Chicago native
Jel had already made a name for himself among fans of underground hip-hop before releasing the eclectic, dynamic
10 Seconds. After producing beats for some of the more talented artists on the hip-hop fringe --
THEM,
Deep Puddle Dynamics, and
Sage Francis to name a few --
Jel introduced the world to his own distinctive blend of instrumental hip-hop.
10 Seconds is an extended ode to the SP-1200, hip-hop's first and most famous sampling device. Named for the 1200's limited ten seconds of sampling time,
Jel's full-length debut offers a living history of hip-hop sampling, from
Marley Marl to RZA. Built from pieces, albeit very small pieces, of other people's music,
Jel has created an energetic, expansive sound that is all his own. Moody and atmospheric, this varied mix is remarkably cohesive. Bristling with soft soul and ragged funk, mixing ambient beats with deep, thumping basslines and wild scratching,
10 Seconds is an ambitious, disparate concoction and
Jel weaves it all together beautifully.