The Justus League definitely keeps busy. As the final phase of preparation for the impending release of his Streetwise LP, Edgar Allen Floe gives us Floe Almighty: The Remixture. Now, in the world of modern Hip Hop, the art of the remix has become lost and somewhat misconstrued. Once upon a time, a remix improved on a song by either changing the beat, flipping different lyrics or by doing both. Nowadays, remixes tend to just cutting and pasting in whoever the hot artist is at the moment and throwing it out to the people. Floe obviously understands that a remix can give a totally alternate perception of song, hence this “remix” album contains all new instrumentals for all the songs and new verses on a handful of them. His successful execution of the remix concept transforms the original version and makes this feel like a totally overhauled product.

Compared to the original Floe Almighty, the tone of this version is decidedly smoother. This is most evident in the remix of “Livelyhood” produced by Blunt. The melancholy keys provide the perfect contrast to Floe’s deep baritone and the more rugged boom bap of the original. Fans of the traditional Justus League sound need not worry as 9th Wonder and Khrysis are in full effect on this disc. 9th provides a uncharacteristic [but still dope] rasta bounce to his remix of “Skyward” on which Floe effortlessly bounces along the vocal chops. Khrysis also chimes in with his remix of “Craftmatic” which includes majestic chants and Floe sounds completely at home over the sounds cape. He rips it to shreds with clever lines such as “you should only deal with absolute best, that’s fresh, you know I’m correct/three lefts that’s right”.

Ironically the best song on the album is not even a remix. The Khrysis produced bonus cut “Off & On” is a pure highlight. The slightly off kilter rhythm and funky guitar licks combined with Floe’s most energetic delivery yet makes you only wonder of the level of quality we will experience on the upcoming album. Despite the album’s amazing consistency, the only misstep to be heard here is the remix of the classic “The Righteous Way To Go”. Even 9th Wonder couldn’t improve on this song last time round and that proves to be the same here. The beat provided is definitely well produced but you cannot help but compare it to the more superior original.

All in all, Floe definitely remains consistent on his third release. If this is any indication of what awaits us on The Streetwise LP coming in January, then we’ll have enough heat to keep us warm during and beyond the inevitable cold start of 2008. – K.I.N.E.T.I.K.