Dis Is da Drum

Released in 1994, 'Dis Is da Drum' represents Herbie Hancock's foray into the acid jazz and jazz-rap movements of the early 1990s. Following his massive success with 'Rockit' a decade prior, Hancock once again sought to bridge the gap between high-concept jazz improvisation and contemporary street culture. The album is notable for its heavy use of West African percussion, particularly the influence of the 'Dis Is da Drum' project which emphasized polyrhythmic structures. It features a notable remake of his classic 'Butterfly,' updated with the era's signature digital sheen. While some critics at the time found the production too tied to its 90s context, the album has aged into a fascinating document of Hancock's 'restless mind.' It serves as a bridge between his 70s fusion experiments and the more organic electronic explorations of his later career.