(Turntablism, Dubstep, Drum & Bass, Breaks) DJ Kentaro - Contrast (Ninja Tune [ZEN186]) - 2012, MP3, 320 kbps

DJ Kentaro is returning in summer 2012 with his second album Contrast, his first since 2007's Enter, which was a Number 1 indie album in Japan. One of the world's top turntabalists (receiving top marks and winning at the DMC's no less,) Contrast sees Kentaro reinforce his undoubted production chops and add a destructive floor-filling sound to his music, no doubt informed by his extensive touring schedule where Kentaro has performed in places such as Coachella and Fuji Rocks.
The first single on his album, "Step In" features the foremost UK hip hop duo Foreign Beggars. This is just a glimpse of the album’s universal scale. The lead track “Kikkake,” co-produced with legendary DJ Krush, is a revolutionary sound of cutting edge turntable music that takes “Wa” and turntablism and fuses them together into a track that couldn’t be made by anyone but these two. "Fire is On”, is a collaboration with 15-year veteran reggae group Fire Ball. "Crossfader," see's Kentaro partner with Kid Koala and D-Styles to deliver a three-way top-notch turntablist mastercall. Another highlight features french prodigies on 'Next Page'. But perhaps the best moments on this album are the big club tunes - the irrepressible dancehall of "Big Timer" feat. MC Zulu and fierce "North South East West" featuring drum & bass legends Matrix & Futurebound.
DJ Kentaro has gathered a talented group of guest artists for this record. As a turntablist, of course, and also as producer. He has created a vivid contrast.