Madlib’s five-volume mixtape series, Mind Fusion, was released 2004-2007. These CD releases bare no label or address, just the name “Madlib” designed like the Tamla Records logo. One suspects they are outlaw. Some have suggested they were printed by an arm of the Aum Supreme Truth Cult in Japan, but no solid proof exists to support this claim.
Vols. 1 and 4 contain production from Madlib. Vol. 2 is a jazz mix. Vols. 3 and 5 are mixes of records from around the world. Each mix has a minimal or incomplete track list and a descriptive subtitle.
Liner notes in each volume, from authors such as Thurston Moore, Vaclav Havel, LeRoi Jones, and Lungston Hughes, range from essays on jazz, a Los Angeles guides, poems, tips on making bombs at home, and a biography of the Beat Konducta which is likely ficticious.
Vols. 1 and 2 appear to have been repressed because of slightly different color and logo placement between the two editions.
A detailed description of each is below:
Mind Fusion Vol. 1: Hip-Hop
26 tracks. Various production and remixes by Madlib. Published track list has incorrect/unofficial track names. One pressing has no track ID’s, the other one has 26 track ID’s. (Track list below.)
Mind Fusion Vol. 2: Jazz, Funk, Soul
Mind Fusion Vol. 3: Dirty Crates from the Bottom
Funk, Soul, Jazz, Psychedelic, Rock, Hip-Hop Instrumentals, Reggae (Dub) and Abstract. Compiled & mixed by Madlib for Madlib Invazion at the Loopdigga’s Hideaway. Additional mixtown by Tascam Villain.
Mind Fusion Vol. 4: Hip-Hop Remixes, Nas Vs. Jay Z, & CDP Archives
1-4: Remixes, 5-12: Nas vs. Jay Z, 13: from the CDP Archives, 14: Interlude, 15-19: Remixes. Produced by Madlib. Track list below.
Mind Fusion Vol. 5: Dirty Crates from Around the World
Two track ID’s with two mix sets. The copy reads: 1. Dirty Crates from Around the World, 2, Live at the Do-Over. Compiled & Mixed by Madlib.
Mind Fusion Vol. 1 – track list
Mind Fusion Vol. 2 – track list
Mind Fusion Vol. 4 – track list
Mind Fusion Vol. 5 – track list
@jahzinho The vocal track I THINK you’re talking about is “Kwanzaa” by Karma
@ GRAVES – you positive about that!?… How much Madlib do you have? And if it isn’t Doom, then what beat is it?…
Rbravo — It’s a MADLIB beat! like all of the others on the record.
i have all but 5 and im not stopping until i get it! this guy is the greatest!!
i know a site with them all except vol 5 for 15 cents each email me at jsand777 at gmail if u want it
@Munoz Man- YES! THANK YOU!
[...] For more information on Madlib check out the Stone’s Throw website for more info about the Mind Fusion series check out the Rappcats blog. [...]
Can someone tell me where I can buy Vol 2 ???… I am stuck in the South (Atlanta) Cali native :\ and I would love to purchase
does anyone know the title and composer of the first tune on ‘Dirty Crates from around the world’ on Mind Fusion Vol. 5?? It’s really groovy but I can’t find out what’s the original record!! Thanks a lot!
ganz schon ulkig
[...] to pick it up, and check out all the other stuff they’re offering over there, particularly the much-needed rundown on the Madlib Mind Fusion [...]
Yo, that artwork is by Beck (Hansen)’s grandfather Al! The picture on the back of Vol. 2 is also used in in the liner notes for “Odelay”.
Nick, first funk track is Ritchie Family – I’ll Do My Best (For You Baby) [12" Inch]. Still trying to find the other one.