What makes Meiso by DJ Krush notable?

Meiso is significant for its role in shaping the sound of instrumental hip-hop and blending it with elements of traditional Japanese music. The album received critical acclaim and contributed to DJ Krush's reputation as a pioneer in the downtempo genre, helping to introduce global audiences to the unique aesthetics of Japanese hip-hop. Released in 1995, Meiso is DJ Krush's third studio album, following his acclaimed 1994 release, Strictly Turntablized. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a pivotal figure in the Japanese hip-hop scene while also exploring deeper experimental sounds, setting the stage for his future influence on genres like trip-hop and ambient.

Meiso works well if you're into hypnotic beats for deep focus, introspective soundscapes for solitude and pacing that invites reflection.

How many songs are on Meiso?

Meiso has 14 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Meiso

DJ Krush · 1995

49 min · 14 tracks · hip-hop

A mesmerizing blend of downtempo beats and ethereal soundscapes that transports listeners into a reflective auditory space.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Only the Strong Survive — This opening track sets the tone with its hypnotic rhythms and sparse instrumentation, encapsulating the album's introspective mood.
→
3rd Eye — A standout track that showcases DJ Krush's masterful use of samples and atmospheric layers, creating a deep immersive experience that defines his style.
→
Duality — With its extended runtime, this track explores contrasting themes through sonic shifts, highlighting Krush's ability to blend complexity with accessibility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

Meiso showcases intricate compositions and unique sound blending, establishing a strong identity in instrumental hip-hop.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered samples, creating a rich tapestry of sound that evolves throughout each track.
Several tracks incorporate traditional Japanese instruments, seamlessly blending them with hip-hop beats and electronic elements.
The pacing is deliberately slow, with many tracks extending beyond five minutes, allowing for deep immersion into the soundscapes.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

hypnotic beats for deep focus
introspective soundscapes for solitude
pacing that invites reflection
transcendent moments of calm

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat party vibes
prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Helped establish DJ Krush's reputation in instrumental hip-hop and broadened his audience.
Career context: Released in 1995, Meiso is DJ Krush's third studio album, following his acclaimed 1994 release, Strictly Turntablized. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a pivotal figure in the Japanese hip-hop scene while also exploring deeper experimental sounds, setting the stage for his future influence on genres like trip-hop and ambient.
Stylistic neighbors: Nujabes· Bonobo· Amon Tobin