The Lost Tapes

Madlib, then a young MC/producer, perfected his craft in the Lootpack. Along with DJ Romes and Wildchild, they released 1999's Soundpieces: Da Antidote, pioneering the now-familiar dusty sound. The Lost Tapes, recorded in '96, portrays Madlib in a comparatively subdued way; his scope was focused on East coast jazzy hip-hop, providing soundscapes for fellow MCs. Madlib's own mic presence is evident, but his production is most impressive. A hip-hop project, it includes jazzy touches, serving as a stepping stone for his later exploratory work.