. After spending 2011 producing and co-producing like 40 other albums, Madlib’s back on the road with his Medicine Show tour, to prove to any naysayers that he never, ever sleeps. Any chance to see him work his curious, funky magic live should be taken.

Updated 01/10/2012