With the twist of a record and an infinite imagination, the DJ has returned. For the past eight years, the X-ecutioners -- known as the X-Men until Marvel Comics took offense -- have honed their skills on the competitive DJ circuit, earning individual titles from the International Turntablist Federation to the Disco Mixing Championships. After too many live performances to count, talented DJs Roc Raida, Total Eclipse, Rob Swift, and Mista Sinista finally put all that live mastery to wax. X-pressions, the outfit's first full-length, demonstrates why DJs are the backbone of hip hop: One DJ can sound like a four-piece; the quartet here match the noise of a 12-piece hip-hop ensemble. On "One Man Band," DJ Roc Raida lays down myriad grooves with masterful beat-juggling, then creates the sound of a cut-up MC who sounds like he's hyperventilating over a severe case of the hiccups. It's completely sick. The exceptional "Countdown," a six-minute cut in the middle of the record, shows an impressive depth of skill: All four DJs produce, play live instruments, and drop slow, rumbling beats on the decks.
The only missing element is the X-ecutioners' live performance. Onstage, the foursome perform circus-style acrobatics, juggling beats, wax, scratches, and even the crowd itself. Put it this way: They're the most well-respected East Coast crew for a reason.
-- Robert Arriaga
The X-ecutioners perform Thursday, Nov. 6, at 9 p.m. at the Justice League, 628 Divisadero (at Hayes). Vin Roc and DJ Beni B. open. Tickets are $10; call 440-0409.
