Best known for his role as producer/DJ for Los Angeles-based crew Time Machine, Mekalek is easily amongst the most impressive beat maestros working today. From his early days as a college radio DJ and prolific mixtape maker through multiple albums (both with TM and others) and international tours, his work is much loved and respected by hardcore boom-bap aficionados from Rhode Island to Rhodesia. Released in 2006, Live and Learn is the first official full-length under his own name, and, despite limited promotion/mainstream coverage, arguably the best record of the year. Absolutely overflowing with addictive melodies, saturated in thick funk, and sporting countless ridiculously fresh drum breaks, he sets the tone for a collection of quality MCs including Percee P, Shawn Jackson, and Jahpan. Twenty tracks deep, with a smattering of tasty instrumental interludes, this is exactly how good hip-hop should sound. If you were sleeping when this dropped, your wake-up call is here.