DJ Vadim U Can't Lurn Imaginashun

• Words: Cameron Macdonald
• Label: BBE
• XLR8R Rating: 8/10

U.K. breaks master and recent cancer survivor Vadim Peare is still at the top of his game on Imaginashun. The survivor’s high is evident on the obscenely catchy dancehall jaunt "Hidden Treasure," and the wet, Zapp-esque disco of "Thrill 103" exudes the feeling of a stroll on gold-paved streets. Vadim's rhythms can still keep up to breakneck MC rhymes on "Soldier" and the ridiculous arthritic funk of "Maximum." There are a few moments that don't gel—witness the tacky Bollywood schlock of "Tu He Ma Ne Toddy." However, in a time when so much hip-hop and soul is plagued by anemic AutoTuning and auto-piloted rhythms, Vadim’s wealth of new ideas is rather refreshing.