cLOUDDEAD’s Self-Titled Debut Has Been Remastered and Reissued

I think it’s safe to say that cLOUDDEAD’s self-titled debut — which compiled a series of EPs released between 2000 and 2001 — caused more than a few folks to scratch their heads.

On the one hand, cLOUDDEAD has the trappings of a hip-hop record: dense beats, intricate vocals, samples, and even a skit or two. On the other hand, producer Odd Nosdam’s emphasis on atmospheric collages and ambient textures means that it doesn’t sound much like hip-hop at all. Meanwhile, Why? and Doseone’s bizarre lyrics (Sample: “A tub of ‘spensive people serum/Two inner-tubes thick/Attracts cerebus from southern Ohio, girl”) and sing-song delivery only add to the album’s surreal and psychedelic nature.

Originally released by Mush Records in 2001, cLOUDDEAD was widely acclaimed by critics, and is now considered a foundational title in the experimental hip-hop scene. The trio would record one more album — 2004’s Ten — before going their separate ways. In the following years, cLOUDDEAD’s members have been involved in numerous projects, including Themselves, Subtle, and various solo works as well as the now-defunct Anticon label.

cLOUDDEAD’s 2024 remaster is now available digitally as well as in two vinyl editions from Superior Viaduct.