Madvillain: Curls / All Caps Vinyl 12"

Stones Throw originally dropped this EP when Madlib and DOOM were putting the finishing touches on the anticipated Madvillain LP, preceded by the Money Folder 12-inch. Includes album tracks "Curls" and "All Caps", plus a remix of "The Illest Villains" and an exclusive instrumental skit: "Scene Three." Here's Blu Jemz' o.g. Lab review from way back in 2004:

It's beginning to look like the Madvillainy album just might top Jaylib. If the bootleg that's been floating around didn't confirm it for you, Doom and Madlib's chemistry on this 12" should. The Beat Konductor gets extra dirty on "All Caps," with that chaotic jazz everyone loves him for. As always, Metal Face takes no prisoners with the vocals either: this guy's mind is like an endless wave pool for lyrics. "Curls" relies on some steel drums and loopy organ, a combination that gives the track a "Scooby Doo in the Caribbean" vibe. Although the song is short, Doom's only verse is still full of enough word play to fill an entire Chingy album. The other tracks on here, "The Illest Villains Remix" and "Scene Three" are more like extended intros. Supposedly they won't be included on the album, who knows? They're definitely worth checking out if you're into Madlib's vocal collage productions. As always, instrumentals for both "All Caps" and "Curls" are included, so go ahead and treat yourself.

• black vinyl pressing
• original release year: 2004
• music label: Stones Throw 2021

reviewed by JMS 2004